San Francesco Di Paola Catholic Church — Local services in San Antonio

We normally attend St. Joseph, decided to attend mass here for the Feast of St. Francesco di Paola (4/6/14). Italian-Americans are certainly more outgoing than German-Americans. Several parishioners came up to us, introduced themselves, and warmly welcomed us. It was interesting to listen to their stories of being 2nd & 3rd generation parishioners, weddings, etc. Everyone was very nice and they seemed to like Father Tony (the new priest). The church itself is very simple but nice. White on the inside with chandelier lights & stained glass windows but nothing extraordinary. The stations of the cross were in Italian. Mass was in English, Spanish, & Italian, but I think that was due to the special occasion. There was a St. Francis relic & a sandwich lunch/dinner after, which was a bit disorganized. I overheard some parishioners say it was never that disorganized before & that the food was always good. Either way...

I’m not sure what the issue is with the couple of haters in older reviews, but they obviously have issues that transcend their Christian beliefs. I have been going to this church since I was a small child in the 50’s. It has seen good times and not so good times, primarily from the changing demographic in the area. The history of the builders and their families is what makes this a rich, vibrant place for the community. Sorry if you had a bad perception but look inward...

There has been more love of God and family in this church that you can imagine. I hope it survives the current decline in attendance and that the Italian community, of which this church was built, and that started with a couple of dozen families, now numbering in the thousands, continues to ensure this remains a place to celebrate faith and the fortune that American brought to these...

If I could give NEGATIVE stars for this place, I would! The people are unfriendly and rude. We used to attend a few years ago when they had a regular Priest who was very nice and SPIRITUAL. Back then, the mass and the music were beautiful. The organist, Andrew, was an exceptionally gifted and talented musician and the choir, as well as the hymns they sang, were the best we have ever heard ANYWHERE. Unfortunately, he and the former priest are no longer there and what we experienced now is a "half-hearted" attempt at Catholicism. They have started using the organ again, but the organist is terrible and the priest(s) and the people are just rude and unfeeling. I think we will just give-up on this place and find...