In the News ... "Monsignor ends 55-year career"

OA Photo by Mark Sterkel

• Bridges credited with founding Helping Hands, West Texas Food Bank

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
• Odessa American

MIDLAND, TEXAS - As the first priest ordained in the new San Angelo Diocese on May 26, 1962, Monsignor James P. Bridges has followed that distinction by serving as pastor of the diocese’s biggest parish for 21 years and starting the West Texas Food Bank in Odessa and the Helping Hands financial assistance and emergency housing organization here.

Retiring July 1 as pastor of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, the 87-year-old native Lamesan also served in Odessa at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was the founding priest of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church there ...

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