News

It’s not just for golfers! — Save the date! The St. Anthony Annual Golf Tournament will be held on Tuesday, September 14, at the Whitney Farms Country Club in Monroe. This year, the proceeds will benefit two worthy causes - Caroline House in Bridgeport, a mission of the School Sisters of Notre Dame that seeks to educate women and their children in literacy and life skills - and the purchase of the parish’s new organ. There are many opportunities to participate, from playing in the tournament, volunteering to work at the event or becoming a sponsor. You can even come just for the cocktails and dinner. Brochures with all the details are available at the entrances to the church. Come join the fun!

Religious Education 2010—2011— Registration forms along with the calendar of classes for the new year of Religious Education can be found at the parish website, www.stanthonyffld.org. Please complete one form per child and submit to the parish office by Friday, September 3. Forms can be emailed directly from the website or printed and returned by mail, dropped into the collection on the weekend or deposited in the basket on the back porch of the rectory. Forms can also be faxed (203-259-5112). If you have any questions about any religious education matter, please contact Dr. Eleanor Sauers, Director, at the parish office (203-259-0358).

Shepherds Inc.— provides disadvantaged youths with an opportunity to receive quality education at five parochial high schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport. It also sets up a mentoring program as a means of helping at-risk youths reach their highest academic and personal potential. To learn more about sponsoring or mentoring, please call (203) 367-4272, or visit the website, www.ShepherdsInc.com

Help Defeat Hunger—everyday, click on www.thehungersite.com to donate free food. (and thank you for the Stop and Shop gift cards that you continue to drop in the collection...you have no idea how many people have been helped through your generosity!

Offertory gifts– If you and your family would like to bring up the bread and wine in the offertory procession during Mass, just let one of the ushers know before Mass begins. This may be a special way to participate especially if a loved one is being remembered at a particular Mass.

Permanent Diaconate Formation Program—The church is looking for men to become permanent deacons. If you are interested in applying for admission to the diaconate program, you must be between the ages of 30 and 59, be of good faith and character, and willing to give the time and effort required by the program. If you are feeling called to this ministry, please discuss with your pastor. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Director of the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program, Deacon Tony Detje, at 203-748-5235 or 203-416-1451.

Did you know?????— that St. Anthony’s parish was founded in 1927, after several members of St. Michael’s parish in Bridgeport sought permission from the archbishop of Hartford to establish a new parish for local (Fairfield and Westport) people of Polish heritage...that parish would be staffed by Conventual Franciscans, specifically recruited and trained to serve the spiritual needs of a Polish speaking congregation. This fall, as part of our adult education series, one of our presenters will share his knowledge of the founding and experiences of ethnic parishes in our area. More details will follow …….

Offertory gifts– If you and your family would like to bring up the bread and wine in the offertory procession during Mass, just let one of the ushers know before Mass begins. This may be a special way to participate especially if a loved one is being remembered at a particular Mass.

Ladies...Bring your bling—on Thursday evening, September 16, from 5-9 pm at Altan Jewelers, 1487 Post Road in Fairfield. You’ll have a nice evening, walk away with some money for your old jewelry and Caroline House will receive 50% of the proceeds. There will be wine, hors d’oeuvres and more. Caroline House is a comprehensive education center teaching literacy and life skills to economically-disadvantaged immigrant women and their children...a most worthwhile cause to support

Women and Spirit:Catholic Sisters in America —Come see an extraordinary traveling exhibition depicting the innovative, action-oriented women whose passion for justice helped shape our nation’s social and cultural landscape, Since first arriving in America nearly 300 years ago, sisters built schools, colleges, hospitals, orphanages, homeless shelters and many other enduring social institutions. The untold story of these unsung heroes is now recounted, documenting a vital and significant perspective of American history. Exhibit is at Ellis Island National Park on October 23. Bus transportation is available. Please call Eleanor Sauers at the office (203-259-0358) for more information or to join the group from St. Anthony Parish.