Located near the heart of town is San Pablo Catholic Mission ∙ 702 N Highway 18 ∙ Beryl Junction, UT 84714 ∙ Phone: (435) 586-8298 ∙ Website: http://www.saintgeorgecatholics.com/Web%20Pages/Masses/masses.htm. San Pablo translated in English means Saint Paul and he epitomizes the incorporation of
The cream colored building with a dark-red metal roof can be easily seen from SR 18. There is a large brown wooden cross to the left of the entrance and sign to the right that shows the times of masses and reconciliation. The front door is a grayish blue color and once inside, I noticed two sections of burgundy upholstered chairs that face the altar with an overflow area. The walls are cream colored and have a variegated brick accents on the left side that lead towards the altar. The beautiful Stations of the Cross line both side walls and are divided equally. The left side has a large window and there are four smaller ones behind the altar. There are lovely handmade window treatments that have crosses embroidered into the fine linen. I was told by Father Picos that a parishioner made them especially for the mission.
The altar table is made of a blonde-colored wood and is adorned with a standing crucifix, white linen, a wooden Gospel stand and two white candles. Behind the altar is a wooden pedestal with the Sanctuary candle and an elegant silver tabernacle. A covered baptismal font is to the right of the altar table and the Presider's chair is behind and further right. There is a crucifix positioned just above the chair and a Christmas tapestry to the right and on the right wall. Our Lady of Guadalupe statue is situated on an end table with a framed poster of Jesus to the right. Two doors are also located on the right wall, one leading to classrooms and the other to the sacristy.
Looking to the left of the altar table is the pulpit and the Pascal candle with the hanging censer (incense burner) and a statue of St. Joseph holding baby Jesus and an exquisite framed picture of Our lady of Guadalupe just above. There is a full kitchen in one of the back rooms that is near the classroom area. After taking photos, I was able to spend some time with Father Oscar Martin Picos. He travels from Saint George to celebrate mass and hear confessions once a week. Fr. Picos told me that he brought many items from Mexico for the mission, including the framed picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a statue of Saint Paul and the Stations o the Cross. The Chairs were donated by Saint George Catholic Church which is the mother church of this mission and a few others.
Masses are bilingual and I encourage you to visit this welcoming mission. Father Picos sees to it that everyone is welcome. I enjoyed his sense of humor, homily and very kind nature. Lord, please continue to bless San Pablo Catholic Mission, its parishioners and Father Picos. May they never let go of faith, hope and love. May they know that the greatest of these will always be love. Amen