Spirituality and Social Groups
Ladies Guild
Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled. ~ Luke 1:45 NAB
The St. Patrick – St. Anthony Ladies Guild, founded in 1938, takes the Blessed Virgin Mary as their model of Christian discipleship. The Ladies Guild serves the parish through a variety of programs and projects (e.g., making baptismal garments for children baptized in the parish, and awarding annual scholarships to parish students in elementary, middle and high schools). These programs and projects are supported by spring and fall fundraising events. In addition, the Ladies Guild hosts a variety of spiritual events for its members, including May Crowning and an October Communion Brunch.
Men’s Fellowship
God is faithful; by him you were called into fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:9 NRSV
The St. Patrick – St. Anthony Men’s Fellowship provides men of the parish with an opportunity to meet together regularly for mutual encouragement and support in their service to God, to their families, to the parish community, and to the world at large. Monthly meetings are held throughout the year around specific spiritual topics; presentations are followed by small group discussions. Each meeting includes time for prayer, fellowship, and refreshment. The Men’s Fellowship also takes on specific projects in support of the parish and the community.
A Novel Idea Book Discussion Group
All fiction lies to tell the truth. ~ Attributed to Francis Guy Percy Wyndham, 1924
A Novel Idea is a book discussion group that enables people in the parish to come together once a month to share their love of reading fiction. All participants read and discuss the selected book, exchanging their ideas and opinions in a forum characterized by mutual respect. The facilitators prepare discussion questions, provide background on the authors, encourage participation of those present, and implement the book selection process.
Open Hearts Ministry
Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter: whoever finds one has found a treasure. ~ Sirach 6:14 NRSV
The Open Hearts LGBTQ+ Ministry of the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry provides educational opportunities to build and develop greater visibility of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender experiences as members of the church, and develop faith-building outreach programming to the diverse spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community. The ministry sponsors a variety of programs and opportunities including Sunday evening fellowship gatherings (2nd Sundays of the month from September – June), retreat experiences, speakers, films, collaborative activities with other church ministries, inter-parish and community activities, and opportunities for faith sharing.
Friends and Family of LGBTQ+
Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter: whoever finds one has found a treasure. ~ Sirach 6:14 NRSV
This group, composed of members of the church and who love their gay and lesbian family members unconditionally, supports the LGBTQ+ community. This group holds regular meetings, provides ongoing educational programs and offers continued spiritual development. Contact the office at 860-756-4034 for meeting dates and times.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Shawls… made for centuries, universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and beautify. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles. ~ Janet Bristow (1998; Prayer Shawl Ministry Homepage, accessed July 25, 2010, www.shawlministry.com)
The Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Parish serves the parish family, and the local and global community by making and giving shawls as a gesture of love in times of sorrow and fear, as well as in times of joy.
Secular Franciscan Order
The rule and life of the Secular Franciscans is this: to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of St. Francis of Assisi who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people. ~ Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order, Chapter 2 [§ 4]
The Secular Franciscans, formerly known as Third Order Franciscans, follow the Rule of Life developed by St. Francis for men and women living in the world who desire to follow the Gospel in the Franciscan way. The St. Joseph Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order meets at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Church. The affiliation between our parish and this fraternity, which has met here for many years, continues to strengthen with mutual projects.
Women of Hope Ministry
Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” ~ Matthew 15:28a
Because Jesus’ ministry recognized and upheld the value and dignity of all persons, the Women of Hope Ministry identifies and responds to the needs and issues affecting women in church and society today through programs, prayer, and support.
