Sunday, October 4, 2009
Centennial Plaque Dedicated
On Sunday September 27, 2009, St. Anthony of Padua in Fitchburg dedicated a Centennial Plaque to donors on the Centennial Capital campaign. Fr. Robert Bruso, assisted by Deacon Sal Tantillo, said a blessing to the crowd of parishioners. The names on the plaque represent donors that contributed to a capital campaign in honor of the 100 year anniversary of the church. The campaign raised over $200,000. Following the ceremony a reception was held in the church hall.
More photos on the website
Friday, September 25, 2009
Pastoral Planning for Fitchburg Continues
Representatives of all eight parishes in
Indeed, there is almost unanimous agreement on six of the eight parishes. For two of the parishes, there has yet to be a consensus. Our task for this month is to reflect on all of the plans presented and see how we can come to agreement on all eight parishes.
Our next meeting is Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 PM.
Keep this important work for the future of the Church in
Thanks, Fr. Bob
Friday, August 28, 2009
PARISH HISTORY/PHOTO BOOK HAS ARRIVED!
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Friday, August 21, 2009
St. Anthony Parish to be a recipient in the United Way 14th Annual Day of Caring Event
For the first time, St. Anthony Parish will be the recipient of community volunteers during the United Way 14th Annual Day of Caring Event which takes place on Thursday, September 10th from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. We have two projects listed under the descriptions of: Brush Clean-Up on Sloping Land & General Indoor Fall Clean Up.
Do you have four hours to help us OR the more than thirty non-profit organizations that need your help? Please click Community Builders to be directed to the United Way website which contains full listings and descriptions of all help needed for their Annual Day of Caring (listed under the EVENT box) or the many ongoing volunteer opportunities listed under the CALENDAR box. You will notice many familiar names of organizations that are in need of help. Any questions you many have are answered on this site as well as sign-up information and contact information for the United Way if clarification is needed. You must sign-up through this site only. The Day of Caring is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community for those of you that can’t make an ongoing commitment. Most businesses allow one day off for community service. Check with your company and consider joining with the thousands of volunteers around the country as they try to make a difference one day at a time.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Second year of Madonna Della Cava feast a success
The St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Fitchburg celebrated the Feast of the Madonna Della Cava on Sunday, August 16, 2009. This annual event, traditionally celebrated by Sicilians living in Fitchburg and Boston's North End, includes a procession through the streets with a banner featuring the embroidered image of the Virgin Mary. Led by two boys dressed as angels, the banner is processed to the church where parishioners pin money on the streamers in honor of the Madonna Della Cava. In Fitchburg, the processions of the banner stopped in the mid-1970's. In 2008, a faithful group of St. Anthony parishioners restored the original banner and revived the procession with a full marching band. In its second year, the procession was followed by a Mass and a lunch served in the church hall. Additional photos on the website.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
2nd Annual Cookout draws 140 parishioners
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Pastoral Planning Update
The Pastoral Planning Group for the
We continued to discuss what our goals are for the Church in the entire City of
Over the past six months or so, several proposals have been submitted with suggestions for the reconfiguration of the parishes. Of course, every parish’s plan includes themselves as a future parish center. How to get beyond our natural instinct of self-preservation?
Our assignment for this month is for each parish’s Focus Group to meet and develop a plan for
Our Focus Group will meet on Wednesday, August 5, at 7:00 PM in the Church Hall. That gives us two weeks to think about plans before the meeting and another two weeks to refine our plan until the next citywide meeting, which is August 19.
Our Focus Group members are: Jim Adams, Linda Allaire, Kevin & Kristine Caravella, John & Kathy Cullinan, Ellen DePatie, Debbie & Tony Mercadante, Cyndi & Pete Merrill, Rosalyn Piro and John & Vicky Zarrella, with Father Bob and Deacon Sal.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Summer Cookout Scheduled for Saturday July 25th!
Praying for sun, but either way we will make our own fun!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Parade float wins Mayor's Award!
The St. Anthony School float "Discover St. Anthony's" was awarded the Mayor's Award yesterday at the Civic Day's Parade. A well represented group of students accompanied the float as it cruised through the parade route. The float based on Columbus discovering America was adorned with Italian flags as well as the traditional American flags. Students tossed candy and fired the onboard water cannons to the delight of the crowd that gathered. See the photo section for the website http://www.stanthonyfitchburg.net/Photos/PhotoMain.cfm for more pictures of the day.
Friday, July 3, 2009
School float will participate in Civic Days Parade
Anthony School. This will be the 5th year the school has shown its
community spirit. This years entry is titled "Discover St. Anthony's"
and is a nautical theme reminiscent of Christopher Columbus
discovering the new world. Many school families have been working and
planning for months to create this years float. Be sure to head down
to the parade to check it out!
Friday, June 26, 2009
First St. Anthony Golf Outing huge success
Volunteers needed for Habitat for Humanity
http://www.ncmhabitat.org/index.asp
Summer is Here - Volunteer!
Our volunteer construction schedule is full of opportunities to pitch in.
You can sign up to help us complete our Habitat for Humanity house on Pine Street in Gardner alongside our newest family, the Arndts. We have Gardner volunteer work days posted for Tuesdays & Saturdays.
Or you can help us make a home handicapped accessible inside and out alongside a family in need in Westminster. We have Westminster volunteer work days posted for Thursdays & Saturdays.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
PASTORAL PLANNING PROCESS
The meeting was facilitated by Liz Marcil, Director of the Diocesan Office for Religious Education and chair of the Pastoral Planning Committee, assisted by Msgr. Michael Foley of St. Luke's Parish in Westboro, Ray Delisle, Director of the Communications Office for the Diocese, and Jim Frazier of the Pastoral Planning Committee.
The two hour session was a "gap exercise," establishing what is the "gap" between what the Catholic presence in Fitchburg is today and what it will be in the future.
Currently, there are 8 parishes, 2 elementary schools, 2 pre-schools, 2 cemeteries, 1 high school, 1 day care center and 1 Newman Apostolate (at Fitchburg State College).
In the future, there will be (approximately) 4 parishes. How can we maintain and enhance our ministries with fewer parishes? That is the "gap" we are dealing with.
We will meet again on July 15 to continue our discussions. Your input is always appreciated. Contact either of our parish representatives (Rosalyn Piro and John Zarrella) or Father Bob.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Partners in Charity EXCEEDED Goal!!
Thank you does not seem appropriate to express to all parishioners who contributed just how grateful and blessed our parish is. Your generosity will continue to help the many worthy causes this annual campaign supports each year. May God bless you abundantly in all you do.
See the full listing
http://www.partners-charity.net/allparishreport.htm
Monday, June 15, 2009
St. Anthony School Festa UPDATE
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Bishop Letter on Pastoral Planning
Text of Letter
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
St. Anthony Graduates 32 8th Graders
St. Anthony School
Class of 2009
Giovanna Arantes
Connor Kurtz
Shawna Babineau*
Justine LeBlanc
Cody Beaudoin
Connor Lemieux*
Ekaterina Benoit
Hannah Lemieux*
Michael Brennan*
Joelle Less*
Dominic Carbone *
Logen Lewis
Paul Comaskey
Nicholas Martines*
Cayla Crank
Megan McInnis*
John Crawley*
Nicholas Mercadante*
Joshua Emma
Nicholas Merrill*
Zachary Garner*
Tiffany Quirk*
Heidi Gauvin*
Haley Root*
Brian Gelinas*
Samantha Russo*
James Hilton
William Saball*
Jovitt Kiure
Courtney Saladini
Alex Kotoch
Ryan Sarasin*
Congratulations to all of our graduates!
*Denotes a St. Anthony Parish Family