Vicar General cites trust, communications as gifts

by Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald

Vicar General

When a prominent leader moves on, the question often asked is what will be their legacy. For anyone who has read the newspaper editorials, listened to radio and television commentaries, or ever made the acquaintance of Bishop George Niederauer, the legacy is clear: He invested in individuals and in the community. In the past 11 years, he shook more hands and addressed more congregations than most Utahns of recent memory.

As his vicar general and close ecclesial collaborator, I have witnessed first-hand the hours he has spent, journeys undertaken, and personal sacrifice he has made to be a significant presence in the lives of others.

Bishop Niederauer has been significantly present for others. He has accepted every invitation he possibly could to visit homes for family dinners. Exhausting schedules did not prevent him from attending many parish fund raising events, anniversary dinners, and school functions. It was not uncommon for him to leave Southern Utah early in the morning in order to attend an event in the north later that day. Anyone who extended hospitality to the bishop could expect to receive a warm note of thanks a day or two later.

So, too, the bishop shared his enthusiasm for the life of faith with the youth of the diocese. He loved to dialogue with students regarding the issues important in the their lives. With youth, as with others, he reflected a respect for the concerns of their hearts.

Bishop Niederauer’s impact on Utah’s Hispanic community is evident. Hispanics, as well as other people of minority background, found that he listened, understood the struggles of their lives, and directed church resources to assist them His support for Catholic Community Services of Utah, especially its immigration and refugee resettlement programs, was greatly appreciated.

Bishop Niederauer was a most effective communicator with the public. During Utah’s Winter Olympics in 2002, he was frequently seen with athletes and their families, reflecting our diocesan commitment to the diversity of that historic endeavor. Hardly a month went by without the bishop’s photo and voice being broadcast, or his opinions noted in the media. He could make the most complex of issues quite understandable to the general public.

Collaboration was Bishop Niederauer’s strength. He served on a number of national and local civic, as well as church committees. His efforts with the anti-pornography campaign and the Alliance For Unity remain a testimony to his faith in the strength of community integrity and diversity. Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of the Episcopalians, Greek Orthodox, and Baptists, to name a few, were among his closest friends.

Nowhere did Bishop Niederauer’s public relations skills become more important than during the pain of the clergy sexual abuse scandal. With directness, honesty, yet sensitivity, he reported the facts, reached out to victims’ concerns, and offered pastoral assistance. The implementation of the Diocesan Safe Environment Program became a priority for us and was applauded during the national audit.

Many of the accomplishments of the past 11 years were the result of the bishop’s trust in others, his ability to empower others, and support their efforts. Such was the case with the development of the Skaggs Catholic Center schools, the new missions established in rural areas, and new church construction. The addition of the Stromquist home as a diocesan facility, the expansion at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, and acquisition of new land for future parishes will all be listed as his legacy.

Bishop Niederauer shared his many gifts with us: his quick wit, his knowledge of our classical Catholic tradition, his rich homilies, and his warm hospitality. Utah is indebted to him for his positive impact on the intellectual life of the state, his ecumenical embrace, his support for the arts, and for making our local community visible on the national scene.

These have not been easy times in the life of our church or our country, yet Bishop Niederauer as led us with calm focus and strength. We are greatly appreciative of his legacy, his investment in the life and people of the diocese and the greater Utah community. Bishop Niederauer has made us very proud.