St. Patrick Catholic Parish joyfully announces the new priest, Fr. Thomas Kannampilly Anthony, who will begin his ministry with us on July 1st, 2026.
Fr. Thomas was born on July 6, 1979, in Kerala, India. He is very close to his family, and he is blessed with wonderful parents; his father, now 83, and his mother, 80 are very important to Fr. Thomas.
Fr. Thomas holds post‑graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Christian Studies.
He was ordained a priest on December 27, 2005, for the Diocese of Irinjalakuda, beginning what has now become more than 20½ years of dedicated priestly ministry.
During his years in India, Fr. Thomas served as pastor of nine parishes. He also served as Director of Palliative Care/Hospice for six and a half years, ministering to the sick and dying.
In the United States, he served as Associate Pastor at St. John the Baptist Parish in Madison, Alabama, for seven months before being entrusted with the pastoral care of three parishes, Holy Spirit, Winfield; Our Lady of Guadalupe, Haleyville; Holy Family, Fayette. For the past 20 months, he has faithfully shepherded these communities.
We reached out to Fr. Thomas and asked him to tell us a little bit about himself. This was his response: “Thank you for asking! One of the greatest joys of my priesthood is walking with people through the different moments of life — celebrating the sacraments, visiting families, praying with those who are sick or struggling, and sharing in the joys and challenges of the parish community.
I especially enjoy celebrating the Holy Eucharist, preaching God’s Word, and helping people grow closer to Christ. I find great joy in building a welcoming parish family where everyone feels loved, heard, and encouraged in faith.
In my free time, I enjoy quiet moments of prayer and reading, learning about different cultures and traditions, and spending time in conversation and fellowship with parishioners. I also appreciate simple moments of joy and humor, because I believe the Christian life is meant to reflect both faith and hope.”
As Fr. Thomas begins a new chapter at St. Patrick and St. Stanislaus, we welcome him with open hearts. Please join us in praying for him as he begins his ministry and joins our parish family...
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for sending Fr. Thomas to our parish.
Bless his ministry among us, strengthen him in Your grace,
and unite our parish family in faith, hope, and charity.
May St. Patrick guide him, and may the Holy Spirit
lead us all as we begin this new chapter together.
Amen.
