To honor Saint Christopher, there is a very welcoming church in Kane County Utah. Saint Christopher’s Catholic Church is located in Kanab, known locally as "Little Hollywood" due to its history as a filming location for mostly western movies and television series, just north of the Arizona state line. Kanab was
Sunday is a great opportunity to visit Kanab and Saint Christopher’s Catholic Church, but there is also daily service Monday through Saturday at certain times of the year. The church is easily located, just off the main road and highway close. The tall dark red brick steeple can be seen as your turn onto the street with the tall white cross on top. From the outside, the church is dark red brick and the exquisite stained glass windows can be viewed for the new church. (I was not able to see the interior.) Since the church is under construction, they are currently celebrating mass in the attached hall, which they have transformed beautifully. They are very hospitable and welcome you from the time you enter the door. There is a guest book to sign and give you a bulletin, a welcome smile and handshake. This is one of the churches, that during tourist season, greets people from all over the world, so I suppose they have plenty of experience.
The temporary church has very pale olive colored walls with plenty of lighting and ceiling fans above. The pews are very sturdy and made of white oak. Missalettes and music books are located in the pockets of the pews which are long and the aisles are on along the side walls. Along the right side wall is the organ, bathroom doors and a beautiful adoration area for Mother Teresa with a detailed pictorial crucifix to the right.
A handsome statue of Joseph is atop a marble and white wooden pillar and just behind the pulpit. The altar table is intricately detailed with an inlaid wooden cross and flowers and has two candles on top a white linen cloth. Behind the altar table is a simple, yet elegant crucifix hanging on the back wall. There are chairs for the ministers of the mass on each side of the crucifix along with a Credence Table. The left of the altar is adorned with a lovely statue of Mary atop a pillar. Another pulpit is just to the right of Mary along with a wooden stand that holds the days’ music numbers. Just to the left of the stand and along the left wall, is a is a framed window that has sliding doors and opens to the kitchen. The kitchen door is next to the window along with storage doors and the entrance.
Father Rick Sherman was the presider for today’s mass and gives a great homily. The priests that service Saint Christopher’s Catholic Church are from Christ the King Catholic Church in Cedar City. They are dedicated and put many miles on their vehicles. Lord, bless the traveling priests and their faithful parishioners. Please give them this day the gift You gave Your chosen ones on the way to Emmaus: Your presence in their hearts, Your holiness in their souls, Your joy in their spirits. And let them see You face to face in the breaking of the Eucharistic bread. Amen.
(There is a very nice article written for the Intermountain Catholic, back in 2007 that has 3 photos of the church before renovations and was during the celebration of 50 years. http://www.icatholic.org/article/st-christopher-church-kanab-marks-50-years-4113215)