Better Know A Parish: St. Paul the Apostle, Westerville, OH

Parish name: St. Paul the Apostle

Location (City, State): Westerville, Ohio

Year founded: 1913

Diocese: Diocese of Columbus

Pastor: Rev. Charles F. Klinger

Number of parishioners: 4100+ registered families

Parish website: http://stpaulcatholicchurch.org/

What makes your parish different from other parishes?

Our Parish Mission states that we aim to imitate Christ’s life through worship, education, community, hospitality, outreach, service, and evangelization in the tradition of St. Paul. Without question we strive to do just that. We are a vibrant, active parish. Because of our size (4100+ registered families), we are able to offer an array of more than 45 ministries and have made a commitment to be Disciples of Christ.

What’s the most distinguishing characteristic of your church building?

The mural behind the altar is one of the most stunning aspects of the church.

It was hand painted on canvas and depicts Christ crucified in glory with the Father and Holy Spirit represented above him. Angels collect his blood; the water and blood from his sacred body, symbolizing the life of the church, flow down to the tabernacle and out into the congregation. In a semicircle on either side of Jesus are saints—Mary on the south side and St. Paul on the north side. The other saints were chosen as representatives of some of the ethnic groups of the parish or because there were Americans.

What’s the most popular event, ministry, or holiday tradition at your parish?

For the last eight or nine years Small Church Communities (SCCs) have been a dynamic part of our parish life. Groups of 8-12 regularly gather to share faith, experience meaningful prayer, enjoy fellowship and focus on the Gospel reading of the upcoming Sunday. Following the teaching of Fr. Arthur Baranowski, “We are Catholic because of several essential gifts from God. At the heart of it all we are Catholic because Christ calls us continually to be his Church, especially at the Eucharist.” SCCs provide a way for parishioners to connect life and their faith!

If we asked parishioners what they love most about the parish, what would they say?

People come to St. Paul’s to be nourished and are sent forth energized to be Disciples of Christ.

Whether due to our faith-filled liturgies, renowned music ministry, inspiring worship space, our Blue Ribbon K – 8 School, Parish School of Religion that reaches those in Preschool through High School, or various ministries, the genuine love of our Catholic faith and parish family is alive and evident to all!