It was time to worship my king and attend mass away from home. At 4:45pm, my Pilgrimage Train stopped at a very friendly location, Saint Vincent dePaul ∙ 1375 Spring Lane ∙ Salt Lake City, UT 84117 ∙ Phone: (801) 272-9216 ∙ Website: http://saintvincent.us.com/ . The website if full of information regarding times, directions, history, groups and so much more.
St. Vincent de Paul is located just about 35 minutes without traffic, and north east from the Provo/Orem area. What a beautiful and chilly day to attend a 5pm mass and on Palm Sunday too. St. Vincent dePaul Church is located prominently on the corner of 1300 E and Spring Lane, which is where the above photo was taken. One of the first things you will see, and can't miss, is the very large bell tower made of red brick and topped with a cross. At the bottom of the tower is a very nice adoration area with statues. Off to the left is the Rectory and St. Vincent dePaul Catholic School for students K - 8th grade is off to the right. Directly in front of the church is a courtyard with a very beautiful fountain. (The fountain was not working because it had snowed yesterday and the weather was much too cold.) Pass the fountain and straight ahead is church and double doors that lead to a large foyer. There is a
The inside church doors are made of small beveled glass and look rather elegant. As you enter the church, there is one main aisle and two smaller aisles. Directly to the left back corner is an adoration area for Mary and plenty of candles and kneeling area. If instead you go down the center aisle, the altar is straight ahead and the tabernacle is directly to the right of Jesus. To the left of the altar is the podium and then the Baptismal Font. Keep going left and you will see the large music area that has a railing made of crosses as you can see in a photo below. There is an alternate choir area or overflow seating in the back of the church balcony area. The side walls are adorned with large stained glass panels and the Stations of the Cross. Over to the right side of the church through one of the doors is the Day Chapel called The Chapel of the Holy Cross. The chapel can be accessed from the outside as well. Last, but not least, don't be surprised if you see a very friendly grey striped cat making the rounds. He/She is a buddy of Monsignor Mannion, Pastor Emeritus and works as a mascot too.
Oberammergau, a picturesque village in the Bavarian Alps, has faithfully performed its passion play every ten years since 1634. During today's Gospel, Fr. John E. Norman said that he had been often asked why the Catholic Mass does not incorporate that type of production. He answered, "Although those productions are beautiful, they paled in comparison to the liturgy which is participated by the congregation. Unlike a passion play where the audience is just an observer." Having watched the reenactment, I couldn't agree more. Perhaps they can do a separate reenactment after mass, but it could not take the place of the Gospel reading. (The last two sentences are my personal opinion.)
It was a pleasure to visit such a friendly church, where people share a smile and a handshake, even though they do not know you. I pray that the parishioners of Saint Vincent dePaul Parish continue to be blessed with happiness, love and the Holy Spirit.