Angel Garcia Zarate has transitioned from his role as the Diocese of Salt Lake City’s Director of Hispanic Ministry to become the director of the diocese’s Office of Faith Formation. He has held the position of Director of Hispanic Ministry since June of 2025.
Garcia Zarate has outlined a pastoral vision spanning through 2031, focusing on strengthening a culture of formation and accompaniment within the diocese. He intends to bring formation closer to parish communities by working with parishes and various deaneries to ensure catechists, leaders, and families have greater opportunities for formation without distance being an obstacle.
A primary objective in this new role is to strengthen and expand faith formation in both Spanish and English to address the cultural and linguistic diversity of the diocese. Garcia Zarate stated that the goal is to provide communities with solid faith formation in the language that best enables them to encounter Christ and grow as disciples.
The Office of Faith Formation will also prioritize inclusion by developing resources to help parishes accompany people with disabilities. This includes providing formation tailored to their specific needs to allow for full participation in the life of the Church.
Other priorities for the office include the creation of bilingual and digital resources, as well as new catechetical tools for parents, schools, and catechists. Garcia Zarate emphasized that Christian formation is a lifelong journey, intending to accompany catechists and leaders so they can become formators for others.
Garcia Zarate described the upcoming years as an opportunity for the diocese to walk together in faith. He noted that the office aims to be a ministry of accompaniment that serves all parishes and communities, working alongside them rather than doing the work of the parishes for them.
The director expressed a commitment to listening to and learning from those who have dedicated time and knowledge to the Church for years. He aims to help build communities where catechists feel accompanied and parents feel supported in passing the faith to their children.
