New Priest Brings Fresh Energy to St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church

Tucked away but deeply rooted, St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church is stepping back into the spotlight under the leadership of its new pastor, Father John Paul. The missionary priest says his goal is not only to serve the faithful but also to remind Columbus that the church’s doors — and its mission — are wide open.

Barely a month into his new assignment, Father John Paul has already begun learning the heartbeat of St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church and the surrounding community.

Father John Paul, a member of the Missionary Society of St. Paul of Nigeria, arrived in Columbus after serving in parishes in Houston, North Carolina and other U.S. dioceses. Like many missionaries, he had no say in where he was sent. “We’re just like the military,” he explained. “The superior decides and says, ‘Father John Paul, you’re needed in this place,’ and you go.”

St. Benedict, located quietly off the beaten path in Columbus, is predominantly Black but open to all. With about 55 parishioners, many of them seniors, the congregation is known for its resilience and commitment. “Some come even in wheelchairs,” Father John Paul said. “They still serve, they still contribute. It tells me this is their church, and they’re ready to work and sacrifice for it.”

That spirit extends beyond Sunday worship. Every Thursday, parishioners prepare and distribute food to neighbors in need. The outreach, which resumed after a COVID-era pause, serves as a vital link between the parish and the broader community. “It’s inspiring,” Father John Paul said. “At least reaching out, touching the community, acknowledging there are poor people around who need help — with jobs, education, and so many ways. The church gives from the strength it has.”

Still, challenges remain. Like many congregations, St. Benedict is searching for ways to draw in younger generations. Current efforts include discussions on youth ministries, community activities, and making the parish a place where young people “can find God, peace, and a community that cares.”

For Father John Paul, who frequently returns to Nigeria for seminary teaching and formation, this new chapter is part of a lifelong missionary calling. He sees his role not only as serving parishioners but also reintroducing the wider Columbus community to a church that has long been part of its fabric.

“The Catholic Church is open to everyone,” he emphasized. “St. Benedict is open to everyone. When people come, they hear the word of God, they sing, they pray with the community. And if they choose, they can even grow into the faith. The House of God is open to all.”

As St. Benedict moves forward under its new shepherd, Father John Paul is clear about his approach: listen, learn, and serve. “For me, it’s about connecting with the people, understanding their needs, and growing together,” he said.