St Anthony Church Newsletter |
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Thank you to all who helped decorate our church for both Advent and Christmas. For more photos,
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The clear message that Joseph gave his family is that they were together and were okay. We also have to learn how to listen to that voice of God echoing in our depths, do what we need to do, and communicate to those around us that we are together and it is okay. If we can accomplish this within our families, we will be living as God intended a family to live. While we live in a very imperfect world, we must always strive for perfection. Christmas isn’t over yet. It’s just beginning. Light still shines in the darkness and the star still shines. God is hoping that we will allow that star to illuminate our steps and allow the light of His Son to bring light to our darkness. Be humble and be kind. Be patient and bear with one another. All we have to do is get out of our own way, be willing to be led, and learn to listen. May our families become the holy and sacred places they are meant to be! |
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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 .
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Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Thursday December 31th - 4:30 PM
Friday January 1, 2021 9:00 am
**Note** Although the Holy Day is on First Friday, the only Mass that day will be at 9:00 am
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The Knights of Columbus Baskets for Babies Collection begins on December 26th and will end on January 24th. New and unwrapped items can be placed in collection baskets which will be in the vestibule of the church. Wish List:
Wish List:
Booties, Blankets, Onesies, Baby Bath Bottles, Outfits, Baby Lotion, Comb & Brush Sets, Pacifiers, Baby Shampoo, Crib Sheets, Rattles, Baby Wipes, Desitin Ointment, Sleepers, Bath Towels, Diaper Bags, Socks, Bibs, Diapers, Strollers, Blanket Sleepers, Hats, Sweaters and Stuffed Animals.
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The Prayer Line Ministry is looking for a few more people.
What does a person in this ministry do? They receive a call or email with the request for prayers for a particular individual and add those intentions to their prayers.
If you are interested please call the parish center office and your information will be shared with the leader of this ministry. All information, on those being prayed for, is strictly confidential.
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On the Question of Cremation
We often get asked whether the church approves of cremation as a form of burial. The answer is yes, cremation is acceptable. However, let’s take this opportunity to clarify some issues that are not readily understood. While the church approves of cremation and allows the cremains to be brought into church for a funeral Mass, the preferred option is still the celebration of a funeral Mass in the presence of the body. Often today, people are choosing immediate cremation after the death of a loved one. While the church accepts this option, the actual funeral liturgy requires the presence of a body so that the fullness of the rite can be celebrated and appreciated. Therefore, in the way the funeral rites of the Catholic Church are designed and intended, a Mass in the presence of the body ought to precede cremation. This is the traditional and best way to approach this burial option. In addition, the Church asks that the cremains be buried, in their entirety, in consecrated ground. They may not be kept in the home of a loved one, divided or scattered over a special place. The only exception to this is a military burial at sea.
-Father Gregory
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HOPE Ministry
If you are having difficulty meeting your monthly expenses, maybe we can help, please call 203-758-4056. All calls are confidential. Or visit the website page for an application.
- The mission of the HOPE Ministry is to carry out our gospel call to enhance the quality of life and self- sufficiency of those in our community in need of financial and social services.
- It will provide monetary assistance for basic living expenses, referrals, education, practical assistance and spiritual guidance to strengthen and support individuals in need of assistance by fostering independence and personal responsibility with respect, compassion and accountability.
- Applicants must be actively registered parishioners or residents of Prospect.
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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 bring a face mask to wear, as it is required as you enter, while inside and as you exit. Please be sure to cover your mount and nose with the mask, not just your mouth.
- Every 3rd pew will be completely open and there will be no tape on the seats. This will allow for large families to sit together without sitting on tape.
- Please enter through the center doors of the front of the church, (with the exception of those that cannot use stairs you may enter through the Angel doors and proceed up the side aisle), proceed up the center aisle and when you enter a pew, move to the far side aisle, allowing other people to sit in the pew.
- There are 20 pews open and with the capacity of 100, that leaves plenty of space for those attending.
- We expect that every individual or family will keep a 6 foot distance between them and the next person/family.
- The center aisle is meant to be used for walking toward the sanctuary and the side aisles are meant for walking away from the sanctuary
- Also, We will no longer use stickie notes to mark the pews on the weekend, only during the week.
- Singing has been shown to increase the spread of COVID-19. However, please feel free to hum to the music during Mass.
- Hand sanitizer is currently available, please have your own as well.
- Missalettes will be removed from the pews, if you would like to take one home and bring it back with you each time you come to Mass, you may do that.
Collection Procedure:
- One of the guidelines is that we cannot have the ushers passing the basket to receive your offertory envelopes.
- Three collection boxes will be available inside the church and they will be emptied in the presence of 2 ushers, after every Mass, into a secure bag.
- If there is a second collection, please put your donation for that collection into a separate envelope. If it is a plain envelope, please mark it with the specific collection that it is for.
- If you put loose cash in the box, it will be recorded under the weekly offering. Thank you.
Communion Procedure:
- Please use the markers for distancing while in line. Families can stay together.
- Once in front of Father or Deacon, please extend your hands out flat to receive the consecrated host, as you walk away, pause at the X on the floor, lower your mask, consume the host, put your mask back on and return to your pew down the side outside aisle.
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Bingo is cancelled until further notice.
Unfortunately, BINGO will not be reopening as previously thought due to the state of Connecticut reducing gatherings to 25 people indoors.
Thank you for all who have supported us in the past and we look forward to when we can have a HUGE Jackpot again
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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.
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Labonnes Cash for Charities Rebate Program
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Please save your Labonne's cash register receipts. (Keep an envelope in your car to easily save them)
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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!
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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!
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St. Anthony Church
4 Union City Road – Prospect, CT 06712
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