Singer inspires Saint Rose of Lima parishioners

Friday, Sep. 02, 2016

By Kevin Cummings

Special to the Intermountain Catholic

LAYTON — Paul Koleske performed songs and shared his inspirational story with the people of  St. Rose of Lima Parish at an evening concert on Aug. 14.

Koleske, who works full time as a Catholic evangelist, jokingly describes his style as “affirmative contemporary Christian music for the Catholic Church,” which he says is “probably the longest description of any genre.” 

He traces the beginning of his ministry to the moment when he challenged God. 

After having fallen away from the church for a period of years, he returned, but wasn’t fully convinced that he was on the right track. 

“I asked God to prove to me that the Catholic faith was the right faith,” Koleske said. “I told him that if he did that for me, I’d tell everyone that being Catholic is the way to go.”

He made that petition on a pilgrimage to an alleged apparition site and, in his own words, “got a little bit more than I bargained for.”

He returned to playing the guitar, which he had set aside five years before, finding inspiration in his experience of God and in the faith that was growing in his life. He began sharing his songs and story publicly as a part-time avocation in 1996. In 10 years he had turned it into a full-time vocation. 

St. Rose of Lima Parish is the first he has visited in Utah, which is the 39th state in which he has shared his message. During his travels he has been in 70 dioceses around the country and hopes to visit many more. 

In a musical style reminiscent of James Taylor and Don Mclean, Koleske travels the country encouraging Catholics to live their faith joyfully. 

“We have plenty of theology,” he said, “but we need to be excited about our faith! We need to take off our bushels and become enthusiastic beacons for Christ!”

The St. Rose of Lima parishioners attending the concert responded warmly. 

Parishioner John Biotti described the concert as “inspiring and prayerful.” His wife, Chris, added that Koleske’s “personal stories made it entertaining and informative.” 

St. Rose pastor Fr. Clarence Sandoval echoed their thoughts when he said, “It was a moment for our community to leave the outside world at the door and listen to God’s word in stories and music.”

At the end of the concert, Fr. Sandoval offered Koleske a blessing for safe travels and continued success in his ministry. 

Kevin Cummings is a Saint Rose of Lima parishioner.