Meet our Pastor & Church Leaders

Welcome to St. Anthony Parish! I'm so glad you are here. I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself and share a few thoughts with you as you contemplate visiting or joining our friendly, faithful community.

I grew up in Marin County, part of an Air Force family, living in a few different residences over the years, in and outside of California. I was ordained in the Archdiocese of San Francisco and have served as Parochial Vicar and Pastor to several parishes in the Bay Area. Prior to my arrival at St. Anthony I spent 18 months on active duty as a chaplain for the California Army National Guard on the peace keeping mission in Kosovo.  I've had the fortune of engaging with people of many cultures and backgrounds, as well as maintaining deep roots in the Bay Area. I've found that though each of us are different, we universally share the experience of facing life's difficult seasons. At times it can seem that today's world presents us with more challenge than ever before. In the midst of worry and uncertainty, people need an anchor, a place of refuge where they can grow in faith and relationship with Christ, and share their faith in Christ with others—a place where they feel safe and nurtured. I feel St. Anthony can be that unique safe haven for you.

Formed in a Vatican II seminary, I believe parish life and faith development are a collaboration between pastor and parishioner, between parishioner and parishioner. I have learned much from the active women and men in all the parishes I have served, and particularly here at St. Anthony. Here you’ll find a hospitable, welcoming community where everyone knows your name. And, our smaller size affords you greater interaction with me and fellow parishioners to help enrich and support your faith journey. Over the years, I’ve learned everyone is at a different place on their journey, from disbelief, to knowing Christ intimately. I seek to meet people where they are, without judgement, and guide them to the next step—one that is unique to them and their situation—helping them to live their questions in the hope of discerning an answer. Faith is an internal growth experience and an external witness experience when we extend ourselves to others, sharing our time, resources and talents. And, it is that type of faith and outreach that I strive to cultivate in the lives of parishioners here. Though we may be small in numbers, we are mighty in action as we actively practice our faith through stewardship (caring for others) in many areas of the local community.
 
St. Anthony is the kind of parish where you must come and see; come and see who we are and how we practice faith in concert with the universal church. I hope you will visit. I very much look forward to meeting you.— Father Larry Hendel, Pastor