Emmaus

Catholic Parish

Father David M. Leibham (Leeb-ham) has been appointed by Most Reverend Joe Vasquez, the Bishop of Austin to be the pastor of Emmaus Catholic Parish. Since 2016, he has served as the pastor of Santa Cruz Church in Buda. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Austin on July 11, 1987. Father David has served in parishes in Austin, Bremond, Franklin, Giddings, Hearne and Waco.

He was born on December 14, 1961, the second of three children to David and Ann Leibham. His sisters are Barbara and Mary.  He grew up in Crosby, Texas and in Brenham.  After graduating from Brenham High School in 1979 and one year at Blinn Junior College, he entered Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, Texas and after graduation from the University of Dallas he entered the Pontifical North American College in Rome.  He was ordained as a transitional deacon in Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on April 30, 1987.  He returned home and ten weeks later was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John McCarthy at Saint Mary, Immaculate Conception Church in Brenham.  In 1991 Father David completed the licentiate in dogmatic theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

Father David was inspired to enter the priesthood by the example of his parents who instilled in their children an appreciation for the Mass, devotion to the Rosary and caring service to others.  Also, he was encouraged by the example of priests and religious sisters whom he encountered as an altar server and a student in Catholic School.  On May 25, 1987 he met Saint Mother Teresa and he is inspired to imitate her prayerfulness, simplicity and kindness. 

Let us welcome Father David as our pastor!

The Church is open everyday at 8 AM and closes at 6 PM

The parish office is open Monday - Thursday from 9 AM - 4 PM

On the eve of his retirement, Father Samuel shared his thoughts. Click here to watch the video.