Angels in Christ

Pros

• They feel at home in the church, describing it as peaceful and beautiful.
• The community is welcoming and supportive, including toward families with autistic children.
• The crying room is a valued feature that lets families attend Mass comfortably.
• Kneelers for receiving Communion are a welcomed addition.
• The parish is led by Capuchin Franciscans and is dedicated to serving the working poor.
• It is a small church with a big heart and a close-knit, caring community.
• Our Lady of the Angels is a cherished home with deep family roots and many sacraments celebrated there.
• The priests are kind, attentive, and genuinely invested in people's needs.
• The church offers meaningful spiritual experiences, including confessions and Mass.
• Festivals and family events are well-organized and memorable.
• The church is historic, beautiful, and consistently described as a holy place.
• Visitors and locals alike find the atmosphere welcoming and warm.

Cons

• They really prey on their older members who can no longer attend Mass by expecting them to tithe regularly.
• It is easily one of the poorest parishes in San Antonio.

Review

Our Lady of the Angels stands out in memory as more than a church - it feels like a home. For many who grew up around its doors, the parish has been a steady, welcoming presence where spiritual life unfolds in a warmly intimate way. People describe it as a place where the kindness of the community shines through in everyday moments: caretaking priests, friendly staff in the office, and a sense that you're part of a larger family when you walk in. It's a sanctuary where the rhythms of Catholic life - masses, confessions, baptisms, and weddings - are woven into the fabric of daily life, and where the feeling of belonging persists long after a visit ends.

Accessibility and inclusivity appear as hallmarks of the parish experience. One person highlights a crying room that offers a place to sit and attend Mass when a child or family member with autism or other needs is present. That small detail speaks volumes about the church's willingness to adapt to families - so that everyone can participate and feel included. The community has also added practical features for liturgical participation, such as kneelers for receiving Communion, which many find helpful and meaningful. And there's a sense of pride in the church's distinctive identity - a small church with a big heart, famously summarized in the motto Tu Iglesia peque?a con un corazon GRANDE.

The parish's life extends well beyond Sunday liturgies. Several reviewers speak with affection about the ongoing commitment to service, especially to the working poor. The sense is not only of spiritual nourishment but of concrete, daily support for those who need it most. In San Antonio, this parish is described as one of the poorer yet vibrant communities, a place where resources are put toward service rather than excess. The soundscape of the neighborhood - live bells that can be heard blocks away - adds to the sense of continuity and community, a constant reminder of tradition and place that anchors people to their roots and to each other.

The history of the church holds a cherished place in the hearts of longtime parishioners. One storyteller recalls growing up in the area since 1956, when the current church succeeded a nearby St. Joseph's Chapel, and notes the deep personal connections formed there. The writer remembers altar servers at early Masses, Fr. Marnan, and the Our Lady of the Angels parish that has endured for decades. Even after nearly eight decades, the writer still loves attending Mass there when in town, underscoring the enduring pull of familiar spaces and the continuity of faith across generations.

Pastoral leadership emerges as a defining feature of the parish's character. Visitors consistently praise the friars - especially the Capuchin Fathers - for their warmth, attentiveness, and hands-on care for parishioners' needs. The invitation to speak with the Fray if something is keeping someone from full participation captures a philosophy of approachable pastoral care. One reviewer notes, "If something is keeping you away from the fullness of the Church, speak with the Fray," a simple invitation that speaks to a culture of listening and responsiveness. The overall impression is that the Father is "real good," a shepherd who pays attention to people and their concerns and who embodies the faith in a tangible, relational way.

Community life at Our Lady of the Angels also reflects a vibrant blend of worship, family milestones, and social ties. The parish is described as friendly and welcoming to both new and returning members, with a sense that you're part of a living, loving community. There is pride in the parish office's openness and friendliness, which helps newcomers feel at ease as they begin or renew their involvement. The church's beauty and peaceful atmosphere - "a real holy place" - complement the practical, everyday acts of faith and service that define the community's life. For many, the Mass itself is meaningful - the way the priest speaks, the atmosphere, and the kindness of others create a sense of belonging that reinforces faith in a tangible, relational way.

Alongside the celebration of faith, some reflections acknowledge areas for growth and concern. One reviewer notes that the parish sometimes leans toward keeping older members engaged while ensuring they can contribute through tithes, a sentiment that highlights the ongoing tension between pastoral care and financial realities in a tight-knit community. Yet even this critique sits within a broader narrative of devotion and gratitude - the same voices that celebrate the parish's quiet holiness, its devotion to the Capuchin tradition, and its commitment to serving others also acknowledge the complexities of sustaining a vibrant, inclusive church in today's world.

The experiences shared about the parish's life culminate in a vivid sense of celebration and memory. Festivals - described as "lit" with old-school conjuntos and vivid memories - bring generations together, transforming the church into a place where faith intersects with culture, music, and shared history. People recount family traditions tied to the church: baptisms, first communions, confirmations, weddings, and even funerals - moments that cement the parish as a touchstone of life's milestones. The community's capacity to host such events with warmth and care reinforces the sense that Our Lady of the Angels is not only a place of quiet devotion but a living, joyful center of family life and cultural memory.

In sum, Our Lady of the Angels is remembered as a sanctuary where faith, family, and service converge. It is praised for its welcoming spirit, its inclusive practices, and its leadership by the Capuchin friars who are seen as genuinely attentive to each parishioner's needs. The church is cherished for its modest grandeur, its bells and traditions, and its work to support the working poor. It is a place where childhood memories endure, where fraternal care and open doors invite continued participation, and where the rhythm of parish life - worship, service, and celebration - creates a sense of home for those who belong and a welcoming invitation for those who are seeking.

Located in the outskirts of northeast San Antonio, this neighborhood boasts a variety of amenities within a short distance. With a selection of popular fast-food restaurants nearby, such as Whataburger and Chick-Fil-A, residents can easily satisfy their cravings. Additionally, there are several pharmacies conveniently located for any medication needs. For outdoor activities, multiple parks are within a few miles radius, providing opportunities for relaxation and exercise. In terms of healthcare, there are various physicians' offices in the area for medical care. Cafes like Starbucks offer a cozy atmosphere for socializing or enjoying a cup of coffee. Close to major hospitals such as San Antonio Military Medical Center and Baptist Health Systems, residents can feel assured of access to quality healthcare services when needed. Furthermore, places of worship like Good Shepherd Catholic Church cater to religious practices for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this part of San Antonio provides convenience and essential services that would benefit seniors looking for comfortable living arrangements with easy access to necessary amenities.

Restaurants

• Whataburger (0.2 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.2 miles)
• Wendy's (1.2 miles)
• Wingstop (1.5 miles)
• Panda Express (1.7 miles)
• McDonald's (1.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Walmart Photo Center (4.1 miles)

Parks

• Lou Karden Memorial Park (1.8 miles)
• Converse City Park (1.9 miles)
• Converse Park Playground (2.2 miles)
• Comanche Lookout Park (6.4 miles)
• Nimetz Park (7.6 miles)

Physicians

• Garcia, Alexandra Magenta Health Rittiman Practice (3.4 miles)
• Northeast Prohealth (4 miles)
• Conviva Care Center Live Oak (4.2 miles)
• Medical Center Ophthalmology Associates (4.2 miles)
• Northeast Internal Medical Associates (4.2 miles)
• Carrera Optical (4.6 miles)
• Northeast Pediatric Associates (5.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Kung Fu Tea (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (6.9 miles)
• La Media Luna Cafe (6.9 miles)
• Theory Coffee Company (7.1 miles)
• The Trading Post (7.3 miles)

Hospitals

• San Antonio Military Medical Center-SAMMC (5.3 miles)
• US Army (5.6 miles)
• Baptist Health Systems (7.5 miles)
• Barr & Gossett (8.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Wat Saddhadhamma Buddist (6.4 miles)
• Good Shepherd Catholic Church (7 miles)
• Second Baptist Church (7.8 miles)