Saint Vincent

St. Vincent de Paul Parish was established October 19, 1961 with some 600 families. The territory comprising the parish was taken from three existing parishes, St. Gabriel’s, San Antonio; Our Lady of Grace, La Coste; and St. Louis, Castroville. Father Joseph P. Petsch, who was appointed pastor of the new parish, arranged for masses to be held at Royal Gate Elementary School. One year later, a multi-purpose structure was erected on the church property and dedicated.

A four grade school was started but, because of difficulty getting sisters to staff the school it closed in 1968. Energy was then concentrated on the development of a strong Religious Education Program. Though the first Religious Education Coordinator was a sister of Divine Providence, the program for most of its life has been staffed by lay people of the parish. The new church became a reality with its dedication by the late Archbishop Francis F. Furey on September 26, 1971. Early in , 1974 a new rectory was built next to the church facing loop 410.

Shortly after the new church was built came the second pastor, Rev. Thomas J. Flanagan. Under his spiritual guidance the next ten years saw the parish grow from the original 600 families to well over 3000 families. It was at this time that a decision was made to divide St. Vincent de Paul into four parishes within the original boundary lines. Father Flanagan was assigned to a new parish and replaced by Rev. Enda Mckenna in 1985 who remained as Pastor until May 1992.

Our present pastor Rev. Jose de La Rosa, came to us in June of 1989, and would serve as Parochial Vicar until he assumed duties as Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul in June of 1992. Today we are a parish of over 2500 families.

During Father Jose’s tenure the church has been remodeled, and is now considered to be one of San Antonio’s most beautiful Catholic Churches. St. Vincent de Paul has a Pastoral Associate, Sister Katrina Ruane, S.H.Sp., and a Music Director, Brother Jerome C. Wolnik, O.F.M. We have one deacon, Deacon Everett Gorton and Deacon Candidate, Leo Longorio, whose ordination will take place in 1998.

Playing an active role in the parish throughout its history is the Finance Council, Pastoral Council, the Altar Society, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Knights of Columbus, Council 5262 and Auxiliary, O.U.T. Youth Program, Religious Education Board, choirs, lectors, and lay Eucharistic Ministers, Bible Study Groups, Liturgical Committee, Prayer Group and the Building Committee.

Over the Years additional ministries and programs have been developed.These programs and ministries however,br. and most importantly, characterize the spirit, uniqueness, and desire of this parish to reach out to all. These programs are; Altar Servers, Baptism Team, Bereavement Ministry, Bible Study Classes, Catechism of The Catholic Church, Crossroads, C.Y.O., Double Ring, Club, Faith Sharing Groups, Palabra De Dios (Faith Sharing-Spanish), Family Retreats, Festival Committee, Finance Council, Funeral Coordinator, Home Welcoming Committee, Kitchen Coordinator, Legion of Mary, Marriage Preparation, Marriage Enrichment Ministry, Mass Coordinators, Music Ministry, New Beginnings Support Group, Perpetual Adoration, Prayer Group, R.I.C.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Religious Education Outreach, Religious Education Committee, Retreats, Security, Sick and Homebound, Social/Entertainment, Stewardship, Understanding Our Catholic Faith, Wedding/Anniversaries, and Young Adults. A Bilingual Mass (Spanish and English) was first offered at 9:00 AM on July 4, 1993 and continues to this date.