St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Newsletter — Nov. 2020

NOV

2020

Teaching Our Children the True Meaning of Stewardship PAGE 2

What is Our True Role?

PAGE 3

The Usher Ministry: Helping to “Bring Our Parish to Life” through Hospitality PAGE 4 Praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory PAGE 6 A Word From Our Youth: Ethan Rose PAGE 7

ST. ANTHONY of PADUA An Inside Look at the

We Care Society

Answering the Call to Discipleship, Serving as the Hands and Feet of Christ

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hroughout the Gospels, Christ and sends Christmas and Easter emphasizes that helping those in flowers to parishioners living in local need is essential to discipleship. Just assisted living facilities; the Greeting as Jesus spent much of His earthly Cards Ministry, which sends notes ministry comforting the poor and to parishioners for graduations, healing the sick, we are also called birthdays, and other special life to do our part to help our neighbors events; the Meal Program, designed in need. How we answer this call to support individuals on a shortdepends on our particular gifts of term basis, such as after surgeries time, talents, and treasure. With or the birth of a child; the Welcoming this in mind, St. Anthony of Padua’s Committee, which delivers fruit We Care Society helps unify and baskets to new parishioners; and bring us all together in this common much more.

St. Dominic students collaborating on service discipleship mission.

“Typically, representatives of projects as part of the We Care initiative.

“The We Care ministries are each of these smaller ministries come essentially our social outreach as a parish,” says Deacon together on the fourth Thursday of the month and each person Harry Cramer. “It’s sort of the outreach hub, funded by the reports on their particular ministry,” Deacon Harry says. “The parishioners who donate either to the monthly envelope or meetings actually go on for quite a while because there is so spontaneously because they have benefitted from the ministry much going on. We also do an overall financial report, sharing or feel a calling on their hearts.” how the money donated to us is being spent.”

Thus, rather than one single ministry, the We Care Deacon Harry says that in addition to coordinating actual Society consists of several ministries categorized under one ministries, the We Care Society also helps fund several umbrella. It includes the Nursing Home Ministry, which visits initiatives within the parish and outside in the larger community. continued on back cover

TEACHING OUR CHILDREN THE

True Meaning of Stewardship Of the many lessons parents instill in their children, teaching them to be good stewards should be a top priority. Our goal as parents is to get our children to heaven to be with our creator, God. Teaching them to be good stewards is a great way to ensure entry.

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hat is your response when someone compliments your child’s achievements in art, music or sports?

Do you say “thank you” as a kind response, or do you thank God for granting your child the gifts necessary for success?

As parents, we serve as the primary educators of our children. Teaching them from a young age that their talents — whether in soccer, chorus or painting — come not from us, but from God, is essential to teaching stewardship. God graciously grants each of us unique skills and abilities, and it is our job to use those gifts to glorify Him. As parents, aunts, uncles, or older siblings, we can guide children in our lives to recognize their God-given gifts. We can further encourage children to use God’s gifts to their full potential, and then thank Him for bestowing them. This teaches young Catholics how to be good stewards. Indeed, not utilizing our talents brings to mind the parable of the servant who buries the treasure his master gives him, instead of using it to create more treasure. God wants us to use our talents wisely and thankfully.

Teaching children to utilize their talents to build God’s kingdom is only one step of the threefold stewardship message. How your children spend their time is also important. As we move through the hustle and bustle of our day — balancing school, chores and extracurricular activities — do we find time to spend with God? It often seems as if 24 hours is not long enough to fulfill our many daily tasks.

So, how can we find the time to teach and demonstrate the importance of sharing our time with God? Simple time offerings include praying on the way to school, stopping by the church to pray for a friend in need, or thanking God for a good outcome on a test. Even learning about a saint over dinner and praying as a family before bedtime can be a valuable time offering to the Lord.

As parents, finding daily prayer time ourselves is also necessary, both for our roles as good stewards and as an example to our children. How wonderful for a child to witness their parent in quiet prayer devotion!

The third tier of stewardship — treasure — is most frequently overlooked when educating our children. Birthday

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money from Grandma and allowance money doesn’t count — or does it?

All gifts we receive are really from God, and the “first fruits” of those gifts should be generously returned to God — even if they come from Grandma. Starting as early as grade school, children can understand the concept of giving back to the all-giving God if we simply take the opportunity to teach it to them. Witnessing our weekly tithe is a great start, but encouraging them to give in their own children’s offertory envelope is also important. Knowing they are returning to God in thanksgiving will fill them with joy!

Of the many lessons parents instill in their children, teaching them to be good stewards should be a top priority.

Our goal as parents is to get our children to heaven to be with our creator, God. Teaching them to be good stewards is a great way to ensure entry.

a letter from our pastor

What Is Our

TRUE ROLE?

Dear Parishioners,

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ou may very well laugh as I provide the topic of my letter for this issue of our newsletter — your participation as a Christian layperson in Christ’s kingly function.

At first, it may seem like a joke, the notion that we have a share in the reign of Christ the King. Parents’ reactions may very well be, “I can’t even get my own children to obey me!”

The whole idea sounds so grandiose, when we’re already thinking about how our daily lives could be just a little bit easier — if only we’d find that perfect parking spot or shorter checkout lines at the store.

But please take note, Christ’s kingly role is shared with the laity of the Church as well as with the clergy. After all, the first pope was addressing the whole Church when he wrote that they were “a royal priesthood” (1 Pt 2:9).

Because Jesus came to us humans as a servant, He reached the glory of His Kingdom only after the most appalling suffering on our behalf. As the bishops at Vatican II taught, “Christ, becoming obedient even unto death and because of this exalted by the Father, entered into the glory of His kingdom. To Him all things are made subject

until He subjects Himself and all created things to the Father that God may be all in all. Now Christ has communicated this royal power to His disciples that they might be constituted in royal freedom and that by true penance and a holy life they might conquer the reign of sin in themselves” (Lumen Gentium, 36).

The bishops went on to state that the Lord wishes to spread His kingdom, “a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.” And, they maintained, that responsibility is shared by the laity and the clergy alike.

So we’ve been told one aspect of our royal function — conquering sin in our own lives to become holy, with God’s grace. What else?

The bishops went on to declare that our kingly duties are not limited to our own lives, even if we think that’s all we can handle. “They must assist each other to live holier lives even in their daily occupations. In this way the world may be permeated by the spirit of Christ and it may more effectively fulfill its purpose in justice, charity and peace. The laity has the principal role in the overall fulfillment of this duty.”

We even have to help our neighbor

live a holier life — without, of course, overriding his free consent.

In particular, while the clergy and religious have a greater specialist knowledge of the theology and the Church, members of the laity know more of other aspects of society, business and the sciences.

“Therefore, by their competence in secular training and by their activity, elevated from within by the grace of Christ, let them vigorously contribute their effort, so that created goods may be perfected by human labor, technical skill and civic culture for the benefit of all men according to the design of the Creator and the light of His Word.”

As faithful stewards, we strive to continually develop our understanding of Christ’s functions of priest, prophet and king. So, we should examine our own roles in Christ’s reign this month.

How we use our time, talent and treasure tells much about how well we rise to these challenges.

Sincerely yours in Christ, Fr. Tom Donovan Pastor

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THE USHER MINISTR HELPING

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TO

“BRING

ongtime parishioner Bill Anderson can’t remember what initially got him involved in the St. Anthony of Padua’s Usher Ministry. It all started years ago, back when he was a young father raising his children. Although those days have long since passed, Bill continues to serve faithfully in this ministry that has been such a blessing to his life.

“You get to help with the sacrifices of the Mass so much more than just sitting in the pew with a book,” Bill says. “We want to each do our part to help bring our parish to life. For me, there is nothing better than when people walk into the church and are nervous because it doesn’t look like there is a spot for them, to be able to ask someone to move over and make a space for them, and to help make them feel a bit more welcome.”

Though traditionally viewed as a man’s ministry, the Usher Ministry is open to any registered parishioner, male or female, age 18 or older. They are meant to be visible figures of hospitality for the parish, welcoming people into the church and assisting them in finding seating. The latter has become even more important in recent times, due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements.

“When we Catholics go to church, we don’t tend to sit close to people unless we have to,” Bill says. “So there is always the challenge of helping people find a seat. Today, we have to spread out even more. So the usher is there to help us be seated safely while also fitting as many people as possible into the church.”

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OUR

PARISH

TO

LIFE”

“You get to help with the sacrifices of the Mass so much more than just sitting in the pew with a book. We want to each do our part to help bring our parish to life. For me, there is nothing better than when people walk into the church and are nervous because it doesn’t look like there is a spot for them, to be able to ask someone to move over and make a space for them, and to help make them feel a bit more welcome.” — BILL ANDERSON An usher must also remain knowledgeable and aware, ready to assist people when needed. This might mean providing a hearing device for someone in need, directing visitors to a restroom, or stepping in during a medical emergency.

“It’s very important that an usher knows, for example, where the AED — automated external defibrillator — is located,” Bill says. “They are tasked with watching everything, and in the case of an emergency, an usher is really our first line of response. They are meant to be aware and knowledgeable of the resources available.”

The ushers also help orchestrate and ensure the proper cataloging of the weekend collections, safeguarding parishioners’ contributions through outlined best practices and directives.

continued on page 5

ST. ANTHONY of PADUA

RY:

THROUGH

HOSPITALITY

“For example, at least two unrelated ushers stay after Mass and make sure that collections are properly bagged, sealed in tamper-proof bags, and then put into the safe where the collection resides until Monday, when the money counters arrive,” Bill says.

Lastly, the ushers place the bulletins out after Communion so that parishioners can take one as they exit the church building.

Not only are these tasks important to the smooth operation of the liturgy, but the ministry also helps draw men and women more deeply into the life of the Church. During his many years of volunteering, Bill says he’s been able to meet many fellow parishioners that he would not have likely met otherwise.

He’s also formed a deep camaraderie with some of his fellow ushers, which leads to involvement in other ministries.

“It’s very fulfilling and you get to meet a lot of people in the process,” Bill says. “You really get to know the other ushers and that helps you get involved with the Men’s Society and other ministries of the parish.”

Ushers put together and carefully store the offertory contributions, helping to ensure the proper stewardship of the funds entrusted to our church.

Anyone interested in joining St. Anthony of Padua’s team of ushers may contact Bill Anderson at 217-257-2108.

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P R AY I N G F O R T H E

H O LY S O U L S I N P U R G AT O RY

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any Catholics are aware that the Church dedicates the first two days of November — All Saints Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2 — to commemorating and praying for the souls of the faithful departed. But did you know that during the entire month of November, the Church places a special emphasis on praying for the souls in purgatory?

The Church has always taught us to pray for the souls of those who have passed on from this life. Even in Old Testament times, prayers and alms were offered for the souls of the dead by those who thought “well and religiously concerning the resurrection” (Liturgical Meditations, The Sisters of St. Dominic). And in the early days of the Church, St. Paul further emphasized the importance and responsibility of not only remembering our brothers and sisters who have passed away, but actively praying for them: “For the Lord

himself... will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will first rise” (1 Thess 4:16).

Because of the very state of the holy souls in purgatory, we as earthly brothers and sisters in Christ are closely connected to those who passed on from this life. We share in the peace of knowing that salvation will one day be obtained, but are simultaneously suffering in separation from God. The Church also teaches that we have the opportunity to play a big part in helping these souls through their period of purgation, so that they may soon enjoy eternal glory with the Lord.

This month, please make a special effort to offer prayers for your deceased friends and loved ones, and all those who have passed away in the grace and friendship of God. Offering a Mass for someone who has passed away is an especially fruitful way to honor the memory and bring comfort to a holy soul in purgatory.

P R AY E R F O R T H E H O LY S O U L S I N P U R G AT O R Y O Lord, who art ever merciful and bounteous with Thy gifts, look down upon the suffering souls in purgatory. Remember not their offenses and negligences, but be mindful of Thy loving mercy, which is from all eternity. Cleanse them of their sins and fulfill their ardent desires that they may be made worthy to behold Thee face to face in Thy glory. May they soon be united with Thee and hear those blessed words which will call them to their heavenly home: “Come, blessed of My Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Amen.

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ST. ANTHONY of PADUA

A Word From Our Youth Name: Ethan Rose • Age: 14 School: Quincy Notre Dame • Grade: Ninth

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his month, we speak with Quincy Notre Dame student Ethan Rose about his faith journey 1) Tell us about your family.

My parents are Jeremy and Christina Rose. I have one sister, Katelyn, in sixth at St. Dominic.

2) What is something unique about you?

I like classic rock music. Some of my favorite bands are Journey, Mötley Crüe and Led Zeppelin.

3) What are some of your hobbies?

I enjoy playing baseball, fishing and hunting, and I’m trying football for the first time this year at QND.

Ethan Rose

4) How do you get involved with stewardship at St. Anthony Parish and/or your school?

I am a server at St. Anthony, and I was at St. Dominic too.

5) What is one of your favorite things about St. Anthony Parish?

The generations of my family that are or have been members at St. Anthony.

6) How has St. Anthony Parish helped shape your life?

The church and school have helped me develop my faith and a respect for all people.

ALL ARE INVITED:

The Drive-Thru Turkey Dinner Sunday, Nov. 15

The St. Dominic School PTO invites you to join us for the Drive-Thru Turkey Dinner, on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This special event takes place at St. Anthony Parish Hall on 2223 St. Anthony Road in Quincy. Each dinner plate includes turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, homemade rolls, and delicious pumpkin bars homemade by our own PTO members! Meals are $12 and drive-thru only. To place an order, please drive up on the south side of the Parish Hall — stay in your car and your food will be brought out to you!

Tell your friends and neighbors — all are welcome! If you have any questions or would like more information, please call the parish office at 217-222-5996 or contact a PTO member.

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ST. ANTHONY of PADUA 2223 St. Anthony Rd. Quincy, IL 62305 217-222-5996

Return Service Requested

Change Service Requested

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

The We Care Society

continued from front cover

For example, We Care provides emergency funding those in need, purchases the materials needed for the Prayer Shawl Ministry, helps fund the Grief Share program and Funeral Dinner Ministry, and collects food for both Catholic Charities and the Ladies of Charity.

“The food collections are something we coordinate every month, alternating which of the two organizations we benefit,” Deacon Harry says. “We get a list of what is needed, such as canned goods or toiletry items, and the parish is just really good about donating. Then, We Care members coordinate delivering the items where they are needed.”

Through these efforts, Deacon Harry says the We Care ministry helps continue the beautiful legacy of outreach which goes back to the very beginning of both St. Anthony of Padua and St. Dominic Parishes. It enables the church to truly become the hands and feet of Christ, spreading the Gospel message through action.

“It’s a way that folks can exercise stewardship, and exercise that charitable arm of Jesus that we are called to be,” Deacon Harry says. “Our people really do a great job and together we are able to provide all of these different services to support those in need.”

If you are interested in making a real difference in the lives of others while sharing in fellowship, then the We Care Society may be for you! To join, simply attend one of the ministry’s monthly meetings, or contact Deacon Harry Cramer at 217-224-1160 or drumerboy52@live.com.

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.