About St. Bonaventure · San Antonio, Texas
St. Bonaventure Catholic Church is a bilingual (English/Spanish) parish of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Texas, located at 1918 Palo Alto Road in the 78211 ZIP code on the city's south side. Founded in August 1959 (per GCatholic records), the parish is named for St. Bonaventure (c. 1217–1274), the Franciscan 'Seraphic Doctor,' theologian, and Minister General of the Franciscans. Today the parish celebrates weekend Mass in both English and Spanish, runs an active Faith Formation program, ministers to youth and homebound parishioners, and operates a food pantry serving the wider community.
- Established
- 1959
- Patron
- St. Bonaventure (Giovanni di Fidanza, the 'Seraphic Doctor,' c. 1217–1274)
- Rector
- Rev. Abel Ruiz
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of San Antonio (Metropolitan Archdiocese of San Antonio)
Why belong here
St. Bonaventure is a warm bilingual parish where the Eucharist sits at the center of community life and where longtime parishioners, returning Catholics, and first-time visitors all worship together. The parish pairs weekend Mass in English and Spanish with a full Faith Formation program for children, youth, and adults, weekly Eucharistic Adoration (Wednesdays 9:00 AM–8:00 PM plus one hour before each daily Mass), and a food pantry that serves neighbors in need. Under the protection of St. Bonaventure and the Blessed Virgin Mary, the parish commits its time, talent, and treasure to evangelizing families, accompanying the elderly and homebound, promoting social and environmental justice, and forming lay leaders — making it a strong fit for Catholics seeking a community that lives the Gospel through both worship and service.
Mass times at St. Bonaventure
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
- Saturday: 4:00 PM – 4:50 PM
- Or by appointment: call 210-922-1685
Adoration times
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday through Saturday: one hour before each daily Mass
About St. Bonaventure Catholic Church
St. Bonaventure Catholic Church is a bilingual (English/Spanish) parish of the Archdiocese of San Antonio located at 1918 Palo Alto Road on San Antonio's south side. Founded in August 1959, the parish community is named for St. Bonaventure (c. 1217–1274), the Franciscan theologian and Minister General known as the 'Seraphic Doctor.' Whether you are a longtime parishioner, a returning Catholic, or a first-time visitor, the parish welcomes you to worship centered on the Eucharist and united as the Body of Christ. Under the protection of St. Bonaventure and the Blessed Virgin Mary, members grow in holiness through Sacred Scripture, the Sacraments, prayer, and Gospel-centered service.
- Bilingual parish: English and Spanish
- Founded August 1959 (Archdiocese of San Antonio)
- Named for St. Bonaventure, the 'Seraphic Doctor' (c. 1217–1274)
- Vision: to be 'Compromised Missionary Disciples' serving families, youth, the elderly, and the homebound
Our Patron: St. Bonaventure
St. Bonaventure (c. 1217–1274) was one of the Church's greatest Franciscan saints — a brilliant theologian, a wise leader, and a deeply prayerful man whose writings still help Catholics grow in love for Christ. Born in Bagnoregio in central Italy, he studied in Paris and joined the Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscans), becoming known not only for his sharp mind but for a spirituality that insisted learning should lead to holiness, not pride. In 1257 he was chosen Minister General of the Franciscan Order, where he helped unify the friars by calling them back to a balanced life of prayer, humility, and mission.
- Wrote the official biography of St. Francis, the Legenda Maior
- Author of The Journey of the Mind into God (Itinerarium Mentis in Deum)
- Named Cardinal by Pope Gregory X
- Died during the Second Council of Lyons in 1274
- Feast day celebrated July 15
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Faith Formation at St. Bonaventure is dedicated to helping parishioners of all ages grow in their Catholic faith through prayer, study, and community. The parish offers age-appropriate classes and resources for children, youth, and adults — including sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation — along with opportunities for lifelong growth in Scripture, Catholic teaching, and lived discipleship. Families and individuals are supported through ministries, faith sharing, and ongoing formation activities. The Faith Formation office can be reached at 210-922-1882 ext 205.
- Children's catechesis
- Sacramental preparation: First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation
- Adult faith formation
- Youth Ministry for ages 13–17 (weekly Youth Nights in the gym)
- Young Adult Day Retreats (ages 15–24, Schuster Hall)
- Estudio Bíblico / Spanish Bible Study (Sundays, Parish Hall, 2:00–4:00 PM)
Youth Ministry
St. Bonaventure's Youth Ministry welcomes young people ages 13–17 from the parish and the wider community — parishioners and non-parishioners alike. The ministry runs weekly Youth Nights (Thursdays 6:30–7:30 PM in the gym) and additional events such as parish fundraisers (e.g., snow cone sales). Adult volunteers ages 18 and up are always needed to walk with teens as they grow in a relationship with Christ.
- Open to youth ages 13–17
- Weekly Youth Nights, Thursdays 6:30–7:30 PM, parish gym
- Fundraising events supporting youth activities
- Volunteer opportunities for adults 18+
Sacraments & Liturgies
The parish celebrates the seven Catholic Sacraments and accompanies parishioners through every stage of sacramental life. Baptism welcomes new members into the family of the Church; Confirmation seals the faithful with the Gift of the Holy Spirit; the Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of parish life; Confession is offered weekly and by appointment for the forgiveness of sins; the Anointing of the Sick brings Christ's healing presence to the ill; Marriage unites couples in Christ; and Holy Orders is supported through prayer and discernment. The parish also ministers to families at the time of death through the Catholic Funeral Rites.
- Baptism — first Sacrament of Initiation
- Confirmation — sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit
- Holy Eucharist — source and summit of parish life
- Reconciliation (Confession) — Wed 9:30–11:00 AM, Sat 4:00–4:50 PM, or by appointment
- Anointing of the Sick
- Marriage (Matrimony)
- Holy Orders
- Funerals (Catholic Funeral Rites)
Outreach: Food Pantry & Community Service
St. Bonaventure operates a parish food pantry (Despensa de alimentos) that is fully supported by donations from the community and is open to anyone who needs food. Beyond distributing groceries, the pantry complements its services with nutrition classes, health programs, health events, and special holiday events. The parish's broader outreach — under its bilingual vision statement — also includes accompaniment of the homebound and elderly, promotion of social and environmental justice, and formation of lay leaders.
- Food Pantry (Despensa de alimentos) — open to anyone in need
- Nutrition education classes
- Health programs and health events
- Special holiday events for those served
- Pastoral care of the homebound and elderly
- Social and environmental justice initiatives
Parish Staff & Clergy
The parish is currently served by Pastor Rev. Abel Ruiz, together with three permanent deacons and a lay staff supporting parish operations, faith formation, and youth ministry. The parish has historically been served by CICM (Missionhurst) missionaries, including Fr. Celso Tabalanza, CICM (Administrator) and Fr. Jean-Oscar (J.O.) Nlandu Bayekula, CICM (pastor 2017–2022, now at St. Louis, Castroville).
- Pastor: Rev. Abel Ruiz
- Deacon Fidel Hinojosa
- Deacon Amador Gonzales
- Deacon Luis Arredondo
- Office Manager / Accountant: Cristina Reina
- Administrative Assistant: Frances Martinez
- Faith Formation staff (contact 210-922-1882 ext 205)
Visit, Contact & Office Information
St. Bonaventure Catholic Church is located at 1918 Palo Alto Road, San Antonio, TX 78211. The parish office can be reached at (210) 922-1685, and the Faith Formation office at (210) 922-1882. Office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM (closed for lunch 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM). The parish is closed Mondays and weekends for in-person office visits.
- Address: 1918 Palo Alto Road, San Antonio, TX 78211
- Parish Office phone: (210) 922-1685
- Faith Formation Office: (210) 922-1882
- Parish email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Tue–Fri 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (closed 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM); closed Mon & weekends
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Celso Tabalanza, CICM
Listed as Administrator of St. Bonaventure on older directory pages; CICM (Missionhurst) missionary.
- Rev. Jean-Oscar (J.O.) Nlandu Bayekula, CICM2017–2022
Assigned to the Archdiocese of San Antonio in 2017 and served as pastor of St. Bonaventure until 2022; appointed pastor of St. Louis Church, Castroville, on October 1, 2024. Member of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Missionhurst/CICM).
- Rev. Abel Ruiz
Current pastor per the Archdiocesan San Antonio Catholic Resource Directory (SACRD) listing.