Our Parish

Rev. Joseph M. Nettekoven, Pastor

Ordained in 1975

I grew up in Whittier, Ca. and went to Cal State University in Fullerton. I was in Berkeley for 5 years and then St. John's in Camarillo for my seminary training. I was ordained in 1975 and was first assigned to the Navajo Reservation at St. Paul's Mission in Crownpoint, New Mexico. I came to the Diocese of Orange at it's inception in 1976 assigned to Our Lady of Fatima in San Clemente, then St. Polycarp in Stanton, St. Martin de Porres in Yorba Linda, St. Irenaeus in Cypress, and Holy Spirit in Fountain Valley. I was pastor at St. Justin Martyr in Anaheim for 18 years before coming to San Antonio de Padua. I have been so graced by so many 'knocking' at my door in all my experiences as a priest. It is my hope and prayer that we all may be open to the graced opportunities that God will present to us as we open the door to Him and each other here at San Antonio de Padua. God Bless you all. Fr. Joe

Rev. Ben P. Tran, Parochial Vicar

Ordained in 2006

Soon after his family arrived in the United States to escape the Vietnam War, Fr. Ben was born, Benjamin Phillip Tran, in Harrisburg, PA in 1975. He was the 6th of eight children. At the age of four, his entire family moved to sunny Orange County. It was during high school that he felt a "nudge" to consider the priesthood. He applied to Queen of Angels Minor Seminary in San Fernando, CA. After graduating, he decided that priesthood was not for him and pursued other personal endeavors. But during his years out in the secular world, he had a deep spiritual conversion. He felt the all deep abiding mercy and unconditional love of the Lord. God was undeniably real and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit prompted him to consider the priesthood again. He applied to St. John's Seminary College in Camarillo, CA; where he received his BA and continued on to earn his Master's Degree in the Theologate program. He was ordained as priest on June 10, 2006. Prior to serving at San Antonio de Padua Church, he served at two other parishes, St. Callistus and Holy Spirit Church. Fr. Ben's hobbies are singing praise and worship and jamming with his guitar. He also loves the outdoors, whether it be hiking, camping, playing sports, or traveling, he has even tried sky diving. His favorite motto is "God is good! All the time!"

Rev. Seamus A. Glynn, Pastor Emeritus

Ordained in 1958

Father Seamus Glynn was born at Lisacul, in county Roscommon, Ireland. He was educated at Saint Nathy's College, Ballaghaderreen, and at Saint Peter's Seminary, Wexford. He was ordained a Priest for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles on June 8, 1958. He was assigned to the Los Angeles parishes of Our Lady of Loretto, Divine Saviour, Holy Spirit and Saint Alphonsus as well as Saint Cornelius in Long Beach and Saint Bonaventure in Huntington Beach. He was appointed pastor of San Antonio Parish on September 23, 1977 where he served until his retirement on June 30, 2008.