PARISH HISTORY/PHOTO BOOK HAS ARRIVED!

The Centennial Parish History/Photo Book arrived several days earlier than anticipated! All parishioners who had their picture taken or submitted one to us can pick up their copy of the book at the office this week, August 31st – September 4th during the regular work days of Monday – Friday (NO TUESDAY) from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM as well as after all Masses next weekend, September 5th & 6th in the church hall. Those of you that ordered a book or additional copies may also pick yours up at these times. We need to make sure that everyone receives their books so please help us by only coming at the specified times. Your names have to be checked off a master list of all those who should receive a copy of the book and this can only be done at the times noted above. We will add more distribution dates if needed and keep you informed.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

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 14^th Annual Day of Caring Event which takes place on Thursday, September 10^th 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.

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.