St Anthony Church Newsletter
Congratulations to the Desjardin Family on the Baptism of their son, Jackson Paul last Sunday! Thank you for sharing this beautiful photo and we are so happy your family was able to be there for this Sacrament of Initiation. May God bless Jackson and is family always!
The Cross without Resurrection is harsh; but the Resurrection without the Cross is flimsy. In Jesus, we have access to both! Right now, in this season, our path towards Calvary Hill culminates in a few weeks with Easter.
Lent has been a long journey that might have started well before Ash Wednesday 2021 for so many of us. Nevertheless, in these last few weeks before Easter, and as we continue to learn to prefer the light over our darkness, the promise of salvation is closer and closer.
Can you taste it yet? Eternal life is closer to us the more we experience the freedom of the light. The invitation is there daily … will you accept it?
The 11:15 Mass will continue to be live-streamed for the time being.
Therefore St Anthony Church will broadcast on Facebook LIVE Sundays at 11:15 am.
The video of the Mass will be available on this page of our website after the Mass is complete.
Statement from the Connecticut Catholic Bishops Regarding Covid-19 Vaccines:
Visit the LENT 2021 page of our website for all information
  • Here is the online SIGN UP form for Adoration!
  • Click here for ideas to help you Experience Lent 2021 such as 25 Weird Things to Give Up for Lent

If you are unable to attend the Stations of the Cross on person, follow along this video to retrace Jesus' last steps. Thank You David Bosco for your narration and technical expertise in creating the video and to Leanna Hinger for your beautiful vocals.
Lenten Fish Dinner – To Go

The Ladies Guild and Knights of Columbus are co-sponsoring a Lenten Fish Dinner TO-GO on Friday March 26, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 
Dinner includes breaded fish baked or fried, homemade macaroni and cheese, coleslaw and a dessert. Proceeds will go to the repairs/improvements of the church hall.
Adults are $10.00 and children’s dinner portions are $8.00. 
Place your order by March 19th by filling out this form.
Please join in for a virtual evening of song, praise and prayer Friday, March 26th, 7:30pm
Hosted by Leanna and Karl Hinger on Facebook LIVE
Following the program, a video will be on our website.
2021 ARCHBISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL
REACHING OUT, HEALING TOGETHER

 Friday, March 19, 2021
The Archdiocese of Hartford is asking all to observe a “Mercy Friday” by engaging in any of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy that might be possible at this time.
Please consider the opportunities you have at our parish to engage in a Corporal Works of Mercy by donating to our reverse soup supper or Donate to the CRS Rice Bowl .
During our Mass intentions we are praying for the dead which is a Spiritual Works of Mercy.
Volunteer of the Week
Erminia DiBastiani
Growing up as a child in Padua, Italy, Erminia would often attend Mass at the Pontifical Basilica of St. Anthony. After emigrating to the United States 30 years ago with her husband Peter she lived for a time in New Jersey. When the family moved to Connecticut in 2004, the family drove
by our St. Anthony Church in Prospect and she knew that is where they would settle.
Since then, Erminia has shared her time and talents with many ministries at our parish. She is part of the Altar Society, Light Church Housekeeping and Seasonal Decorating ministries, taking care of our church and preparing for the Celebration of the Mass.
Over the years she has also given of her time to the Pumpkin Patch, the Bingo kitchen, Faith Formation, and the children’s pageants for Christmas and Easter. This past year Erminia sewed and donated dozens of face masks to our parish mask campaign.
“I like to help wherever they need me,” Erminia said in describing her many ministries, “I think everyone should help where they can”.
Thank you Erminia for being so generous with your time and talents. It is very much appreciated by our parish.
Tuesday morning at 6:45 am and Thursday morning at 8:45 am
  • Please call Barbara if you plan to attend the Tuesday morning class.
  • The Thursday class will meet 3 more weeks: March 18th, 25th, and April 1st. At that time it will be evaluated if it will continue.

Please join us with your exercise mat, your light hand weights and an open heart!
There is a suggested participant donation of $10 per class, only if able, of which $5 will go to St. Anthony Church.
For More Information contact Barbara Ann Suo, Certified SoulCore Leader (203) 605-8354
Special Lenten Prayer for Seminarians
 During this Lent, we ask that you remember in prayer the seminarians of the Archdiocese of Hartfod highlighted this weekend. 
 Prayer for Seminarians
Lord Jesus Christ, we pray for these men whom You have called to discern priesthood. We beg Your continued blessings on our Archdiocese and families. Call forth even more men of generous spirit and fervent love whom You desire for this holy work. Amen.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Mitchell Kendrioski, St John Bosco Parish, Branford, CT
Spencer Malley, Christ the King Parish, Wethersfield, CT
Gregory Meyer, Sacred Heart Parish, Southbury, CT
This year we are unable to have our usual Friday Soup Suppers. Instead we are using this opportunity to collect non perishable food for the Prospect Food Bank.
Please refer to the list for items needed
They can be brought to Mass or to The Stations of the Cross Fridays at 6:30 pm.
LaBonne’s Cash for Charities
 
We just received a check from LaBonne’s for $120.04 from returning $24,000 in receipts. 
$40,000 in receipts were turned in recently, so keep those receipts coming! The next check will be over $200.00. 
Thanks for your support! We're sure LaBonne’s appreciates it too!
CRS RICE BOWL
Alms donated through CRS Rice Bowl support the work of Catholic Relief Services in 100 different countries each year. 25% of your donations stay in the Archdiocese of Hartford to support parish based hunger outreach. Rice bowls are available at the exits of our church and in the parish center. Donate directly to the CRS Rice Bowl
Lenten Rice Bowl Recipes
Since we are not able to meet for soup suppers this Lent, we would like to share recipes from the Rice Bowl program each week. 
We encourage you to make the meal and share photos and thoughts about it. Let us know which recipe was your favorite and we will publish the most liked meal. Please call us or email. We do enjoy hearing from you!
This weeks recipe:
SHAKSHOUKA RECIPE from GAZA
3 T fair trade olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 7oz can green chilis
1 28oz can diced tomatoes
1 T ketchup
2 t salt
4 eggs
Heat oil in a large pan. Sauté onions and garlic. Add chilis including juice and cook until soft. Add tomatoes, ketchup and salt. Cook tomatoes down to a sauce. Make four holes in the sauce with a spoon. Crack the eggs into the holes and cover until the eggs cook. Leave yolks runny. Makes 4 servings
Voting has begun for the 12th Annual Community Awards Program so please help us earn grant money!
St Anthony Church will receive a $25 donation from the Ion Bank Foundation for every vote we receive!
CLICK HERE if you are an Ion Bank customer to vote
Voting continues until March 31, 2021.
  • Voting is open to all Ion Bank customers. One vote per customer; however, for accounts with multiple owners, each owner may vote.
Guidelines for Attending Mass
While some might feel these guidelines are stringent, it is important that guidelines are followed, that we respect all parishioners and be sure that everyone feels comfortable attending Mass. Please go to our website for the current guidelines.
Bingo is cancelled until further notice.
If you would like to be added to our mailing list to keep up to date please email stanthonychurchcc@gmail.com

Thank you for all who have supported us in the past and we look forward to when we can have a HUGE Jackpot again
When shopping Amazon, you can choose to use Amazon Smile* and a percentage of your order will be donated to St. Anthony Church, specifically for the refurbishing of the Church hall.
Click on the photo to get started!
*We encourage supporting local businesses, direct trade and fair trade partners as well as environment considerations when making purchases. If you do choose to use Amazon Smile and you don’t need your item immediately, please don’t choose overnight/rush delivery because this often forces people to work on Sunday. 
Labonnes Cash for Charities Rebate Program
  • Please save your Labonne's cash register receipts. (Keep an envelope in your car to easily save them)
  • Every couple of months submit them to St. Anthony Church, via the mail or by dropping them off at the parish center. We will receive 1/2% back. 
  • Thank you to everyone who has been sending in their slips, keep them coming!

Please consider using online giving for your financial support.
The consistency from online giving is very helpful over vacation periods. You may still use your envelopes and mark “I gave online”. 
Thank you and God bless you for all you do for St. Anthony Church!
Parish Mission Statement
St. Anthony Church is a parish where God’s love nourishes the soul to actively minister to people and share the joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
St. Anthony Church
4 Union City Road – Prospect, CT 06712
203-758-4056 .  www.stanthonyprospect.org