Although his appointment as bishop of the much larger Sacramento, Calif., Catholic diocese is considered a promotion, Bishop William K. Weigand is leaving the Diocese of Salt Lake City with some feelings of regret after 13 years. The sense of regret at his departure is mutual.
The bishop's reassignment was officially announced this week and is tentatively scheduled to take place Jan. 24. It may be as much as a year before any official successor is named by the Vatican.Bishop Weigand was pastor of a small parish in Homedale, Idaho, when he was appointed to the Salt Lake post by Pope John Paul II. The Salt Lake City diocese actually covers all of Utah.
During his tenure, the bishop saw considerable growth among Catholics in Utah, whose numbers increased from about 60,000 to an estimated 75,000. New schools and chapels were built, new parishes were created in several rural areas and new facilities and programs for the poor were established. He also oversaw the final years of a 15-year restoration project for the historic Cathedral of the Madeleine. All of that does Bishop Weigand credit, particularly as he has suffered from some health problems.
His background includes extensive experience in the nation of Colombia where he worked with considerable success to form smaller, more committed group communities within the larger parish. A similar special focus on the Utah Hispanic community by the Spanish-speaking bishop was well received. Hispanics are the largest minority group in Utah.
The bishop's personal warmth and outreach have been deeply admired in the Utah Christian community. Deep friendships and admiration developed among Bishop Weigand and leaders of the LDS Church.
While such rapport between the churches is not uncommon at the upper level, Bishop Weigand takes particular pleasure in what he sees as improved relations between the predominant LDS population and Catholics at the grassroots levels.
Bishop Weigand has been an example of compassion and integrity and a real friend to Utahns. He will be deeply missed as he moves to a new and challenging assignment in the Sacramento diocese.