Clergy

Picture
The Rev. Vanessa Cato ​(Rector)
​The Rev’d Vanessa Cato was born in the UK, where she lived, worked and worshipped for sixty years. An active member of the Church of England from her mid-teens, she assisted in Sunday School and led Brownie and Girl Scout troops for over 20 years. Trained as a schoolteacher, she taught a number of years in the state school system. In 1993, after seminary training at post-graduate level in Cambridge, England, Vanessa was ordained. In 1994 she became one of the first women priests in the Church of England. As Rector in several churches, her  roles included hospital chaplaincy, a trustee of Alms Housing and  other charitable bodies, serving on four School Governing Boards, four years as Chair of Governors, and an inspector of church schools. From 2003-2011 Vanessa combined the role of Parish Priest with that of Diocesan Children’s Work Adviser, offering assistance to over 400 churches. In 2011 Vanessa was called to serve as Rector at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Ogden. Among the many ministries Vanessa supports and encourages at Good Shepherd are those related to her particular passions of giving children and young people the best opportunities to thrive and be nurtured in a loving, caring environment. Vanessa also encourages Adult faith formation, and likes to nurture vocations, both lay and ordained. Supported by her leadership, the church provides assistance to many people locally and further afield who are currently struggling in life. Vanessa helps to run an Outreach Girl Scout Troop in Ogden at Youth Impact. She is also an active member of the Ogden Rotary Club. She is a Trustee of Ogden Family Promise.  In 2015 Vanessa completed a term on Diocesan Council. She currently serves on the Diocesan Youth Formation Committee. Vanessa was an Alternate for the Episcopal General Convention in 2015, and is currently an Alternate for the next General Convention. Vanessa has two sons, and five grandchildren, all of whom live in America. 
 Picture
The Rev. Isabel Gonzalez (Assistant Priest: Latino Ministry)
​
​
Picture
​The Rev. Nancy Groshart (Deacon)
I am from the Midwest and was a medical technologist at a local hospital before retiring in 2003.
 I was ordained a deacon at Good Shepherd in 1992 and have served under several priests and bishops. I do pastoral care and visits both for those homebound and those in assisted living or nursing homes and organize the Lay Eucharistic Visitor program. I’m also involved in Interfaith Works and have been for many years. We have a monthly lunch meeting which meets at a different site each month and we have a presentation by the host organization. I’ve also been a member of CORC (Coalition of Religious Communities) where many faith communities support legislation benefitting the poor. Every year we have Faith Days at the Utah legislature which is well attended by fellow Episcopalians. I lead a weekly bible study and promote Christian Yoga and assist with our adult education. I preach on a regular basis and always serve at the altar.