About St. Anthony of Padua · Reedley, California
St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Reedley, California, is a vibrant Catholic community founded in 1906 to serve the spiritual needs of local Catholics who previously had to travel long distances for Mass. The parish has grown from its humble beginnings with just 24 families to a multicultural congregation that includes a historic stone church and a modern 985-seat New Church. It is known for its welcoming atmosphere, active ministries, and service to the poor through its St. Anthony’s Food Center. The parish fosters spiritual growth, multiculturalism, and community involvement, welcoming all who seek to deepen their faith.
- Established
- 1906
- Patron
- St. Anthony of Padua
- Rector
- Rev. Denny Joseph RCJ
- Diocese
- Diocese of Fresno
Why belong here
Join a parish that actively fosters spiritual growth through diverse ministries including Eucharistic Ministers, Faith Formation, Lectors, and youth groups. The community welcomes all, regardless of background, and serves the poor through its St. Anthony’s Food Center. With a multicultural presence and a strong emphasis on evangelization and stewardship, the parish offers a family atmosphere centered on prayer, worship, and service to others.
Our Parish Beginnings
The parish was established in 1906 to serve Catholics in the San Joaquin Valley who previously had to travel to Fresno, Hanford, or Visalia for Mass. The first priest, Rev. George P. Seubert, named the church St. Margaret’s in honor of his mother’s patron saint. It was renamed St. Anthony of Padua in 1909 to honor his father’s patron saint. The church was built on 1060 F Street, with construction beginning in 1907 and dedication on May 21, 1911.
Our Parish Today
The parish now operates two churches: the historic stone church and the modern New Church at 1218 N. Frankwood Ave. The New Church was built in 2012 after a capital campaign initiated in the 1980s. The parish continues to grow and serve the community through ministries, outreach, and spiritual formation. The parish is led by Rev. Denny Joseph RCJ, who has served since 2020.
Ministries and Community
The parish is home to a wide range of ministries, including Eucharistic Ministers, Faith Formation Programs, Lectors, and youth groups. The community is multicultural and welcomes all, regardless of background. The parish serves the poor through its St. Anthony’s Food Center and fosters spiritual growth through evangelization and stewardship.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. G.P. Seubert1906-1923
- Rev. Michael J. Stack1923-1924
- Rev. P. Gerald Gay1924-1926
- Rev. John F. Harnett1926-1927
- Rev. P.O. Hassett1927-1929
- Rev. William McLoughlin1929-1937
- Rev. John Walsh1937-1945
- Rev. E.H. Huebbers1945-1949
- Very Rev. Patrick Hannon1949-1968
- Rev. Msgr. Herbert Elmlinger1968-1972
- Rev. Bruno Brzezinski1972-1973
- Rev. Robert R. Vanoncini1973-1983
- Rev. Msgr. Francis G. Tasy1983-2006
- Rev. Jose de Jesus Reynaga2006-2007
- Rev. Msgr. John Esquivel2007-2020
- Rev. Denny Joseph2020-Present
RCJ