A. AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)
Alcoholics Anonymous is a 12-step program for individuals recovering from the illness of Alcoholism. The group meets weekly in our parish and welcomes fellow parishioners and individuals in need of this program. Because this group respects confidentiality, please contact the church office for meeting times and other information.
Contact the Parish Office for further information.
B. Ask a Lawyer Ministry
The “Ask a Lawyer” program meets the first Saturday of each month between 10:00 am and noon in the Faith Formation Building. Our lawyers are there to help you with free legal advice. Many legal problems can be solved by proper advice and direction. It is our hope and desire that a few minutes consultation with a lawyer will save you from making costly mistakes. No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins are welcome.
C. Counseling
Counseling services for individuals, families, marriage, etc. are available to parish members and families. Because of confidentiality, please contact the Pastor or the Parish Office for referral and information.
Contact the Parish Office for further information.
D. Czech Heritage Society
The Czech Heritage Society of Texas, Bexar County Chapter, strives to preserve and foster the study of our Czech culture, heritage, and language. The society holds it’s quarterly meetings at St. Anthony de Padua Parish and conducts language classes on Mondays of each week during the school year. Presently, we have over one hundred and fifty members and welcome new members at any time. We participate in the Battle of Flowers Parade, the Texas Folklife Festival, and other local cultural events.
Contact: Mike Vajdos 659-7011
E. Fiesta Music Together
Fiesta Music Together is a program of developmentally appropriate music and movement classes for children from birth to age four and their parents or other caregivers. During our biweekly 45-minute classes, we sing, dance, clap, play instruments—even snuggle! Classes are scheduled in 10-week sessions, with a different collection of music each session. Further information can be found at www.fiestamusictogether.com or by calling Ellen Di Giosia at 862-9276.
F. Guadalupanas & Guadalupanos
The Guadalupanas/ Guadalupanos of St. Anthony de Padua is a society made up of men and women of the parish whose main purpose is to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our mission is to promote a deeper devotion and more recognition of our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of God, Mother of the Americas and our Mother.
We work together contributing to various projects within our parish community and hold our church in prayer before our Blessed Mother.
Every third Sunday we sponsor a breakfast after the 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30 morning Masses.
On the fourth Sunday, we have a group communion and afterwards, we have a general meeting.
We love, support, help, and pray for each other. Guadalupanas/Guadalupanos are consecrated to Our Lady of Guadalupe forever.
G. Knights of Columbus Council 8738
Our council was formed in June 1984 and is over 20 years old. The ideals of Columbianism are Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The Knights of Columbus is an organization that is open to practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See and shall not be less than 18 years of age.
Our council sponsors several parish events throughout the year.
We sponsor Stations of the Cross during lent, the Easter egg hunt for the youth of the parish and several cookouts during the year and assist whenever the Pastor or staff has a need for our services. We sponsor the breakfasts on the first Sunday of each month and have our meetings on the first Monday of each month at 7:30 PM preceded by dinner at 6:30 PM, provided by the Ladies Auxiliary.
If any Catholic gentleman wants to get more information on our Council 8738, please call Bill Wittman, Grand Knight at 823-1535.
H. Knights of Columbus Council #8738 Ladies Auxiliary
The Ladies Auxiliary is made up of the wives of the Knights of Columbus. Its purpose is to be of assistance to the Knights and to be a service organization. Its first project was to collect hygiene items to distribute to the homeless through established organizations such as the SAMS Shelter. The next project is to begin a children’s Rosary group.
Contact: Ludi Olivarez-Wittman 341-6027
I. Knights of Columbus Columbian Squires
The Columbian Squires are sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and is an organization for young men from ages 10-18. The Columbian Squires Circle, is designed to be run by the young men with adult supervision. The aim of the Columbian Squires is “to prepare Catholic young men to become leaders among their fellow citizens.” Leadership training takes place in four activity areas: spiritual, circle, membership and service. The circle is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council and Knights serve as adult counselors to the group. Squires graduating from the circle at age 18 are urged to join the Knights of Columbus.
The Columbian Squires Circle at St. Anthony de Padua meets one Saturday a month in the Parlor.
The Chief Squire is Bjorn Sorensen and the Adult Counselor is Mike Domenicali, 867-2838.
J. Senior Meals Program, Operation Hope
The Senior Meal Program is held on Mondays and Fridays at 10:00 AM except on Federal and City holidays. We feed approximately 40-50 people at each meal. Twice a month Operation Hope brings surplus food for those eligible to receive it (commodities).
K. St Anthony Seniors
There are many senior activities and programs offered in our parish community. There are also many opportunities for seniors to volunteer and share their gifts, talents and wisdom in our parish. The R.S.V.P. Program accounts for the many hours that so many people have given to our parish community.
The Seniors also are involved in traveling; they enjoy lunches together, games, liturgies, volunteering and so much more. All are welcome to join us!
L. St. Vincent de Paul Society
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a group of men and women dedicated to assisting with the daily lives of needy parishioners. We maintain a food pantry and provide HEB cards. We can assist with rent and utility payments or refer clients to agencies who will. In emergencies, we can help with prescription medicines or other special needs. We deliver food and gift baskets during the holiday season and help serve the homeless on scheduled days at the SAMM shelter. Meetings are on the first Wednesday of the month at 5:30 pm in the Parlor of the church hall.
Contact: Kellie Fleming 344-6668
Services
A. Banquet Hall
The Banquet Hall is available to rent out for any special occasion or private function; Weddings, Quinceañeras , Anniversaries, etc. Other parish facilities are also available for rental.
Hall Contact: James Sanchez ext. 32
B. Quinceañeras
The Quinceañera celebration is directed at a young girl or boy re-establishing his/her Catholic faith by renewal of Baptismal Promises among family and friends for a 15 th or 16 th birthday.
St. Anthony de Padua requires that the young person have completed the sacraments of Baptism and First Eucharist, attend regular Religious Education/Faith Formation and two additional Quinceañera preparation classes, receive the sacrament of Reconciliation at least one week, prior to the celebration, and pay the appropriate stipend to the parish.
Contact: Mari Martinez 824-1743 ext. 17
C. Wedding Coordinator
A very important behind the scenes ministry is that of the Wedding Coordinator. After a couple has completed the preliminary preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage, the Wedding Coordinator steps in to work with the couple in planning the specifics of the wedding ceremony, facilitates the rehearsal, and functions as a parish contact on the day of the wedding.
Contact: Liz Sanchez 748-7159
