The Rev. Christopher Gray, who has served as pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Park City since 2018, is embarking on a new chapter of his ministry.
Beginning on August 1, exactly six years to the day he began his role in Park City, Father Gray will take on the responsibilities of rector at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City.
This transition comes at the request of the bishop, a decision that has left Father Gray with mixed emotions.
“It is very emotional for me to be leaving Park City, but the bishop has asked me to take the position,” he shared.
Despite the sadness of departure, he recognizes the importance of the Catholic Church’s needs.
Reflecting on his time in Park City, Father Gray expressed pride in the community initiatives that St. Mary’s has implemented.
The church has been active in community events such as the Parish White Picnic, family movie nights, and holding mass at Jordanelle State Park, creating a positive impact on residents.
A notable achievement during his tenure has been strengthening charity work through community partnerships, enhancing the outreach of St. Mary’s to support those in need.
“We have been able to do so many things here, and we have had a very positive impact in being able to coordinate with the other charitable organizations here in town,” he said, highlighting collaborations with local nonprofits.
He particularly mentioned the partnerships with organizations like the Summit County Clubhouse, The Christian Center of Park City, Park City Community Foundation, and Jewish Family Service, noting their collective efforts to aid the local population.
Another meaningful collaboration was with the Windrider Institute, which engages with film and media to encourage conversation on cultural issues.
During the Sundance Film Festival, Windrider brought students from across the nation to participate in screenings, providing an avenue for values-based dialogue about various topics.
Father Gray relished the opportunity to host this initiative at St. Mary’s, affirming its alignment with the church’s broader mission of community engagement.
St. Mary’s also partnered with Peace House, a nonprofit focused on domestic violence prevention, aiding numerous families during challenging times.
In 2024, St. Mary’s helped 500 families from Summit and Wasatch counties, many of whom were domestic violence victims.
“Many of these families needed a safe place, and it has been a beautiful thing we’re able to do in this community. And I’m proud — so, so proud — how we as a church have been able to do this,” he expressed.
St. Mary’s played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, stepping forward to assist residents from all backgrounds.
Despite reducing in-person services, the church successfully transitioned its outreach efforts online, ensuring continued community support, especially in eviction prevention.
Gray noted that the church was able to provide significant rental assistance during a time when eviction bans were in place due to the pandemic.
“We were able to very drastically give hundreds of thousands of dollars to rental assistance. I think because of that, we already have such great relationships with institutions that are able to keep people housed,” he said.
Having grown up in Salt Lake City and graduated from Judge Memorial High School in 2001, Gray has deep roots in the area.
He pursued his seminary studies beginning in 2007 at Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon and later continued at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
He earned his Bachelor of Sacred Theology in 2012 and was ordained a priest a year later at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.
Following his ordination, Gray returned to Rome to further his studies, eventually obtaining a Licentiate of Sacred Theology in 2014.
Before serving as pastor at St. Mary’s, he worked as parochial vicar at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish and the Cathedral of the Madeleine.
For Father Gray, his time in Park City was fulfilling both personally and professionally.
“Growing up in Utah, I always loved coming to Park City to have fun like so many people of all ages. Being able to be here in this community permanently was, frankly, a dream come true,” he said.
He has observed significant growth in the Park City community, which has enhanced the demand for St. Mary’s services among its diverse population.
“The goal has always been to be a spiritual home, but also to draw in a community with so many different spiritual backgrounds together, regardless of religions,” he articulated, indicating the church’s commitment to inclusivity.
As he prepares to say goodbye, Father Gray feels grateful for his staff and their unwavering commitment to the community.
“Every day the commitments of those who work and volunteer at St. Mary’s have been tremendously edifying and inspiring for me,” he noted with emotion.
He praised the selflessness of the congregation, expressing how they worked diligently for the greater good.
“Saying goodbye has been one of the hardest parts for me,” he acknowledged.
However, Father Gray will still maintain a connection with the Park City area through his role as dean of Salt Lake, which encompasses a geographical area within the diocese extending from Nevada to Wyoming.
He will continue to oversee St. Mary’s, working alongside his successor.
Father Arokia Daas David, currently the pastor of Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church in Price, will be stepping into Father Gray’s previous role at St. Mary’s.
“I’m so happy Father Daas will be my successor, and I wouldn’t have picked anyone else because he is so well suited to be the pastor here,” Gray said, expressing confidence in the transition.
He emphasized that Father Daas is equipped with a deep faith and a solid understanding of their shared mission.
If he had any advice for his successor, it would be to prioritize the community.
“The most important thing is they matter,” he stated.
Father Gray reiterated the importance of the church’s mission to serve not only in worship but also in education.
He concluded by encouraging the people of the Wasatch Back to continue their kindness and support for their new pastor.
“So, I would also say to the people, just as they have been kind, generous, and supportive to me and the parish, to please continue to do so with Father Daas, this holy man who will succeed me.”
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