Father Paul Nelson has helped the people of Austin discover their duties to community and their love for each other in his 20 years as a church leader in this community.

And on July 1, the day of his retirement, more than just the congregation of St. Augustine's will feel the loss.

"Father Nelson has been an inspiration to me because of his love for the people," said Richard Cook, principal at Queen of Angels and St. Augustine's schools. "He didn't get caught up in the rules and regulations and he never, never got caught up in power. He got caught up in the love of people."

Nelson has been a priest for 42 years, much of it in Austin. He has been a principal at Pacelli High School and a pastor at both Queen of Angels and now at St. Augustine's.

But as an example, he seems to have made his biggest impact of all.

"It's not by his words, but by his actions," said Pastor Ronald Barnett of St. Olaf Lutheran Church. "Pulling traditions together to be one."

In education, he started the Catholic Schools foundation, was instrumental in integrating Spanish into classes from first grade all the way through high school and helped raise money for tuition assistance in the Catholic School System.

In the parish, he has worked with young people in the Faith Formation Program, bringing Catholic education to students in public schools. He has raised money for missions in Africa and as a proponent of ecumenical understanding, he has been instrumental in bringing people of many different faiths together.

He's quick to pass credit on to others, but it is evident that in so many charitable works in this community, Nelson has been involved -- either directly or indirectly -- by showing others how to use their talents for the good of all.

"People have a lot of gifts," he said. "If I can empower them, they work."

One of his most visible roles in the community is in the area of ecumenical work. He has done a number of pulpit exchanges with protestant churches in Austin, he fosters dialogue between parish youth and church leaders around the community and he has been active in the Austin Ministerial Association, a group of leaders from five faiths that meet regularly to discuss ecumenical issues.

Nelson said he is proud of the Catholic Church, but he sees many mistakes in the church's history.

"I believe that it is a little step in trying to heal some of the wounds of religious bigotry," he said.

"He sees the bigger picture about what it means to be human beings in this world and how we support one another," Barnett said.

Despite all of these works, his priority is the sick and dying and the liturgy. He said he is especially happy about his work in the hospitals and nursing homes.

He said his toughest job is helping survivors of those who have passed away.

"Helping groups and families heal when there's been big hurts, that's the most difficult thing," he said. "It's a very humbling experience. It forces you to be there and support and do the best you can."

He also finds his role in confession challenging.

"When people come there, they're as vulnerable as they ever are in their lives because they're kind of looking at the dark spots in their souls," he said.

Nelson will spend his retirement at Pope Pius X church in Rochester as the associate pastor. He said he loves Austin and his time spent here has been wonderful.

"I could not imagine having a happier life," he said. "It's been a charmed life."

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by email at matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com