Founded in 1972 Saint Brigid Catholic Church in San Antonio has a rich history. Father Pete McKenna had a vision for a parish deeply involved in its community. He emphasized service and stewardship. Parishioners embraced tithing as a way to support the church. This strong foundation continues today.
In 1985 Father McKenna left. A new form of parish leadership was established. Saint Brigid became a Collaborative Ministries parish. Father Tom Flanagan became pastor. Sister Dorothea O’Meara was the pastoral administrator. A Vision Committee was formed to plan for the future. This involved the entire parish.
The 1990s saw significant changes. Father Tom Flanagan received the Monsignor Award. He was later appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Father Leslie Vance became the new pastor. He had been ordained in 1976. He served in several parishes before coming to Saint Brigid.
The 2000s brought a new sanctuary. Groundbreaking took place in August 2000. The dedication followed in August 2002. The church celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2012. It had grown to 2800 households. Many ministries served parishioners and the community.
In the 2010s Saint Brigid started a large evangelization project. This reached out to unchurched and uncatechized Catholics. Father Stuart Juleen became pastor in 2010. He had served the hearing impaired. Father Gilberto Vallejo became pastor in 2020. He had a background in Canon Law. He speaks of his role as collaborator rather than boss.
Saint Brigid’s journey shows a commitment to faith service and community. Its history reflects adaptation and growth. The church’s mission emphasizes total stewardship. This includes financial support time and talents. The vibrant community continues to serve San Antonio. The church remains a beacon of faith in the modern world. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.