Very Rev. Hank Lech, V.F.

Born in Abilene, Texas, as the eldest and, by his account, the wisest of three children, his upbringing was shaped by the military lifestyle. His father worked for both the Army and the Air Force, which meant frequent moves. After graduating high school in England, his family relocated to Eglin Air Force Base. He pursued his education at Okaloosa-Walton Junior College before completing his degree at the University of West Florida in 1983.

He entered St. Vincent de Paul Seminary and was ordained in May of 1988, receiving his first assignment at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Tallahassee. During his time in Tallahassee, he took a leave from ministry and spent 24 years working for the State of Florida. Upon retiring, he was accepted back into active ministry. For four years, he has faithfully served at St. Rose of Lima Parish and is overjoyed to have returned home to Nativity.

In 2021, Fr. Hank was appointed Pastor of Nativity of our Lord Catholic Church.

In 2023, he was appointed Victar Forane of the Western Deanery of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahasee.