Dear Parishioners,

The Exodus journey had barely begun before Moses and Israel were ambushed by the armies of Amalek at the oasis of Rephidim in the Sinai Desert. Historians believe the two armies were evenly matched. Victory came not at the hands of swords and spears that day, but in the upraised hands of Moses, calling out to God for help. When Moses’ arms were raised, Israel was victorious. If his arms came down, the Amalek began to advance. Moses and Israel had to persevere. In placing their lives and their burdensome task in the hands of God, trusting in him completely to provide for their need, they didn’t just win against their foe, they mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.   

Moses, Joshua, and Israel showed the same kind of trust in the Lord that Saint Paul would recommend in his writing to the young Bishop of Crete, Timothy, when he said: Remain faithful to what you have learned . . . [and] be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient. This applies to our work, our prayer, and our petitions. Often people tend to give up after a few unsuccessful attempts, feeling a mix of despair and discouragement. God wants us to be so trusting in him that we will continue to lift our hearts in prayer even when all hope seems lost. 

We are called upon to pray like Moses with our arms held high, calling out to God who alone can give us victory in the battle. When we become tired and put our hands down, the enemy begins to prevail. Moses had Aaron and Hur to prop up his arms. We have the Church, the sacraments, and each other. 

In the Gospel parable, Jesus rewards persistence, patience, and perseverance. The judge kept resisting. The widow kept insisting. Like her, I will be calling upon you this weekend to sign-up for one of the ministries that we have here in our St. Anthony’s parish.

This coming Sunday, after every Mass, we will not only have the first hospitality this year but also something more challenging, namely the Ministry Fair. It’s been a long time since we’ve had one. So, please, I encourage you to answer to the needs of our community by signing your name and becoming more active than only coming to church in the usual way on Sundays or once in a while.

Like Moses, it is time for us once more to raise up our hands and arms, our voices and hearts to God, trusting in him to see us through and to bring us home. Let us serve Him with our hearts and our deeds. And let our St. Anthony Church be indeed our home!

Blessings,

Fr. Tad

OUTREACH TOILETRY DRIVE

The Outreach Committee will distribute personal care packages at Martha’s Kitchen and St. Josephs in Gilroy. The package contains the following full sized items: soap bar, toothpaste, deodorant and a toothbrush. We hope to distribute 500 bags, so your contributions of any of the above items will be greatly appreciated.

The items most needed are deodorant and toothpaste!

Also, please bring in the toiletries that you have accumulated during your summer travels…….the unopened soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions, etc., and place them in the Outreach basket in the foyer. We will donate all of these items to St Joseph so that families can take what they need.

We will be collecting the toiletries until the end of October.

This is an excellent opportunity to help the many people in need within our community. Again, we thank you for your generosity, now and in the past.



Coat Drive for Dignity On Wheels

Dignity On Wheels is a new initiative created by Project WeHOPE. Project WeHOPE, which stands for “We Help Other People Excel,” has served hundreds of homeless during the coldest six months of the year. Through Dignity On Wheels, Project WeHOPE is able to extend their reach and help those who cannot otherwise make it to a shelter or facility each night.

The Outreach committee will be collecting gently used or new coats, jackets and warm sweaters to help support Dignity on Wheels and those seeking warmth during the cold months. All sizes are needed. You may drop off your items beginning Sunday October 16th through Sunday October 23rd. A collection box will be located at the entrance of the big church.

Thank you for your generosity.

Dear Parishoners,

I want to reiterate that I will NEVER email you to solicit funds or gift cards on a personal basis. The only emails or communications you will receive from me asking for money will be in an official capacity through our normal channels (mass, bulletin and constant contact), and always on behalf of St. Anthony Parish.

If you receive an email from me that appears to be suspicious, i.e. greeting you by your last name in the salutation or asking for money in the form of gift cards on behalf of a sick friend, please do not click any links or divulge any personal or banking information. Check the Sender or “From” information to verify where the email originated. All of our official communications will come from an email address originating from @dsj.org.

Good Practice: Protect your Address Book! If you are sending an email to a large group, put their email addresses in the BCC field so they are hidden from anyone who may get hold of that email.

As always, be vigilant and stay safe online, but be especially alert during the holidays when this activity increases as our guard is down. Do not click on a link, send money or gift cards, or provide checking account or credit card information in response to any emailed solicitation without checking with a trusted source.

Fr. Tad