St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church - San Antonio, Florida

Richard

We were members of this church. We were married by Father Gary and had our first daughter baptized by Father Gary. My wife called this woman Sandy to inquire about having our second daughter baptized by Father Gary. Sandy is the rudest person we have ever dealt with. She’s on a power trip and basically told us that we aren’t allowed to have our daughter baptized here. Father Gary married us at the Abbey, baptized our daughter at St. Anthony’s, and told us we could go to mass at the Abbey as it is affiliated with St. Anthony’s. I also am a Saint Leo alumni and the Abbey has significant meaning to us.

Now Sandy told us the Abbey isn’t a church and doesn’t count as going to mass… WHAT?!?

Sandy is absolutely terrible and she should not be working here. How is she employed to grow the young catholic community when she’s on this power trip to deny families of getting their children the Sacrament of Baptism. We’re so disappointed with this woman and St. Anthony’s and will never support this church ever again. It’s sad that she is causing people to not want to be part of the church. She criticized my wife and I and said we weren’t proper Christians. Excuse me?

If St. Anthony’s wants to continue to grow and bring in younger members, Sandy needs to go.

We shred our experiences with family and friends who have been long members of St. Anthony’s. No longer will we or they support this church spiritually or financially.

Melissa Osborne

Absolutely terrible experience with Sandy the secretary at this church. I called on behalf of a very sick individual who is terminal who was requesting prayer and communion from a priest. Sandy would not let me get in a word and kept demanding that I give her the persons name so she can check to see if he is a member of the church before she would be willing to even hear the situation. She told me she would not allow a priest to come out unless he was a member, even when I told her that I spoke with the priest first. She then proceeded to yell at me and then hang up on me after I told her this is not very Christ-like.

A true Christian would NOT turn down an opportunity to share the Gospel and pray with an individual who is nearing the end of a terminal illness. Shame on St. Anthony’s of Padua. I know my Christian church would never ever turn someone away who wasn’t a member. Jesus never turned people away who sought him out. This church is despicable.

Reshma

My husband and I recently moved to Wesley Chapel and we have been here a few times and absolutely love it here. The priests are very warm, welcoming, and friendly. The church had a beautiful grotto as well. We enjoy attending mass here, a beautiful parish we are considering to join.

John Farmer

It's a wonderful church. The parishioners are respectful and friendly. The main priest, Father Gary, is so quick witted and smart and yet so relatable when he speaks. I always feel when I enter that building, that I am entering the house of God. When it is empty, there is such sweet peace, and when it it full, what vibrant life. I love my church.

James P Lyons

I used to go there for 18 years. Father Gary is fine at the pulpit telling jokes or having a beer with him in a bar if that is what you want in a priest. I do not. I want a real relationship with someone that can lead me to God and cares about me. I must have introduced myself to him 8 to 10 times. He never even tried to learn my name. He is really poor at getting to know you as an individual unless you are in his inner core. I gave up. I go to St Rita’s and the Abbey now. I really hope he takes my criticism at heart. I am praying for him and the fine parishioners there.

Lourdes Pereda

Family oriented Parish! All are welcome with loving hearts and open arms. My husband and I have been attending St Anthonys for 15 years now. Love their Women’s Club!

Brenda Della Penna

Loved the small town church and Father Gary is the best. Music was way too slow...... Whoever is the organist, he needs to get metronome.

Kathleen Hoffman

We love visiting St. Anthony when we are at Mom and Dad's. Always feel welcome and the service is similar to home so we don't feel like strangers!