Connecting Neighbors: Father Joshua Maria Santos

Father Joshua Maria Santos did not find himself outside his comfort zone when he first came to the United States from the Philippines.   He was first assigned to a Catholic church in California in a community with a large Filipino population. It was as if he hadn’t left his homeland. Life was great!

A few years later he was re-assigned to a parish in Salt Lake City, and in 2019 reassigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Hyde Park, Utah. These experiences have continued to be positive for him. However, after only being here for a few months, the COVID pandemic hit. That change led him to experience the value of real community.  As it turned out, St. Thomas Aquinas became a distribution point for food and supplies to those in need. Volunteers from across the valley continued to show up to contribute, sort, and deliver food to people all over the valley, even extending to Brigham City and Preston. Service is not about what faith you practice; it is just about helping others.

Father Joshua’s message is, “Faith matters, especially in these trying times, and our faith should lead us to be the kind of people who are always ready to love and care for our neighbors, especially those who are considered as the least, the last and the lost.”

You are welcome to contact Father Joshua by email at [email protected], or by contacting St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church at 435-752-1478.