Religious Education

Preschool (Ages 3-6) “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”

This catechetical program is Montessori based in that it incorporates hands-on, developmentally appropriate materials and activities. It leads the child to a deeper relationship with Jesus. It also teaches the young child about Mass so they can more fully understand it and participate in it.

CCD – Youth Education Classes (Grades 1 –8)

The purpose is to provide Catholic religious instruction and prayer opportunities. It is intended to provide support for parents in the religious development of their children. It is also intended to provide opportunities to celebrate the sacraments and other events together as a family.

Some special events include: Open House, St. Nicholas Day, St. Anthony’s Day, Family Prayer Days, Thanksgiving Day Mass, an Epiphany Party, Adoration, Confession, etc.

Catechists (CCD teachers/aids)

Volunteers instruct our public school youth in the Catholic Religion and witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are committed to grow personally in knowledge and spirituality as they support parents in the development of each child.

Volunteer requirements include being a registered parishioner and a faith filled Catholic who loves children. Our parish or diocese offers on-going education and training toward being a certified teacher of religion.

Youth Ministry (Grades 9 – 12)

This group is dedicated to empowering high school students to live as disciples of Jesus Christ through responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of our faith community. It fosters a personal spiritual growth through on going scripture study. It encourages a sharing with the larger community through programs and events.

Special events or projects include a Senior Citizens Dance, a Thanksgiving Bowling & Pizza Party; the St. Anthony’s Feast Day Lemonade Stand, a Fall Yard Clean Up, and more.

Catholic Schools Education

St. Anthony’s Parish supports students from our church who attend Catholic schools. The parish office coordinates a monitoring of tuition payments.

Generations of Faith

This program is designed for all ages to participate together in a common learning experience while deepening our understanding of our Catholic faith and way of life. The group will meet approximately three times per year. Each session is structured around a specific theme and includes time for learning, music, creative activities, prayer and a meal. Please join us.

Scripture Study

Scripture Study provides a forum for adults to share their understanding of the scriptures. An experienced leader, with a background in scripture and theology, facilitates the discussions. Dialogue of God’s Word takes place in the hope of growing in an adult understanding of scripture and its application to life.

Sant’ Egidio

The Community of Sant’ Egidio is a movement of lay people dedicated to evangelization and charity throughout the world. Weekly prayer and communicating the Gospel through service are the heart of the life of this community.

Finance

Financial Advisory Committee

The members of the Financial Advisory Committee function as advisors to the pastor on matters that relate to the operation of the parish. These matters include capital improvement, annual reports to the Diocese, budgets, investment review, Diocesan Campaign, stewardship, fundraisers, expenses, and school support. Meetings are held at the discretion of the pastor.

Liturgical Ministries

Acolytes (Servers)

Practicing Catholics dedicated to serving and assisting at the weekend liturgy and special feasts. All young people grades 4 and up are encouraged to participate in this group.

Eucharistic Ministers

Eucharistic Ministers are parishioners who serve Holy Communion at the Liturgy and to the homebound. The Bishop through the Pastor commissions the participants. Training is required and provided by the parish.

Hospitality Ministers

Hospitality ministers are parishioners, who welcome people to church, distribute bulletins, assist with the offertory, and in other areas as needed. Training is required and provided by the parish.

Lectors

Lectors are parishioners who proclaim the word of God at the Liturgy. Training is required and provided by the parish.

Liturgy Assistants

Liturgy assistants are parishioners who assure that all areas related to the function of the weekend liturgies are in place. This is a behind the scenes support to the flow of the Liturgy. Training is required and provided by the parish.

Music (Cantors & Choirs)

This music ministry enhances the liturgy through the musical leadership of the congregation during Mass. Scheduled practices are required.

Offertory Procession (Giving of the Gifts)

Just prior to the Offertory, a few people process up the middle isle to present the bread, wine, and offering made by the congregation. Anyone interested in this service should contact the Offertory leader from the Committee Leaders’ List.

Prayer Support Line

Everyone needs extra prayers at certain times in their lives. The St. Anthony Prayer Support Line offers this service through E-mail, and/or phone, and/or a special intention book. Volunteers for this committee are always welcome.

Sacristan(s) (Church cleaning and decorating)

This group cleans and decorates the church mainly every Saturday morning with the purpose of inspiring the church attendees toward the greater honor and glory of God. Special times would include Memorial Weekend, Advent, Lent, Christmas, Easter time, and St. Anthony’s Day.

Service/Social Groups

Auction

This biannual fun night features a fabulous dinner and an auction. Proceeds are to assist with the financial support of the religious education and formation of all the children of our parish.

Bake Sale

This socially fun celebration offers pizza, coffee, crafts and other Italian goodies. It takes place in the basement hall after Sunday masses, once a month, for ten months of the year. This parish tradition is meant to build community, promote family values, and generate funds for our parish. Along with the Miraculous Medal Sodality the community is encouraged to become a part of this fun event.

Bereavement

The Bereavement Team assists grieving families at the time of a death of a family member. Some of the various ways include serving at the funeral mass, sending roses from the parish to the funeral home, preparing a program for the funeral service, and serving a funeral luncheon. An annual memorial service is offered for all families who have lost a loved one in the previous year. This service is held during an All Souls remembrance.

Christian Service and Social Concerns

This ministry reaches out to those in need in our parish, our neighborhood, our community, and other parts of the world. The committee sponsors the Mother Cabrini collections every third week of the month. These donations are used exclusively for needy parishioners of our parish. Some of the other activities include: the Christmas Giving Tree, the Nicaraguan Orphanage, the Thanksgiving Food Drive, the Welcome Baskets and gifts for shut-ins, the Salvation Army Bell Ringers, the Benin (Africa) Mission, etc. New members are always welcome.

Crafts

This group makes hand crafted items to be sold during the Bake Sales. The members are primarily senior citizen ladies but all are welcome. They meet weekly throughout the year except during the summer months.

Golf League

Exercise and socialize at this weekly competition with both parishioners and non-parishioners. Come relax and have fun at a local course where competition is secondary to having a good time.

Holy Name Society

This men social organization is dedicated to supporting projects of the parish by giving of their time, talent, and treasure. Key fundraisers include cash raffles and a night at the races. They also assist with the feast day celebration. They have quarterly meetings, a mass for their deceased members, and a banquet honoring past and present members.

HOPE (Happy Opportunities for People with Exceptionalities)

The HOPE group is for young men and women with physical or mental disabilities. The group is dedicated to four goals:

1. Providing guidance and support to families and members.
2. Providing a sense of belonging to the faith community.
3. Providing fellowship to the members to celebrate the Gift of Life.
4. Providing an opportunity to have fun and enjoy life.

Miraculous Medal Sodality

This women social organization promotes spiritual life and builds community in the parish through various activities. These activities include support of the monthly Bake Sale, a St. Patrick’s Card Party, a Women’s Dinner Social, support of the Feast Day activities, and bus tours. This group of ladies is a backbone to our parish life.

Nursery

The nursery, located on the second floor of the hallway, is intended for use by parents with babies or small children during church events. It provides a clean and comfortable parent-supervised area with diaper changing facilities, a rocker, and toys. Volunteers are needed to keep the nursery clean on a weekly basis.

Pastoral Care

This outreach ministry provides services to homebound and nursing home parishioners. Volunteers deliver holiday plants, mail birthday cards, distribute ashes on Ash Wednesday, distribute Holy Communion, deliver palms on Palm Sunday, and help with the Senior-citizen luncheon.

Pastoral Council

The Pastoral Council is primarily meant to function in a consultative way to the pastor so that he may more easily make decisions that affect the direction of the parish. Holding monthly meetings to discuss the parish goals and how to achieve them coordinates this consultation. The parish goals are based on the St. Anthony’s Church Mission Statement and are outlined in the Pastoral Plan, which can be obtained from the parish office. The members of the council work to coordinate the involvement of parish members to help with the process of achieving the goals. Council members are generally asked to commit to a five-year term.

Respect Life Committee

This committee provides information and educational opportunities to the members of St. Anthony’s parish. It focuses on the Pro-Life teachings of the Catholic Church mainly the sacred dignity of human life from conception to death. The committee supports the Diocese Pro-Life activities, the Stark County Right to Life, the Prayer Chain, the “First Step for Change” Project, the “Shower of Love” Project, and Post Card campaigns.

St. Anthony’s Day

This June celebration is dedicated to the Patron Saint of our parish. A special committee plans, coordinates and executes all activities. Key events include a special Mass, Procession, and Benediction. Activities include a Bocce Tournament, entertainment, kids games, and a great Italian “Celebration of Food”. This wonderful community event is great fun for our parish family and our friends.

Single Young Adult Ministry (Ages 18 –30)

This group provides the young adult single people of our parish an opportunity to meet others and grow with them, both spiritually and socially, through various activities. This developing group plans to expand an ongoing E-mail network among its members whether here, in college, or any part of our country or world.

Sports Ministry

This ministry tries to provide parishioners with fellowship and fun through athletics. It promotes the witnessing of our faith in a friendly social atmosphere. This is a great opportunity for ages 16 and above.

Style Show

The annual Style Show and Luncheon raises funds for the Catholic education of the children of our parish. A volunteer committee coordinates this event.

Summer Cash Raffle

A fun evening of refreshments and dinner is included with this raffle. This yearly fundraiser is earmarked for the religious education of our parish children in Catholic schools and in CCD.

Hispanic Church and Ministry

The St. Anthony community opened its doors in September 2005, to immigrants from Mexico, Central America and South America. We welcome our brothers and sister to our parish from 14 different countries. A weekly Sunday mass, the sacraments, and our parish provides religious education.

Special days of celebration include the “Day of the Dead” – Nov. 2nd, the Feast of “Our Lady of Guadeloupe” – Dec. 12; Las Posadas – during Advent/Christmas; a summer pilgrimage to the “Shrine of Guadeloupe” in Windsor, Ohio. Volunteers are welcome and needed. The coordinator of Hispanic Ministries should be contacted for all things related to our new faith family members.

This parish handbook was prepared/completed in January 2006 by the St. Anthony Pastoral Council.