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.

2nd Annual Cookout draws 140 parishioners

The Second Annual Parish Cookout was held Saturday July 25th at the church hall and grounds. Over 140 attended the event held by the hospitality committee. The event followed the 4pm Mass and was free to all. Many parishioners contributed by bringing side dishes and deserts. The hospitality committee works hard to create an atmosphere of community and inclusion for all of the parish, and this event was another example of their good work. See photos of the event on the church web site http://www.stanthonyfitchburg.net/Photos/PhotoMain.cfm .

Pastoral Planning Update

The Pastoral Planning Group for the Fitchburg parishes met on Wednesday, July 15, at St. Bernard’s Central Catholic High School library. Five priests as well as two lay representatives from each parish met with members of the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Committee.

We continued to discuss what our goals are for the Church in the entire City of Fitchburg, not just each parish. Although at times it might have seemed tedious, at the end of the second meeting we began to see the direction we were heading in and how well thought out the process has been.

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 Fitchburg as if our own parish never existed! In other words, we focus on everyone else’s good points, and let others look for ours. This removes the Focus Group’s concern for our own parishes and focus on the larger picture.

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.

Summer Cookout Scheduled for Saturday July 25th!

Our 2nd Annual SUMMER CELEBRATION COOKOUT, hosted by the Hospitality Committee will be held on Saturday July 25th from 5 - 7 pm in the Church Hall and grounds. The last day to sign up is Tuesday July 20th by signing up in the back of the church or calling Amy Walsh at 978-502-5540. If you are bringing a dish and/or utensil you would like back please write your name on it. All items you are contributing to the event should be dropped off between 3 and 4 pm on Saturday July 25th. We had a lot of fun last year and hope you will join us for this year's event. If you are signed up and have to cancel for any reason, please let Amy know.

Praying for sun, but either way we will make our own fun!

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.