"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." (Psalm 107:1)
Dear Friends in Christ,
With hearts full of gratitude, we thank all those who generously supported our mission to restore the roofs of St. Michael Catholic Mission in Green River. We have received the necessary funds to complete this vital work through your kindness and faith.
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Your generosity reflects the love of Christ and the unity of His Church. Just as the faithful came together to build the House of the Lord in ancient times, so too have you helped restore this sacred space, ensuring that it remains a place of prayer, worship, and refuge for generations to come.
"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." (Psalm 127:1)
May the Lord bless you abundantly for your generosity, and may St. Michael the Archangel intercede for you and your families.
With gratitude and prayers,
Fr. Dass
Dear Friends in Christ,
With hearts full of gratitude, we thank all those who generously supported our mission to restore the roofs of St. Michael Catholic Mission in Green River. We have received the necessary funds to complete this vital work through your kindness and faith.
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Your generosity reflects the love of Christ and the unity of His Church. Just as the faithful came together to build the House of the Lord in ancient times, so too have you helped restore this sacred space, ensuring that it remains a place of prayer, worship, and refuge for generations to come.
"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." (Psalm 127:1)
May the Lord bless you abundantly for your generosity, and may St. Michael the Archangel intercede for you and your families.
With gratitude and prayers,
Fr. Dass
Brief Story of St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Mission in Green River, Utah
1. Early Catholic Presence in Green River
The Catholic presence in Green River, Utah, is rooted in the late 19th century, coinciding with the arrival of the railroad, which brought workers of diverse backgrounds, including Catholics. Early Catholic settlers and railroad workers in the area gathered for Mass in homes or makeshift chapels, served by itinerant priests traveling from larger towns and cities, including Salt Lake City.
2. Formation of Catholic Communities in the 20th Century
In the early 20th century, the Diocese of Salt Lake City began formally organizing Catholic communities in smaller towns like Green River. The diocesan directories from 1923 to 1925 mention the presence of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Green River during this period. Priests from Salt Lake City initially served the area, followed by priests from Price, Utah, who occasionally visited the town between 1948 and 1951.
3. Establishment of St. Michael Mission
Mary Schoenberger Vetere played a key role in canvassing local Catholics and advocating for the establishment of a mission in Green River. On Easter Sunday 1949, Father Thomas F. Butler, pastor of Notre Dame de Lourdes in Price, celebrated Mass at the home of Malcolm and Rose Politano with 52 Catholics in attendance. In 1954, priests from Price began regularly offering Mass in Green River, moving the service location from the Politano home to the Midland Hotel.
4. The 1960s Growth and Challenges
The 1960s brought new Catholic families to Green River due to missile base activity across the Green River. Catechism classes were taught by Mary Schoenberger Vetere and Eileen Taylor. In 1967, Bishop Federal purchased a remodeled duplex from John Harris, officially establishing St. Michael the Archangel Mission. The mission was under the care of Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish in Price.
5. Sunrise Service and Community Involvement
During the 1970s, under the leadership of Father Michael J. Donovan and William M. Mobley (who later became a priest), a notable sunrise service was held on a hill near Green River. The event involved three local ministers, rugged crosses, and a large turnout from the town, with a piano trucked in for the service.
6. Transition to Good Shepherd Parish and Expansion
In 1974, the care of St. Michael Mission was transferred from Notre Dame de Lourdes to Good Shepherd Parish in East Carbon City. On November 3, 1984, Bishop Weigand, with Father Donald E. Hope, pastor of Good Shepherd Parish, dedicated an expanded mission facility. The new L-shaped room provided more space for church services and social activities, serving the approximately 25 Catholic families in East Carbon City.
7. The Present Community
Today, St. Michael the Archangel Mission, located at 40 North Long Street, Green River, UT 84525, continues to serve the local Catholic community, which is mostly Hispanic. The mission has 15 active families, although there are at least 60 Hispanic Catholic families living in the area.
The community celebrates Mass regularly:
St. Michael the Archangel Mission remains a vital Catholic presence in Green River, fostering spiritual growth and a sense of community among its members.
1. Early Catholic Presence in Green River
The Catholic presence in Green River, Utah, is rooted in the late 19th century, coinciding with the arrival of the railroad, which brought workers of diverse backgrounds, including Catholics. Early Catholic settlers and railroad workers in the area gathered for Mass in homes or makeshift chapels, served by itinerant priests traveling from larger towns and cities, including Salt Lake City.
2. Formation of Catholic Communities in the 20th Century
In the early 20th century, the Diocese of Salt Lake City began formally organizing Catholic communities in smaller towns like Green River. The diocesan directories from 1923 to 1925 mention the presence of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Green River during this period. Priests from Salt Lake City initially served the area, followed by priests from Price, Utah, who occasionally visited the town between 1948 and 1951.
3. Establishment of St. Michael Mission
Mary Schoenberger Vetere played a key role in canvassing local Catholics and advocating for the establishment of a mission in Green River. On Easter Sunday 1949, Father Thomas F. Butler, pastor of Notre Dame de Lourdes in Price, celebrated Mass at the home of Malcolm and Rose Politano with 52 Catholics in attendance. In 1954, priests from Price began regularly offering Mass in Green River, moving the service location from the Politano home to the Midland Hotel.
4. The 1960s Growth and Challenges
The 1960s brought new Catholic families to Green River due to missile base activity across the Green River. Catechism classes were taught by Mary Schoenberger Vetere and Eileen Taylor. In 1967, Bishop Federal purchased a remodeled duplex from John Harris, officially establishing St. Michael the Archangel Mission. The mission was under the care of Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish in Price.
5. Sunrise Service and Community Involvement
During the 1970s, under the leadership of Father Michael J. Donovan and William M. Mobley (who later became a priest), a notable sunrise service was held on a hill near Green River. The event involved three local ministers, rugged crosses, and a large turnout from the town, with a piano trucked in for the service.
6. Transition to Good Shepherd Parish and Expansion
In 1974, the care of St. Michael Mission was transferred from Notre Dame de Lourdes to Good Shepherd Parish in East Carbon City. On November 3, 1984, Bishop Weigand, with Father Donald E. Hope, pastor of Good Shepherd Parish, dedicated an expanded mission facility. The new L-shaped room provided more space for church services and social activities, serving the approximately 25 Catholic families in East Carbon City.
7. The Present Community
Today, St. Michael the Archangel Mission, located at 40 North Long Street, Green River, UT 84525, continues to serve the local Catholic community, which is mostly Hispanic. The mission has 15 active families, although there are at least 60 Hispanic Catholic families living in the area.
The community celebrates Mass regularly:
- Every Sunday at 5:00 p.m.
- First Sunday of the month: Eucharistic Adoration at 4:30 p.m., followed by Holy Mass.
- Second Sunday of the month: Rosary at 4:30 p.m., followed by Mass.
- Third Sunday of the month: Classes in Spanish on the Catholic faith for adults.
St. Michael the Archangel Mission remains a vital Catholic presence in Green River, fostering spiritual growth and a sense of community among its members.
