Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Saint Anthony of Padua Parish has become a beacon of faith and hope in the northwest Las Vegas Valley. Like many young parishes, its story began with humble beginnings. Recognizing the growth in this area, the Archdiocese purchased land for future parish expansion, but the first Masses were celebrated at Centennial High School, where parishioners gathered in the theater and gymnasium.

From those first celebrations with approximately 300 people, the parish has experienced remarkable growth. This past Easter, more than 1,850 people attended just one of the parish's Easter Masses - a testament to the vibrant faith community that has taken root.

In February 2016, Saint Anthony moved into its multipurpose building, providing a temporary home for worship and parish life, while continuing to use Centennial High School for faith formation. A few years later, meeting and classroom spaces were added. As the parish continued to grow, so too did its vision for the future: one day building a permanent church that would serve generations to come.

Like many growing parishes, however, that vision could not move forward until existing debt was addressed.

The Challenge

Transparency is essential whenever a parish faces long-term debt. Over time, parishioners may forget - or never have known - how the debt originated. Helping the community understand both the history of the debt and the opportunities that lie ahead is an important step toward building trust and unity.

The Solution

Before launching a campaign, Saint Anthony conducted a comprehensive feasibility study to listen to parishioners, evaluate support, and identify questions that needed to be addressed. It became clear that an intentional Education Phase was essential to explain the history of the debt, the parish's present financial position, and the vision for the future. This would build upon the feasibility study and lay the foundation for a strong campaign.

The Stronger Upon This Rock campaign was then launched.

Through the extraordinary generosity of its parishioners, the campaign raised nearly $6 million, eliminating the debt associated with the multipurpose building and significantly reducing the remaining land purchase debt.

Today, Saint Anthony of Padua Parish is well on its way to financial freedom. As the remaining debt is retired, the parish can turn its attention toward the next exciting chapter – building a permanent church that will serve its growing community for generations to come.