Located in Washington County, Hurricane is a part of the St. George Metropolitan Area. The community was intended to establish the southern end of Utah for agricultural purposes. The town once operated a
Did you know that Saint Paul was originally known as Saul of Tarsus? He took advantage of his status as both a Jew and a Roman citizen to minister to both Jewish and Roman audiences. He even presided over the persecutions of the early Christians and was present at the martyrdom of St. Stephen. Saul’s conversion came when he experienced a powerful vision that caused him to change to Christianity while on the road to Damascus. When he was baptized, he decided to take the name Paul. Paul is among the most famous, intelligent and influential of the apostles. Some thought that he was the leader of the apostles. Instead, he likely preached at the request of St. Peter, who was pope at the time. In the mid-30s to the mid-50s, he founded several churches in Asia Minor and Europe. St. Paul is the Patron Saint of missions, theologians, Gentile Christians, writers, journalists, authors, public workers, rope makers, saddle makers, and tent makers. His feast day is on June 29 when he is honored with Saint Peter, although he is also honored on other days throughout the year. Many of his writings are contained in the Canon of the Bible and have influenced the growth and development of the Catholic Church since the first century.
Located in Hurricane is a Catholic Center that is served by Saint George Catholic Church. St Paul Catholic Center ∙ 171 Main Street ∙ P.O. Box 950 ∙ Hurricane, UT 84737 ∙ Phone: (435) 635-6829 ∙ Website: http://www.stpaulcatholiccenter.org/. Sunday Services are in English and are at 12:30 p.m. The tan brick building is located just over a block from State Route 9. The inside is white with a thick solid, redwood looking chair railing the goes around the room. Immediately through the double glass doors and on the left is a table with a guest book, pamphlets and calendars. Just above the table is a very nice large picture of their Patron Saint Paul, a dedication plaque, offertory box, poster and picture of Pope Francis. Beyond the table and a few chairs is a hallway that leads to the sacristy and office along with the bathrooms and a thrift store. After the hallway and along the back wall, is a lovely large framed poster of Our Lady of Guadalupe and then double doors that lead to a kitchen.
There are four sections of blue upholstered chairs with one main aisle that leads to the altar and two side smaller side aisles. The Stations of the Cross are along the upper portion of the side and back walls. Plenty of natural light filters through the side windows and adds a peaceful glow to the room. From the entrance area and along the right wall is a bookcase full of missalettes. A roll-top desk is at the other end of the right wall with a statue of Infant of Jesus of Prague on top.
The altar is in an alcove area that can be closed so that the worship area can be used as a multi-purpose room. There is a sign that asks parishioners to be reverent when the altar area is exposed. A white linen cloth covers the altar table and is embroidered with two crosses and the words, “Lamb of God”. There are also two white candles and a wooden Gospel stand. An exquisitely ornate rectangle tabernacle is just behind the altar table with the Sanctuary candle to the left. Just above the tabernacle is a beautiful crucifix. Two beautiful stained glass windows are on each side of the tabernacle; Saint Paul is to the left and Our Lady of Guadalupe is to the right. A presidential chair, chair for the priest, is to the right of the tabernacle and next to the state flag. The credence table is to the left of the tabernacle and next to the U.S. flag and the pulpit is just in front. Two green banners hang on the side walls of the altar alcove area, one with the Alpha and Omega symbols and the other with Communion host and chalice. The music area is to the left of the altar alcove and at the left wall corner.
I was greeted by two very charming parishioners John and Patty Simmerman, who were getting everything ready for mass and working together as if they were synchronized. John told me that they used to worship at a temporary location and are grateful to have this building. They have had it for about seven years and just paid off the debt with the help of the funds from the adjoining Thrift Store that the parishioners maintain. When they are not having mass, they use the hall for classic movie night and many other functions. I got the distinct impression that this is a very active congregation! The Simmermans were delightful and are a great example of Christ’s love in action. They serve with their hands, hearts and smiles. Thank you for your hospitality and may God bless you as you demonstrate His love.