Located at the corner of Center and Main Street in the heart of Escalante, Saint Sylvester Catholic Church serves about a dozen faithful parishioners. Mass is at 6PM the second and fourth Monday of each month and is served by Christ the King Catholic Church in Cedar City. Before you go, confirm the time either on
The church is easy to located, because it is at the corner of a main thoroughfare. There is ample parking in front of the rust and tan building that has a cross on top. The building is a converted bungalow home that functions beautifully as a church with multifunctions. When we arrived, Father Rick was watering the smaller trees and getting the church ready for the mass. He happily travels over 240 miles round trip to serve the community.
Entry, through a solid wooden door with a small window and straight into the nave of the church. There is plenty of light that shines on the royal blue carpet. There is a lovely table at the entrance that holds a holy water bowl, figurines, candles, cross, rosary, handouts and the offertory basket. Just to the right of the table is a bookshelf with the missalettes and songbooks. Keep going forward and through the doorway is the kitchen along with other rooms.
The tan walls with white trim help to bring a soft lighting to the area along with the white acoustic ceiling tiles. Black stacking chairs are in two sets with a center aisle that leads to the altar area. Lovely carved Stations of the Cross are along the side and back walls. There is a statue of Mary that is surrounded by floral arrangements, an exquisite rosary and a picture of our Lady of Guadalupe. Further down the way is a detailed statue of San Miguel, also known as Saint Michael, who rescues the souls of the faithful, especially at the hour of our death.
The long and sturdy altar table is draped in white and has a candle at each end. A large window is just behind the altar table and is lightly covered with a sheer curtain. A hanging stained glass panel is just behind a midnight blue cross with an intricately carving of Jesus. There is a corner table slightly behind and to the right. A small white cloth is draped on top along with a photo of Pope Francis, a lectionary and a cross. above the corner table are a series of vintage mirror tiles that go up the wall. The tiles capture the light from the elaborate chandelier hanging above.
Lord, thank you for the hospitality of the parishioners and Father Rick. Please watch over them as they continue to glorify Your word. Continue to strengthen them and fill their eyes with hope and hearts with loving concern for their neighbor. Raise them up if they fall. Urge them on if they are tempted to stop. Welcome them at their journey’s end with the fatherly embrace that You have reserved for all who faithfully seek to do Your Holy Will. Amen.