Five priests serving the Diocese of Salt Lake City were honored by their confreres for significant anniversaries of their ordination during a diocesan priest convocation on Oct. 7. The celebration included Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, Father Sebastian Chacko, Father Donald Hope, Father Roberto Montoro, and Father Richard Sherman.
Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw was honored for his 51st anniversary as a priest. Ordained on May 30, 1975, in the Cathedral of the Madeleine by Bishop Joseph L. Federal, Bircumshaw has served in various diocesan roles, including pastor, diocesan vocations director, and vicar general. He served as the diocesan administrator following the 2015 appointment of Archbishop John C. Wester to Santa Fe, until Bishop Oscar A. Solis was appointed in 2017. Although he retired on Aug. 1, 2024, he continues to serve as a member of the bishop's senior staff as vicar general emeritus.
Father Sebastian Chacko and Father Donald Hope were both recognized for 50 years of priesthood. Father Chacko, ordained Dec. 19, 1976, by Bishop Cornelius Elanjickal, has served as a chaplain to the Samoan community at St. Francis Xavier Parish and has held ministry positions in India, Western Samoa, East Africa, Hawaii, New Zealand, and Australia. He stated he plans to retire next year and return to Pago Pago.
Father Donald Hope was ordained on April 24, 1976, in Columbus, Ohio. His service in Utah includes roles as a parish pastor, chaplain at the Newman Center, and diocesan vocations director. Since his retirement in 2015, he has continued to minister in East Carbon County.
Father Roberto Montoro and Father Richard Sherman were also among those honored. Montoro was ordained on June 15, 2001, in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and currently serves at St. Henry Parish in Brigham City and its associated mission, Santa Ana in Tremonton. He previously served as a parochial vicar and administrator at several Utah parishes and missions after arriving in the diocese in 2007.
Father Richard Sherman was ordained on May 19, 2000, in the Cathedral of the Madeleine. His ministry has included service as a parochial vicar and pastor for several parishes and missions, as well as serving on the diocesan Peace and Justice Commission. He retired in 2019 and maintains residence and sacramental ministry at St. Christopher Parish in Kanab.
The priests are typically honored for their 25th and 50th anniversaries. However, because two of the individuals were not recognized during the previous year, they were included in this year's celebration.
