St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology opens its new headquarters
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STEUBENVILLE -- The St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology officially opened its new headquarters on a two-acre site on University Boulevard opposite the Franciscan University of Steubenville.
"This is more than moving day for us," said Scott Hahn, the center's founder and president. "This is a re-founding."
The 25,000 square foot building is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for video and audio recording and broadcasting. Three stories high, it also includes a gift shop, a cafe, a library, and meeting spaces for Bible studies and conferences.
"Until now, we've been scattered through several buildings all over town," Hahn said. "Now, for the first time, we'll be fully integrated in our operations."
Founded in 2001, the center promotes biblical literacy for all Catholics and biblical fluency for clergy and teachers. Its programs include Emmaus Road Publishing, which includes academic and popular presses. The Center also hosts Emmaus Academy, with a wide variety of online video courses. The Center's priest retreats serve hundreds of clergy every year in locations throughout the United States.
The grand opening ceremony began with a blessing of the property by Bishop Paul J. Bradley, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Steubenville. Also in attendance were Steubenville Mayor Jerry Barilla and the Rev. Dave Pivonka, TOR, president of Franciscan University.
In his keynote address, Hahn alluded to the day's feast on the Catholic calendar, the Conversion of St. Paul, evoking the moment Paul fell to the ground, blinded by divine light.
"I often wonder about the subjective experience of that strange moment," he said. "Did (Paul) think it was a dream? Or did he know it to be the most truly waking moment he'd ever had ... the most real reality he'd ever encountered?"
He said the current moment is like that for the staff at the St. Paul Center, which now numbers 50.
Barilla said afterwards the new building "will draw visitors to take part in conferences and participate in biblical studies."
"It will be a catalyst for people of faith to move to Steubenville to be part of a family environment and a faith-based community," Barilla added. "I congratulate the Hahns on their commitment to Steubenville."
Executive Director Ken Baldwin said the new headquarters "is our chance to continue our mission with still greater strength and reach."
"Our impact has grown. Our outreach has grown," Baldwin observed. "This is a visible sign of that increase in the number of people we're touching."