St. Paul's honors family members, fallen comrades, those who have served and continue to serve our great country by offering peace and reconciliation in our Armed Forces Honor Garden.
Service to our country and a strong sense of patriotism are integral parts of the heritage of St. Paul the Apostle Parish, the Horseshoe Bay community at large, and the entire Texas Hill Country region. Continuing that heritage, currently many of our relatives and friends are serving on battlefields, fighting the terrorist threat both at home and abroad.
The fight against terrorism at times calls our loved ones to go against their Christian values—in some cases requiring them to take lives or witness the taking of lives. When they return home, among their primary needs are reconciliation and rebuilding a sense of inner peace as bridges back into everyday life. St. Paul’s Armed Forces Honor Garden—with its centerpiece of the statue of Christ embracing a soldier—conveys everything our Christian faith says we’re about.
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church is proud to offer the opportunity to recognize the selfless service of those who serve with its Armed Forces Honor Garden. Whether you are remembering a family member or friend who has served our country or who may have given their life for our nation, this contemplative garden—inspired by sculptor Timothy Schmaltz’ statue Lest We Forget—will serve as a permanent display that honors the sacrifices of our true American heroes.
Christ’s embrace photo:
The “Lest We Forget” statue of Christ embracing a soldier was donated to St. Paul the Apostle Church by parishioners Gary and Patty Broad. A U.S. Army veteran, Gary was married to his wife Patty, originally from Canada, at St. Paul’s in June 2014. The statue was created by sculptor Timothy Schmaltz, also from Canada.
Plaques-stars photo:
Holding memorial plaques and stars available for purchase at the Armed Forces Honor Garden are, from left, Philip Schoch, St. Paul the Apostle Church pastor Father Rubén Patíño, CSP, and Dick Heilman, committee chair.
Onlookers photo:
St. Paul the Apostle Church parishioners attend a groundbreaking ceremony and service on Wednesday, Dec. 7, for the Armed Forces Honor Garden that is expected to be complete in the spring.
Groundbreaking photo:
Breaking ground Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the site of the Armed Forces Honor Garden at St. Paul the Apostle Church are, from left, Dick Heilman, committee chair; St. Paul’s pastor Father Rubén Patíño, CSP; Tom Classen, owner of Westway Custom Builders of Horseshoe Bay; and Brent Baker, architect, managing principal with Studio | 16:19 of Round Rock.