News from San Antonio Church – December 18, 2022

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Weekly Bulletin December 18, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On this last Sunday of Advent, please remember the members of the Studt and Marckesano Families as we light the final purple candle (Faith) on our Advent Wreath.   On December 5th, our San Antonio Church Community held the funeral Mass of Robert “Bob” Martin Studt, our oldest and most valued parishioner who became a member of our church since his marriage to Louise (Marckesano) Studt.  Bob along with brothers Charles, John, and sister Margaret (Studt) Mappin also attended our church and developed many friendships within the community of South Fairmount.  In the 1930 census, Bob’s parents, Mary and Carl Studt lived at 1550 Dudley Street when Charles was 9, John was 8, Margaret (Margie) was 7 and Bob was 6 years old.   When World War II broke out, he was 18 years old and working for George Smith on River Road and Mt. Hope Avenue at the Electrical Tool Company when he registered for the draft on June 30, 1942.  On September 24, 1942, he was selected for the Naval Reserve and later that year, Boatswain Mate Robert Studt was serving on the U.S.S. Saratoga (named after the 1777 Battle of Saratoga during the Revolutionary War) patrolling Alaskan waters.  On his return, Robert Martin Studt 22, married 18 Louise Marckesano on March 15, 1946, and welcomed their first child daughter Sandra on November 23rd, 1946.   In 1947, Robert joined the Cincinnati Fire Department serving at Engine Company 3 on Ninth and Broadway where he was active in the Miles of Dimes Bucket Brigade.

In 1949, Robert was one of 8 part time Cincinnati Sailors and among 300 Naval Reservists who participated in a yearly two-week training exercise on a Caribbean Cruise leaving from New Orleans: visiting Guantanamo Bay Cuba and Puerto Rico before returning home.  On his return, Bob went back to his regular job with the CFD, until he was recalled into active service on October 9, 1950, assigned to the naval Base in Sasebo, Japan.  Boatswain Mate Second Class Studt was overseas when Louise (Marckesano) Studt delivered their second child, a son William Robert Studt on December 3, 1950.  On his return, he was assigned to Ladder Company 2 at Liberty and Linn Streets and then as an Engineer with Engine 12 where he proudly served until retirement.  Throughout his career with CFD, Bob always took time to volunteer at the General Protestant Orphanage Feast for their yearly fundraiser.      

Bob was a long-standing supporter at San Antonio Church, serving at Mass, as an Usher and every few years, replacing the vinyl seat cushions on the chairs in our Hall.  He worked the yearly Festivals, Fish Frys, and Monte Carlo Nights while Bob and Louise were active in the Men and Ladies Sodality.   After moving on from on from the Cincinnati Fire Department, Bob became the President of the Retired Firefighters Association who rented our Hall for their monthly meeting and luncheon.  Bob introduced many of his associates to our church as he made his signature lunches for them to enjoy including his “Fire House Chili” which can be found on page 31 of our” Mangia” Recipe Book. 

Our Parishioners have all missed seeing him at Sunday Mass.  Bob was one of those gentlemen from the “Greatest Generation” who married the love of his life, worked hard, served his country in two Wars, and raised a family he was very proud of.  We send our condolences to Sandy Schroeder, Bill Studt, Debbie Poland and their families who have continued to carry on Bob and Louise’s volunteer spirit at San Antonio Church.   In the future, we hope to see Bob and Louise’s Family join us at our Sunday Mass.  Many prayers are being sent to the Studt Family members for the loss of your Patriarch and a great guy we will never forget!

News from San Antonio Church – December 11, 2022

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin December 11, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On this 3rd Sunday of Advent, we celebrate Gaudete (GOW-DAY-TAY) or Rejoice Sunday in the Liturgical Calendar of the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran and other mainline Protestant Churches.  This Sunday in the halfway point of the Advent Season is a call for us to rejoice in hope for the anticipation of Christmas as we light the pink or rose candle referred to as the Shepherds Candle.  The Altar cloth and vestments are also permitted to be changed to rose or pink on this joyous Sunday of Advent.   The readings for this 3rd Sunday will emphasize the joy and anticipation as we get closer to the Lord’s coming and relate to John the Baptist.   Pope Francis once said in his homily that Gaudete Sunday should be known as a “Sunday of Joy, and that instead of fretting about all they still haven’t done to prepare for Christmas, we should think of all the good things life has given us.”   

            On Gaudete Sunday we not only celebrate the 3rd Sunday of Advent but at Mass on this morning, we will bless all the Baby Jesus’s we brough in from our home Mangers.  This practice has grown over the years not only taking place in Rome but in many Catholic Churches throughout the world, for the Christmas Blessing on Bambinelli Sunday to bless the Baby (Bambino) Jesus for Christmas.   Pope John Paul instituted the tradition of Bambinelli Sunday during his Papacy to remind families about the joyous event of Baby Jesus’s arrival in the Manger.  St. John Paul would ask those present to assemble before the manger scene with their family as he blessed the figurines of the bambino Jesus.  Pope Benedict XVI as well as Pope Francis have continued this tradition for this annual unique and beloved ceremony.  As we await the birth of Jesus, during the Christmas Season simple Nativity scenes will be loving displayed   not only in churches but also in our homes.  On this Sunday, the Holy Father, Pope Francis will then bless the Baby Jesus from family Nativity scenes. 

The origin of these family Mangers   date back to the first humble Creche (French for Manger) made by St. Francis of Assisi for Christ on Christmas Eve in 1223.  For almost 800 years, small and large Nativity scenes have evolved in our homes, towns, and cities to represent the significant figures that will be displayed during this Liturgical Season of Advent, Christmas and then into the Epiphany.  The historical likeness of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Ox, the Donkey, and the Shepherds with their Sheep will be shown.  They will be set in and around the Manger waiting for Jesus to be placed in his place of honor on Christmas Eve.   In Rome at St. Peter’s Square, children and their families will gather with their figures of the Christ Child from their home nativity scenes.  At the noontime Angelus Prayer, Pope Francis will bless the children and their figurines The blessing will take place this morning around 6:00AM Cincinnati time which is 12:00PM in Rome.    

San Antonio Church will celebrate our Christmas Day Mass on Sunday, December 25, 2022, at 9:00 AM.  We will also have our regular Sunday 9:00 AM Mass on Sunday, January 1, 2023, New Year’s Day.  Please inform your families and friends about the correct Mass schedule as the card sent from Holy Family was in error.  On Christmas Day we pray for a full church to close out the momentous anniversary year 1922-2022 and a good crowd for our New Year’s Day Mass to welcome 2023.

News from San Antonio Church – December 4, 2022

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Weekly Bulletin December 4, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On Saturday, November 30, 2022 San Antonio Church held the funeral Mass for Matthew J. Cupito (1963-2022) who passed away on November 20th.    Matthew was the beloved son of Joseph and Mary Ann Cupito and was a descendant of one of the early families in the history of our church.  Matthew leaves spouse, Carrie (Dunfee) Cupito and child Ryan along with brothers, Steve (Erin), Adam (Laurie) and Mark (Geri) and their families.  We send our condolences to them and all their extended family members Nephews, Brad, Bryan, Mark, Andrew and Nicholas and niece Emma.  Matt was a proud graduate of Elder High School and leaves many good friends and work associates who valued him.  Please keep our longtime parishioners, Joe and Mary Ann Cupito and their family in your prayers.

As we celebrate the 2nd Sunday of Advent on this 1st Sunday in December, we also recall the dedication of our church building.  In the history of our church, a milestone took place when on the 1st Sunday of December in 1940, the newly built San Antonio Italian Church was formally open, 82 years ago.  That Sunday was like no other with the whole neighborhood of the Little Italy Section of South Fairmount rejoicing in the church they worked so hard to build.  They had seen many positive changes in their new home country, America and were proud of their accomplishments as they worked to achieve the American Dream.  All these families felt St. Anthony was looking out for them with the good fortune of a church and hall to serve the Italian Catholics of the neighborhood.  They were very thankful and appreciative of the tedious work of Sr. Blandina, Sr. Justina, and Sr. Euphrasia, who for the last 18 years had worked with the Italians of South Fairmount to build a parish of their own someday. 

These working-class families had worshiped in two other buildings, the 1st at 1948 Queen City Avenue and later the 2nd church used for Mass would have to be torn down to make way for the new stretch of Queen City Avenue.  When plans were in place for a brand-new building, a temporary vacant building at the corner of Sperber and Queen City Avenue accommodated only 80 people but would be used from November 1939 until December 1st, 1940, while the new church was being built.  With the church now completed, a date was set for the first Mass with Bishop Rehring, Pastor Fr. Ferdinand Nirmaier, and honorary priests in attendance for the High Mass at !0:00 AM.  While giving thanks on this milestone day, the parishioners said a prayer to St. Anthony and thought of all the priests who had not only served them but had elevated their lives. 

They silently prayed for Rev. J. B. Chiotti, Rev. Francis Bredestege, Rev. J. McFarland, Msg. Giles Alias, Rev. Vincent Graglia, Rev. Dennis Engelhard, Rev. Edwin Auweiler, Rev. Mathias Heile and especially Rev. Joseph Klein O.F.M. who was Pastor of San Antonio Italian Church (1933-1936) who passed away in 1938.  Beloved Fr. Joe had started the San Antonio Church Choir who then sponsored the 1st Spaghetti Dinner in 1936.  Members of the Choir stated: “And as he looks down from his Saintly place in Heaven, may he see that we have never forgotten and never intend to forget, our beloved Father Joseph.”  As we celebrated our Mass on this 82nd Anniversary Sunday, remember to thank God, St. Anthony, Sr. Blandina Segale, Servant of God and all the Saints we have prayed to and petitioned for the health and good fortune of our beautiful little church.  

Today we light the second purple candle, the Bethlehem Candle which represents Peace as the reading tell of Christ’s Birth in a Manger.  In this 2nd week of Advent, Peace is thought to be the main focus.  When the angels appeared to the shepherds, at the end of their message they said: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth Peace to those whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).  In Hebrew, the word for Peace is Shalom.  Next week please bring in our baby Jesus’ from our home creche’s for a blessing on Bambinelli Sunday.  In Rome, our Holy Father, Pope Francis will also bless all the baby Jesus brought from nativity Scenes on this Gaudete or Rose Sunday.

News from San Antonio Church – November 27, 2022

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin November 27, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday, we welcome many new parishioners as we start the Liturgical Season of Advent.  The season of Advent is celebrated as a time of waiting as we prepare for the Nativity of Christ at Christmas and the anticipation for the Second Coming of Christ. Advent commences on the 4th Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve on December 24th and is observed in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, the Western Rite of the Orthodox Church, in the Anglican, Lutheran, Moravian, Presbyterian and Methodist Churches.  The season of Advent in the Christian calendar anticipates the “Coming of Christ;” the physical Nativity in Bethlehem, The Reception of Christ in the heart of the believer, and the return of Christ in the Second Coming.  The liturgical season lasts approximately four weeks before Christmas with themes of joyful expectation to prepare the faithful for the remembrance of the Lord’s first coming.  There was a time when Advent was considered as a time of penitence and fasting known as the Nativity Fast or the Fast of December.  According to St. Gregory of Tours, during the 5th Century, there would be fasting 3 times a week from November 11th (St, Martin’s Day) until Christmas.  This practice was named “Lent of St. Martin” that was limited to the Diocese of Tours until the 6th Century.  By the 13th Century, fasting was limited to the feast of St. Andrew, the Apostle on November 30th until Christmas Day.  In Rome, Advent was observed for 5 weeks at that time with the Greeks celebrating Advent as an optional feast that could begin anytime between November 15 – December 6.

            The usual color since the 13th Century in Western Christianity has been violet but, in some denominations, blue is used to represent hope as alternative color for Advent referred to as “Sarum Blue” in Lutheran, Methodist or Presbyterian Denominations.  Sarum is the Latin word for Salisbury from the cathedral in England where the blue color was used by the Bishop of Salisbury in the 11th Century.  The blue color symbolizes the image of the night sky or darkness that is present in many of the Scriptures used during the season of Advent and is also associated with the Virgin Mary. 

The Advent Wreath is an important centerpiece of the altar of many churches.  The wreaths origin dates to the 16th Century among German Lutherans but, it wasn’t until 1839 when a Protestant Pastor, Johann Hinrich Wichern built a ring of wood with red and white tapers, the closest to our present-day wreaths.  Today, our wreath is made of greenery or fir branches as a sign of life and hope with holly used to represent the Eternity of God.  The crown shape represents victory and the symbol of Christ the King with the holly affixed to the wreath recalling the thorns resting on the head of Christ.  The Advent wreath is adorned with 3 violet, one pink and the Christ Candle in the middle of the wreath to be lit on Christmas Eve or Day.  These candles symbolize the stages of salvation before the coming of the Messiah and to some the four stages of human history: Creation, the Incarnation, the Redemption of Sins, and the Last Judgement.  The candles are lit on the consecutive Sundays of Advent until on the 4th Sunday all the candles will be lit.  This practice is meant to cultivate a deeper sense of the liturgical season of Advent.  In Orthodox Churches, sometimes wreath will display six candles to be used for the 6-week duration of the Nativity Fast/Advent.  

On the First Sunday of Advent, we look forward to the coming of Christ.  The reading for this 1st Sunday relates to the Old Testament patriarchs who were Christ’s Ancestors.  The 1st Advent Candle is referred to as the Prophets Candle symbolizing Hope.  The liturgy of Advent remained unchanged until the Second Vatican Council made minor changes between the spirit of Lent from that of Advent to emphasize Advent not only as a hope for Christ’s coming but also as a promise of His Second Coming.  The readings relate to the first coming of Jesus Christ as Savior as well as to his Second Coming as Judge.

News from San Antonio Church – November 20, 2022

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Weekly Bulletin November 20, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On Sunday, November 20th we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe also referred to as Feast of Christ the King.  This feast was added to the liturgical calendar in 1925 by Pope Pius XII for the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church.   In his encyclical, Quas Primas in response to the growing secularism (A system of thought that rejects any reference to god or religion).  When Pope Pius XII instituted the Feast of Christ the King, he wanted to remind Christians that their allegiance was to their spiritual ruler in heaven as opposed to earthly supremacy claimed by dictators at that time.   In 1926, Pope Pius XII gave his blessing for the establishment of the 1st church dedicated to Christ with the title of King.  This young parish with 225 members, located in the Mount Lookout suburb of Cincinnati was operating out of a pharmacy in the Lin-Del Building.  The new Pastor, Fr. Edward J. Quinn was a WWI Army Chaplain who used his Army Mass kit for the churches very 1st Mass.  By May 1927, the Sanctuary and Church built by famed church architect, Edward J. Schulte (1890-1975) (also designed San Antonio Church and the only 20th century architect to design 4 cathedrals) was consecrated.  The Cardinal Pacelli School was then established, named after Pope Pius XII (Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli). 

At one time, the feast was honored on the last Sunday in the month of October but in 1969, Pope Paul VI moved the feast to a new date, the final Sunday of the liturgical year which then assigns it to the highest rank of solemnity.  In the Catholic Church, the commencement of a new liturgical year starts on the First Sunday of Advent. The Feast of Christ the King has an eschatological dimension pointing to the end of time when the Kingdom of Jesus will be established in all its fullness to the ends of the earth.  The Feast of Christ the King leads into Advent, with the Church anticipating Christ’s second coming.  Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, spoke of the power of Christ the King in this way: “It is not the power of the kings or the great people of the world; it is the divine power to give eternal life, to liberate from evil, to defeat the dominion of death.  It is the power of Love that can draw good from evil, that can melt a hardened heart, bring peace amid the harshest conflict and kindle hope in the thickest darkness.”  The liturgical color is white for the Mass on this feast, which is also observed by the Lutheran, Anglican, Moravian, Methodist, Nazarene, Reformed and United Protestant Churches. 

On Monday, November 21st we honor the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to recall the presentation of Mary in the Temple when she was three years old. This day marks the event when Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anne brought her to the Temple to consecrate her to God.  Pope Sixtus V authorized this feast in 1585 for the entire Church after a reference to this event in the apocryphal (hidden) Book of James.  In the East, this Feast honoring the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary can be traced as far back as the 8th Century and in the Eastern Orthodox Church, this is one of the twelve Great Feasts and one of the days when women named Mary (Mapia) and (Despoina) celebrate their name day.  In the Roman Catholic Church, The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates that dedication of herself which Mary made to God from her very childhood under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  The three feasts, the Birthday of Our Lady, the Holy Named of Mary, and her Presentation in the Temple correspond in the Marian cycle with the first three feasts of the cycle of feasts of Jesus, Christmas, the Holy Name of Jesus, and His presentation at the Temple.   November 21st is also “Pro Orantibus Day” as a day of prayer for the cloistered religious for them to be “totally dedicated to God in prayer, silence, and concealment”.

News from San Antonio Church – November 13, 2022

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin November 13, 2022

by Terrie Evans

During the week of November 14th through the 18th we honor the following saints on their Feast Day.  On Tuesday, November 15th, we remember St. Albert the Great, the 1st German Dominican.  Born Albert Magnus (!200-1280) was widely known as a philosopher and scientist who was considered the greatest German philosopher and theologian of the Middle Ages.  St. Albert was very interested in the works of Aristotle and in doing so, studied several Muslim Scholars.  At that time, the Islamic world led Europe in the fields of Science and Medicine.  He wrote 38 volumes on subjects ranging from Philosophy, Geography, Astronomy, Law, Friendship and Love.  St. Albert died in 1280, was beatified 342 years later in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV and was Canonized 309 years later in 1931 by Pope Pius IX. He is the Patron Saint of Medical Technicians, Scientists and Philosophers.

On Wednesday, November 16th, we honor two saints, Margaret, and Gertrude.  St. Margaret was born in Hungary and in 1057 at the age of 12 arrived in England at the court of English King Edward the Confessor.  At the age of 22 after the Battle of Hastings Margaret fled to Scotland and became   known as “The Pearl of Scotland”.  She would bring English Monks to settle in a Benedictine Priory in Scotland and it was there Margaret would go on to build a church in 1072.  She was married to Malcolm III, King of Scotland and she became the mother of three Kings of Scotland, Edgar, Alexander l, and David l.  Malcolm III died in battle in 1093 and Margaret died 3 days later.  St. Margaret was canonized in 1250 by Pope Innocent IV and is also venerated in the Anglican Communion.   St. Gertrude is also honored on Wednesday, November 16th.  She was born in 1256 in Saxony and by the age of 5 was placed in the care of the Benedictine Nuns where she received a good education.    Gertrude would later join the order and become the Abbess at the same Monastery until moving her nuns to another Monastery in Hefita.  St. Gertrude was well versed in Sacred Literature and wrote and composed her writings in Latin.  She was characterized by her great devotion to the Sacred Humanity of Our Lord in His Passion and in the Blessed Eucharist and her love for the Blessed Virgin.  St. Gertrude died in 1302 at the age of 46 and is considered the Patron Saint of the West Indies.

On Thursday, November 17th, we honor the Feast Day of St. Elizabeth known for many good works in helping those less fortunate.  St. Elizabeth of Hungary was a Princess in the Kingdom of Hungary, born in 1207 and died in 1231 at the age of 24 in modern day Germany.  At the age of 4, Elizabeth was promised in marriage to Louis IV of Thuringia, her future husband.  Elizabeth was living in the same household with his family and had fallen in love with Ludwig during their childhood.  The young Elizabeth was married in 1221 at age 14 and had two sons and one daughter.  In 1223 Franciscan Friars arrived and at this time, Elizabeth became very interested in the ideals of St. Francis of Assisi and adopted them in her life.  Her charitable efforts pleased her husband and with his support they both   continued her work until his death in Otranto, Italy while he took part in the Sixth Crusade.  St. Francis of Assisi heard of her good works and sent her a personal message of Blessing before his death in 1226.  She built a hospital for the poor and sick at Marburg before her death in 1231 at the age of 24.   Due to miracles being reported between August 1232 and January 1235, Elizabeth was Canonized by Pope Gregory IX on May 24, 1235.  St. Elizabeth is often depicted holding a basket of bread or other items of foods or beverages to characterize her devotion to the poor.  In 2007, the city Marburg proclaimed the year “Elizabeth Year” to commemorate her good works with Pilgrims coming from all over the world for this celebration.  The Friars and Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis took part of this celebration with members of the Order holding special events to honor her in chapters all over the world.

On November 18th, the Catholic Church holds the Feast Day for the Dedication of the Basilicas of the Apostles Peter and Paul to honor the Apostles who are believed to be buried there.  Built by the Emperor Constantine the Great during the 4th Century, the Basilicas have been visited by pilgrims from all over the world.  Their significance in the Church is referenced to the obligation of Catholic Bishops to make a Quinquennial Visit Ad Limina, a requirement to go “To the tombs of the Apostles” Rome every 5 years to report on the status of their Dioceses or Prelatures.  This requirement was set in 1585 by Pope Sixtus V in 1585 who established the norms for these visits.  In 1909, Pope Pius X decreed that a Bishop needs to report directly to the Pope on the state of his Diocese once every five years, starting in 1911.

News from San Antonio Church – November 6, 2022

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin November 6, 2022

by Terrie Evans

National Vocation Awareness Week will be celebrated throughout our country from November 6-12, 2022.  As practicing Catholics, we all believe God has a plan for us to live our own vocations.  Vocations means “Call” with some of us being called to marriage, to the priesthood, or to a religious life.   Pope Benedict XVI said, “Each of you has a personal vocation which He has given you for your own joy and sanctity.  When a person is conquered by the fire of His gaze, no sacrifice seems too great to follow Him and give Him the best of ourselves.  This is what the Saints have always done, spreading the light of the Lord….and transforming the world into a welcoming home for everyone.  This annual weeklong celebration of the Catholic Church is dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education.  National Vocation Awareness Week began in 1976 (46 years ago) by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to support those who are considering a particular vocation.  During this next week, our San Antonio Church Community is asked to pray for those young men and women who are called to serve the Church as Franciscans, Dominicans, Benedictines, etc.  We are also asked to pray for those who work with the youth in our schools within the Archdiocese and for all the Priests, Brothers, Sisters, and Deacons who have dutifully served San Antonio Church in the past and present throughout our 100th year history.  We can never thank enough – Fr. Bill Ferris, Fr. Frank Jasper, Fr. Mike Savino, Fr. Rudy, Fr. Ralph Westerhoff, and Fr. Pat McCloskey for serving not only our church community but other parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

A Short Prayer for Vocations: 

God Our Father,

We thank you for calling man and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests, Deacons, and Consecrated Persons.

Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to your call.

May our San Antonio Church Community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

A quote from St. John Paul II: “The way Jesus shows you is not easy.  Rather, it is like a path winding up a mountain. Do not lose heart! The steeper the road, the faster it rises towards ever wider horizons.”

Please remember, on Friday, November 11th, we observe Veterans Day to honor all our Military Veterans.  In 2001, the U.S. Senate Resolution 143 designated the week of November 11th-17th as National Veterans Week.  Our San Antonio Church Community has many military members who have served in our country’s wars who are part of the 19.5 million Veterans within the United States, and part of the 500,000 World War II veterans still living.  These were the dedicated men who led troops into battle, served multiple deployments over years and came home to start families and became the greatest generation who built companies, communities and led our country to prosperity.  Many were the sons of Immigrant Italians who were first generation Italian American men who enlisted and were proud to serve and defend our country.  Our San Antonio Church Community is honored to have quite a few still attending Mass with us on Sundays.  There were many distinguished Veterans who are no longer with us that are listed on the Honor Roll Roster in the Hall.  Please take a moment to read their names.

News from San Antonio Church – October 30, 2022

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin October 30, 2022

by Terrie Evans

Every November we as Christians honor two important days, the 1st is “All Saints Day” to celebrate and honor all the Saints of the Church, whether they are known or unknown on November 1st.  The day is spent by attending church services, praying for the dead and visiting cemeteries.  Observance of this day started in the 4th Century to commemorate Christian Martyrs.  By the 9th century, Churches in the British Isles held the commemoration of all Saints on November 1st which was then observed by Pope Gregory IV and then extended to the whole Catholic Church.  In theology of the Catholic Church, All saints Day commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in Heaven.  “All Saints Day” is a time set aside to give God solemn thanks for the lives and deaths of his saints whether they are famous or unknown. 

There are different traditions throughout Europe that are customs on “All Saints Day.”  In Austria and Bavaria, it is a tradition for Godfathers to give their God Children a braided yeast pastry (Allerheiligenstriezel).  Belgians will visit the graves of loved ones and place chrysanthemums to remember and honor them.  In France, wreaths are placed at each tomb or grave and in Germany, “All saints Day” is considered a silent day to only allow public entertainment if the solemn character of the day is preserved.  In Poland, families will gather at the cemeteries of loved ones to tend to the graves and then leave candles and flowers in their memory.  In Portugal, after Mass and visits to the cemeteries, Portuguese children will take part in the tradition Pao-por-Deus by going door to door to receive cakes, nuts, pomegranates, and candies to celebrate all the Saints in heaven.  

The second date is November 2nd, the Roman Catholic Church along with other Christian Denominations honor “All Souls Day” to Commemorate all the faithful departed with a day of prayer and remembrance.  In Italy it is known as “Commemorazione di tutti fedeli defunti;” with many traditions being associated with Purgatory as bells toll to comfort those being cleansed, and candles will be lit to light the way for the poor souls languishing in darkness.  In the Catholic Church, the Faithful refers to all Baptized Catholics to remember the souls in Purgatory.  We are taught that the purification of the souls in Purgatory can be assisted by the actions of the Faithful on earth.  The Faithful on earth can assist those souls who have not fully atoned for past transgressions by prayers, alms, deeds, and especially by the sacrifice of the Holy Mass. 

“All Souls Day” is a time when we particularly remember those who have died.  The prayers appointed for that day remind us that we are joined with the Communion of Saints, that great group of Christians who have finished their earthly life and with who we share the hope of resurrection from the dead.  As we remember all our deceased loved ones who have passed on from our lives, please keep those from our church community who are no longer with us and who we have lost since in the last year from November 2021- 2022.  Martha (King) Andriacco (1943-2022), Kevin Bocklet (1962-2022) Edward (Eddie) Carota (1956-2022), William (Billy) Milazzo (1962-2022), Butch Prinzo (1939-2021) George Purtell (2022), Roy Romelli (1934-2022), Mary Louise (Stevens) Russo (1935-2022), Elsie (Farson) Ventre (1931-2022). 

Please do not forget to set your clocks back 1 hour for next Sunday, November 6th.

News from San Antonio Church – October 23, 2022

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin October 23, 2022

by Terrie Evans

Our San Antonio Church community sends its deepest sympathy to Frank Russo and the family of Mary Louise (Stevens) Russo on her passing on October 6, 2022.  She leaves children Pam (Russo) Baechle, Tony & Sheri Russo, and Perry & Cinamon Russo and their families.  Mary Louise was the daughter of Dominic (1904-1987) and Virginia (Guerrera) Stevens (1910-1970) who resided at 1966 Queen City Avenue and grew up around many extended family members while attending San Antonio Church.  After her marriage to Frank Russo, they became longtime supporters of San Antonio Church until her passing.  They were active and attended many fundraiser events throughout the many years they were members.  Mary Lou was very knowledgeable about the history of San Antonio Church and was always available to help Terrie Evans with her research for the 100th Anniversary family stories for the detailed Centennial Book.  Mary Lou was a great lady who had many friends and extended family members who will miss her presence at our 9:00 AM Mass on Sunday.  She also leaves Grandchildren:  Ryan, Jason, Samantha, Amanda, Nick, Nicole, and Hunter.  Mary Lou’s Great Grandchildren, Braelyn, Christian, Sawyer, Finn, Jett, Baker, Aubrey, and Luke.  Our condolences and prayers are with all of you.   Her funeral Mass was held at San Antonio Church on October 12, 2022, with Fr. Len Wenke officiating.

This Sunday, October 23, 2022, is World Mission Day to support in solidarity the life-giving presence of the Church as we remember the poor and marginalized in more than 1,150 mission dioceses.  This day was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1926 for the whole church with the first worldwide Mission Sunday collection taking place in 1927.  This Sunday is celebrated as the feat of Catholicity and the universal solidarity as Christians all over the world recognize their common responsibility to aid the evangelization of the whole world.  Collections will take place wherever a Church is present to promote poorer parishes, overseas diocese and helping communities build schools, clinics, parish halls and even churches.  On this Sunday, Pope Francis calls each one of us to be witnesses to Christ and to recall the bond between every missionary and Christ himself.  His message for this World Mission Sunday is “You Shall Be My Witnesses” as Pope Francis states “Disciples are sent by Jesus to the world not only to carry out, but also and above all to live the mission entrusted to them; not only to bear witness, but also and above all to be witnesses to Christ.”  Pope Francis says “The call to Mission, is the invitation to step out of ourselves for love of God and neighbor as an opportunity for sharing, service, and intercessory prayer.  The Mission that God entrusts to each one of us leads us from fear and introspection to a renewed realization that we find ourselves precisely when we give ourselves to others.”  

On this World Mission Sunday, please join our Holy Father Pope Francis in supporting his missions.  As we continue to pray and respond to his call at home, we all share in those celebrations taking place in every parish and in schools throughout the world.  As we gather on this Sunday, our prayers and financial support will help bring the Lord’s Mercy to the most vulnerable of communities in the Pope’s Missions.  In carrying out this mission and with the efforts of our almsgiving in our church community regardless of its size it is fundamental importance to the goal of World Mission Sunday.

News from San Antonio Church – October 16, 2022

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin October 16, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On this 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we celebrate the fest days of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque a nun who advocated for the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Hedwig, a German Duchess who dedicated her life to the poor, orphans, and widows.  St. Margaret Mary was born in France who at a young age became committed to the Blessed Sacrament.  After making her First Holy Communion, she became bedridden for 4 years all the time praying to the Blessed Mother for a full recovery from the rheumatic fever that ravaged her body.  She never lost her devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and by the age of 24, she entered the Visitation Convent in France on May 25, 1671.  She took her vows in 1672 and started receiving revelations of the Sacred Heart first in 1673 and in 1675. 

In these revelations the Sacred Heart asked her to receive Holy Communion on the 1st Friday of every month, attend Adoration of the Holy Eucharist every Thursday, and always celebrate the Feast of The Sacred Heart.  Mary Margaret went on to promote observance of the Feast of the Sacred Heart to her Mother Superiors and to King Louis XIV who she asked to consecrate the nation of France to the Sacred Heart in 1689.  They both declined, but it was not until after her death that the Jesuits advanced her cause with her writings on the Devotion to the Sacred Heart, published in 1698 are now used extensively by Catholics.  St. Margaret Mary died on October 17, 1690, at age 43 and in 1824 was declared Venerable by Pope Leo XII and when her tomb was opened in 1830, two people were cured of their afflictions.    

On September 18, 1864, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque was Beatified by Pope Pius IX and 56 years later in 1920, she was Canonized by Pope Benedict XV.  She is the Patron saint of Polio Patients and Devotees of the Sacred Heart.  Her incorrupt body is preserved in the Chapel of the Apparitions within the Visitation Monastery in France where pilgrims from all over the world have journeyed and reported many miracles attributed to her.       

On this Sunday we also honor St. Hedwig (1174-1243) who is considered the Patron saint of the Republic of Poland, Brandenburg, and Berlin Germany.    She grew up at the Andechs Castle in Bavaria with siblings Agnes, Gertrude (Mother of St. Elizabeth of Hungary) Matilda, Bishop Ekbert of Bamberg, Archbishop Berthold of Kalocsa, and Henry, Margrave (Medieval Title for a Military Commander) of Istria. As a young teen, Hedwig married eighteen-year-old Henry I, high Duke of Krakow, they welcomed 7 children.  After their last child was born the couple vowed to promote and facilitate the Growth of Christianity in Germany, Poland and throughout parts of Europe. 

In 1202, Hedwig and Henry built the Trzebnica Abbey, a Cisteercian Convent for Nuns.  When Henry I died in 1238, he was buried at the Abbey and Hedwig would later enter the convent to become a Lay Sister who would invite friends from all over Europe to till the lands around the Abbey establishing many villages, towns, and cities.  St. Hedwig and Henry helped found many convents, monasteries, hospitals, and Churches while living a very religious life promoting their Christian Faith.  St. Hedwig, Duchess of Silesia, and Poland died in in 1243 and was Canonized by Pope Clement IV on March 26, 1267.  She once said “Would you oppose the will of God? Our lives are His.” 

This Sunday is also the conclusion of Sukkot, the 7-day Jewish Festival known as the Feast of Tabernacles and the Festival of Booths.  For this observance, a sukkah will be constructed with walls of wood, canvas, or sheets to be free standing or on the sides of a building or porch.  The sukkah will be decorated with hanging decorations and artwork and will serve as shelters to resemble those that were built in the fields at harvest time.  It is used for daily prayers from the Torah, meals and some even sleep in the sukkah during this 7-day festival.  It is like harvest festivals and marks the end of harvest time and the end of the agricultural year in the Land of Israel.  It is also intended to recall the type of fragile dwellings the Israelites used during their 40-year journey in the desert after their Exodus from slavery in Egypt.  It is also celebrated by Christian denominations that observe holidays from the Old Testament who base the festival on the fact that Jesus celebrated Sukkot in the Gospel of John 7. The holiday by Christian Groups dates to the 17th century.