Confirmation Celebrated on April 19th

Monday, April 19 was Confirmation Day for young men and women of the parish. Our bishop, Bishop Robert J. McManus, confirmed candidates from St. Anthony Parish as well as candidates from Immaculate Conception, St. Francis, St. Joseph and Madonna of the Holy Rosary Parishes.  It was a joy-filled and beautiful liturgy, celebrating both the individual candidates who have chosen to take this step forward in their faith, but also the increased unity among the parishes of Fitchburg.  We are One Church.  We are One Body of Christ. We are called to give a unified witness to Jesus Christ and to His Church to our city and beyond.

As you know, St. Bernard and St. Camillus DeLellis Parishes will merge into one, new St. Bernard’s Parish, worshipping on Mechanic Street.  Immaculate Conception, Madonna of the Holy Rosary and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parishes are in the process of determining with whom they wish to merge. Soon after that the Bishop will be announcing pastors for the four new parishes. It is an exciting time for all of us.

With the excitement comes anxiety and also a well-founded sorrow over what has been lost.  One cannot drive through the streets of Fitchburg and look upon these magnificent edifices built for the glory of God without sadness thinking some of these church buildings will be closed. Some will be put to other uses, some may be torn down. We do not know what the future holds.

Like the Confirmation candidates who walked forward confidently to the Bishop to be confirmed, we, too, can be filled with confidence and hope. We don’t need to know everything that the future holds. We only need to trust in God and walk together.

Easter, Resurrection and New Birth

Another rainy day today (Monday), and the branches on the trees are pretty bare, but Easter is upon us and spring is in the air. All of this annoying rain is softening the soil and getting us ready for a burst of green – on our lawns, on our trees, in our gardens. We don’t see it yet, but we know it’s coming.

This has been a traumatic year for the entire Catholic community in Fitchburg. Changes, long anticipated, have finally been announced. For many, this will be the last Holy Week celebrated in a beloved church building. It is impossible not to grieve over such a loss. All of us have to acknowledge the pain our brothers and sisters are experiencing. Now is the time to be supportive and understanding.

The closing of a building does not mean the end of a church any more than moving from one house to another means the end of the family.

The sorrow of Good Friday is not the end of the story. With the early disciples, we have to push on to Easter. Our journey of faith does not end with the limp and lifeless body of Jesus suspended from the cross. Our journey takes us to the empty tomb and beyond. It takes time and patience, the willingness to listen and the willingness to change. It will probably be a year or so before everything is sorted out, but the longest journey begins with a single step.

This Easter, as we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord, let us recommit ourselves to be partners with one another, believers of the promise and doers of the Word of New Birth and New Life.

Fr. Bob Bruso

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

Pastoral Planning for Fitchburg Continues

Representatives of all eight parishes in Fitchburg met again on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at St. Bernard’s CC High School to discuss our individual plans to reconfigure and consolidate parishes in Fitchburg. The goal is to take all of the eight plans and find one plan that everyone can agree on. It seems easier said than done, but we have made a great deal of progress and there is a high level of agreement.

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 Fitchburg in your daily prayers.

Thanks, Fr. Bob

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.