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St. Anthony Catholic Church
Davenport, Iowa
Daily Email Newsletter
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I Cried When Father Apo Told Me
Pastor Reassigned to LeClaire and Camanche Parishes
When Father Apo hired me in July of 2017, I resolved to take one day at a time. On this Monday morning following Father's announcement of his reassignment to parishes in LeClaire and Comanche, I turn to Matthew 6:25-34 that Kate and I used as the Gospel reading in our wedding Mass. In fact, we pray it every morning before we head out the door.

Here it is... “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Yes, when Father informed me a few weeks ago that he was being reassigned, I sat in front of his desk and tears came to my eyes. I'm not easily prone to crying. Father said, "John, don't cry." As Father has said many times from the pulpit, he's a "company man." When he accepted the assignment here in 2010, he knew that this day would one day come. CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING...
Lilly Mae Catherine Dreasler is seen above with outstretched arms of praise as she watches Father Apo bring Sunday Mass to us online.
Meet Jack Kakert
Candidate and Catechumens Entering the Catholic Church
Where are you originally from?  Davenport.

What has been your main line of work (inside or outside the home)? Or where are you currently working? Sophomore at Alleman High School

What led you to the Catholic faith? My experience the first year at Alleman High School inspired me. Particularly my first year Theology teacher.

What's the journey to becoming Catholic been like for you? Enjoyable, long and pretty steady. One of my favorite things this year was attending NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference) with St. Anthony’s parish and the time spent with the youth group.

How are you dealing with the possible delay of your receiving the sacraments and fully coming into the Church? It’s unfortunate, but it is necessary for our safety. I am looking forward to whenever I am able to receive the sacraments in the near future.

Editor's Note: Jack's soccer team is Manchester City who are big time rivals of Father's team which is Manchester United. God can bring even rival soccer fans together!
Heart Hunters with a St. Anthony Twist
Heart Hunters is a national social media scavenger hunt aimed at keeping people connected during this time of social distancing.
Deb Williams made these hearts for us to place at McAnthony Window.
Kathy Lundberg went with a Divine Mercy theme for the Hearts on her front door.
Mike Kent placed squares for patrons to stand on so that they remain 6 feet apart while in line.
Parishioners Share The Prayer Spaces in Their Homes
Bill and Deb McAfoos Prayer Mantel
Bill and Deb McAfoos Prayer Table

Kate and John Cooper's Prayer Space
Please Send Us Photos of Your Prayer Areas - EMAIL
To all the parishioners of St. Anthony’s:

It was good being with you online yesterday for Sunday Mass. I wished you could have been there in person for me to tell you the news of my being reassigned. As I said in my homily, once a friend of Father Apo, always a friend of Father Apo.

In the meantime, please be safe. Pray that this health crisis will cease. Keep the faith that assures us all will be well.

May Almighty God bless you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In Christ’s Peace,
Rev. Apo Mpanda
Pastor
40 Seconds of Sunrise at Our Lady of the Prairie

Click the Video Below to See and Hear God in the Beauty of Creation