St. Anthony of Padua Bulletin
January 4, 1998

Epiphany Sunday

Happy New Year to all of you as we celebrate this Solemnity of the Epiphany on the first weekend of 1998.
I find the meaning of this feastday absolutely fascinating! It is much more than the narration of the "three kings" visiting Baby Jesus.
It is very much a proclamation of faith which weaves together three important segments of our Catholic doctrine: light, unity, and gift.
Or, to put it in other words: revelation to form church and to evoke a response of stewardship.
Reflect with me upon a snippet of scripture from today's Mass:
"Upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light; ... they all gather to come to you" (Is 60:2,3,4) because "in Christ Jesus the Gentiles are now co-heirs with the Jews, members of the same body and sharers of the promise through the preaching of the gospel" (Eph 3:6). In response then, "they opened their coffers and presented him with gifts" (Mt 2:11).
What is this saying to us?
First of all, God has given us the grace to recognize the human baby born in Bethlehem as King of kings and Lord of lords, fully divine and fully human, Messiah and Savior for all people. We no longer need to wait for another! This Word-made-flesh is the definitive and complete revelation of the Father's image and plan.
Secondly, this Son of God has shown us his graciousness by reconciling together people of every race and culture and making them become the Body of Christ and the Sacrament of the Word-made-flesh just as He Himself is the Godhead in bodily form and the Sacrament of the Father.
Thirdly, this experience of encountering and relating to the incarnate Son of the Father prompts us to respond to God with the gift of our stewardship -- to return the gift of love we ourselves have felt.
Celebrating this feastday, then, means more than a trip to church and a story about three wise men. It indicates something about how we choose to live every day: making Jesus' teachings and moral code the center of our decision-making, forming bonds of harmony with other to make our oneness as Church happen, and giving of our time and talent and treasure to accomplish this Church's mission. This is the Epiphany today.
--Father Benet OFM

Offering

Christmas Collection $ 10,171.00
Envelopes $ 3,660.00
Loose Collection $ 553.32
Children's Envelopes $ 9.79
TOTAL: $ 14,394.11
Collection for the Seminary: $ 3,400.00

COMPLIANCE WITH THE BUDGET:

This Week Cumulative
(12/28/97): (Week #26):
$ 5,453.06 $141,788.56
$14,394.11 $132,171.46
$+8,941.05 $- 9,617.10

"They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their coffers and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh" (Mt 2:11). Offering gifts has been traditionally an expression of our care for others. On this feast of the Epiphany we should reflect on the manner in which we share our gifts of time, talent, and treasure with others.

DID YOU KNOW???

The Feast of the Epiphany
Epiphany is celebrated on January 6 and with special solemnity in churches in the United States on the Sunday between January 2 and 8.
"Epiphany" comes from the Greek word epiphanein, which means a "showing, appearance, or revelation."
It was used to describe the appearance of a god among the people, a theophany, or a visit from some civil dignitary.
The Greek-speaking church in the East found it natural to use the word to describe the appearance of the true God in flesh.
By the end of the fourth century, Eastern and Western Churches took over each other's Nativity feasts. Since then, Christmas and Epiphany have been celebrated in both churches. This duplication led to the evolution of a separate theme for each.
The Eastern Church continued to emphasize the theme of Jesus' epiphanies with the gospel stories of Jesus' baptism and his miracle at Cana.
In the Western Church, the Epiphany evolved into a celebration of the gospel story of the visit of the Magi (Mt 2:1-12) on the occasion of Jesus' birth: his epiphany to the Gentiles. Greg Dues. Catholic Customs and Traditions.
--compiled by Brother Richard OFM

Parish Activities

THE PARISH "WELCOMEFEST" is being held this Epiphany Weekend after the Masses in St. Anthony Hall; the gifts and talents of the parish's commissions and organizations will be displayed. Come see what wonderful things are already happening in the parish, and what new opportunities are being considered. If you might be thinking about getting involved in something new, find out what's available. Surprise yourself with a visit to St. Anthony Hall!

"PARENTS AS FIRST CHURCH" PROGRAM will be introduced after the 4:30, 8:00, and 10:30 Masses on the weekend of the Baptism of the Lord, January 10-11, in the West Meeting Room of the Meramec Building. This is a program to show parents how to share the faith with their children at home. School parents with small children and parents of newly baptized are especially invited. The availability of a babysitter is expected. For more information, call Father Benet.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: The next grief support meeting will be Tuesday, January 13, at 6:30pm in the sacristy meeting room. For information, call Kate or Barb at 353-7470.

RETURN TO TEEN TOWN!!! The St. Anthony Youth Commission will present "RETURN TO TEEN TOWN" with Bob Kuban on Saturday, February 7, 1998, in the gym from 8:00am to midnight. Tickets: $15.00 per person. Beer and set-ups included. Must be 21 or over. Paid reservations only. For information and tickets call Jane or Mike Stone at 832-5235. This fund-raiser benefits the youth programs of the parish.

HAPPENINGS TO COME: January 18-25 we will observed the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. ... January 25-31 is Catholic School Week.
... During the Sundays of March we will renew the membership on the Pastoral Council. ... On the Thursdays of March our four bishops in St. Louis will give us at St. Anthony's a parish mission on the theme of "The Holy Spirit," the focus of this second year of preparation for the Millennium.

VIDEO STILL AVAILABLE Remember the shock of the fire? The gradual rebuilding of the church? Preserve the memory for generations to come with the unforgettable two-set video for $40.00 documenting the tragic fire and miraculous rebuilding of St. Anthony's which is still available at the parish office; call Gerry at 353- 7470.

NEWS ABOUT PARISHIONERS

RESTING IN PEACE: Dorothy Brown, 82,

buried December 27, 1997; Charles J. Rigdon, 87, buried December 31, 1997.
SANCTUARY LAMP: One of the sanctuary lamps is lit this week in prayerful remembrance of Sophie Hogenmiller at the request of the Mary Ann Ziegler. (This is our last reservation for a sanctuary lamp memorial, and we are waiting for more opportunities to remember your beloved deceased or your special intentions before the Blessed Sacrament, keeping prayerful vigil with our Lord day and night. As soon as you can, contact Gerry [353-7470] at the parish offices and reserve the lighting of the sanctuary lamp on the week of your choice -- the whole of 1998 is open to you!)
8TH GRADE QUILT WINNER: Congratulations to Mike Mount who is the winner of the 8th Grade Quilt! The 8th grade would like to express its thanks to everyone who participated in the raffle and to Brother Loyola who donated the quilt. Thank you!

Thank You

Dear Parishioners:
As we begin this new year, I have so much for which I am grateful as your pastor, and I take this opportunity to express to you my appreciation for two things in particular:
The Christmas collection was a most exceptional and exciting gift -- over $10,000!
For your thoughtfulness and generosity I am most grateful.
Thanks too for all the help and participation for the Parish Family Christmas Party. The food was fantastic. The decorations were delightful. The mood was magnificent.
--Father Benet

SEEKING A PARISH MANAGER

St. Anthony of Padua Parish is going to hire a parish manager to coordinate and oversee the lay personnel, the finances, the buildings and their maintenance, and the parish's dealings with businesses. It will be a 40-hour-a-week job with flexible hours, combining two existing positions. All applicants must have training and experience in business administration, money management, and computer skills. If interested, contact Father Benet with resume and recommendations before January 18, 1998. Job description available upon request.

SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER

The Secular Franciscan Order is that branch of the worldwide Franciscan Family made up of laity and diocesan clergy which aims to live and spread the Gospel of Jesus throughout the world according to the principles and ideals of St. Francis and St. Clare.
It is a means whereby a Catholic can fill up what is lacking in his or her dedication to God and to the Church by living the Gospel as St. Francis and St. Clare did through a lifelong commitment.
The Secular Franciscan Order is an evangelical, ecclesial, apostolic community for those Catholic laity called to follow Jesus Christ in the Franciscan way within the context of the modern world.
A preliminary, introductory meeting for beginning a new community of Secular Franciscans will be held on SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, AFTER THE 8:00AM MASS in the sacristy meeting room. Come find out what this is all about!

AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE

THE MONTHLY "CANOPY OF PRAYER" will be held on Thursday, January 8 at 7:30pm at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel on the Carberry Campus; the sermon topic by Fr. David Wichlan will be "The New Catechism: The Human Community. (The next Canopy of Prayer on Thursday, February 12, will be here at St. Anthony's.)
A.D. 2000: To celebrate the Second Year of Preparation for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 under the title 1998: The Holy Spirit, all are invited to join Archbishop Justin Rigali for Solemn Vespers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament on Sunday, January 11, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, beginning at 7:30pm at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. Ride along with Father Benet or Father Ken; give them a call if you need a ride.
ANNUAL PTA TRIVIA NIGHT, sponsored by St. Raphael the Archangel Parish, will be held on Saturday, January 24. For reservations call 481-4336.
ARCHDIOCESAN YOUTH CONFERENCE: Handing on your faith is one of the best gifts you can give. You can support our youth with a Scholarship Donation for the Archdiocesan Youth Conference. On February 22 700 high school students will gather for a day of prayer, celebration, and renewal. Your contribution can help a young person stay connected to the Church.
Call 371-0121 to support our youth.

Mass Intentions for the Week

Monday, January 5, St. John N. Neumann
6:30 Carlyne M. Ries
8:00 John Fugina
Tuesday, January 6, Bl. Andre Bessett
6:30 Souls in Purgatory
8:00 Dorothy & Mathilda Swehla
Wednesday, January 7, Bl. Angela of Foligno
(OSF)
6:30 Gansmann Family
8:00 Marjorie Mayfield
Thursday, January 8, Epiphany Weekday
6:30 Raymond Buchheit
8:00 Anne McManus
Friday, January 9, Epiphany Weekday
6:30 Wanda Risenhoover
8:00 Elanore Neumann
10:30 (At Charless)
Saturday, January 10, BVM in Christmas Season
6:30 Special Intention
8:00 Steve Boliance, Jr.
Sunday, January 11, BAPTISM OF THE LORD
4:30 (Saturday) Helen & Herman Hartlich
6:00 For the Parishioners
8:00 Magdalen Boliance
10:30 Raymond Buchheit

Liturgical Assistants

Week of January 5-11

LECTORS:
6:30 Weekdays, Jan. 5-10: Alberta Stackle
8:00 Weekdays, Jan. 5-10: Joe Sestric
Sunday, January 10-11
4:30 Philipa Krueger, Matt Halbauer
6:00 Georgia Berry
8:00 Marie Mergel, Beth Morgan
10:30 George & Mary Ann Schmidt
6:30 Weekdays, Jan. 12-17: Georgia Berry
8:00 Weekdays, Jan. 12-17: Sr. Virginia
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:
4:30 Hosts: Pat Nieters, Phyllis Morrison
Cups: Alured McNulty, Cheryl Degenhart, Esther Ehlen, Robert Donahue
6:00 Rich Steger
8:00 Ladies' Sodality
10:30 Hosts: Theresa Mayer, Tom Moran
Cups: Dorothy Schafer, Alberta Stackle, Brenda Boyer, Julie Brown, Ruth Brown, Janice Leicht

This Coming Week

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18
(Beginning of Week of Prayer for Christian Unity)
9:00 a.m. - R.C.I.A. (S)
9:00 a.m. - Mass at Chariton Apartments
10:30 a.m. - SFO Mass
Coffee and Donuts after 10:30 Mass
MONDAY, JANUARY 19
(Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day)
6:30 p.m. - Building & Maintenance Commission (L)
7:00 p.m. - Youth Commission (M)
7:30 p.m. - Prayer Group (E)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20
6:30 p.m. - Grief Support Meeting (S)
6:30 p.m. - Bingo
7:30 p.m. - Al-Anon Meeting (F)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21
11:00 a.m. - A.A. Meeting (W)
1:00 p.m. - Franciscan Mothers (E)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22
7:00 p.m. - Finance Council Meeting (S)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23
3:00 p.m. - Holy Hour (Ch)
8:00 p.m. - A.A. Meeting (F)
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25
(Opening of "Catholic School Week")
9:00 a.m. - R.C.I.A. (S)
10:30 a.m. - Family Mass
2:00 p.m. - SFO Meeting

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St. Anthony of Padua Bulletin January 4, 1998