We have about 325,000 Catholics in Utah. We are about 8% of the population, higher than in some other states in the south). We have about 3,500 members of the Knights of Columbus here and are strong in our faith. Roughly 2/3 of the Catholics are Latino and they are generally wonderful people, with a strong, active faith. I love being a Catholic in Utah.
One of my best friends just finished his 6 years as Bishop of his Mormon ward. Yes, it is harder for kids than adults.
In Nauvoo, Illinois, last area they lived before the exodus to Utah, church property, where possible, was sold to a Catholic order for a song. They may have also been the first denomination outside the Mormon church to build a worship center in Salt Lake City, the cathedral which is just a few blocks east of Temple Square.
They were also the second state (after Idaho) to elect a Jewish governor in the World War I era. There is also a large synagogue not far from Temple Square, world headquarters of the Mormon faith.
We lived in Utah for eighteen years and when we lived there most Mormons we knew were totally unfamiliar with Lent and had no idea what it was. Several times I had to explain the meaning of Good Friday to some neighbors. Ash Wednesday would be the same. This school was in Bountiful and Bountiful was always over 90%Mormon. This teacher made a huge mistake but I would imagine it was more out of ignorance than maliciousness.
That’s great. I had no idea.
I was just joking though.
I hope most realized that.
I’m sure Catholics do just fine in Utah.