Beneath a large rose window there is a stone frieze above the doors. In the frieze above the central door is a figure of St. Paul, the
patron saint of the parish, portrayed as interpreter of the Old Law and the New Law, his finger on the
text of the Bible, the page held open by a sword, which does not represent physical force but the spiritual
force of God's word: "Indeed, God's word is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword. It
penetrates and divides the soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the reflections and thoughts of
the heart." (Hebrews 4) Beneath St. Paul is the Angel of Revelation, holding up the cross, the symbol of
salvation; followers are drawn to the cross from both sides. Above the side doors are the coats of arms of
those in office when St. Paul's was built: on the left is the coat of arms of Pope Benedict XV, on the right
the coat of arms of Cardinal O'Connell. A vine runs through the frieze, symbolizing the Christ-like love
which unites the community; the imagery is from the Gospel of John ("I am the vine, you are the
branches.").
After passing through the outer doors one enters the vestibule, patterned after a cloister chapel and
dedicated to the memory of those who served in World War I. Small basins of holy water stand on both
sides of the central doors leading from the vestibule to the inner church; these recall one's first entry into
the Church through the waters of baptism.
