Our History

The parish concept began to unfold in July, 1966 when approximately six acres of land was purchased from Mrs. Dorothy Thompson. Father Leonard Reisz, who was pastor at St. Pius Tenth parish in Calvert City at the time, was instrumental in finding the land and arranging its purchase.

The Land Between the Lakes was developing and with the influx of visitors, particularly during the summer months, the need for a convenient place for Sunday Mass became obvious.

Plans evolved for the construction of a pavilion. This was a building consisting of a metal frame and roof with a concrete slab. This building was constructed in the Spring of 1968 and became known as the open air church. Mass had been offered in the open air during the previous summer also.

Beginning in 1968, Msgr. George H. Hancock, who was the Chancellor of the Diocese in Owensboro at that time, traveled to Grand Rivers every weekend during the summer months to offer Mass in the pavilion and at a second one in Aurora (St. Henry's).

During the first two summers he slept in a pup tent on Saturday nights to be available for Sunday morning Mass. The next two summers he advanced to a larger tent that also served as a Saturday night rectory. Later, as resources allowed, a used mobile home was moved in, which still serves as the parish rectory.

People came to the pavilion dressed as they were, bringing their own chairs and blankets to sit on, others stood, during the Mass. People from many parts of the country came together as a community of faith at Holy Mass. God was praised and glorified in an open-air pavilion in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. This pavilion served the needs of the tourists and the area people until 1985 when it was judged that there were enough Catholics to accommodate a year-round church. The pavilion was enclosed and partially completed. More touches were added in the fall of 1986 and the first Mass was offered on Christmas day, 1986. The final outside completion occurred during the 2001 and 2002 time frame when church lighting, ceiling enclosure, and a separate mezzanine was added.

Daily Mass is now offered along with the 8 am Sunday Mass. A 6 p.m. Saturday evening Mass is also offered during the summer.

A benefactor who gave a substantial contribution toward the building of the church suggested the name, St. Anthony of Padua. The donation was made through the Extension Society of Chicago.

St. Anthony of Padua actually became a parish by a decree of the Bishop dated September 4, 1987. The parish was blessed and dedicated by Bishop McRaith on October 19, 1987.

Grand Rivers, KY

SEXUAL ABUSE POLICY: Sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable person is a crime according to both state and Church law, and there is help and healing possible. To report to civil authorities, call local law enforcement at (270) 928-2122 or the Kentucky Child Abuse Hotline:(toll-free: 1-877-KYSAFE1; 1-877-597-2331. To report abuse by Church personnel (paid or unpaid), either past or present, please call the confidential phone line of the Pastoral Assistance Coordinator at 270-852-8380. A full explanation of the Diocese’s response to sexual abuse concerns can be found in the revised sexual abuse policy, effective July 1, 2014, which can be found in the back of church, on the parish bulletin board, in the book rack, in the parish office and also on the diocesan web site (Safe Environment – Diocese of Owensboro (owensborodiocese.org).

About St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

St. Anthony of Padua

Catholic Church

Mass Schedule

Weekday Mass:
Wednesday & *Friday: 9 a.m.
*First Friday of every month-Adoration- After 9 a.m. Mass

Weekend Mass:
Saturday: 6 p.m. (Through Labor Day weekend)

8 a.m (First Saturday of the month)
Sunday: 8 a.m.

Reconciliation:
First Friday of the Month following Mass & Adoration -

9 a.m. or by appointment.

*See monthly calendar for changes or additions to Mass dates and times, such as special Holy Day Mass, etc.

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

1518 J.H. O'Bryan Avenue
PO Box 447
Grand Rivers, KY 42045
(270) 395-4727

Office Hours:

Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Office located at St. Pius X Catholic Church

777 E. 5th Avenue

PO Box 495

Calvert City, KY, 42029
(270) 395-4727

Fax: (270) 395-5747

stpiusx@stpiusx.us

Our History

​​About St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

Mass Schedule

Copyright 2020. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. All rights reserved.

About St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church