Fr. Diefenbach Legacy Society

Rev. Ralph Jacob Diefenbach established the parish of St. Theresa’s at 6622 Haskell in 1946. Under his 13-year leadership, St. Theresa’s built a new Church, a 17-classroom school, a library, a cafeteria, and a rectory.

Father Diefenbach served as a lieutenant colonel with the 143d Infantry Regiment of the Texas National Guard’s 36th Division. He received international attention shortly after World War II when he returned one of Hungary’s most prized religious relics - the hand of St. Stephen to Josef Cardinal Mindszenty. The relic was removed from its treasure trove during the war and became lost. American soldiers found the relic - the hand of Hungary’s first king - and Father Diefenbach, a chaplain with General George Patton’s Third Army, was assigned to return the legacy prize. He earned several battle stars during World War II.

Father Diefenbach was active in numerous civic and welfare organizations. He graduated from St. Thomas High School in Houston and St. Mary’s Seminary. He was ordained in 1937. Father Diefenbach was killed when his Cessna 170 airplane crashed in Houston shortly after takeoff.

Joining Fr. Diefenbach in the vision he had for the perpetual mission of this Church under the patronage of St. Theresa, the Little Flower

Fr. Diefenbach Legacy Society honors the kindness and willingness of our senior community to provide for future generations. Anyone who leaves the Church in their will or estate plan will be made a member of the Legacy Society. 

Whichever method you choose, you may give an unrestricted gift to be used for an area of greatest need; bequests can be specific, partial, contingent, or remainder.

A Gift in Your Will

​​​​​​Life Insurance Death Benefits

We Can Help 

If you need help with any technical questions regarding a planned gift, contact Johanna Bransford at 713-869-3783 or [email protected]. To make a planned gift, please get in touch with the Church Office at 713-869-3783 or [email protected] to schedule a phone call or appointment with Fr. Phil.