New pastor to serve two local churches

The Catholic community of Gonzales welcomes its new pastor, The Rev. Martin J. Leopold, as he begins his ministry at St. James and Sacred Heart churches.

A native of Boerne, Leopold comes here from the Church of the Holy Spirit in San Antonio.

"We look forward to sharing with him experiences from along the road that has brought him to us," a local member said. "For his part, he is excited to learn with us the art and skills of pastoral leadership. Please join our community in welcoming Father Martin to Gonzales."

Leopold has completed studies at Regina Apostolorum University in Rome, Tantur Ecumenical Institute for Theological Studies in Jerusalem and Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio. He also is certified in hospital chaplaincy and has undergone intensive Spanish language and cultural training.

In addition to his ministry at the Church of the Holy Spirit, he has helped with St. Margaret Mary's, St. Vincent de Paul's, the Hispanic Telecommunication Network, St. Thomas Moore's, St. Bonaventure's and the Archdiocesan Tribunal.