Father Paul Wicker, who served as pastor of Holy Apostles Parish for more than 35 years, died May 31 at age 83.
Public visitation will be held on Saturday, June 5 from 1-5 p.m. at Shrine of Remembrance, America the Beautiful Chapel (1730 E. Fountain Blvd. Colorado Springs), and on Sunday, June 6 from 5-7 p.m. at Holy Apostles (4925 N. Carefree Circle Colorado Springs), with a rosary and vigil service at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Monday, June 7 at 11 a.m. at Holy Apostles, with a reception afterwards in the parish hall. Entombment will follow at 3 p.m. at Shrine of Remembrance, Gate of Heaven mausoleum, Sanctuary of Paradeisos. The funeral Mass will also be livestreamed at www.holyapostlescc.org.
Paul Francis Wicker was born Oct. 21, 1937 in Wichita, Kansas, to Paul and Cleo Wicker. The family later moved from Wichita to Parsons, Kansas. From 1952-1956, he attended St. Francis Preparatory Seminary in Victoria, Kansas, which was run by the Capuchin Franciscan order. After he finished high school, the family moved to Denver, where he began his seminary studies at St. Thomas Seminary. From 1960-64, he studied at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Denver on Dec. 18, 1963 at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Father Wicker returned to Denver in 1964 and served as assistant pastor at St. John Parish until 1969. From 1969-1973, he served as assistant pastor and pastor at St. Patrick Parish in Denver. He served as pastor of All Saints Parish in Denver from 1973-1981.
In 1981, then-auxiliary Bishop Richard Hanifen asked Father Wicker to move to Colorado Springs and become pastor of Holy Apostles Parish. As pastor, he oversaw the planning and construction of the current parish church, which was dedicated on Sept. 20, 1987.
In 1994, Father Wicker established Catholic Outreach to Northern Ukraine, a ministry dedicated to helping the Catholic Church in Ukraine rebuild after decades of Communist oppression.
Father Wicker is survived by a brother, Deacon Byron Wicker and his wife Madeleine; nephews Paul and Joseph Wicker; niece Mary Wicker; and three grand-nieces.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Catholic Outreach to Northern Ukraine, online at www.conuhome.org or by mail to 10936 Klondike Dr., Peyton, 80831.
Michael Hendry
4 Jun 2021Father Paul will be greatly missed. He has done so much for the community and the people living here.
Linda Frasier
5 Jun 2021As Fr Paul welcomed so many into the Church (myself included), may the angels now welcome him onto Paradise.
Mary Peloquin
5 Jun 2021My family and I offer our deepest sympathy to the family and all that knew Father Paul. He has been a part of our lives for many many years. No one was like you. Your gentle kind way. You will be missed so very much! Mary and Phil Peloquin and family.
James
5 Jun 2021In 2012 I had the privilege of traveling to Ukraine with Fr. Paul as a photographer capturing the return of Catholicism. It was an experience I will never forget. I will miss him greatly!
Dorris and Howard Battista
5 Jun 2021Fr. Paul changed so many peoples lives for the better. He took painful confessions and turned them into thankful Blessings. He was always listening, and with the love of Christ, helping others find forgiveness. Our deepest loss is Heaven’s gain. We have an angel in Heaven advocating for us always. You are missed.
Nancy Burns, Dave Barta and the Logsdon families
5 Jun 2021He was close to my family since 1981. My mom used to dance with him at parish dances and they formed a close bond while she suffered and passed away from cancer. He’s baptized my babies, watched me grow up and was always a part of our family. I will miss him more than words can convey. However he said in 1991 he couldn’t wait to dance with my mom again in Heaven. I have no doubt that will happen. Hug my parents Ray and Hilda for me please Fr Paul. Love you dearly
Halina Nikolai
6 Jun 2021I am so grateful to God who sent on my life way Father Paul with his endless love to Christ and humans. I am sure Apostle Peter welcomes Father Paul at widely opened gate of Heaven.
Pete and Cyndi Carrasco
6 Jun 2021Such a wonderful man who touched so many lives… we were so sad to hear of his passing, but our hearts leapt for joy at the knowledge that he is in Heaven receiving a great reward! Father Paul you will be forever loved and missed!
Sandra Lynn Metcalfe
6 Jun 2021I would like to offer my dearest condolences to the family of Fr Paul Wicker. He was a true Shepherd to my husband Stephen, and our 3 sons Brenden, Daniel and Benjamin. We were so blessed by him.
My family and I live in Texas now but we will be watching the Livestream and praying with you.
Deb Torgerson
7 Jun 2021Such a wonderful and Godly Priest. One memory I have that I will never forget, is when he was saying Mass at Our Lady of the Pines one Saturday evening. And after visiting with him after Mass, he went with me to see a dying pt. She was living out of a hotel and he gave her last rites. She was so grateful. He is truly a saint and will be missed here on Earth. But is truly welcomed in Heaven. Miss you Father!
Curristine Family
7 Jun 2021Fr Paul was a great man and great priest.
He cared a lot for the Holy Apostles Parish.
He was the Parish Priest when our daughter was baptized in 2011.
RIP Fr Paul
Nicki Sperekas
7 Jun 2021Long-time (50+ years) Jewish friend of Fr. Paul’s from Denver. We did community outreach together when I was working at then Denver General Hospital. I always described him to others as an angel on earth. Watched his funeral mass. Will miss him very much.
Shannon Briscoe (McHugh)
26 Mar 2022There’s not enough words to describe fr Paul. He was an amazing mentor to so many.
Shannon Pence
16 Apr 2022Ah Father Paul you mentored me through becoming Catholic like I am certain very many of the course of your Priestly service. You guided me provided providing insight into the faith. Ill forever remember my confirmation and those words of faith. I will miss your great homilies and insights your peaceful explanations. Mostly the presence of peace when you were near. God Bless and keep you. Thanks Lord for showing us through Fr. Paul what it means to be a man of God.