Two Communities, One Faith
Serving the families of Elmendorf and Saspamco since [Year]
Saint Anthony of Padua (Elmendorf)
Our Story: A Legacy of Faith
The roots of our parish run deep in South Texas soil, dating back to the mid-19th century. Our community originated in Graytown at St. James Church in 1854, with priestly administration beginning in 1872 under Father C. Jaillets. As the community grew, Father Emilio Chapolard built the first church in Elmendorf in 1896.
Over the decades, our parish has been shepherded by dedicated servants, from the Claretian and Redemptorist Fathers to the Augustinians who arrived in 1962. The church we gather in today is the third to stand on this holy ground; the second church served us from 1922 until the construction of our present sanctuary, which was dedicated on March 3, 1974, by Bishop Patrick F. Flores. Through expansions like the Religious Education Building in 1988, we continue to build on the foundation laid by generations before us.
Patronal Feasts & Traditions
Feast of St. Anthony (June 13): We honor our patron with special liturgies and community gatherings.
Our Lady of Guadalupe: As a vibrant center for cultural traditions, we honor the Patroness of the Americas with deep devotion.
Dedication Anniversary (March 3): We remember the consecration of our beautiful church, a home built by the sacrifices of our families.
Saint Anthony Church Timeline
A rich history dating back to the mid-19th century in Elmendorf, Texas. From its origins in Graytown to the vibrant parish we know today.
The Foundation
The community originated in Graytown at St. James Church. By 1872, priestly administration began under Father C. Jaillets, serving St. Anthony as a mission church.
The First Church
Father Emilio Chapolard oversaw the construction of the very first church in Elmendorf, which was dedicated that year.
Claretian & Josephite Fathers
The Claretian Fathers served the parish for a decade until the Mexican Josephite Fathers assumed administration.
Redemptorist Fathers
The Redemptorist Fathers assumed care of St. Anthony and its surrounding missions.
The Second Church
Father Matthias J. Justen built the second church structure, dedicated by Bishop Arthur J. Drossaerts on March 6th.
Saspamco Mission
Our Lady of Perpetual Help mission was constructed in Saspamco, officially linked to the St. Anthony parish.
Augustinian Fathers
Augustinian Fathers began leading the parish. Father Herman Valladares commuted from St. Benedict’s pending rectory construction.
New Rectory
Father Peter Parra completed and dedicated the new rectory on February 2nd.
Present Church
Construction of the current church began in 1973. It was dedicated on March 3, 1974, by Bishop Patrick F. Flores.
Parish Hall
The Parish Hall was built and blessed by Father Fernandez on May 20th.
Expansion
Father Henry Martinez initiated the concrete parking lot, remodeled the church, and oversaw construction of the current Religious Education Building.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Mission
Deep Roots in Saspamco
Nestled in the heart of Saspamco, this mission stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring faith of the immigrant laborers who built it. Founded in 1923, the mission arose from the spiritual needs of workers at the San Antonio Sewer Pipe Works Company who sought a place to worship. Through the generosity of Lorenzo and Victoria Gonzales, who donated the land, the first Mass was celebrated here on November 13, 1924.
For over a century, this mission has been the heartbeat of the community. When the original church was outgrown in the late 1960s, the community rallied to build a new home, dedicating the present church on March 3, 1974. Today, it remains a beacon of cultural identity, united by a history that is not just about bricks and mortar, but about a spirit of devotion that has survived for generations.
Life at the Mission
Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (June 27): A special time to honor the Mother who has watched over Saspamco for a century.
Passion of Christ Reenactments: A powerful tradition that brings the community together to meditate on the Lord's sacrifice.
Virgen de Guadalupe: Traditional celebrations that blend faith, music, and fellowship, keeping our cultural heritage alive.
The Altar Society: Since 1955, these dedicated women have been the lifeblood of the parish, organizing the festivals and dinners that sustain our mission.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Timeline
Nestled in the heart of Saspamco, Texas, this mission stands as a testament to faith and resilience. Founded in 1923, it arose from the spiritual needs of Mexican immigrant laborers.
The Foundation
The Mission was established in Saspamco to serve the spiritual needs of Mexican immigrant laborers employed by the San Antonio Sewer Pipe Works Company.
The First Mass
The first Mass was celebrated by Bishop Arthur Drossaerts. The land and resources for the church were generously donated by Lorenzo and Victoria Gonzales.
Altar Society Formed
The formation of the Altar Society brought new energy to the parish, ensuring the church's upkeep through festivals and fundraising dinners.
A Time of Transition
The original church was deemed too small and in poor condition. Mass was moved to the newly constructed parish hall.
Parish Hall Expansion
Under Father Pedro Parra, the parish hall was built and a major remodel undertaken to expand the mission's facilities.
Building the Future
Construction of the present church building began under the guidance of Father Severiano Fernandez.
Dedication Day
The new church building was officially dedicated by Bishop Patrick F. Flores, marking a new chapter for the community.
Continued Growth
The parish hall was fully completed, followed by further improvements including a new Religious Education facility in the 1980s.
