St. Paul Catholic Church

Pope Benedict XVI has declared a “Year for Priests” beginning with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 19, 2009. The year will conclude in Rome with an international gathering of priests with the Holy Father on June 19, 2010. With the announcement of this Year for Priests, the Pope has declared St. John Vianney the Universal Patron of Priests on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of the Curé d’Ars

St. Paul Catholic Church in Athens, along with St. Paul's Cathedral in Birmingham, has been honored as a designated site in Alabama for pilgrimages during the Year for Priests. A plenary indulgence may be received for those making pilgrimages anytime during the Year for Priests, beginning June 19, 2009 and concluding June 19, 2010.

A team of parishioners is ready to assist those who make the pilgrimage to Athens during this Year for Priests. Parishioners will be available by appointment to guide visitors through a tour of their original church (now the chapel) built in 1959 and their new church dedicated in 1992. A picture of St. John Mary Vianney will be in the chapel; a statue of Saint John Mary Vianney will be in the church.

For individual visitors who do not wish to have a tour, the chapel hours for prayer are as follows:

Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8 am until 3 pm
Tuesday and Friday 8 am until 7 pm
Saturday and Sunday by appointment only

Individuals requesting a tour as well as prayer time will be happily assisted by a parishioner if an appointment is made in advance.

Groups are welcome by appointment. If your group includes a priest who would like to offer Mass and/or confession, please notify us at least one week in advance with the number of people expected and we will prepare everything you'll need.

Appointments may be made by calling the office Monday through Friday, 9 am-noon

(256-232-4191)