St. Anthony of padua
THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION:
Worthy of God’s Love, We Receive God’s Grace
O
ne of the most asked about — yet, perhaps one of the most difficult to explain — concepts in the Catholic faith is the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In Reconciliation, we tell our sins directly to God through a priest. Part of the reason we tell a priest is to receive verbal confirmation that the sins are forgiven. As Catholics, we don’t need to assume God has forgiven us. The priest says, “your sins are forgiven,” and gives a penance, which may be a series of prayers or an act to perform. On March 30, about 20 Parish School of Religion (PSR) and St. Dominic second-grade students received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. This is one step in preparation for First Holy Communion and Confirmation, which most of these students will receive next year. Hope Glidewell teaches eighth grade at St. Dominic School and coordinates the PSR program. She loves teaching kids about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Having led the PSR program since July 2021, she has written her own curriculum for Reconciliation. She visited each school and PSR classroom to discuss original sin and the Ten Commandments. She also discussed that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who saves us from sin, and how this comes alive during Reconciliation. “The Sacrament of Reconciliation is important because it is what restores us continued on page 5
Inside APRIL 2022
2 Ways to Make Your Stewardship Dollars Go Farther! 3 Celebrating the Joy of Christ’s Resurrection 4 Our Church Décor: A Journey through the Liturgical Seasons 6 Steadfast in Faith and Devotion: St. Catherine of Siena 7 Palm Sunday Will You Carry Christ on the Journey?
St. Anthony of padua
L
Ways to Make Your Stewardship Dollars Go Farther!
iving a stewardship way of life means we recognize that everything we have comes from God and it is our responsibility to care for all the blessings that God has bestowed on us, including money and possessions. While many of us are still preparing to file our 2021 income taxes with the IRS, now is a good time to look ahead and think about ways you can reduce your tax liability for 2022. Did you know that federal tax laws and many state laws make it possible to reduce or eliminate taxes on gifts to our parish? There are several tax advantages to donating securities, stocks, or even gifts from retirement plans. When you prepare your federal tax return, the IRS allows you to deduct the donations you make to the parish if you are able to itemize, up to 60% of your adjusted gross income. Thus, if you have mortgage interest, unreimbursed medical and dental expenses, state and local taxes, and charitable donations that add up to more than $12,900 for single filers, or $25,900 for married couples filing jointly in 2022, the charitable donations will be 100% deductible, so long as it does not exceed 60 percent of your AGI (adjusted gross income). For 2021, even individual taxpayers who do not itemize their deductions are allowed a $300 deduction from their AGI, and married filing jointly taxpayers were allowed $600 for contributions in cash or check to 501(c)(3) public charities. The is a provision of the CARES act of 2020, which is expected to be extended for 2022, but the amount of deductible contributions for 2022 have not been established in law yet. Presuming the same deduction amounts, for a married couple filing jointly in the 22-percent tax bracket (between $41,776 and $89,075 for 2022), this means that a $600 contribution can result in about $132 in tax savings. St. Anthony Parish provides documentation for taxpayers to substantiate offerings made in envelopes or by check. We regret that we cannot provide documentation for anonymous donations (loose cash) in the collection. Another way to save on your tax liability is by donating through the Empower Illinois Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship Program. The State of Illinois offers a 75 percent rebate in the form of tax credits for donations made by individuals and corporations for donations to
2
the scholarship program for children attending private schools in Illinois. Through the program, individuals can donate directly to scholarships supporting students attending St. Dominic School. For example, a $2000 donation to St. Dominic School through the Empower Illinois Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship Program, a $1,950 scholarship to St. Dominic School would be made available to students who demonstrate a need (Empower Illinois takes a five percent handling fee), and the donor would receive a $1,500 tax credit. The donor is restricted from claiming this donation on their federal taxes as a charitable contribution, but the rebate can be used dollar-for-dollar to pay any Illinois tax liability which is due. The tax credit may be used or held for up to five years. Visit www.empowerillinois. org/about-tax-credit-scholarships/ for more info. Finally, if you are 72 years or older and have an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) with a Required Minimum Distribution (RMDs), that means those funds will be subject to taxation by the IRS. Fortunately, you have an opportunity to live out stewardship by sharing your treasure as you help our parish, through a “Qualified Charitable Distribution,” which benefits our parish and relieves some of your tax burden. You may donate appreciated investments, tax-free, up to $100,000 by asking your IRA custodian to send the proceeds from your IRA directly to St. Anthony Church, St. Dominic School, the Quincy Catholic Elementary Schools Foundation, the Quincy-Notre Dame Foundation, the Diocese of Springfield (on behalf of St. Anthony Parish), or any other favorite charity. Proceeds from these accounts may not be claimed for an additional itemized charitable contribution, as they are already being distributed tax-free. In closing, these strategies for the tax benefits of charitable giving to St. Anthony Church are an opportunity to live out stewardship. You are encouraged to consult with your lawyer, accountant, or tax advisor to determine your final eligibility to participate in any of these programs, as each person’s tax and financial situation is different. This article is not an exhaustive review of the tax law (which is subject to change) regarding tax-advantaged opportunities to give to St. Anthony Church, St. Dominic School, or any other charity.
A Letter From Our Pastor
Celebrating the Joy of
CHRIST’S RESURRECTION Dear Parishioners,
T
here are many aspects of the Easter celebration that bring joy to the Christian. Not only do we rejoice in Christ’s resurrection, as He conquered death, but we also rejoice because of the eternal reward we gain through it. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church (654) puts it, “The Paschal mystery has two aspects: by his death, Christ liberates us from sin; by his Resurrection, he opens for us the way to a new life.” This new life that we speak of is a life of abundance and freedom found not only in our current existence, but also in our eternal life in heaven with God. In a beautiful mystery, Christ’s resurrection is the source of our own future resurrection. In his Letter to the Romans, St. Paul wrote: “For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection” (Rom 6:5). When Christ overcame the grave, He opened the gates of heaven that had never been opened before. Through His resurrection, we have the opportunity to be united with God in eternal bliss and happiness. What greater grounds for thanksgiving can there be than this Easter hope? We should sing with joy about this promise from God! But how can we best express that joy? How can
we thank God for the greatest gift that we could ever be given? We can join in worship, praising God in our words and deeds, and share the Good News of His victory with our family, friends, and neighbors. Most importantly, we respond to His graciousness with a gift of our own – a gift of our very self. When we give our time, talent, and treasure to God and to others in service, we make a concrete gesture of thanksgiving in return to the One who is most deserving of our love. This Easter season, let us live out Jesus’ reassurance that “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world” (Jn 16:33). Despite the challenges of our daily lives and the struggles we may be going through, Christ has won for us eternal victory, giving us a hope for a better tomorrow and peace that will never end. That, my brothers, and sisters, is reason to rejoice. Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Tom Donovan Pastor
3
St. Anthony of padua
Our Church
A Journey Through the
T
hroughout the year, the Catholic Church passes through many different liturgical seasons. Each season can be identified by the different readings and Scripture passages that are proclaimed during Mass, the different color vestments that priests wear, the different types of music that are sung, and the different types of decorations that adorn the church. Each of these things helps set the tone for the particular liturgical season into which the church has entered. And, each of these things helps create an environment for spiritual growth and prayer throughout the year. Jackie Dreyer, the head of St. Anthony of Padua’s Church Decorators Ministry, knows very well how a few well-placed decorations can help change the atmosphere of the church. “The purpose of this ministry is to decorate the church to make people think about and reflect on the different liturgical seasons,” Jackie says. There are different colors, types of flowers, and types of décor that get used for each season. Currently, the Church is in the season of Lent. Spiritually, Lent is a time for reflection and growth, and a time for parishioners to partake in the sufferings of Christ as the time for His crucifixion draws nearer. It is a time for parishioners to die spiritually, so that they may rise to new life with Christ. “During Lent, everything is dead,” Jackie says. “We are preparing and waiting for what is to come.” If you look around, the décor at St. Anthony of Padua during Lent is subtle. It consists of dull brown colors, the traditional Lenten purple, and dead weeds. Easter, on the other hand, will bring a total change in church décor. continued on page 5
“Planning the decorations puts things in perspective. Knowing how and why the church is decorated a certain way gives you a better appreciation for the Mass readings.” — JACKIE DREYER
4
h Décor:
e Liturgical Seasons “Easter decorations are full of life and vibrant colors,” Jackie says. “We will have the traditional Easter lilies, colorful tulips, daisies, daffodils — really, anything that is full of color, with lots of green to make everything stand out.” Jackie believes that some people are very talented and have a lot of skills when it comes to decorating. And it is a blessing to have the opportunity to share those skills with the whole parish. In doing so, other parishioners can be taken on a visible journey through the liturgical seasons that can help them grow deeper in their faith. “I also believe that participating in the decorating of the church can help people grow to understand the Mass more,” Jackie says. “Planning the decorations puts things in perspective. Knowing how and why the church is decorated a certain way gives you a better appreciation for the Mass readings.”
If you are interested in getting involved and helping to decorate St. Anthony of Padua, please contact Jackie Dreyer at 217-222-8049.
THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION into a relationship with Christ,” Miss Glidewell says. “It really is proof of God’s abundant mercy to know that no matter what you’ve done, He will always be pursuing you and inviting you back to Him.” It’s natural for students to be a bit nervous before they go to Confession. The more reassurance they receive from their parents and teachers, the better they feel. “I worked to encourage excitement to experience Christ’s healing in this sacrament,” Miss Glidewell says. And as Miss Glidewell points out, the more students receive the sacrament, the less intimidating it becomes. After all, this is only the first of many times these students will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. “The more practiced and comfortable they are
continued from front cover
when they are younger with less serious sins, the easier it will be on them when they grow up and inevitably find themselves in a world full of more serious sin,” she says. Miss Glidewell asks all parents to help model the Sacrament of Reconciliation for their children. She hopes all adults will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation more often than just during Advent and Lent. “If we are going to Reconciliation once every month or two, we are more apt to notice the little cracks in our soul before they become big cracks that turn into habits,” Miss Glidewell says. “It allows us to reflect more often and deeply than trying to remember all that has happened once or twice a year.” We offer our heartfelt congratulations to all those who received this beautiful sacrament for the first time! 5
St. Anthony of padua
Steadfast in Faith and Devotion: St. Catherine of Siena
O
n April 29, we celebrate the feast day of a doctor of the Church — one who remained absolutely devoted to living her life for Christ, even in the face of familial misunderstanding in her youth, and through societal opposition and turmoil during her later years. As stewards in our fast-paced, highly technical — and often fractured — world, we can always look to the life and example of St. Catherine of Siena, and strive to remain steadfast in our faith while facing our own modern-day challenges. Born in mid-14th-century Italy to a large family, and in the midst of a plague outbreak, St. Catherine of Siena was her parents’ 25th child, although half of her siblings did not survive through childhood. Young Catherine resisted her family’s desire for her to marry — she even went so far as to begin fasting and cutting her hair short in protest. Her parents eventually relented, as Catherine strived to humbly serve her own family, treating her own father as Jesus, her mother as Mary, and her brothers as the apostles. Such was Catherine’s desire to remain in service to her own family that instead of entering a convent, she joined the Third Order of St. Dominic at age 18. This enabled her to continue serving her family at home, even as she was part of a religious society. In time, she learned to read and began giving her family’s own possessions to those in need — even though her parents didn’t necessarily approve of her entirely altruistic approach to service. Continuing with her faithful devotion as part of the Third Order of St. Dominic, Catherine developed a following of her own, as she wrote letters offering spiritual encouragement and instruction. Controversy would ensue, as her writings began to comment on public matters through her firm lens of faith. In the midst of these spiritual developments, at age 21, Catherine underwent a profound change, as she experienced what she called her “mystical marriage to Christ.” Through this experience, she was directed to help the poor and the sick. Catherine began serving those in need in hospitals and homes, which inspired followers 6
to assist in these important missions of service, love and mercy. Furthermore, she continued to comment on public matters, petitioning for peace in the midst of political fracture and strife. This continued through the Great Schism, beginning in 1378, as Catherine spent two years — the last years of her life — in Rome, praying and pleading for unity in the Church, and for the cause of Pope Urban VI. By January 1380, Catherine was gravely ill, unable to eat or drink — shortly thereafter, she lost the use of her legs. At only 33 years old, she would pass away on April 29, 1380. She was canonized nearly a century later, in 1461. Despite her short life, St. Catherine of Siena made a profound impact on the Church through her spiritually direct writings, her work serving those in need, and in preserving the unity of the Church in the face of great societal upheavals — all while being singularly devoted to living a life for Christ. Her status led her to be declared a co-patron of Italy (alongside St. Francis of Assisi) in 1939. And in 1970, Pope Paul VI declared St. Catherine of Siena a doctor of the Church.
Palm Sunday
Will You Carry Christ on the Journey?
A
s we continue our Lenten journey this month, we celebrate Passion Sunday, also known as Palm Sunday, on April 10. The readings will focus our attention on two major events in our salvation history. In our Palm Sunday reading, we hear of Christ’s triumphant journey into Jerusalem where He is joyfully greeted by the crowds, and the people threw down palms and cloaks in His path — “As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road... the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen” (Luke 19:36-37). Yet, Christ does not come with the splendor often surrounding royalty. Christ chose to make His glorious entrance into the holy city of Jerusalem riding a donkey —
Christ calls this humble animal into service on His bittersweet journey that by the week’s end will lead to the cross on Calvary. Likewise, Christ has chosen each of us to carry Him during our life on earth. Like the donkey, we often don’t feel fit to carry out the work of the King of Kings. We often think our gifts are not good enough for the King or that they are not needed. Nevertheless, He calls us and He eagerly waits for our response. Christ’s journey into the Holy City continues today. We are walking with Christ now and He asks us to humbly offer ourselves in service to Him. This journey with Christ will not always be easy. Remember how the shouts of approval greeting Christ on Palm Sunday are quickly replaced with jeering mockery on Good Friday.
Christ’s journey into the Holy City continues today. We are walking with Christ now and He asks us to humbly offer ourselves in service to Him. This journey with Christ will not always be easy. Remember how the shouts of approval greeting Christ on Palm Sunday are quickly replaced with jeering mockery on Good Friday.
7
St. Anthony of padua
2223 St. Anthony Rd. | Quincy, IL 62305 217-222-5996 | www.stanthonypadua.org
Return Service Requested
St. Dominic School of St. Anthony of Padua Parish 4100 Columbus Rd. | Quincy, IL 62305 | 217-224-0041
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS April 1 — Fish Fry at St. Dominic, 4:30-7 p.m.
April 14 — Holy Thursday Mass, 6:30 p.m.
April 4 — Ladies Society Meeting, Parish Hall, 7 p.m. (all ladies of St. Anthony are welcome to attend)
April 15 — Good Friday Services, 6:30 p.m.
April 8 — Fish Fry at St. Anthony, 4:30-7 p.m.
April 17 — Easter Masses, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
April 9 — Fr. Irenaeus Kimminau's 101st birthday
April 23 — Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by the Ladies Society, after 4 p.m. Mass
April 10 — 50th Birthday Open House for Fr. Tom, Parish Hall, 2-4 p.m. (his birthday is actually April 13)
April 23 — Holy Moments Mass, 6:30 p.m. and Pizza Party for first-graders
April 11 — Men's Society Meeting, Parish Hall, 7:30 p.m. (all men of St. Anthony are welcome to attend)
April 24 — Ladies Society Roast Beef Dinner, dine in or carry out, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 16 — Easter Vigil, 8 p.m.
April 30 — Celebration Mass for third-graders, 6:30 p.m., with reception following in Parish Hall
