Another stupid question about Salt Lake area (Salt Lake City, West Jordan: fit in, high school)

[Pathwalker]

I didn't want to put this in the Religion or Relationships forums, because given the unique identification Salt Lake City has with being predominantly Mormon, I thought it would best fit in here.

How likely would it be that a Catholic would fit in or feel comfortable in the Salt Lake area?

Tied in with that, as a Catholic what would be my chances of meeting a special lady to start a romance with, hopefully leading to marriage?

Sorry if these are stupid questions.

[SaveMtns]

Not a stupid question! We lived in SLC for over 20 years, and finally left when our children were ages 9 and 14 due to their being ostracized constantly by the "LDS" kids. We loved the mountains, the city, the skiing, the desert, and did find a few friends who were not "Mo's", but it is a strange place to live nonetheless, and we got so sick of the pervasiveness of the Mormon culture, that we finally escaped. If you live in Park City, or a similar place, it could be not as bad...

[moonsavvy]

Hi there, assuming that you already know about the climate, I will answer your culture questions.

Salt Lake is pretty diversed as compared to the rest of the state. You will be able to find people you enjoy to hang out with including mormons, non-mormons, and jack-mormons. If you feel guided to go there, then I would follow that desire.

I find that the majority of Utah's population is mormon, some who embrace the religion and others who rebel against it (jack mormons). It makes for an interesting dynamic. As far as meeting someone special to get married to, if you void out cute mormon women then your selection will decrease significantly. There are mormons who will love you and respect you and your belief's even if they aren't the same. And there are plenty of catholic's around as well. I think you'll be just fine.

[coolcats]

I've worked with several Catholics. Never really heard any complaints from them. Supposedly, there is a brand new cathedral adjacent to Judge Memorial High School, a Catholic school. One guy is getting married this month, so it worked for him. The others were already married.

But yeah, the LDS culture is predominent. Realize that much like a Mormon moving to Rome, you will be in the minority. You can let it bother you, or you can be yourself without trying to change the whole area. You should easily find like-minded people. In actuality, I think in Salt Lake, active LDS are in the minority.

[coolcats]

Originally Posted by scirocco22

I believe that SLC proper is no longer considered predominantly Mormon. Can somebody confirm that for me?

I seem to remember checking once on Catholic churches in Salt Lake City and I recall there being at least six of them. That number will increase as you consider the suburban cities.

That is correct. The population is split 50-50 in Salt Lake City, but not all people listed as "Mormon" are active in the church, so the actual percent of church-going Mormons is less than 50 percent.

[snowflake73]

I was born and raised Catholic. We moved here due to fiance in Air Force. Been here two years. Could not wait for the day to get out of here. It's finally come. I am moving to Georgia in one week. It's beautiful here, but I do not like it here. It's very hard to make friends if you're not Mormon, period.
Plus the wages are low here compared to almost everywhere else in the country. I would move elsewhere if I were you.

[sofam]

I'm not a slow catholic nor a fast catholic, I'm a half fast catholic (lapsed for a number of years). There are over a dozen parishes in salt lake valley not counting the newman center at the UofU or the cathederal on so. temple. I believe your comfort level is yours to determine. I moved here over 30 years ago from the midwest and have been very comfortable. Can't help you on the ladies front as my ex made the idea of a 2nd marriage not something I could entertain so I've never really looked for a partner in the last 10 years!!! Depending on your age, I would think going to mass at the newman center would be a better place to meet a lady than in a bar/club. If you have other questions about being catholic in utah, feel free to pm me and I will have my son, who is active, try to help. As a side note, I've never understood a person that gives power to others to determine their happiness in life (if this sentence makes sense?).

[LlasaLost]

Well, there's the Cathedral of the Madeleine (where I used to attend Mass), and the Newman Center near the U, and lots of Catholic churches scattered across the valley; you're choice---just as is the level of your activity in the faith of your choice!

By the way, what is now SL's Regional Medical used to be Holy Cross Hospital, owned and run for years by the nuns of the Holy Cross out of Notre Dame (oh, and interestingly enough, the land on which it was/is built was basically given to them by Brigham Young).

You'll do fine if you respect the viewpoint of others and treat them as you'd like to be treated---by the way, you might find that Mormons make pretty good friends---just be aware that members of the LDS Church are human beings just like yourself and so can range in their righteousness from being real Saints down to being latter-day snakes---so just don't make blanket statements regarding them! (like so many on this board seem to do)

[Pathwalker]

Thanks for all the responses. I just want to be sure that if I choose to settle in Salt Lake, I'll still be able to have a social life with people that share my same beliefs. I guess I've read too many stories about how the Mormons will exclude you from their social circles if you aren't Mormon. Don't get me wrong - it's not like I think they are evil wicked cult members who will ignore you if you're broken down on the side of the road, or are somehow bent on kidnapping you and forcing LDS doctrine down your throat. As it is, I don't generally have a huge group of friends. I mostly stay to myself, with a small number of friends I could count with one hand. It's just that if I move out there, I'd be moving completely by myself.....all alone, lil' ole me in a city with no friends at all, and the nearest relative would be down in Phoenix - so I'd kinda like to know if I would be able to count on neighbors or friends to help me if I face some sort of problem. That's all.

[jhwest]

As I've said before, anyone who has grown up here will be more likely to ignore you. It doesn't matter the religion. They just already have a broad social network and don't feel the need to meet new people. I'm active LDS but I've been ignored by members and non-members alike. Actually, the non-members are more unfriendly by far.
I think being single will set you apart much more than your religion. We have good friends here who are Catholic and go to the church in West Jordan. They really like the community there.
I think you'll be fine. Your Mormon neighbors will definitely help you out if you need anything. Just don't expect them to read your mind. If you keep to yourself and don't talk to anybody, you won't make many friends--it doesn't matter where you live!