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St. Anthony Catholic Church

Davenport, Iowa

Weekly Email Newsletter

I'm Hungry

One Week Without Holy Communion

by John Cooper

It's been one week without Holy Communion, for me. Having worked for the Church in one way or another for most of my career, I have had ample access to the Mass and Holy Communion. For much of that time, I have been a daily communicant.

Some days, I have wondered if receiving Holy Communion has become too easy for me. Do I take it for granted? Would going a period of time without Holy Communion help me to value it even more than I already do? Well, during this time of social distancing and no Mass, I am experiencing life without Holy Communion, just like you are.

Yes, I have been coming to the church every day and there's Holy Communion in the tabernacle. I could go over to tabernacle and receive Holy Communion (one of the perks of the job), but I have purposefully refrained from doing so.

During last Sunday's online Mass, you may be seen me serving as Lector and Altar Server. However, I refrained from receiving Holy Communion for a couple of reasons. First, I don't want to take advantage of my position here. Second, I want to be in solidarity with all of you who have no access to receiving Holy Communion. Third, the Holy Spirit seems to be saying to me that I should take this time to pray and contemplate the immeasurable blessing it is to receive Jesus, body, soul, and divinity.

Jesus, as we await the next time that we can receive You in the Holy Communion, be with us. Give us patience until we receive You again!

Meet Laurie Gibson

Catechumen (unbaptized) Entering the Catholic Church

I grew up and attended Moline Schools (Roosevelt Elementary, Cooledge Junior High, and Moline Senior High. In 2007, I moved my family to Davenport. I have five adult children and three grandsons.

I have worked many entry level jobs in my lifetime like Security Officer, Baker, and Table Games Dealer. I volunteer at Central Community Circle Food Pantry when we are not having a global pandemic.

I'm a newly hired Supportive Living Assistant at the Humility of Mary Center. I assist the Sisters of Humility of Mary Congregation and the nursing staff. Click to Continue Reading Laurie's Story...

Please pray for Laurie and all those entering the Church both at St. Anthony's and throughout the world. The possible delay of receiving the Sacraments is especially hard for them! If you want to send words of encouragement to Laurie and the rest of our group as they wait in the wings, please email.

McAnthony Window Feeds and Provides Essentials for 65 Today

New donations ranging from spiral ham to body wash!

Patrons browse what we have to offer through the Window.

Our crowd was a lot larger today than in previous days.

Homeless Shelters are Moving Residents

Kings Harvest and Humility Shelter will be closed as of Friday. They will be moving approximately 120 residents of both shelters to hotels - Days Inn and Econo Lodge. They will not be taking new clients after that time. This is being done because Its not safe having residents in such close proximity to one another.

Video above is of Steve Martens, one of our regular McAnthony Window patrons. We're praying for you Steve!

Dropping Off Your Offering

Ray Weiser is one of many people who have been continuing to support the parish financially during this crisis. We'll take your contributions in whatever way works best for you. Regular mail, click here for how to give online , or drop off. Even though the office is closed, you can drop off at the parish center door from the parking lot between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Call ahead or knock on the door. We appreciate you remembering our parishes finances when there's so much concern out there in general about personal finances.

Click Here for Today's Lenten Reflection from the Pews

To all the parishioners of St. Anthony’s:

It's now been a week since public Mass was canceled throughout our diocese and in much of the world. I continue to say daily, private Mass. When I do so, I remember all of you in my prayers. As John Cooper mentioned earlier in this newsletter, now is a time for you to contemplate the awesome power of the Eucharist. As a priest for 32 years, I've witnessed the spiritual power of the Eucharist work through challenges such as the ones we are now experiencing. The Holy Spirit can not be contained. May God continue to protect you and those you love!

In Christ’s Peace,

Rev. Apo Mpanda

Pastor

ANOTHER AWESOME AND UPLIFTING SONG WITH SIGN

Click the Link Below