Our Parish
The patron saint of our parish is St Rose, the patron saint of embroiderers, gardeners, and florists. She is also the patron saint of Peru and all of South America. Since childhood, St Rose’s intention was to follow examples of St. Catherine of Sienna. When St. Rose was five years old, she consecrated her virginity to God, and was such a perfect hand-maiden of the Lord, that during her whole life, she never offended Him by a mortal sin, nor even intentionally by one that was venial.
For more information and prayers to St Rose of Lima, click here.
Parish History
St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church began as a parish on September 29, 1981, by the decree of
Archbishop Patrick F. Flores, DD (born 26 Jul 1929, died 9 Jan 2017). The parish was taken
from the western sections of Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Monsignor Kevin Ryan was
appointed as the founding pastor, and served the parish from 1981 to 1991. In February 1982, the
parish acquired 10.3 acres of land to serve as the site for future buildings. Initially gatherings
took place at the “Pete and Bernice Pavilion”, but later, an old barracks building was acquired
and used as a worship space for 5 years. In 1987 the present Parish Hall was built and utilized as
a meeting space and a worship space, until the building of the current church in 2005.
The parish originally started with only 350 families but has grown to well over four thousand
families. A Religious Education Center, with 16 classrooms and an office, was completed in
1997, to care for the thousands of children registered in religious education. On December 4,
2005 Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, STD dedicated the present day church which is one of the
largest in the Archdiocese of San Antonio.
Monsignor Juan I. Alfaro was appointed pastor in November 1991 and led the parish until June
30, 2016. It was under his leadership and vision that in 1996 additional land, 3.5 acres, was
obtained for the present day church. And in October, 2013 an additional 13.9 acres of land was
purchased adjacent to the parish for future expansion.
Father Virgil Elizondo was assigned to the parish as Parochial Vicar in 1996 until his passing in 2016. From 1997 to 2008, Monsignor Juan Alfaro welcomed the service of priests from the
Philippines, who helped meet the growing needs of the community.
St. Rose of Lima also has been blessed with many deacons who have served and continue to
serve the community.
Parish activity has continued to grow with the involvement of over 800 adults in various
ministries, groups, organizations, and services. St. Rose of Lima Church was named an
“Excellent Parish” in a national survey in 2001.
Father Steven Anthony Gamez served as pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish from July 1, 2016 to
June 30, 2021.
Father Victor Valdez is now the current pastor and shepherd serving the community of St. Rose
of Lima.