• Confirmation, First Communion
    • Catholic Charities Partners with you to Provide Social Services

      On Sunday, May 19, our parish is participating in Catholic Charities Sunday.   Catholic Charities is our Church’s outreach to the most vulnerable families in our community. Through your contribution to Catholic Charities, we will be able to provide services to over 26,000 vulnerable people this year.

      Your help is needed more than ever.   One hundred percent of your contribution stays in this community.  On behalf of the thousands of individuals and families served by Catholic Charities, thank you for providing

      “Help for Today and Hope for Tomorrow”.

    • Pentecost

      We are therefore called to desire and welcome the gift of the Holy Spirit   

      We are called to desire and welcome the gift of the Holy Spirit because our lives, even before we say a word, become a comprehensible testimony in the eyes of the many brothers who have not yet experienced the joy of being a Christian. Renewed by Pentecost, they could also be 'astounded and amazed' and could say, 'we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God' (Acts 2: 7,11)

      VATICAN CITY (Catholic Online) - In the fiftieth day after Easter, the Apostles found themselves 'all in one room' in the Cenacle (Cfr. Acts 2:1) for the Jewish fest of Pentecost, which is the anniversary of the donation of God's Law, the Torah, to Moses on Mount Sinai.

      None of them could possibly have foretold that, exactly on this day, the Lord would have fulfilled the promise that Jesus made many times regarding the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit. (cfr. Jn 14:16)

      We are also called to remember that, along with the prodigious signs that occurred in that upper room, 'there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven' who could hear them each speaking in his own language, 'of the mighty acts of God.' (Acts 2:5,11)

      The Holy Spirit is essentially a great new gift, a new Law, that God made first and foremost to those that had persevered until the end. The Holy Spirit is a gift of grace that isn't destined for a singular ethnic group, but is like the air, it must be communicated to all men on the earth because if 'you take away their breath, they die.' (Cfr. Ps 103:29)

      The meaning of the Lord's urgent appeal to each of us becomes clearer after this fiftieth day, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.' (Jn 20:21)

      We can clearly understand how it is necessary to 'receive the Holy Spirit' (Jn 20:21) in order to realise this mandate. To use the analogy of water which makes the earth fertile, the Holy Spirit makes the lives of Jesus' disciples fertile, specifically strengthening them to fulfil their mission as 'the particular way in which the Spirit is given to each person is for a good purpose' (1 Cor 12:7)

      The adjective 'particular' brings us back to the beginning of today's reflection. What does it mean for us today 'to speak in different languages' and what does the new Law that God has given to His nascent Church consist of? The Liturgy, that great educative channel and treasure of grace in the hands of the Church, clarifies these questions.

      The new Law that, on this Sunday, was consigned to us is God's life that is love: a love that doesn't have barriers, not even death, after it was defeated on the Cross. 'He showed them his hands and his side.' (Jn 20:20) It is a gift that takes us directly into the heart of God and that can only give us the necessary strength so that our hearts 'light up with the fire of His love' (Cfr Acclamation to the Gospel).

      We are therefore called to desire and welcome the gift of the Holy Spirit because our lives, even before we say a word, become a comprehensible testimony in the eyes of the many brothers who have not yet experienced the joy of being a Christian. Renewed by Pentecost, they could also be 'astounded and amazed' and could say, 'we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God' (Acts 2: 7,11)

      Courtesy of Congregation for the Clergy

    • Faith Formation Director
      St. Anthony Church in Manteca has an immediate opening for a Faith Formation Director.  This position oversees the development and implementation of designated Religious Education/Faith Formation programs.  These may include:  RCIA, Infant Baptism, Children’s Sacraments, Adult Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Marriage Preparation.  This position reports to the Pastor.  The successful candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education, religious studies.  Evidence of completion of appropriate certification educational formation or catechetical classes or workshops.  Must be a self-starter with excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

      To submit a resume, please contact Mary Ferreira 505 E. North St., Manteca, CA 95336 or email mary@st-anthonys.org prior to May 15.

      Recently, Gerard Scheurmann announced his retirement as Director of Faith Formation at St. Anthony’s. During his time in the Parish (13 years), Gerard has inspired many people to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist). He has provided training and support for the marriage preparation team. Gerard and his wife, Wanda have interviewed and given the Marriage Inventory test to many couples preparing for marriage in the Catholic Church. Personally, I will miss him as my “on-line answer man”. He could find the answer to any question about Catholic teaching or Canon Law faster than anyone else.  As we prepare to hire a new Director of Faith Formation in late June, we give our best to Gerard as he prepares to spend more time with his wife and family. May God guide you and light your path always.

      Faithfully, Fr. Pat Walker


      Please Join Us!
      Our mentor and friend Gerard Scheuermann is retiring! Please join us in the cafeteria on Sunday, May 26th       from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to thank Gerard for his selfless, loving service to our faith community.  Snacks will be served. For more information please call Susan Morrisette at 825-0371.

    • A biblical walk through THE MASS

                                                      

      A Biblical Walk Through the Mass       is part of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible Study Series. This adult faith formation program provides a unique tour of the timeless Liturgy. It explores the biblical roots of the words and gestures we experience in Mass and explains their profound significance.

      Participants in this study will come to know and understand the Mass like never before. They will see, perhaps for the first time, why they say what they say, and do what they do every week at Mass. The words and gestures will be seen in a new light, leading them to a richer, more fruitful worship experience.

      A 5-week adult Bible study begins Tuesday, May 7th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. If you’ve ever wondered why we say what we say and do what we do during the Liturgy, this is the study for you! You will go deepinto the Scriptural roots of the Mass, and see the beauty and riches unfold before your eyes like never before.  This study is based on the new translation of the Mass. Call Gerard, 823-4513, to sign up.

      The evening session is starting at 7pm on Wednesday, May 15th.

    • 2013 Bishop's Ministry Appeal - Success
        Bishop's Ministry Appeal
          "Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you." - Deuteronomy 16:17
       
                 Our Parish Goal is $135,000
                  We are currently at 104% of our goal. (as of May 17)
                 
                 
             
             		  

      I’m pleased to report that we have exceeded our parish goal for the 2013 Bishop’s Ministry Appeal.   We are now at 104% of our goal of ($135,000). I want to express my gratitude to all who have given to support the ministries of our Diocese that directly benefit St. Anthony’s and our neighboring parishes. Please understand that every dollar given over goal goes to renovate the Adoration Chapel and other building and maintenance needs in our parish. (The Adoration Chapel is our top priority.) If you would like to make a gift to the 2013 Bishop’s Ministry Appeal, please make out your check to the BMA and put it in a envelope. You may put it in the collection basket or mail it to the Diocese of Stockton. Please be sure to indicate that you are a parishioner of St. Anthony’s, Manteca.

      Faithfully, Fr. Pat Walker
    • Year of Faith
      The Year of Faith is a “summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the One Savior of the world” (Porta Fidei 6). In other words, the Year of Faith is an opportunity for Catholics to experience a conversion – to turn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with him. The “door of faith” is opened at one’s baptism, but during this year Catholics are called to open it again, walk through it and rediscover and renew their relationship with Christ and his Church.

      Our parish and the entire diocese will be making an effort to make this year a time of spiritual renewal for all Catholics; strengthening those who are active and reaching out to inactive Catholics and inviting them to return to active participation. 

      Pope Benedict XVI has announced a special Year of Faith to help Catholics appreciate the gift of faith, deepen their relationship with God and strengthen their commitment to sharing faith with others. This important year begins Oct. 11, 2012 – the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council as well as the 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church – and concludes Nov. 24, 2013 – the feast of Christ the King.

      During this Year of Faith, it is his hope that Catholics turn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with Him through opening the “door of faith” (see Acts 14:27). The “door of faith” is opened at Baptism, but during this significant year Catholics are called to open it again and rediscover and renew their relationship with Christ and His Church.  

      "What the world is in particular need of today is the credible witness of people enlightened in mind and heart by the word of the Lord, and capable of opening the hearts and minds of many to the desire for God and for true life, life without end."   Pope Benedict XVI

      For more information on the Year of Faith, click  the USCCB site, or Vatican sites, Home page for Year of Faith and Vatican site .
    • Welcome to St. Anthony's Parish

      505 E North St.
      Manteca, Ca   95336                 
      Office:   209-823-7197

      We are an active faith community of 4,000 families.  As a community, we give ourselves to Christ as He gives Himself to us in the Eucharist, so every person might be a full, active, and conscious participant in His Church, empowered to share and live the Gospel. 

      We are a member of the Diocese of Stockton.  http://www.stocktondiocese.org/
      Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Roman-Catholic-Diocese-of-Stockton/116581805032720

      Mass times
       Weekdays 7am and 9am

      Saturday  8:00am, 5:00pm (English Vigil)
                      7:00pm (Spanish Vigil)

      Sunday  7:00am, 8:45am, 10:45am
                    12:30pm (Spanish) 
                     6:00pm (Youth/Teen)

      St. Anthony School http://sasmanteca.org/

    • Upcoming Events
      • May 7 - Jun 11, 2013
        A Biblical Walk Through The Mass
        A 5-week adult Bible study begins Tuesday, May 7th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. If you’ve ever wondered why we say what we say and do what we do during the Liturgy, this is the study for you! You will go deep into the Scriptural roots of the Mass, and see the beauty and riches unfold before your eyes like never before. This study is based on the new translation of the Mass. Call Gerard, 823-4513, to sign up.
      • May 12-27, 2013
        Ministry of Greeter/ Welcome
        Do you consider yourself to be a friendly person? Do you like to help others feel welcome? Our newest ministry may be for you! If you are interested in serving St. Anthony’s at the weekend Masses and on special occasions, please call the parish office (823-7197) and leave a message for Grace Bautista. You will be contacted for training in the near future.
      • May 17 - Jun 3, 2013
        Ministry of Greeter/ Welcome
        Do you consider yourself to be a friendly person? Do you like to help others feel welcome? Our newest ministry may be for you! If you are interested in serving St. Anthony’s at the weekend Masses and on special occasions, please call the parish office (823-7197) and leave a message for Grace Bautista. You will be contacted for training in the near future.
      • May 26, 2013
        Catholic Charities Sunday is May 18-19 2013. With increasingly distressing federal and state budget
        Our mentor and friend Gerard Scheuermann is retiring! Please join us in the cafeteria on Sunday, May 26th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to thank Gerard for his selfless, loving service to our faith community. Snacks will be served. For more information please call Susan Morrisette at 825-0371
      • May 26, 2013
        Please Join Us!
        Our mentor and friend Gerard Scheuermann is retiring! Please join us in the cafeteria on Sunday, May 26th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to thank Gerard for his selfless, loving service to our faith community. Snacks will be served. For more information please call Susan Morrisette at 825-0371
      • Jun 14, 2013
        Antone Raymus Golf Tournament and Car show
        This year the tournament will be played in honor of all fathers. The Knights of Columbus and the Manteca Children’s Education Foundation will be hosting their 15th annual golf tournament on June 14, 2013 at the Manteca Golf Course. We are looking for sponsors. For additional information on sponsorship levels visit our website at www.mcf4kids.com. Proceeds of this event will go to the Manteca Children’s Foundation which provides scholarships to St. Anthony students as well as other good works in the community. If you would like to be a sponsor, or play in the tournament, please contact Vince Hernandez at 679-3414, Jim McDonough at 470-2235 or Ron Agostini at 599-4338.
      View All
    • Build your faith with the LIFE IN CHRIST series
      We start off with "Paul's letters assures us of God's grace". 

      There is some debate as to whether babies learn to recognize a smiling face very early in life, or are in fact born with the capacity... more. 

      Visit this series under the main menus FAITH FORMATION > LIFE IN CHRIST. 
    • Blogs to follow

      St. Anthony Parish Blog

      St. Anthony's Parish blog maintained by Gerard Scheuermann.

      Sign in and post comments!!!

      Bishop Blaire's Blog
      www.stocktondiocese.org/BishopBlairesBlog