The Choir School's First Vocation

Last night we celebrated Vespers for the final time at the 2012 Annual Summer Camp. We were very privileged to celebrate Vespers under the leadership of Choir School alumnus Christopher Gray (Class of 97) who joined us for the evening from his pastoral assignment this summer in St. George. Christopher is currently a student at the Pontifical North American College, the seminary in Rome for students from Dioceses in the United States. In June he completed his first round of studies at the Gregorian University in Rome. Christopher is scheduled to be ordained a Deacon on October 4th of this year in St. Peter's Basilica, and he will be ordained a Priest for the Diocese of Salt Lake City in our Cathedral sometime next spring.

Christopher spoke to the students about his own experience as a chorister, and reiterated the importance of the work they do in service to the liturgy. He talked with them about their wearing of the surplice -- the white outer garment that is part of their vesture -- as not being a 'costume' or 'prop' of any sort, but a symbol of their new and best self made possible by God's way of justice and truth.

He is the first Choir School student to pursue a vocation to the priesthood, and we have promised to uphold him in our prayers during this important year as he remembers the work of the school in his prayer. He continues his pastoral assignment at St. George Parish for the summer and will return to Rome in September. Congratulations Christopher!