St. Leo the Great

Dear St. Leo’s Parishioners,

I am honored to be the new Parochial Administrator of St. Leo the Great Parish and School! I have always admired St. Leo’s as one of the most beautiful churches in our diocese and I look forward to worshipping with you there.

Our patron, Pope St. Leo the Great, was known for his exemplary administrative abilities in leading the Church in the 5th Century. However, he led very differently than popes of his era. In fact, his impeccable abilities granted him the distinction of being known as “The Great.”

What made St. Leo so great? At a time when there was widespread criticism of Church structures and when Church leaders were too preoccupied with temporal matters, St. Leo showed himself to be a great administrator because his leadership was informed by the teachings of Christ alone, promoting peace among brothers and sisters, and devotion to excellent pastoral care. He was a master in uniting his entire work upon the person of Jesus Christ!

That is my motivation as the new spiritual leader of St. Leo’s community. My mission is simply to point each of you to Jesus Christ. When we know Jesus personally, we can do anything!

In addition to my duties as Parochial Administrator of St. Leo, I will remain as the Rector of the Cathedral of Christ the Light and will also assume the role of Parochial Administrator of St. Patrick Parish, located in West Oakland. Yes, that means I am responsible for three independent parishes.

Together we are forming what is called a “Cluster,” which is defined as “two or more parishes that maintain their own identity and name, while sharing a single administration.” In other words, St. Leo’s will continue to be a distinct canonical parish; the Cathedral will continue to be a distinct canonical parish; St. Patrick’s will continue to be a distinct canonical parish. Together you are sharing a single priest administrator – me!

READ FR. BRANDON'S LETTER