St. Anthony Catholic Church
Davenport, Iowa
Weekly Email Newsletter
From #8 Boxcar to Civil Rights Leader
by John Cooper
Watching the local TV news the other night, I saw one of our 11:30 a.m. Mass goers being interviewed. Ernie Rodriguez pictured above was being interviewed as a founding member of LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens). With my interest peaked, I sat down to talk with Ernie.

It all began in boxcar #8 for Ernie when he was born in 1928 in what was called the Holy City, a shanty town for Mexican immigrants in Bettendorf. These converted boxcars, cottages, and red shacks were on land owned by the Bettendorf Company and bordered the Mississippi River and the railroad tracks that ran along State Street. Those who lived in this neighborhood worked at the Bettendorf Company. Ernie reflected, "there was no city water or electric lights much less paved streets or sidewalks. Some dwellings were converted boxcars which were partitioned off into two or three rooms usually with scrap lumber, and outhouses were the common toilets at that time." Despite these living conditions and the scarcity of food, he says these were the best years of his life.

Gala HUGE Success with an estimated
$100,000 Raised!
It was overwhelming to see the many donated items for both the live and silent auctions.
Many generous people came out to support this fundraising event for the benefit of those in need.
Those attending enjoyed themselves throughout the evening.
Attendees were inspired by Ron Williams here seated with Carrie Delcourt. Ron told the crowd about what coming to McAnthony Window had meant to him.
We couldn't pull off the Gala without many volunteers. See some of our happy volunteers in this picture.
More happy Gala party goers. We even registered a new parishioner that night in this picture!
Dean Cain Movie Exposing the Abortionist GOSNELL Finds a Distributor
Opening today in movie theaters (including Davenport 53rd 18 + IMAX Cinemark) is the movie GOSNELL: THE TRIAL OF AMERICA’S BIGGEST SERIAL KILLER. You can read more about it by clicking here . Click the link below to watch the movie preview.
Potluck Dinner and Discussion of Pope Francis' Letter Rejoice and Be Glad

Potluck Dinner and Discussion of Pope Francis' most recent letter titled  Rejoice and Be Glad  will be Wednesday, October 17 at 6 p.m. in the Parish Center. We will eat at 6 p.m. and then break up into small groups at 6:30 p.m. In the small groups we will walk through the high points of the Pope's letter which focuses on God's call to holiness for each and every one of us. Francis is moving, inspirational, and, yes, joyous in his message. Cost of the group reading guide is $2. Please bring a dish of salad, vegetable, or dessert to share. 
PLAN TO ATTEND OUR LISTENING SESSION WITH THE DIOCESE ON OCTOBER 25!

As part of setting a new vision of our Diocese of Davenport, we need every parishioner to attend the October 25th Listening Session at St. Anthony's Parish Center. Yes, we want our Parish Center full for this Listening Session that begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information click here .
JOKES THAT CAN BE TOLD IN CHURCH  
A Sunday School teacher asked her class why Joseph and Mary took Jesus with them to     Jerusalem. A small child replied, 'They couldn't get a baby-sitter.'