Saint Anthony of Padua

Parish Overview

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church serves the city of Liberal in Seward County, Kansas, as one of the largest and most ethnically diverse parishes of the Diocese of Dodge City. The parish counts roughly 3,548 registered households and ministers in both English and Spanish. Its pastor, Rev. Charles Seiwert, is assisted by two permanent deacons, Dcn. Victor Mencos and Dcn. Ruben Sigala, and a multi-person office and faith-formation staff. The current worship site is at 1510 N. Calhoun Avenue; the rectory is across town at 1230 N. Pershing.

History of St. Anthony of Padua Parish

The parish marked its centennial on June 12, 2016, when Bishop John B. Brungardt celebrated an Anniversary Mass and praised its 'faith-filled history of school, of three church buildings; welcoming new immigrants from around the world.' Generations of religious sisters, brothers, and priests have served the community over the decades. At the centennial, parish historian Tim Wenzl published a book on the parish's history, copies of which remain available. Two years later, on June 12, 2018, the parish celebrated its Patronal Feast together with the 25th anniversary of ordination of then-pastor Rev. James Philip (Jim) Dieker.

• Centennial Mass — June 12, 2016, celebrated by Most Rev. John B. Brungardt
• Three church buildings over the parish's lifetime
• Multi-ethnic identity shaped by waves of immigrants from around the world
• Book on parish history by historian Tim Wenzl published for the centennial
• Father Henry Hildebrandt (former pastor) remembered at the 2016 centennial; died March 26, 2016
• Father Jim Dieker's 25th priestly anniversary celebrated June 12, 2018

Parish School of Religion (Religious Education)

The Parish School of Religion (PSR) assists parents in passing on the Catholic faith to children in both English and Spanish. The program offers First Communion and Confirmation preparation tracks, with separate class schedules for each language. Sacramental preparation is open to any registered child, and the parish stresses that parents should be attending Mass with their students; after three absences, the family meets with the pastor and DRE. Registration typically opens in late July/early August and is announced in the parish bulletin.

• First Communion preparation — English and Spanish tracks
• Confirmation preparation — English and Spanish tracks
• DRE: Veronica Vazquez — Religious Education Office, (620) 624-1552
• DRE Assistant: Gabby Urquidi

Becoming Catholic — RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the parish's formal process for those exploring the Catholic faith, whether unbaptized, baptized in another Christian tradition, or baptized Catholic adults who have not yet received First Communion. The English group meets on Thursday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, beginning in early September and continuing through Easter of the following year. The Spanish-speaking group meets on Sunday evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Participants attend the 9:00 AM (English) or 11:00 AM (Spanish) Sunday Mass during the journey and receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil.

• English RCIA contacts: Lupe or Ruben Sigala, (620) 655-3667; Dan Diepenbrock, (620) 629-5238
• Spanish RCIA — Domingo, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
• Year-long Journey of Faith running September through Easter
• Open to unbaptized adults, baptized non-Catholics, and Catholic adults seeking First Communion

Parish Staff and Clergy

The parish is served by a pastor, two deacons, a Director of Religious Education, and a full office team. Pastoral and administrative staff listed on the parish website include Rev. Charles Seiwert (Pastor), Dcn. Victor Mencos, Dcn. Ruben Sigala, Maricruz Aguirre (Administrative Assistant & Bulletin), Jessica Rivero (Accounting and Business Assistant), Veronica Vazquez (DRE), Gabby Urquidi (DRE Assistant), Lorena Lozoya and Diana Alonso (Receptionists), and Adolfo Guerrero and Andrea Oropeza (Maintenance). The diocese directory also notes Maricruz Aguirre as the main Administrative Assistant and Jessica Rivero as Bookkeeper and Development Assistant.

Parish Office and Contact

The parish office is at 1510 N. Calhoun Avenue, Liberal, KS 67901, and can be reached at (620) 624-4135. The Religious Education Office has a separate line at (620) 624-1552, and the rectory is at 1230 N. Pershing, (620) 624-7846. Office hours are Monday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, and Tuesday through Friday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (closed for lunch 12:00–1:00 PM). Fax: (620) 624-3553.

Parish Identity and Community Life

Bishop Brungardt's centennial homily captured what defines St. Anthony of Padua: 'a wonderful, challenging faith-filled history of school, of three church buildings; welcoming new immigrants from around the world; the sacramental life, religious congregations.' That identity remains visible today in the parish's bilingual schedule, the Guatemalan folkloric dancers at its major celebrations, the variety of Mass intentions listed in its bilingual bulletin, and the steady rhythm of ministries — Parish School of Religion, RCIA, perpetual Adoration, Pastoral and Finance Councils, and Stewardship — that sustain its 3,500-plus registered households.