Catholic Community honors Paula Wellnitz

By PHIL FAUVER staff writer

Members of the Catholic Church, Mission San Rafael, located on the road between Castle Dale to Huntington held a special tribute dinner meeting for Paula Wellnitz. Several people came to the pulpit and spoke of the many things Paula has given so much of herself within this and other communities.
Father Don Hope from the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City currently working in East Carbon made many glowing remarks of the great things Paula Wellnitz has done helping others over the years. Paula has been the social conscience of this mission. Too often we fail to tell people how much we love and appreciate them while they are with us. She has been a spiritual influence to me and others. Paula is a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
Father Rafael Murillo after complimenting Paula for her faithful service. He then presented Paula Wellnitz with the Madeleine Medal For Faithful Service.
The following was written by Bridget Wickersham. “Paula Wellnitz exemplifies a life of outreach and service. She practices ecumenical outreach by visiting and encouraging collaborations among all faith communities. She is well known and respected throughout Emery/Carbon Counties.
Paula makes it a practice to visit shut-ins, the sick, and any person in need. She is active in the Hispanic community and has a strong presence among them.
Global outreach is part of her lifestyle. She is keenly aware of current events and encourages others to participate in programs that protect the environment. Paula consistently draws the attention of our parish community to those in desperate need who live well beyond our national borders. She provides us opportunities to reach out to the poorest of the poor.
Paula is politically active. She faithfully writes to her congressmen to encourage them to vote on legislation that benefits the health and welfare of their constituents. She attends local council meetings as well as public lands meetings. She is never just a silent observer.
Paula concerns herself with the spiritual development of all. She provides reading material on a variety of practices and encourages prayer and discussion groups. She even opens her home to private retreats.
For all of these reasons, I feel that Paula Wellnitz is most deserving of the Madeleine Medal of Appreciation for Faithful Service.
Life is an open book. Paula has been writing her story for a long time. Her book of life still contains many blank pages. Tonight we are adding an addendum of gratitude to her book and gratitude for so many years of service.”