St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Newsletter — December 2021

St. Anthony of padua

Inside

DECEMBER 2021

ADVENT GIVING TREE:

Supporting Our Community Members in Need This Season

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dvent and Christmas are very busy times, especially in the secular world. It can be all too tempting to get wrapped up in the shopping, decorating, and baking. Unfortunately, it can also be too easy to forget about the true reason for the season — that our Lord came to earth as a baby in a manger.

To truly celebrate the season and give back to the Lord, who has given so generously to us, we should take time to remember those who are in need. There are people all around us who are experiencing sickness, loneliness, loss, and hardship. One way we can support those in need is through the Advent Giving Tree, through which cards listing various needs are hung on a tree that is placed in the front of our parish.

Parish School of Religion and school students decorate angels with needs listed on them — the collected items go to Birthright. Several other organizations receive gifts, depending on the year, including the Women’s Shelter and Veteran’s Home.

“I found out that Birthright counts on us to get through the year,” says Carmel Akins, who coordinates the Advent Giving Tree. “The items we donate are desperately needed by the organization.”

The needs can include anything from sweaters and coloring books to laundry detergent and diapers. Carmel estimates the number of items donated

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2 You Are Invited

to a Very Special Presentation Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz 3 Stewardship Possibilities are Endless at Christmas 4

Music at Mass: Drawing Us Closer to Christ in Heartfelt Song

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Remember When?

Christmas Masses at St. Anthony

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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Preparing for the Arrival of the Christ Child With the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist

St. Anthony of padua

You Are Invited to a Very Special Presentation

Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz A

t 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, we welcome actor Leonardo Defilippis of Saint Luke Productions to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, as he performs his one-man play, Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz. Maximilian perfectly captures the darkness and heroism of a troubling time in history, focusing on the saint’s transforming love of Mary Immaculate, leading us to her Son. 2

The show’s duration is 90 minutes with no intermission and is recommended for parishioners ages 10 to adult. More information and previews of the show may be found at www.StMaxDrama.com.

Please join us at St. Anthony for this very special presentation. Admission is a free-will offering. For more information, please contact the St. Anthony parish office at 217-222-5996.

A Letter From Our Pastor

Stewardship Possibilities are Endless at Christmas Dear Parishioners,

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hen I think of December, the first thing that comes to my mind is Christmas. While that may seem obvious, there are several other possibilities. I could think of Advent, which prepares us for Christmas. I could think of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation, and the patronal festival of the United States. I could think of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose popularity has spread far beyond the Hispanic community.

December also brings the winter solstice. And it brings the end of the secular calendar year, which means getting my financials together for the upcoming income tax season.

But instead, I think of Christmas — one of the greatest feasts of the Christian year, along with Easter and Pentecost. The basic truth of Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus the Messiah, God Incarnate, is plenty of reason for us all to rejoice and worship. But we’ve piled so much extra baggage on our Christmas observance, and worship is often almost lost in the shuffle.

We send Christmas cards to people we contact at no other time of the year. We put up wreaths, Christmas trees, and lights. We host parties for family and friends. We visit relatives. We plan and prepare Christmas meals. And we have Christmas gifts to buy. No wonder the Christ Mass becomes an afterthought!

Maybe, though, we can combine our Christmas activities with our stewardship commitments.

Treasure is the simplest. Shouldn’t the most expensive Christmas present we give be the one to

Jesus whose birthday we’re celebrating? Risen and glorified, He needs nothing we have. But His Body — the Church — continues Jesus’ mission here on earth and always needs additional resources.

Time and Talent may be a little more complicated, but can’t we spend a little more of our time in worship and prayer? Stop by the church for a visit to the Christmas Crib and offer a prayer of thanks for the gift of God’s Son. Attend Mass each day of the Christmas Octave. Gather your family for prayers together in the morning or at dinner in preparation for Christmas Day and through the Christmas season.

And Talent? There are lots of possibilities: Sing in the choir for the Christmas Masses. Help decorate the Church. Cook or bake for someone who is homebound. Invite someone who will be alone to share Christmas dinner with your family.

Offer to work in a soup kitchen if you will be alone.

The possibilities are endless.

Yes, December means Christmas. But with some planning, we can make this hectic time a real blessing both for ourselves and others. Pray for me that I can keep Christmas properly, and I’ll pray for you. And by the way, have a Merry Christmas!

Sincerely yours in Christ, Fr. Tom Donovan Pastor

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St. Anthony of padua

Music a

Drawing Us Closer to C P

rayerful singing lifts our souls to God and unites our worship with the choirs of angels. Here at St. Anthony, we are blessed to have musicians that lead us in song and encourage us to enter more deeply into the Mass. As we journey through Advent and Christmas, the music at Mass invites us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus.

“Advent is a season of expectation,” says Hope Glidewell. “I like to include good, traditional Advent songs to build on the expectation each week.”

Simple and familiar hymns remind us that we are asked to refocus our hearts on Jesus as Christmas draws near. Hope plays the organ and sings at the 6:30 p.m. Mass on Saturdays and leads a small choir at the 8 a.m.

Mass on Sunday. Mecki Kosin leads the music at the 4 p.m.

Mass on Saturday and Connie Vermeire leads at the 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Mass. This year, Hope and Mecki are working together to plan the music for the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass.

Members of the St. Anthony Choir include (from left) Mecki Kosin, Joann Witte, Margie Grawe, Sally McCarl, Pat Veile, Amanda Veile, and Josh Lunt

Hope enjoys using the organ to create the appropriate atmosphere for Advent and Christmas. During Advent, the music is simple, with a more somber tone and without any fanfare. Familiar favorite “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” appears in the entrance antiphons

during the last weeks of Advent.

This sets the stage for a grand transition to the joyful Christmas music. At the Christmas Mass, Hope pulls out the trumpet stops on the organ, bringing us into the joy of Christmas with the jubilant music. Familiar hymns such as “O Come All Ye Faithful” continued on page 5

“Everybody knows the songs and loves singing Christmas songs. They communicate the yearning for the Second Coming.” — Hope Glidewell

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at Mass:

Christ in Heartfelt Song and “Joy to the World” unite the entire parish in song. Thoughtfully chosen music is able to lift our hearts to heaven, calling us to celebrate not only Christmas but the coming of Jesus.

“Everybody knows the songs and loves singing Christmas songs,” Hope says. “They communicate the yearning for the Second Coming.”

The musicians who provide music at Mass are vital to our worship experience. While they lead us in song, we are able to participate more fully in the Mass by singing together. Pope Benedict XVI wrote that “the singing of the Church comes ultimately out of love.” The musicians at St. Anthony invite all of us to join in worship and love of God through the music.

Hope’s goal is simply that, through the music and the Mass, the parish can join in prayer together.

ADVENT GIVING TREE

Hope and Mecki welcome those who are interested in joining the Christmas choir or the choirs for weekend Masses.

Rehearsals for the Midnight Mass will be held on Thursday nights. If you are interested in singing in the choir at Christmas or at weekend Masses, please contact Hope Glidewell at hglidewell@stdominicquincy.org, or through the parish office at 217-222-5996, ext. 106.

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each year is in the hundreds. In 2020, items were also collected for parishioners in the nursing home since they had been isolated due to the pandemic.

Parishioners received tissue boxes, sugar-free candy, lotions, and a Christmas ornament, to name a few.

“We have a very generous parish,” Carmel says.

“The kids are always so excited to grab the angel cards and go shopping.”

Typically, the items are due back about a week before Christmas. Carmel delivers the

items to various organizations.

“I feel like I am Santa’s elf,” Carmel says. “It’s a really good feeling to deliver. The people are always so grateful for everything.”

It’s so important to model giving to children. In particular, Carmel appreciates that the children can see their decorated angels near the altar.

“It certainly feels better to give than to receive,” Carmel says. “This is what it means to be a Christian.

This is what we are supposed to do.”

All parishioners are encouraged to take an angel and help support those most in need this Christmas.

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St. Anthony of padua

OUR HISTORY

REMEMBER WHEN? Christmas Masses at St. Anthony

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hristmas Masses have always been the mainstay of the family Christmas at St. Anthony Church.

“And who could forget those Christmas Masses when some started on foot from home shortly after 4:00 a.m. and carrying lanterns. The bobbing lanterns in the distance looked like fireflies coming to pay their respects to the little Prince of Peace. Later, when buggies came, on the cold crisp December morning, the horses’ trot could be heard for miles. The warmly lit church, the be-candled altar, Holy Mass and the music, a violin and two guitars — for how many years did Frank Hoebing, Ed Stupavsky and Julie Herold (Pohl) play those long-remembered Christmas hymns?” — Taken from the 1959 parish history book.

For as long as these writers remember, there has always been a midnight Mass. One of our favorite memories is that of the procession of children, led by the “chosen” child, carrying the Baby Jesus to the manger scene. We remember lighted candles, the sweet odor of incense, the church decorated beautifully and filled to capacity, wearing our very finest Sunday best, and wonderful traditional Christmas hymns with violin and organ music resounding from the choir loft.

An added bonus was coming out of the church after the celebration to a cold winter night, hearing church bells ringing and perhaps experiencing a beautiful, gentle, glistening snowfall.

We remember lighted candles, the sweet odor of incense, the church decorated beautifully and filled to capacity, wearing our very finest Sunday best, and wonderful traditional Christmas hymns with violin and organ music resounding from the choir loft.

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ADORATION of the BLESSED SACRAMENT Preparing for the Arrival of the Christ Child With the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist

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ith Advent beginning and the Christmas season around the corner, many of us are left wondering how we can best welcome the Infant Jesus into the depths of our hearts. Amid the hustle and bustle that smothers out the peace of Advent, we need to take serious steps to make sure we prepare our souls to receive the glorious message of Christ’s salvation and celebrate His Holy Birth. One such step is by coming to Eucharistic Adoration.

Eucharistic Adoration is the adoration of Jesus Christ present in the Holy Eucharist.

Churches that have this adoration display the Eucharist in a special holder called a monstrance, and people come to pray and worship Jesus. Christ’s great love for us was shown when He freely chose to experience all that we experience, “becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8) that we might, in His resurrection, have eternal life. He loves us without limit, and offers Himself to us in the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. Can we not give Jesus a few minutes of love and adoration in return?

What is the importance of Eucharistic Adoration?

Eucharistic Adoration is the respect and worship we give to Jesus, who is truly present to us under the appearance of bread and wine. The Eucharist is a priceless treasure; by not only celebrating it but also by praying before it outside of Mass, we are enabled to make contact with the very wellspring of grace.

What are the fruits of Eucharistic Adoration?

People who observe Eucharistic Adoration experience a deeper devotion to Jesus, and this manifests itself in countless ways.

The primary fruits are repentance and conversion, which lead to increased charity — that is, the love of Christ alive in His people. The adoration of Jesus in the Eucharist also leads to greater reverence at Mass, a deeper desire for personal holiness, and a stronger sense of union with the parish and the

whole Church. Ever since the early centuries of Christianity, the Church has linked Eucharistic Devotion to service to the poor.

The practice has led to an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life.

What is proper etiquette during Eucharistic Adoration?

When we are not taking part in vocal prayers and hymns with other adorers, we should pray silently. Whenever we pass before the place where the Sacred Host is reserved, we should genuflect. We should observe the modest dress and decorum that are appropriate to very solemn occasions. We should avoid any actions that might disturb or distract others, or otherwise draw attention to ourselves rather than Jesus.

How should we pray during Eucharistic Adoration?

There are many ways to pray. We may meditate in silence by gazing

on the Sacred Host. We may silently speak to Jesus from our minds and hearts. We may also rely on devotions and prayers from Catholic tradition, such as the reading of Scripture, recitation of the Rosary, or the litanies. When two or more are gathered before the Sacrament, they may pray or sing hymns together.

What is the best way to promote Eucharistic Adoration?

The best way to promote Eucharistic Adoration is by doing it! Make frequent visits to Jesus at the tabernacle. Invite your spouse, your children, your neighbors, and co-workers to join you. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “Because Christ himself is present in the sacrament of the altar, he is to be honored with the worship of adoration. ‘To visit the Blessed Sacrament is … a proof of gratitude, an expression of love, and a duty of adoration toward Christ our Lord’” (1418).

Adoration at St. Anthony is held every Tuesday after the 7:30 a.m. Mass until noon 7

St. Anthony of padua

2223 St. Anthony Rd. | Quincy, IL 62305 217-222-5996 | www.stanthonypadua.org

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St. Dominic School of St. Anthony of Padua Parish 4100 Columbus Road | 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

Mini Parish Mission with Fr. Zach Edgar — Dec. 5 and 6 5:30 p.m. at St. Anthony Church

Christmas Masses 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24 Midnight and 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 25

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Holy Day of Obligation) — Mass Times 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 7 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. (at St. Dominic School), 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8

Holy Family (Sunday Mass, Dec. 26) Mass at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 4 p.m.

(No regular Saturday Masses)

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (New Year’s Day) — Mass Times 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1

Epiphany (Sunday Mass, Jan. 2) 4 and 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 1 8 and 10:30 a.m. (regular times), Sunday, Jan. 2

Pancake and Sausage Breakfast — Sunday, Dec. 12 (Third Sunday of Advent) 7:30 a.m. – noon