Written on the 10th Anniversary Celebration - 1992

On this our 10th anniversary of the founding of our Parish, I salute, with a deep sense of gratitude, all those who gave of themselves so generously to turn a challenging dream into a beautiful reality. You come from all walks of life but you were bonded together by a deep love of the Lord. Choosing as your patron the gentle St. Anthony and his spirit of dedication to the work of the church, you gave yourselves continually - and God blessed your efforts. As we pause and reflect, we too must be conscious, as we enter a second decade of growth, that a new vision is being formulated. I feel certain that the same selfless spirit will characterize our efforts as we plan for the future and make full provision for the expansion we are now experiencing.

As pastor, I am deeply grateful to all who gave of themselves and for the total support of the whole parish which I now enjoy. I pray that God will continue to pour out His graces and blessings on our whole parish family.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Peter Quinn, Pastor

Once a Dream - Now a Reality

Early in 1977, St. Joseph 's Catholic Church gave birth to a new mission that later became St. Anthony's parish.

Under the direction of Father Patrick Sheedy, committees were formed to survey, investigate, finance and implement the new mission. Parishioners gathered each Sunday morning for mass in the cafeteria of Padgett Elementary School . Organizations were formed with Richard Eastling as president of the mission's parish council and Marjorie Johnson as director of religious education.

A building drive began in 1978 and a church and parish center was built on 15 acres of land. On November 23, 1980, Bishop Thomas Grady dedicated the church and named it St. Anthony's. On July, 1982, Father Peter Quinn was named First Pastor and St. Anthony's became a canonically established parish. On October 10, 1982, Bishop Grady presided at the installation of Fr. Quinn as pastor.

At that time the parish served 220 families, electing Brice La Londe as president of St. Anthony's parish council. The parish office began in a classroom where it was located for more than two years and Sharon Severs was chosen as parish secretary with volunteers to assist her.

In January, 1984, a much needed rectory and parish office complex was built. In 1990, 20 acres of land were bought for a future mission. Cary Gomez, Mary Alice Pierce, Mary Stollsteimer and many faithful volunteers staffed the office at St. Anthony's.

Under the direction of Rosemary Yanick, D.R.E., who joined the staff in 1985, the religious education program educated over 300 children which spans from 3 year olds to adults. With Cathy Lausell as youth minister, the youth group is growing stronger and expands to young adults.

As growth of the parish zooms ahead, St. Anthony's has 1,000 families and once again we are approaching the crossroads of expansion.

With pre-school progressing under the direction of Joann List, the tremendous growth of our C.C.D. program and future plans of a catholic school, it is imperative that we venture into a building program bringing forth and education and media center.

God has Blessed St. Anthony's over this short period of time. With Him and our faithful parishioners, we are secure to receive many more blessings in the years to come and ... another dream will become a reality.