The Proposal

Date:

The Dedication of the Church falls on March 2, and I would like to propose beginning the celebration during the weekend of February 27–28. At all Masses that weekend, we could include a special intention and recognition of this milestone, inviting our parish community to give thanks to God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon St. Paul over the past 75 years.

In this way, it would provide an opportunity for the entire parish to unite in prayer, gratitude, and joyful anticipation as we approach the official anniversary date. I also recommend considering additional activities or events during that weekend to encourage greater parish participation and foster a spirit of unity, thanksgiving, and celebration leading up to the main anniversary observance.

Special Sacramental Opportunities:

During the week of the celebration, the parish will offer several special opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, inviting parishioners to experience God’s mercy, healing, and spiritual renewal. In addition, we will host a variety of popular devotions, including communal prayer and other devotional practices, to deepen our faith and strengthen our unity as a parish family. These moments of prayer and reflection will prepare our hearts for the anniversary celebration, encouraging everyone to grow closer to Christ and to one another.

On Sunday, March 7, 2027, Bishop Noonan will preside the celebration of the Eucharist at 11 am with the entire community.

Ministry of Intercessory Prayer:

As part of our 75th Anniversary celebration, we will launch the Ministry of Intercessory Prayer, a new initiative dedicated to supporting the spiritual needs of our parish through the power of prayer. The goal of this ministry is to faithfully intercede for the intentions and needs of our parish family, entrusting them to God’s loving care.

Members of the ministry may participate by praying from the comfort of their homes or by gathering at St. Paul Parish for scheduled communal prayer. Each week, the parish office will prepare and distribute a list of prayer intentions so that all participants may unite in praying for the needs of our community.

In addition to their prayers, members will be encouraged to offer small personal sacrifices for these intentions, joining their sacrifices to Christ’s love for His Church. Through this ministry, we hope to deepen our parish’s life of prayer, strengthen our unity in faith, and foster a culture of compassion and spiritual support. We pray that this new ministry will become a lasting source of grace and blessing for St. Paul Parish for many years to come.

Parish History Exhibit:

We warmly invite everyone to celebrate the rich history and enduring legacy of St. Paul Parish as we commemorate 75 years of faith, fellowship, and service.

Throughout the anniversary week, a special historical exhibit will be displayed in the Holy Family Room, featuring photographs, documents, memorabilia, and other treasured items that highlight the people, milestones, and events that have shaped our parish over the past 75 years.

We encourage parishioners to look through their personal collections for photographs, keepsakes, or other meaningful items that tell the story of our parish. If you have memories or stories connected to these items, we would be honored to include them as part of the exhibit. Your contributions will help preserve our shared history and create a lasting tribute to the generations who have built and sustained the St. Paul faith community.

Special Parish Recognition:

• As part of our 75th Anniversary celebration, we propose recognizing individuals whose lives reflect the rich history and continuing mission of St. Paul Parish:
• The First Registered Parishioner – Honor the first registered parishioner by name, recognizing their place in the history of our parish.
• Our Longest-Standing Parishioner – Recognize the parishioner with the longest history of active membership and highlight their contributions and faithful service to the parish community.
• The 75th Anniversary New Parishioner – Welcome and recognize those who registered as new parishioners during 2026, the year of our 75th Anniversary, as a sign of the parish’s continued growth and vitality.
• Babies Baptized in 2027 – Celebrate the children baptized during the anniversary year, recognizing them as the newest members of our parish family.
• Couples Married in 2027 – Recognize the couples who celebrated the Sacrament of Matrimony at St. Paul during the anniversary year and offer prayers for God’s blessings upon their marriages.
• Outstanding Volunteer Award – Honor an individual whose exceptional generosity, dedication, and faithful service have made a lasting impact on the life and mission of St. Paul Parish.