Helper, Utah has a beautiful old brick church that serves Catholics in the area. Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church is located at 5 South Main Street • Helper, Utah 84526 • Ph: (435) 472-3235 • email: [email protected]. Father Albert Ndepachio Kileo is usually presiding over the masses, but he was on vacation and Fr. Donald E. Hope was filling in for him. Fr. Hope also covered the other locations I was visiting today. I attended the 9:30a.m. mass and there is also a 5:30p.m. on Saturday.
Instead of taking photos of the beautiful surroundings, it was time to focus on the church. Saint Anthony of Padua worked in Italy but was born in Portugal. He is known
On your way to the front door of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church you will find a date marker on the left side of the doors and shown below. To the right of the steps is a beautiful large statue of Jesus who looks as if he is blessing all who pass on the street and welcoming them inside. Once upstairs I was greeted by a very pleasant women who welcomed me and opened the large door for me as well. Pass the double doors and I was in the foyer. On the right is an adoration area for Saint Anthony with a beautiful stained glass window, the American flag, a wonderful statue assortment and an information center. Continuing straight ahead is another set of double doors before you enter the church.
Upon entering church I was greeted with soft sounds of piano and guitar off to the left and over to the right is the Baptismal Font off to the corner and ready to be moved when needed. There are two rows of pews and many of them that lead to the altar. As I look down the rows, I can't help but look up at the large beams above that form a pattern of rectangles and accent the arched ceiling. I didn't use a flash, yet I caught the lights dancing in the air, or perhaps the Holy Spirit getting ready for mass.
The altar table legs have fragments of what looks like marble. I found it to be perfect for this location since it is a mining town. The accent color and the runner down the main aisle is green, since we are in Ordinary Time. Directly behind the altar table is the tabernacle, a crucifix and a statue of the patron saint. Saint Anthony can also been seen in a beautiful stained glass window on the left side of church and in the foyer. To the right of the altar is an adoration area for Joseph, a station of the cross, Holy Water dispenser, a picture of Jesus and more. Over to the left of the altar is an adoration area for Mary and the podium which was draped with a lovely green panel.
Please don't let the distance of Helper, Utah keep you from coming to this area. The area is picturesque and so is the journey here. Just as lovely as the area are the parishioners. I was greeted with smiles and welcoming hands. They were eager to answer any questions and happy to help. Thank you parishioners for welcoming me with open hands and warm hearts. May God continue to reflect His welcoming spirit and light in your hearts.
(Feel free to click on the photos below to view them enlarged)