A Utah Catholic parish that once gathered in a basement is now one of the fastest-growing faith communities north of Salt Lake City, and parish leaders have unveiled plans for a basilica-inspired church that will serve as a permanent home for worship, evangelization and community life.
From 15 members to 1,400 families
Founded in 2006, St. Andrew Catholic Parish began as a small bilingual community of fewer than 20 parishioners. Today, it has grown into a vibrant home for 1,400 registered families, with parish life overflowing the temporary worship space of a school gym.
Sunday Masses in both English and Spanish draw around 400 worshippers each, while Easter services last year reached nearly 700 attendees per Mass—a powerful sign of the Catholic Church’s expanding presence in South Davis County.
$35 million basilica-style church planned
Parish leaders are now moving forward with a $35 million project to build a permanent church on a 10-acre site. Plans include:
- a basilica-inspired cruciform design, rooted in Catholic architectural tradition
- an eight-sided dome
- a wooden ceremonial canopy (baldachin) over the altar
- a 24/7 adoration chapel
- a large social hall and expanded education facilities
- offices, meeting rooms and a dedicated food pantry space
The design, created by MHTN Architects, incorporates the symbolism of St. Andrew’s X-shaped cross, ensuring the church building itself becomes a theological statement.
“an oasis in a desert” — a vision of beauty and evangelization
Father Joseph Delka, the parish pastor, said years of worshiping in a gym have strengthened the community’s unity and resilience, with volunteers setting up and removing liturgical furnishings every week.
He hopes the new basilica-style church will be a visible sign of Catholic faith along the Wasatch Front—“an oasis in a desert” where sacred beauty draws people toward Christ.
expanding outreach and ministries
Alongside the new church, the parish will enhance:
- its growing food pantry ministry, currently operating from the rectory basement
- sacred music and acoustics designed to elevate worship
- liturgical art that reflects Scripture and Catholic theology
- space for catechesis, youth programs and community service
Every part of the future church, Delka stresses, will serve one purpose: “to proclaim the gospel and keep Christ at the center for generations to come.”