About St. Paul · Athens, Alabama
St. Paul Catholic Parish in Athens, Alabama, is a welcoming community in the Diocese of Birmingham, located along Highway 72 West. The parish gathers around the Eucharist with Mass in English and Spanish, offers religious education for all ages, and supports active groups such as the Knights of Columbus, St. Paul Catholic Women, and a young adult ministry. It serves as part of the Athens Catholic Community, working alongside nearby parishes to extend outreach, food pantry support, and faith formation across Limestone County.
- Patron
- Saint Paul the Apostle
- Rector
- Father Tom V. John, CMI, Ph.D.
- Diocese
- Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama
Why belong here
St. Paul offers a family-friendly environment with strong sacramental life, Spanish- and English-language worship, religious education for children and adults, and service opportunities through the Athens Catholic Community Food Pantry and Knights of Columbus. Newcomers are invited to register, attend fellowship after Sunday Mass, and explore the faith through OCIA (formerly RCIA).
Mass times at St. Paul
Weekly Mass schedule
Welcome to St. Paul
St. Paul Catholic Parish invites parishioners and visitors to encounter Christ through Word and Sacrament. The parish emphasizes hospitality, with coffee and donuts on Sunday mornings and a variety of ways to grow in faith.
- Weekend Masses in English and Spanish
- Sunday fellowship at 9:30 AM
- Parish gift shop and library in the Hall
Mass & Sacraments
The parish celebrates Mass throughout the week and offers sacramental preparation. Specific confession and adoration schedules should be confirmed with the parish office.
- Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:00 PM (English) and 6:30 PM (Spanish)
- Sunday Mass at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM (English)
- Tuesday Mass at 5:30 PM (English)
- Baptism and wedding preparation available
- Reconciliation offered; schedule available from the parish office
Ministries & Formation
St. Paul provides faith formation and service opportunities for every age group, from children and youth to young adults and seniors.
- Religious Education registration in August
- OCIA classes begin in September for those interested in Catholicism
- Youth Hangouts and Young Adult Group
- St. Paul Catholic Women and Catholic Women's Club
- Knights of Columbus Council #1716
- Athens Catholic Community Food Pantry
- Peace & Justice Ministry and Frassati Fellowship
- Natural Family Planning instruction
Community Outreach
The parish collaborates with the wider Athens Catholic Community to serve neighbors in need and promote the common good.
- Food pantry support and school grants
- Peace & Justice Ministry
- Prayer Line
- Free parishioner access to FORMED.org