St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Newsletter — June 2022

St. Anthony of padua

JUNEFEST

Returns to Kick-Off Another Great Summer Join Us on Saturday, June 4

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Inside JUNE 2022

ick off your summer by bringing the family out for a day of fun and food! St. Dominic School’s big fundraiser, Junefest, is coming up and it’s a day for all families of the parish and school. This highly anticipated summer event is packed with fun and games and some exceptionally delicious food. Jackie Dreyer is one of the faces behind the organizing of this exciting day.

“This is a great way to start off your summer vacation,” Jackie says. “Come and help, or just enjoy spending time with fellow parishioners and school families.”

Junefest is coming up on Saturday, June 4. After the 4 p.m. Mass at St. Anthony, the festivities will begin at St. Dominic School.

The festival will run from 5 p.m. to midnight.

Parishioners and school families can look forward to hand-battered homemade onion rings, a Junefest favorite. Sloppy joes, roast beef sandwiches, corndogs, and other fried-food classics will be available.

Bring the whole family and celebrate the end of another wonderful school year and the start of summer vacation. Junefest will offer a wide assortment of games and activities for the kids. For the adults, we’ll have a big raffle event and the local Hearsay Band will perform.

Junefest offers our community an invaluable chance to come together in continued on page 5

2 Keeping Our Stewardship Commitments in the Summertime 3 Our Lives are Filled With Examples of Good Stewardship 4 Parish Picnic 2022: Community Shares in Plenty of Fellowship and Fun 6 The Feast of Corpus Christi Understanding How Much Jesus Loves Us 7 Legacy of Stewardship: Kent Wellman Gift to Support Parking Lot Project

St. Anthony of padua

Keeping Our Stewardship Commitments in the Summertime

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he kids are out of school and our fast-paced lives centered on school and youth sports activities have slowed down. Our own internal clocks are now on summer time. We’re ready for a break from our hectic lives.

And while we take vacations and enjoy the leisurely pace of the season, we need to remember that summer is not the time to take a vacation from God. In fact, summer can serve as the perfect opportunity to grow in our relationship with God, especially since most of us have considerably more free time.

So, instead of neglecting our faith due to busy days and late nights, try these simple steps to embrace God during the quieter summer months and during your vacation.

Get More Active in a Parish Ministry

The summer is actually a perfect time to get more involved in a parish ministry. Because we no longer have to get the kids to and from school, or get them to sporting events or other activities that normally occur during the school year, our schedules are a bit less cluttered. Summer is indeed a perfect time to fill some downtime with service to God through ministry and giving of your talents. Take a look through the parish ministries to find something that suits your particular interest or talent.

Vacation Bible School, for Kids and Adults

Vacation Bible School is a great way for younger children to learn about God through songs, activities and fellowship. The fun-filled lessons build upon Gospel teachings while keeping kids’ attention.

For older children, it is a great opportunity to offer service by being a team leader or assistant. Adults can also help plan, decorate, organize and teach during the week. It’s a wonderful activity for the entire family!

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Give Thanks for the Sun

Praise God for the sun, time off from school and easygoing days by visiting the adoration chapel to say a quick prayer. Bring a journal or rosary along to help stay focused. Little children can even bring a religious coloring book to give thanks to God on their terms. Or, before heading to the pool, why not attend daily Mass with the kids? It’s a perfect way to start the day and set the tone that — vacation or not — God is still an important part of your family life.

Don’t Take a Vacation from Mass

Often while on a vacation away from our parish family, we are not familiar with where to attend Mass. Don’t let that be an obstacle for you. Check out masstimes.org in order to find out where and when to go to Mass. In addition, if you are lodging at a hotel, the concierge will assist you with directions to the nearest Catholic Church.

Summertime Stewardship of Treasure

The prime reason for keeping up our pledge all summer is that God doesn’t go on vacation. He continues to sustain us throughout the summer months. He persists in pouring out blessings on us, even during the hottest weather. He keeps on meeting us in His sacramental presence when we go to Mass wherever we travel. As God remains faithful to us during the summer, we are called to be faithful in our commitments to Him and our parish family, even during our vacation time.

So, enjoy the warmer temperatures and the relaxed atmosphere. Just don’t forget Who provides the sun and the sand! And most importantly, remember to take God with you wherever you go on vacation!

A Letter From Our Pastor

Our Lives are Filled With Examples of Good

Stewardship

Dear Parishioners,

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e do not have to look very hard to find examples of stewardship in our lives. It starts right here in our own parish. Think of the people who serve us in so many ways. There is a group of wonderful people who are here at the parish, sometimes every day, helping to make our faith community operate effectively, especially in terms of worship and liturgy. Then, of course, there are those who serve tirelessly and selflessly with our many parish ministries, which reach out to those around us — to those in need.

This kind of service — discipleship — is exactly what Christ was saying when He told us to “love your neighbor.” Think of others in our Church, our communities, and our lives who show us what it means to be a good steward. One of the first who comes to mind is our Holy Father, Pope Francis.

His very life is a testament to what it means to serve — to be a good steward. In one of his homilies, the pope said, “Real power is service. Jesus reminded us ‘He came not to be served, but to serve,’ and His service was the service of the Cross. For the Christian, getting ahead — progress — means humbling oneself. If we do not learn this Christian

rule, we will never, ever be able to understand Jesus’ true message.” That is my message for both you and me — we must be willing, at times, to put our own comfort and desires aside for the needs of others. That is what true stewardship is all about.

Summer is upon us — we are entering that time of year when things slow down a bit, and we tend to live life at a more relaxed pace. Nevertheless, it is not a time to let our faith lives slow down. In fact, it is a great time to enrich and focus on our faith and our God. God’s creation is all around us. As we enjoy the summer season and bask in the sun, I hope you will take time to remember the wonders of His creation and His glorious gifts. We also must strive to renew our efforts to be good stewards every day by continuing to serve others and to be thankful for the many living examples of stewardship we see at our parish and in our daily lives.

Sincerely yours in Christ, Fr. Tom Donovan Pastor

UPCOMING EVENTS June 4 — Junefest June 6 — Ladies Society Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

June 13 — Mens Society Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

June 20 to 23 — Vacation Bible School

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St. Anthony of padua

Parish Picnic 2022:

Community Shares in Plenty of Fellowship and Fun

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here are many reasons to look forward to the summer — and our Parish Picnic is certainly one of them!

Fried food, fun games and raffles, music, and fellowship with other parishioners and the community make this event a highlight of the summer. Jackie Dreyer and four fellow parishioners are on the planning committee that has been working since January to plan the picnic, which will be held on July 16.

“The entire city comes out for the picnic, especially our Catholic community,” Jackie says. “It’s a fun time for food and fellowship.”

The Parish Picnic is a major fundraiser for the parish that helps pay bills and support everything the parish has to offer. Jackie estimates that the picnic has been a parish tradition for decades or more and it offers a classic summer fair experience.

Fried food and roast beef sandwiches always draw a crowd. The local Hearsay Band will perform at

8:30 p.m. and there will be a silent auction and big raffle event supported by local businesses. Almost $2,000 in cash prizes will be given away at the picnic. There will be lots of local goodies available to purchase.

“We’re a country church, so we have a country store,” Jackie says. “If there’s an overabundance of summer produce, we’ll be selling that.”

The picnic will offer plenty to keep the little ones entertained. There will be a bouncy house and kids’ games as well as games for older children. For the adults, there will be poker and a quilt raffle.

Jackie and the other committee members know that this event draws a lot of the community and that the food makes it popular. They spend a lot of time coordinating with local businesses to support the raffle, lining up the music, and bringing in food vendors.

Raffle tickets are available for purchase ahead continued on page 5

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PARISH PICNIC

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of time. The picnic will begin immediately following the 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday, July 16. It takes many hands to pull off this big event and volunteers are needed to help set up and run all of the picnic events.

“It’s a good opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners,” Jackie says.

All are invited to join us for this summertime celebration for the whole community and fundraiser for the parish. Come share in the fellowship, enjoy the fried food, play games, and come away with goodies from the country store and cash prizes!

“The entire city comes out for the picnic, especially our Catholic community.

It’s a fun time for food and fellowship.”

— Jackie Dreyer

If you are available to help in any way, please contact Jackie Dreyer at jmdreyer@hotmail.com or 217-222-8049.

JUNEFEST

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fellowship. Throughout the busy school year, it’s easy to get caught up in the quick pace of school, but as summer begins, it’s a great chance to slow down and appreciate the community of our school and parish.

“It brings the parish and the school together,” Jackie says. “Years ago, we were separate entities before we were combined under St. Anthony. This reminds us that we are all here for the same reason

and all belong to the same church.”

In addition to being a great time for the family, Junefest is a vital fundraiser for St. Dominic School. Our parish has worked hard to build up this thriving academic program and Junefest brings in funds that will allow us to continue building together. Coming out for Junefest is one impactful way to ensure that more families can benefit from a Catholic education!

Countless volunteers have given their time and talent, like Jackie, to plan, prepare and host this annual event. Junefest is a school tradition that goes back more than 50 years. It would be impossible without parishioners and school families who care so much about this community. Extra help is always needed, especially at the last minute. Please contact Jackie Dreyer at jmdreyer@hotmail.com or 217-222-8049 if you would like to help in any way.

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St. Anthony of padua

The Feast of Corpus Christi

Understanding How Much Jesus Loves Us

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f you were to make a list of “famous people from history” to invite for dinner, there’s a good chance Jesus Christ would make the cut.

As a historical figure alone, the meal conversation would no doubt prove interesting.

Yet, the thought of spending personal time with Christ ushers in additional considerations that far exceed a mere “getting to know you” routine. Jesus Christ is the only human being in history who is also your Creator — He already knows you intimately!

You might then imagine that if Christ revealed Himself to you personally, then you would immediately love Him deeply and believe without doubt. You might think to yourself, “If I could just meet Him once, it would be easy to believe.”

There is a bit of truth in this thought.

As human beings, we are affected by personal presence, and the most intense communication transpires through physical contact. Just ask the apostle, Doubting Thomas. The sight of Christ alone was not enough – Thomas required physical touch to be satisfied.

The beauty of the Gospel message is that it is universal. Just as the resurrected Christ invited Thomas to touch Him in the flesh, so too does Christ invite us — His disciples in 2022 — to meet Him physically in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

So, if you would like to share a meal with Christ, the time is here! You have already been given a perpetual, openended invitation to dine with Him, in His Father’s house. Through the gift of 6

the Eucharist, we are invited to share in the eternal banquet of heaven. This belief is the incomprehensible glory of our Catholic faith.

We celebrate with great joy, therefore, the night in which Christ instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist at the Last Supper.

Although “re-presented” at every Mass, we commemorate this event on two special feast days of the liturgical calendar — on Holy Thursday and on the Feast of Corpus Christi.

The joy of this “holy gift” cannot be adequately expressed on Holy Thursday, due to its nearness to Good Friday. Therefore, the Feast of Corpus Christi — also known as the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ — is given its own day on the liturgical calendar.

Throughout the rest of the world, the Feast of Corpus Christi is normally celebrated on the Thursday following Trinity Sunday, thereby mirroring Holy Thursday. However, the U.S. does not maintain this feast as a Holy Day of Obligation.

It is considered a “moveable feast” — this year, the Feast of Corpus Christi occurs on June 16, but the celebration is transferred to the following Sunday, June 19.

On this glorious feast, take the time to thank Our Heavenly Father for the gift He bestows on us through the Sacrament of the Eucharist. In the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta: “When you look at the Crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host, you understand how much Jesus loves you now.” Happy feast day!

Legacy of Stewardship:

Kent Wellman Gift to Support Parking Lot Project

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here are a lot of ways to leave a "No doubt this is how he spent his legacy. We all hope that after we life as a craftsman, sweating the pass, we will find eternal rest with the small details and making sure that Lord and have left the world a better he delivered nothing but the best.” place.

Fr. Tom is thankful to have An estate gift from Kent Wellman known Kent. He’s also grateful for is benefiting St. Anthony of Padua. this generous gift as the blacktop Thanks to a generous legacy gift, the parking lot needs repair. Work is also south parking lot at St. Anthony of being done to ensure the drainage is Padua is getting a facelift. rendered correctly.

Kent passed away on July 21, 2021, Men’s Group member Dan after a two-year battle with stomach Reichert misses Kent and is thankful cancer. He left behind his father, Bill, to have known him. five siblings, and lots of aunts, uncles, “Kent was a kind and friendly Kent Wellman nieces, nephews, cousins, and other man,” Dan says. “He did so many relatives. behind-the-scenes good deeds for the Kent knew we were in great need to do church. If Kent saw something that needed to be maintenance on the south lot, which has been done, he just did it.” riddled with holes and patches and low-lying We hope to have enough left over after the areas that collect ice in the winter and water in parking lot project to fulfill Kent’s second request the summer. He also knew that because of all our — to provide a new walk-in cooler/freezer for our efforts to maintain the church and the school, kitchen. Kent understood we've had trouble with there would be no funding for such an important our old cooler in recent years and that this would project for the foreseeable future. be a welcomed upgrade. It would also allow us to Thus, when he wrote his will and left hand- eliminate all the chest freezers taking up space written instructions to his executor, he had the around the kitchen. forward-looking vision to specify that we should "We are having architects from our engineering do this project and "spare no expense" to make team working on the parking lot and working sure it was "done right." Specifically, this meant up conceptual plans for the kitchen with the that we should pave the lot in concrete, as we did idea that perhaps when we locate and place the for the west lot several years ago, and that we new cooler, we could build the rest of a modern should be sure that all of the extra work — the kitchen around it in the coming years," Fr. Tom "unsung details" of drainage, lighting, curbs, and explains. "Our kitchen is used regularly for parish so on — should all be accounted for and done functions and has served us well but would benefit practically and efficiently without cutting corners. from a facelift. This would make it look good, but As with the many ongoing projects that the men’s more importantly, modern kitchen designs have group had managed through the years and that a flow pattern for food storage, preparation, and Kent had participated in, Kent understood that serving, followed by cleaning and maintenance value would be found in "doing things right." of tableware and equipment. Perhaps we could “This is what Kent asked for, and it is an honor also look into reconfiguring the current kitchen to perform this work with that spirit of integrity and dining space to allow for modern, accessible and attention to detail," Fr. Tom Donovan says. restrooms for our parishioners and guests. Now continued on back cover

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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.

LEGACY OF STEWARDSHIP is the time to look into this as the cooler would perhaps be the largest piece of equipment to place. If we place it inside the walls — or perhaps even outside as Kent suggested — it would be good to figure out how to best use the rest of the space around it for years and decades to come.”

Fr. Tom explains that a kitchen remodel could be an exciting project for the parish to pursue, but no plans would be in place until we have had some time to discuss this further and figure out how to fund that project.

“The architect is providing us with a concept of what might be possible if we do a little planning and dreaming. In the meantime, we don’t want to make mistakes that would trap us with a misplaced cooler that we can’t build around or

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use to its best potential.”

This is the first large project Fr. Tom has taken on at St. Anthony of Padua. He’s excited to be doing forward-looking work instead of reacting to a problem.

“Thanks to Kent and eternal rest to him,” Fr. Tom says. “Know of the prayers of a grateful community to him and to those who love him.

God bless him.”

Fr. Tom would love to see more parishioners consider St. Anthony of Padua in their estate.

These gifts are essential to the life of our parish.

“I would urge folks to consider looking at their will,” he says. “Take care of your family and other charities. But don’t forget the church is a need too.”

To learn more about leaving a legacy gift to St. Anthony of Padua, contact Fr. Tom Donovan at 217-222-5996 or tdonovan@dio.org.