About Us
click on photo to enlarge - September 2007
Photo taken during our annual Parish Picnic
Our Parish Family
Mission Statement
As a Parish Community of St Francis De Sales Cathedral:
- We proclaim the Good News and celebrate the Eucharist.
- We rejoice with new members joining us through Baptism and conversion.
- We smile with our children, youth, and newly-married couples.
- We sympathize with our ill brothers and sisters.
- We honor and remember those called to eternal life in heaven.
- We nurture the gift of faith, serving those in need.
- We build community through fellowship and sharing our time, talent and treasure.
- We celebrate the beauty of creation, from conception to natural death.
- We treasure our historical past and hope in the promise of tomorrow.
Bishop Robert F. Vasa was installed as the fifth Bishop of Baker on Jan. 26, 2000. He is a native of Nebraska. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1976. After serving as assistant at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln, Nebraska, he was sent to Rome where he studied at the Gregorian Pontifical University, earning a Licentiate degree in Canon Law. He served in many Diocesan capacities, including Assistant Chancellor, Judicial Vicar, and Vicar General, prior to becoming Bishop of the Diocese of Baker.
Bishop Emeritus Thomas J. Connolly, became the fourth Bishop of Baker in 1971. During his tenure, he sought to solve problems through the introduction of innovative programs. Under his guidance, a major renovation of the Cathedral was accomplished, and the Chancery offices were moved to Bend. Bishop Connolly served 29 years in as the Bishop of Baker.
Father Julian Cassar, the new Rector comes from the island of Malta, where he was ordained on June 19, 1977. After spending 4 years in his native parish of St Julian's and 22 years in various parishes in New York, mostly on Long Island, he came to the Baker Diocese where he served since March 2003 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary parish in John Day. He started his assignment here as Rector and Pastor at the Cathedral on June 13, 2005. E-mail julianmlt@uci.net
Deacon Jim Watt was ordained to the diaconate on
December 25, 1999. He has resided in Baker City with his wife, Carole, since 1992. He serves as a Deacon at the Cathedral, helping out with a monthly Sunday homily, Baptismal class, Weddings and other duties.
Parish and Office Staff
Tammy Skidmore Carole Watt
Director of Parish Secretary
Religious Education E-Mail: sfc@uci.net
E -Mail: skidmort@yahoo.com
Parish Council Members
Frances Raabe
Patty Steinbeck
Robi Dooley
Jeff Collier
Harold Huntington
Tammy Skidmore
Steve Bachman
Shawn Kelso
Francis Mohr
Dawn Coles
Father Julian
Finance Council Members
Cathy Berka
Ron Rowan
Dave Lindley
Julie Hicks
Francis Mohr
Father Julian
Facilities Committe Members
Francis Mohr
John Fuzi
Tom Fisk
Louis Tholen
Don Tholen
Tammy Skidmore
Father Julian
