Our History

Saint John the Baptist was established as a Mission of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Sandy, by Most Reverend William K. Weigand, on January 3, 1981. Reverend James McHugh, O.F.S.F. was appointed as the first pastor. The first Mass was offered on Easter Sunday of that same year in the mission church, which was located at 1300 East 12900 South, in Draper.

Saint John the Baptist Mission was established as a parish on April 6, 1999 by Most Reverend George Niederaurer. Reverend Terence M. Moore was appointed as the first pastor. In June of 1999, the parish moved into the newly completed Skaggs Catholic Center where weekend Masses were held in the Juan Diego High School Auditorium.

A new parish Church, designed by Edwards, Daniels Architects, Inc. and constructed by Cameron Construction Company was dedicated September 7, 2003 by Most Reverend George H. Niederauer.

The parish installed a Prayer Grotto in the form of the Rosary on the east side of the church. The Grotto with the Gospel theme “Let The Children Come to Me.” (Matt 19:14) was dedicated on September 9, 2007 by Most Reverend John C. Wester.

The parish celebrated the full retirement of the mortgage on our new church in a joyful “Burn the Mortgage” Mass on April 21, 2013 celebrated by Most Reverend John C. Wester. Msgr. Moore, our founding pastor, then announced his retirement from his role as pastor. He continues to serve as a Pastor Emeritus in pastoral ministry assignments as needed in the diocese. Msgr. Joseph Mayo served as pastor from August 2013 to July 2017. Msgr Mayo has also retired from active ministry. In August 2017, Most Reverend Oscar Solis assigned Reverend Rick Sherman as pastor of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Parish. In August of 2019, Reverend Rick Sherman retired and Reverend Stephen M. Tilley was assigned Administrator by the Most Reverend Oscar Solis. Reverend Stephen M. Tilley was named Pastor in August of 2020 and officially Installed as Pastor on September 13, 2020.