The People

Two Communities, One Faithful Family

Welcome to the united Catholic community of St. Anthony of Padua in Elmendorf and Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) in Saspamco. While we worship at two different altars, we are one family in Christ, operating under the shared pastoral care of Father Fidèle O. Dikete.

We are not just buildings, but a living mission. Whether you join us for the Saturday Vigil at St. Anthony’s or the Sunday midday Mass at the historic mission in Saspamco, you are entering a community dedicated to becoming a beacon of light, hope, and faith to all who come.

St. Anthony Catholic Church

The community at Saint Anthony serves as the vibrant pulse of Elmendorf, a congregation where deep-rooted tradition fuels active discipleship. As the central hub of the parish, these families form a bustling network of faith, constantly engaged in spiritual formation and community fellowship. They are a multi-generational gathering of believers who view their parish not just as a place of worship, but as a home for growth—driving the religious education programs and diverse ministries that serve the wider region. It is a welcoming and active community, united by a shared commitment to living out their faith through service and connection.

Worship: Home to our Saturday Vigil (5:00 PM) and Sunday morning Masses (8:00 AM & 10:00 AM)

Community Spirit: We are the proud home of the annual "Day in Old St. Anthony Fall Festival," a beloved local tradition famous for our BBQ chicken, sausage, and community joy.

Active Ministries: Our parish life is vibrant, featuring the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Guadalupanas, Men’s Club, Altar Rosary Society, and ACTS missions.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Born from the resilience of immigrant laborers in the 1920s, the families of Our Lady of Perpetual Help embody a tenacious and enduring spirit. This close-knit community retains the warmth and intimacy of a family gathering, where neighbors have prayed beside neighbors for generations. They are the proud stewards of a rich cultural heritage, maintaining a "small church" feel where every face is known and every new visitor is greeted with genuine hospitality. While they participate fully in the life of the larger parish, the people of the Mission cherish their unique identity as a testament to the faith and perseverance of their ancestors.

Worship:  We gather for the Holy Mass every Sunday at 11:30 AM.

Devotion: We hold a special Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help every Wednesday.

Service:  The mission maintains its own active Altar Society and Fundraiser Committee, ensuring that this historic "labor of love" continues to thrive for future generations.

Our Shared Mission

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A Beacon of Light, Hope, and Faith Though distinct in location, St. Anthony and OLPH are united in a single goal: To proclaim the Gospel of Christ to our local community in word, deed, and truth.

Together, we strive to:

  • Welcome: Open our doors to individuals of diverse backgrounds, inviting everyone to grow in a relationship with Christ.

  • Nurture: Provide religious education and spiritual development that meets the challenges and wounds of modern life.

  • Serve: Live out the message of Christ through social justice initiatives, youth groups, and young adult ministry.

 

Join Our Family

Whether you are looking for a new spiritual home, returning to the faith, or visiting Elmendorf and Saspamco, there is a place for you here.

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