Biography

Biographical Summary

The Most Reverend John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City          

A native of San Francisco, California, John Charles Wester was ordained a Roman Catholic priest for the Archdiocese of San Francisco on May 15, 1976.  He has earned degrees from Saint Joseph College, Saint Patrick College, Saint Patrick Seminary, the University of San Francisco and Holy Names College.   

After his priestly ordination, many facets of ministry in the Church followed, including that of Associate Pastor, Pastor, High School Faculty Member, Director of Campus Ministry, High School President, Assistant Superintendent for High Schools, and Administrative Assistant to Archbishop John R. Quinn.  On July 25, 1997, the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, named Reverend Wester a Prelate of Honor, giving him the title of Monsignor.  He then served as the Vicar for Clergy in the Archdiocese of San Francisco.  In 1998, Monsignor Wester was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of San Francisco, and also served as the Vicar General.  From 2005-2006, Bishop Wester served as the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese.  On January 8, 2007, he was appointed as the ninth Bishop of Salt Lake City, and installed on March 14, 2007.  His kind and giving spirit reflects his Episcopal motto:  Abide in Christ.  

Throughout Bishop Wester's ministry, he has served on many Church boards and committees not only in California, but throughout the nation.  He has traveled to many countries, including third world countries, and witnessed diverse cultures and visited the poorest of the poor.  He presently serves on several committees of the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops), including the Administrative Committee, Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) Board, Catholic Relief Services Board and the Subcommittee on Interrelgious Dialogue.  Bishop Wester is the new chair of the Committee on Migration and Refugee Services.

 Biographical Sketch

November 5, 1950 - Born in San Francisco, California to Charles (now deceased) and Helen Wester.  Eldest of four siblings, one brother, Barry, and two sisters, Nancy and Kathy.

May 15, 1976 - Ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of San Francisco

July 25, 1997 - Named Prelate of Honor

June 30, 1998 - Appointed bishop

September 18, 1998 - Ordained Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

September 18, 1998 - May 2005 - Served as Auxiliary bishop and vicar general of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

May 2005 - February 2006 - Served as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

January 8, 2007 - Named ninth bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

March 14, 2007 - Episcopal Installation as Bishop of Salt Lake City.

Education

1993 - Holy Names College, Oakland, California

1984 - M.A.S. University of San Francisco

1976 - M. Div. Saint Patrick Seminary, Menlo Park, California

1972 - B.A. Saint Patrick College, Mountain View, California

1968 - Saint Joseph College, Mountain View, California

Ministry

August 2005 - February 2006 - Apostolic Administrator, Archdiocese of San Francisco

1998 - March 2007 - Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of San Francisco

1997 - March 2007 - Vicar for Clergy, Archdiocese of San Francisco

1993 - 1997 - Pastor, Saint Stephen Parish, San Francisco

1988 - 1993 - Administrative Assistant to Archbishop John R. Quinn

1986 - 1988 - Assistant Superintendent for High Schools, Archdiocese of San Francisco

1984 - 1986 - President, Marin Catholic High School, Kentfield, California

1982 - 1984 - Director of Campus Ministry, Marin Catholic High School, Kentfield, California

1979 - 1982 - Faculty, Marin Catholic High School, Kentfield, California

1976 - 1979 - Associate Pastor, Saint Raphael Parish, San Rafael, California

Administration

August 2005 - February 2006 - Apostolic Administrator, Archdiocese of San Francisco

1998 - March 2007 - Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of San Francisco

1988 - 1993 - Administrative Assistant to Archbishop John R. Quinn

1986 - 1988 - Assistant Superintendent for High Schools, Archdiocese of San Francisco

1984 - 1986 - President, Marin Catholic High School, Kentfield, California

National/Curial Responsibilities

Board of Trustees - Saint Patrick Seminary and University, Menlo Park, California

Region XIII Representative, Episcopal Advisory Council of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC)

USCCB Committee Memberships

Committee on Migration and Refugee Services, Chair

Administrative Committee, Member

Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) Board, Member

Catholic Relief Services Board, Member

Subcommittee on Interreligious Dialogue, Consultant