Another change is the death of Monsignor Joseph Terrence Fitzgerald, P.A. Msgr Fitz or just "Fitz" as he was known, served for many years as Vicar General for the Diocese of Salt Lake City under different bishops: Weigand, Niederauer, & Wester. After retiring as Vicar General, continued to serve our bishops as a trusted senior advisor.
Msgr Fitz was quite proud of the "P.A." that came after his name. P.A. stands for the Latin protonotarius apostolicus (i.e., protonotary apostolic). A P.A. is more than a monsignor, which is a papally conferred title. P.A. is also papal honor, albeit one rarely conferred. A protonotary apostolic belongs to the highest non- episcopal college in the Catholic Church. While I cannot verify this completely, I am quite certain that Fitz turned down the opportunity to be a bishop. He would've been bishop of a different diocese. His life was utterly devoted to the Church in Utah.
Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald, P.A.
Along with Bishop Scanlan and the Holy Cross Sisters, Msgr Fitzgerald, who died on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, will forever remain a pillar supporting the Diocese of Salt Lake City. It's hard to exaggerate his influence, tireless efforts, and expert management of our local Church during his many years as Vicar General.
As rector quite a few years back, he saved my doctoral alma mater- Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon.
From the time of my ordination, Msgr Fitz was a trusted mentor and friend. He was very proactive, leaving a note once a month or so in my box at the Cathedral, asking me to come over his office for a chat. He's the only person in authority who's bawled me out and I walked away feeling better for it. I knew he loved me. He was a mentor, teacher, and encourager for me.
I had a wonderful father and so I've never needed a father figure. Msgr was a wonderful pastor and mentor. He only retired for good late last year. It's been weird not having him around. A great man, a wonderful person, and a Churchman (not a pejorative!) extraordinaire! May he rest in God's peace.
My friend Mike O'Brien wrote a wonderful piece on Msgr Fitzgerald for the Salt Lake Tribune: "Go-to priest, who ‘built the Catholic heart of Utah,’ dies after a life of service." I will cherish my memories of him for the rest of my life. As Eastern Christians say: Memory eternal!
So far in 2026, I have said goodbye to two dear people: Suzanne Lewis and J. Terrence Fitzgerald. I would have known neither but for Christ, who they both loved deeply and who they both served with every fiber of their respective beings. The world is poorer without Suzanne and Msgr.
Quite unbidden a song popped into my mind this week: "Roll With the Changes" by REO Speedwagon. REO isn't really my preferred genre of '80s music. But then, I don't dislike their music. Besides, Kevin Cronin looks like my deceased cousin Mark. The reason this came to mind seems quite apparent. And so, "Roll With the Changes" is our traditio:
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