St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Newsletter — April 2021

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2021

Celebrating the Easter Season as a Grateful Stewardship Parish PAGE 2 Our Annual Stewardship Renewal: Discipleship in the Risen Christ PAGE 3 Our Annual Stewardship Renewal: Thanking God for the Blessings He has Bestowed on Us PAGE 4

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But I’m Already Involved...

Why Our Stewardship Renewal is Important PAGE 6

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Discipleship IN THE RISEN CHRIST

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his time last year, a global pandemic had just begun changing the way people all over the world live — and worship. While St. Anthony of Padua, like all Catholic churches, had to adapt to new ways of serving God’s people, one thing remained the same — the strong faith of our parish family. With this year’s Stewardship Renewal upon us, we look forward to the continued spiritual growth that is sure to take place in our community.

While our annual Stewardship Renewal usually takes place in the fall, Fr. Tom Donovan decided to wait for the Easter season this year. As our country looks forward with hope this spring to a return to some normalcy, we have a special opportunity to reflect on our lives as disciples of Christ.

“Things have been dormant for a while, but everything is going to start coming alive again soon,” Fr. Tom says.

“Literally, we are restarting everything, so this is a time that matches the season.

We’re coming back to new life now, so let’s look at what the basis of that life is — it is our discipleship in the Risen Lord.”

Fr. Tom hopes that parishioners will take the time this spring to ground themselves in a deeper understanding of stewardship as a reflection of our desire to live as disciples of Christ. This approach to service is not focused on “doing” but on “being” — being followers of the Lord fully alive and in relationship with Him. “We have a lot of people who are willing to do anything for us, but they understand it as a ‘doing, doing, continued on page 7

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Celebrating the Easter Season as a

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his year, just as April gets underway, we know that we will soon enter the Easter season. This is a hopeful and joyous time for us as Easter people because we confidently know that through the grace of God, we will reach eternal life with Him. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate Christ’s resurrection, through which He broke the chains of sin and death, opening for us the way to eternal life. Yet, His mission was not over.

He was back with His disciples, showing them that what had been promised to their fathers had been fulfilled.

However, we know there is still more. As a stewardship parish and as faithful disciples, we recognize that God’s gifts never stop being poured out — even in the face of uncertain times, just like those we have faced over the past year. In turn, we must never stop thanking Him for His gifts.

This is an essential part of celebrating the Easter season, and is central to the theme of this year’s Stewardship Renewal: Discipleship in the Risen Christ.

After all, we cannot know of His promises or gifts without sharing them. This is what it means to proclaim the Good News of our faith, living it out as stewards with our very being. We share our time, talents, and treasure — God’s

gifts to us — with our parish and community, out of gratitude for what He has so generously given.

The season of Easter — during which we are holding this year’s Stewardship Renewal — offers us an ideal time to reflect on our lives as disciples and to commit, or re-commit, ourselves to Christ through sharing our stewardship gifts.

Let us ask ourselves: • “How can I grow in my relationship with God through prayer and increase the time I spend in prayer?”

• “How can I serve God by serving our parish and our wider community, and how may I discern where God is calling me to use my talents?”

• “How can I give back a portion of my treasure in gratitude to God? So, throughout this Easter season, may we continually reflect on how we may live out stewardship in gratitude to God, and may we keep one another in prayer during this moment of renewal in the life of our parish as we celebrate Discipleship in the Risen Christ!

The season of Easter — during which we are holding this year’s Stewardship Renewal — offers us an ideal time to reflect on our lives as disciples and to commit, or re-commit, ourselves to Christ through sharing our stewardship gifts.

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ST. ANTHONY of PADUA a letter from our pastor

Our Annual Stewardship Renewal:

Discipleship in the Risen Christ Dear Parishioners,

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t is with great joy that I invite you to Discipleship in the Risen Christ!

As Easter people, hope is the desire for eternal life with God, knowing confidently that through God’s grace, we will reach it. The knowledge of God’s promises is not something we can possess and not share — rather, it is something that must be proclaimed by our very being. It is the Good News of our faith! Through the message of hope, we realize God has given us so much and He continues to bless us each day.

This year, we have been navigating through unchartered waters. When life becomes difficult, it is easy to become complacent. Yet, this is not God’s will for us. We are called to be people of hope! We are called to respond in gratitude to His blessings in our lives through stewardship. It is through

the practice of stewardship that we can actively pursue eternal life and surrender all that we have to build the Kingdom of God. This Stewardship Renewal is a reminder that God’s gifts never stop being poured out. And, we should never have reason to stop thanking Him. It is my hope that you take this Stewardship Renewal as an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with God in the midst of our rapidly changing world.

Stewardship starts with commitment. Please take the time to read through the enclosed materials and prayerfully consider what will best help you to grow and express your commitment to God over the next year through your Time, Talent and Treasure. Will you commit to spending time with Him in prayer every day?

Will you express gratitude for your talents through serving in our parish ministries? Will you demonstrate your gratefulness through the offertory with intentional giving that reflects a percentage of your income?

Whether you are new to our parish or you have participated in past Renewals, take advantage of this opportunity to commit to a hopeful way of living by filling out a Commitment Card this year.

Let’s keep each other in prayer during this moment of renewal in the life of our parish as we celebrate Discipleship in the Risen Christ!

Sincerely yours in Christ, Fr. Tom Donovan Pastor

“Prayerfully consider what will best help you to grow and express your commitment to God over the next year through your Time, Talent and Treasure.” — FR. TOM DONOVAN

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OUR ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP RENEWAL

Thanking God for the Blessings He has Bestowed on Us

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ou have to take care of yourself before you can take care of those you love. This rationale is difficult for many of us to accept. Mothers and fathers routinely place the needs of their children before their own; soldiers at war often throw their own safety to the wind in the interest of protecting their fellow soldiers. The story of Jesus also focuses on giving to others. If Christ calls us to imitate Him – to become completely selfless – then it would seem that focusing on

ourselves might counteract our efforts as Christians.

Nevertheless, as we enter into our special eight-week Stewardship Renewal, Fr. Donovan is asking us all to focus a bit more on ourselves. No, he’s not encouraging self-centeredness; he’s asking us to examine our own lives and determine the areas that are in need of growth. Before the stewardship way of life can totally transform our parish, it must begin in each of our hearts. As each individual’s spiritual life blossoms

and grows, so will our parish as a whole.

Will you plant the seed of stewardship in your own heart?

This has most certainly been a trying and unusual year, as we have navigated through uncharted waters due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of great uncertainty or difficulty, it is easy to become complacent. Yet, this is not what God calls us to do. We are called to live stewardship as a way of life — in the good, bad or uncertain times. In moments of trial, God raises up saints! continued on page 5

Commitment Weekend is April 25. Don’t forget to return your Commitment Card to the parish!

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ST. ANTHONY of PADUA OUR ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP RENEWAL continued from page 4

How do I use my Commitment Card?

Your commitment card allows you to make commitments to prayer, parish ministries, and offertory giving. It is designed to be used by the whole family.

• Time Section: Everyone should be able to check the boxes to commit to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days or to view the Masses online during the crisis. In addition to those commitments, try to check at least a few other items. Daily prayer should be a priority for every person trying to grow closer to God. We recognize that the current crisis may impact your ability to carry out your commitments. Know the Lord sees what is in your heart and is pleased with your best efforts.

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Talent Section: You can either sign up for new ministries or re-commit to your current ministries.

Be sure to write your first name next to the ministry!

This is especially important if the card is being used by more than one person.

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Treasure Section: Clearly print how much money you plan to give each week or month to our parish.

Try to take a step toward giving five percent of your income to St. Anthony of Padua.

Is your prayer life in need of a tune-up?

Honestly ask yourself, “How much time do I spend in prayer each week?” The answer is probably a bit embarrassing. Everyone wants to spend more time in prayer, but there’s just never enough time to do everything we want to do. Good intentions are just that: intentions. This year, as you’re discerning how you will offer your time to God, resolve to follow through with your commitments. Consider each moment you spend in prayer as nourishment for your soul. The spiritual health of our parish is only as strong as the sum of its parts (individual parishioners).

the ministry itself. Ask anyone who actively participates in a ministry at St. Anthony of Padua, “Why do you enjoy serving in this way?” They’ll probably say, “I get more out of the ministry than the people I serve.” This year, as you’re discerning how you will offer your talents to God, considering signing up for a ministry that may benefit you, like a Bible study, prayer group, or retreat. Or, contribute to an outreach ministry where your good deeds not only help others in the community, but also give you feelings of satisfaction and thankfulness.

Do you give a percentage of your income to the offertory?

It may be hard to see offertory giving as a way to “help yourself,” but when we approach the subject from a spiritual viewpoint, it can lead to individual spiritual growth and an increase in faith. Even the most savvy businessperson worries about his or her personal finances from time to time.

Adding a weekly offertory check to the list of monthly bills may seem crazy but, ultimately, sacrificial giving forces us to cut unnecessary spending, create a budget and have faith that God will help us make it through the month. All of these are good things for each of us, individually. After faithfully giving to the offertory for a few months, many Catholics find that it’s not only possible to give a weekly offering, but that the fruits of their gift far outweigh the expense.

At St. Anthony of Padua, we ask that you give five percent to the parish, one percent to the diocese and four percent to other charities. Why a percentage of income? First, because the tithe (10 percent) is a scriptural benchmark that the Church has honored for centuries (see Malachi 3:10).

Secondly, we give a percentage of income because it is a common-sense standard by which everyone can equitably support the parish. Most of all, we give because we believe God comes first in everything, even finances.

Is your level of parish involvement in need of a boost?

We give our talents back to God when we get involved in ministries at St. Anthony of Padua. And, with a host of ministries to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

Sure, ministries give parishioners opportunities to serve others in the community, but they also benefit those in

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’ve been involved in our parish for years, and I give a consistent gift to the offertory — so why do I need to fill out a Commitment Card every year?”

This is one of the most frequently asked questions during our annual Stewardship Renewal. It can be answered by considering the following illustration.

Imagine a man and woman who have been married for 15 years, and love each other very much. The husband is dedicated and faithful to his wife, and he looks forward to many more years together. The wife feels the same way — there is no question about the strength of their commitment.

They’re in it for the “long haul.” But on their anniversary, do they still give each other a card?

Of course they do! Their love is so strong that they enjoy expressing it to each other in a special way on their anniversary — not out of obligation, but because it’s something they want to do for one another. Exchanging cards reminds them of their original covenant and their future together.

Just as an anniversary card expresses the married couple’s love for one another, your stewardship Commitment Card is an annual expression of your dedication to God and our parish, even though you are already committed. It is a concrete expression of what is already in your heart. It is telling God that you are in it for the “long haul.”

Sometimes, though, as in a marriage, God may be calling you forward. The marriage anniversary may see one spouse promise to be more patient or less critical. And during our Stewardship Renewal, God may be calling you — as involved as you already are — to new heights of service or generosity.

And, just like a good wedding anniversary, Stewardship Renewal is an opportunity to look back at how God has touched your life through the year. When you count your blessings, the desire to commit — or re-commit — should emerge without a second thought. So, celebrate a happy Stewardship Anniversary!

Stewardship Renewal is an opportunity to look back at how God has touched your life through the year. When you count your blessings, the desire to commit — or re-commit — should emerge without a second thought.

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ST. ANTHONY of PADUA

Discipleship IN THE RISEN CHRIST

doing,’ and philanthropy without spirituality is not stewardship,” Fr. Tom says. “Our deeds, worship, and service are tied to that relationship with God. Before stewardship, we need discipleship first. Then that turns into something holy, instead of doing something simply out of duty or because that is what your family did.

So we’re encouraging people to look first at their relationship with God and being good disciples of Christ.”

In a particularly unique way this year, we are offered the opportunity to reflect on our spiritual lives after a prolonged time in the “desert.”

With the COVID-19 crisis, many parishioners have begun to cherish the Mass and the sacraments, even more, having realized that we cannot take these gifts for granted.

As the Church celebrates the highest feast day of the year — the Resurrection of our Lord — it is the perfect time to open ourselves up to spiritual rebirth as recommitted disciples in the Risen Christ.

continued from front cover

“For many people, it’s been a yearlong Lent, and we won’t take Easter for granted again,” Fr. Tom says. “This is an opportunity for us to go down deep into that spiritual well and hopefully rise up new and refreshed and different. Let’s rebuild our faith life and make sure we

The Easter Season and OUR ■ Easter Sunday Kickoff Fr. Tom will preach on what it means to be a disciple of the Risen Lord

■ Second Week of Easter Guest speaker on stewardship, TBA

■ Third Week of Easter Lay witness talks at the Masses

give thanks to God for having seen us through this as a parish community. Of course, we mourn those we’ve lost, but we also give thanks for all those who made it through and take stock of what it means to be a disciple of Christ and one of His believers.” continued on back cover

STEWARDSHIP RENEWAL ■ Fourth Week of Easter Commitment cards will be collected

■ Fifth Week of Easter First Communion and Confirmation The renewal theme will be carried through Pentecost, and we will also host an outdoor festival at a time and date to be announced.

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ST. ANTHONY of PADUA Return Service Requested

2223 St. Anthony Rd. Quincy, IL 62305 217-222-5996

www.stanthonypadua.org St. Dominic School of St. Anthony of Padua Parish 4100 Columbus Road Quincy, IL 62305 217-224-0041

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Discipleship in the Risen Christ

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Over the next weeks, Fr. Tom invites all parishioners to take some time to prayerfully consider committing to live as intentional disciples by engaging more fully in their faith.

“When you get the commitment card, don’t just fill it out and turn it in without thinking about it,” he says. “Maybe you do need to do something different now. Maybe after 10 years on one committee, it’s time to do something different. Maybe it’s time to give something different. So don’t short-circuit the process — make it a prayerful or even a ritual thing to go through this process, listen to the talks, think about it, and let yourself be convinced.”

By keeping a commitment to stewardship at the forefront, our community is sure to emerge from these unprecedented times with a strengthened and renewed devotion to living out our faith together as disciples in the Risen Christ!

To learn more about stewardship at St. Anthony of Padua, please contact the Stewardship Committee at stewardship@stanthonypadua.org

Daily Mass: Mon, Tue, & Thu - 7:30 a.m. | Saturday, 4:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. | Sunday, 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Confessions: Saturday, 5:15 - 6:15 p.m.