Meet the Team
Fr. Tony Vilano | Pastor
As a member of an Air Force family, Fr. Tony lived in many places around the world, but he calls San Antonio home. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from UTSA, a Master of Divinity from Oblate School of Theology, and completed his Licentiate in Canon Law from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
He was ordained on May 17, 1996 and began his priestly ministry at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Kerrville. He also served as pastor at St. Rose of Lima in Charlotte and Tilden, St. Mary’s in Fredericksburg, St. Francis Xavier in Stonewall, and St. Ann’s in La Vernia. While serving as pastor of St. Mary’s, he helped give new life and a bright future to their Catholic school, increasing student enrollment four consecutive years and conducting a successful $4.5 million capital campaign to build a state-of-the-art gymnasium and community center.
Fr. Tony was appointed to the San Fernando Cathedral in June 2008. Upon his assignment, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez stated, “His ability to bring people together, developing in them a sense of unity and purpose, will be invaluable as he works with the people of San Fernando, while recognizing their authentic love for God and Church.” During his time at the Cathedral, Archbishop Gomez appointed Fr. Tony as the Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life of the Archdiocese. After Fr. Tony earned his Licentiate in Canon Law in 2013, Archbishop, Gustavo Garcia-Siller appointed Fr. Tony to the Tribunal Office for the Archdiocese where he continues to assist today. The Archbishop assigned Fr. Tony as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi effective July 1, 2016.
“The assignments I have served have helped me in my formation as a priest in the Archdiocese. I learned the importance of investing my time to formulate a homily for weekday and weekend Masses that help the people I serve to understand the Word of God more clearly and apply it to their lives.”
Fr. Jordan Milligan| Parochial Vicar
Fr. Jordan Milligan was ordained on May 20, 2023. On July 1st Fr. Jordan has been immersed into full time parish ministry while here at St. Francis of Assisi. He is originally from New Braunfels, Texas where he grew up and his family still resides. Prior to entering Assumption Seminary, Fr. Jordan earned his Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and Religious Studies from the University of the Incarnate Word.
Upon completion of seminary formation, Fr. Jordan earned a Master of Divinity from Oblate School of Theology. He is also in formation to be a licensed spiritual director through the formation program of St. Peter Upon the Water-Cycle 6.
Though this is his first parish assignment as a priest, Fr. Jordan has been involved in various pastoral placements throughout the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Del Rio, Catholic Charities, St Pius X, San Fernando and the Village of the Incarnate Word to name a few. He currently serves on the Young Adult Advisory Board for Catholic Charities empowering young adult to get involved with social justice service opportunities. In his free time, Fr Jordan enjoys the outdoors, exploring new restaurants, puzzles, and playing board games.
We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him. -1 John 4:16
Miriam Flores | Director of Parish and Family Life
mflores@sfasat.org | Ext. 213
As the Directory of Parish and Family Life, Miriam works to help parishioners engage more fully within the parish community through ministries and parish events. She is the staff liaison to ministry leaders and helps families to honor their loved ones through the planning of funeral liturgies. She has been a part of the Liturgical Environment team since 2018 which plans the prayer-evoking environment within our sanctuary for each liturgical season. Miriam served as the Coordinator for Elementary Faith Formation from May 2008- May 2023.
Miriam earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Rice University in Houston. She is a level 1 Certified Catechist in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, and is a certified teacher in the state of Texas. Miriam continues to advance her knowledge in the field of catechesis through regular professional development opportunities.
When Miriam is away from St. Francis she is enjoying family life with her husband Andy and their four children. Miriam enjoys cooking and loves running into St. Francis parishioners at HEB. Miriam recently took up tap dancing and loves the challenge and exercise that it provides.
“I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to serve this parish in such a diverse way. My goal is to help parishioners make life-giving connections between the parish and their life outside of the church.”
Larry Perry | Director of Faith Formation
lperry@sfasat.org | Ext. 211
Larry Perry has served as Director of Faith Formation Ministries since July 2015. In this role, he leads the faith formation staff and volunteers. In addition, Larry is responsible for the adult and young adult faith formation programs and offerings, including our parish missions, Small Church Communities, reconciliation services, and liturgical planning. He loves being a life-long learner in theology, scripture, and spirituality as well as developing and teaching classes for our adults and young adults. He has served as a member of the RCIA team for more than 25 years and has assisted numerous ACTS retreat teams as a team member and as the spiritual companion.
Larry holds a Master of Divinity degree from Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio. He also holds a diploma in theology from St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland and a diploma in philosophy and theology from St. Patrick’s College, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. In addition to his work on the faith formation staff, Larry serves as a member of the teaching staff for the ACTS Spiritual Companion Formation Program at Oblate School of Theology. When not at St. Francis, Larry enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, working out, and playing golf.
“What a great privilege and pleasure it is to serve the community of St. Francis as Director of Faith Formation Ministries. I cannot think of a more gratifying or fulfilling work to which I could give my time and energy.”
Jordan Lux | Director of Youth Ministry
jlux@sfasat.org | Ext. 216
Jordan Lux is the new youth minister at St. Francis. As the director of youth ministry, Jordan is responsible for coordinating middle and high school teens to grow in their relationship with Christ and providing opportunities to put their faith into action. The focus for youth ministry is evangelization and participation in the Sacramental life and beliefs of the Catholic Church.
Jordan earned a Bachelors of Science in Architecture from Texas A&M University in 2019. He also previously worked as a youth minister at another San Antonio parish, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, for the past 3 years which has helped him grow extremely familiar with the materials used at Life Teen. When Jordan is not at the parish, he enjoys spending time gaming on his PC, reading manga, hanging out with his friends, watching movies, playing pickle ball, and working out. Jordan also has 2 dogs named Amber and Max who he loves to cuddle and sleep on the couch with. As a former teen who attended Life Teen at St. Francis and nephew of Monica Harness (former Youth Minister), Jordan is excited to begin working at St. Francis and giving back to the wonderful community he knows and loves.
Orlando Vera | Director of Music Ministry
overa@sfasat.org | Ext. 210
Orlando Vera recently relocated to San Antonio from Denton, Texas and joined the St. Francis of Assisi staff in November 2022. He has served in Church music ministry for over 20 years, most recently as Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Francis of Assisi in Grapevine and Director of Music at St. Peter’s in Lindsay.
Principally a singer, Orlando has performed as a recitalist and concert soloist in the U.S. and abroad and has performed leading roles in many opera productions. His undergraduate study at the University of North Texas College of Music focused on flute and piano, and his graduate study was in Voice and Opera Performance at Ball State University and the University of North Texas.
Orlando has maintained a private studio and enjoys working with students of all ages. His particular areas of specialty are in vocal pedagogy, early music, and sacred music. Orlando is originally from Lamesa, Texas and enjoys traveling, supporting the arts, spending time with family and friends, and taking care of his cats, Millie, Rooty, and Tooty.
Vonique R. Galdamez | Finance Manager
vrodriguez@sfasat.org | Ext. 208
Vonique, also known as Nikki, has served as on the parish staff since November 2014. As the Finance Manager, her role is responsible for handling the parish’s financial needs. She ensures the community of St. Francis of Assisi are utilizing our monetary resources to live out God’s mission.
Vonique earned a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Sociology from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Through her college studies, she worked part-time at her home parish, St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church in Kingsville, Texas, assisting with administrative work. She was then recruited to teach catechesis and lead youth retreats. She quickly fell in love with doing the Lord’s work and knew He was calling her to work in parish life.
Vonique is married to her husband, Rony, and together they have three children; Trinity, John Paul and Joel. She enjoys spending time with her family especially having family movie and ice cream night. She does not hesitate on an opportunity for a road trip and tends to live life spontaneously.
“I enjoy working for a parish that is always eager to know, love and serve Christ in a more profound way! I am blessed to be able to be a vessel of God’s love in this vibrant community.”
Sierra Machorro | Communications Specialist
smachorro@sfasat.org | Ext. 204
Sierra Machorro is the new Communications Specialist at St. Francis of Assisi. She recently graduated with honors from St. Mary’s University in May with her Bachelors degree in Communications. She previously worked at St. Leonard Catholic Church as their Communications intern where she was able to put her skills to use. In 2022, she was the first intern at U.S. Catholic Magazine. Both opportunities opened many doors that lead her to St. Francis.
In her free time, she enjoys going to concerts or shopping at the mall with her best friend. She also has two cats that she adores. She look forward to learning more about the St. Francis community and growing in her career as well.
Natalie Deatherage | Administrative Assistant
receptionist@sfasat.org | Ext. 203
Natalie joined the parish staff as Administrative Assistant in February 2016. In addition to her administrative skills, Natalie brings a professional, welcoming presence to our office. Natalie is a proud San Antonio native who loves arts and crafts. She also loves dogs, and she enjoys traveling.
“My favorite part of working at St. Francis is the wonderful people I have met here. I am constantly amazed by how active our ministries and organizations are.”
Bianca Martinez | Administrative Assistant
assistant@sfasat.org | Ext. 202
Bianca has been on staff since graduating with a B.A. in English and Theology from St. Mary’s University in June 2016. In 2017 she left for a service year in the Philadelphia-area with Franciscan Volunteers – No Risk, No Gain. She returned to the St. Francis staff in the summer of 2018. She helps schedule baptisms, maintain sacramental records, manage the calendar, and make sure the parishioner database is up to date.
In Bianca’s spare time she enjoys watching horror movies, and collecting and listening to cassettes and vinyl. You’ll also find her crafting, thrift shopping, reading, and avoiding sunlight.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to work at St. Francis of Assisi. I feel as though God has guided me here, and I’m very excited to be working for such a wonderful community. I am thrilled to learn more about parish life and about each parishioner who walks through the door.”
Charles Samuel | Facilities Manager
Charles joined our parish staff in October 2019. He has built up skills and knowledge through his previous work experience that make him extremely qualified for this position.
He and his wife, Jacqueline, have three boys and have been parishioners of St. Francis since 2006. Charles is a member of Knights of Columbus Council 15240, St. Francis CYO Athletic Director, an altar server, and a member of our ACTS community.
“I feel like everything I have worked toward has brought me to this position. I am so happy to be working here.”