About St. Ambrose · Salt Lake City, Utah
St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Salt Lake City, Utah, was established in 1948 and honors St. Ambrose of Milan, whose Episcopal coat of arms features a beehive symbolizing eloquence and Utah’s state symbol. The parish offers a full range of ministries, sacraments, and faith formation for all ages, including a Catholic school and active parish groups. It serves as a welcoming, faith-filled community centered on liturgy, service, and spiritual growth.
- Established
- 1948
- Patron
- St. Ambrose of Milan
- Rector
- The Very Rev. Erik Richtsteig (Father Erik)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Salt Lake City
Why belong here
Join a vibrant, welcoming community that offers opportunities for faith formation, sacraments, and active ministries for all ages. From Religious Education for children to small groups and speaker events for adults, there’s always a place to grow in faith and serve others. The parish also supports families through its Catholic school and hosts regular social events like coffee and doughnuts after Mass.
Mass times at St. Ambrose
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Wednesday 3:00–5:00 pm
- Saturday 3:00–4:40 pm
- Fridays in Lent during Stations of the Cross or by appointment
Adoration times
- Wednesday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
History
Saint Ambrose Parish was established on January 4, 1948, by Bishop Hunt. The name was chosen to honor St. Ambrose, the early Church’s learned Bishop of Milan, and because his coat of arms contained a beehive — symbolic of his eloquence and also the state symbol of Utah. The parish’s patronal feast is December 7th, commemorating St. Ambrose’s consecration as bishop in 374. The parish also operates J.E. Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School and offers Religious Education for children from age 3 through 12th grade.
Ministries
The parish offers a wide range of ministries for all ages, including Religious Education for children from age 3 through 12th grade, Faith Formation for adults through small groups and speaker events, and active parish groups such as prayer groups, book clubs, and drama showcases. The parish also supports families through its Catholic school and hosts regular social events like coffee and doughnuts after Mass.
Sacraments
The parish offers all seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation (Confession), Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick. Sacraments are celebrated regularly, with Masses offered daily and weekend Masses at 8:30 am, 11:00 am, and 5:00 pm on Sundays, and 5:00 pm on Saturdays. Confession is available Wednesday 3:00–5:00 pm and Saturday 3:00–4:40 pm, with additional times during Lent and Advent.
Faith Formation
Faith Formation is offered for all ages, from Religious Education for children from age 3 through 12th grade (post-Confirmation in 8th grade) to adult programs including small groups, speaker events, and retreats. The parish also offers opportunities for spiritual growth through ministries, prayer groups, and the Latin Mass on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Erik John Richtsteig1994–present
Ordained June 25, 1994. Served as parochial vicar at St. Patrick, SLC and Notre Dame de Lourdes, Price. Pastored St. Anthony of Padua, Helper, and St. James the Just, Ogden. Served as Chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1997–2005. Currently State Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus and Spiritual Assistant for the SLC Lay Carmelites.