Church commemorates patron’s 2,000th anniversary

By Mary Owen

Parishioners at St. Paul Catholic Church in Silverton are looking forward to a year of celebration for their patron saint and martyr, the Apostle Paul.

Hailed by many as the most influential teacher in Christianity’s history, Paul preached the concept of redemption through faith in Jesus Christ before his untimely death around 65 A.D. Through June 2009, Catholics around the world will celebrate the 2,000th year of his birth as called for by Pope Benedict.

“We thought we’d use this opportunity to show who we are, focus on our patron, and do some things in our parish to celebrate,” said Father William Hammelman, who has just completed his fifth year at St. Paul.

The year-long celebration kicked off with a bilingual outdoor Mass on June 29, day of the feasts of St. Peter and St. Paul, followed by a barbecue and games.

Pat and Paul Zollner, known as The Z Music Makers and popular singers at the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest each year, even wrote a song to be sung at the event.

“We also put out a Holy Card with a prayer they wrote for St. Paul,” Fr. William said. “We’ll probably say that every Sunday during the year.”

Other events scheduled for the jubilee year include: Dr. Owen Cummings from Mt. Angel Seminary will speak about St. Paul during a multi-day parish mission, and an ecumenical service on the Feast of Conversion of St. Paul, the last day of the week of prayer for Christian unity, Jan. 25.

“We hoping to have some fun things, like a play, a talent show and some dinners,” Fr. William said of the year’s festivities. “Those are all in the planning stages.”

Some 450 families attend St. Paul Church, which began about 1888 when the Holy Sacrifice of Mass was offered for the first time in the tiny community of Silverton along the banks of Silver Creek. Father Adelheim, the founder of Mt. Angel Abbey, traveled 6 miles on horseback to offer the Mass, according to church records.

Over the years, the church has grown, keeping the sense of responsibility for actively participating in worship and community outreach. Today, a parish committee will look at long-range plans for expanding St. Paul’s facilities.

“We’re stretching our facilities quite a bit right now, and we have to update them,” Fr. Williams said. Until the committee develops a master plan, Fr. William said he is unsure of the details of the expansion.

“We’re looking forward to serving continue with our traditions, serving the community well into the future,” he said.