St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Mission ∙ 40 North Long Street ∙ Green River, Utah 84525 ∙ Phone: 435-888-3306 or 801-888-2408. A bilingual Mass is celebrated each Sunday evening at five o’clock. Saint Michael the Archangel’s feast day is September 29th and he’s the Patron of grocers, soldiers, doctors, mariners, paratroopers, police, and sickness. He’s considered the guardian angel of Israel, and the guardian and protector of the Church. St. Michael the Archangel was the leader of the army of God during the Lucifer rebellion. The only one the Bible called an archangel, he is probably the most famous angelic being in the Bible. St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. – EWTN
Just a few minutes off of I-70, St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Mission is located near the corner of Main Street and North Long Street. The tan converted building with a brown roof and cross was easily visible as I turned the corner. Dedicated in 1969, this building has endured changes and a population growth. I am sure they see many tourists come through the taupe colored doors. A very kind and friendly parishioner, organist and helper, Frank Anderson, welcomed all the new parishioners with a smile. He was able to give me a brief history and orientation as to the music books, programs and was kind enough to arrive early and turn on the air conditioner since it was 109 degrees outside. The original mission was expanded about 15 years after it was built to include an adjoining wing that was dedicated in 1984.
Upon opening the door and to the left are the dedication plaques from 1969 and 1984. Further right is the bookshelf full of music books, mass programs and decor. Another entrance door is the right and a small table with a white cloth. There are rows of plastic white folding chairs set up in the left wing for overflow seating. The light that comes from the large window is enough to light up this area without electricity. A beautiful statue of Mary is on a shelf in the left back corner of the room next to the wonderful efficient air conditioner (it was 109° outside at 5PM). There is a chalk board on the side wall so that this room may be multipurpose, such as a classroom. A doorway leads into a hallway for the kitchen and a bathroom. The preparation table is to the right of the hallway door and just beyond is the eternal candle which is next to the golden tabernacle. There large white curtain behind the altar table and below the beautifully carved wooden cross. Next to the curtain and the right wall is a framed picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Two chairs are just below the picture and behind the altar. The altar table is draped in green with a white linen in the middle and two small ornate table candles on each end. There is a window on the right next to the offertory table and some lovely statues. Just in front of the altar table is an enchanting adoration area for Our Lady of Guadalupe. The pulpit is just to the right of the altar and is equipped with a Gospel.
The main part or nave of the mission has rows of small wooden pews and a black folding chair next to each. Just like the other area, it too has light colored wood paneling. Stations of the cross are on the side walls along with small windows that are on one of the sides. They are the older and charming type windows that open from the top down. The back left corner is the organist, Frank Anderson and the organ and large colorfully detailed painting of their patron saint at the end of the aisle. Each corner of the back wall has an exquisite statue with Mary on the right and Joseph on the left.
I thank Frank, Juan, his son and the parishioners for their warm hospitality. May you always feel the embrace of God in your lives as you touch the heart of others. Amen.