List of Organizations and Ministries at St. Anthony of Padua

Altar Rosary Society
Women join together to emulate the Blessed Mother through prayer and service activities.  They contribute turkeys and hams for Social Concerns, sponsor a dinner for Holly House and make donations to our church.  They also host a Communion breakfast, a May crowning, a living Rosary and a baby shower for Birthright every year. Contact: Barbara McGeachen (609) 448-8399

Altar Servers
Girls and boys ten years of age or older, who received their First Holy Communion, lead the procession at each Mass by carrying the Cross, bringing the bread and wine to the altar and wash/dry the priest’s hands.
Contact: Joe Sbarra (609) 448-0141

Anthonian Seniors
An organization of parish members who are 50 years of age or older, whose goal is to provide spiritual and educational enrichment and the opportunity for service and fellowship.  Socials are scheduled throughout the year. Meetings:  First Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. Check bulletin for changes in time and date.
Contact:  Terry Sirawsky at 448-2848 for more information.

Bereavement Ministry
St. Anthony offers programs and services to those who are experiencing grief due to the loss of a spouse, parent or child.  The goal is to acknowledge and respond to the variety of emotions experienced in grief and to strengthen the coping skills needed by individuals as they move through the grieving process.
Contact: Deacon Mike Scannella at (609) 658-4483.

Cantoring Ministry
Welcomes individuals of high school age or older who feel called to serve as the psalmist and leader of sung prayer at Sunday Masses and major feasts.  Musicianship and leadership skills are important
Contact:  Quentin Marty (609) 448-3944

Children’s Choir
The choir is seasonal.  It is formed in the fall in preparation for Christmas and in late winter in preparation for Easter.  The Christmas choir includes children ages eight and above and the Easter choir includes children grades four and above. Rehearsals: Thursday evenings at 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Church
Contact:  Quentin Marty (609) 448-3944

Columbian Squires
An organization of young Catholic men, ages 10 to 18, dedicated to serving church and community. They assist the Knights of Columbus with the disabled citizen’s drive and food basket deliveries.  Squires’ activities include basketball, volleyball, adopt-a-spot cleanup and attendance at professional sporting events.  Other community related activities.Contact: Steve Misiura (609) 371-7323

Crop Walk
New Jersey Crop Walk, sponsored by Church World Service, is an interfaith community-based effort to feed the hungry.  The East Windsor/Hightstown area walk is an annual event, held each October at Mercer County Park.  At least fifteen local churches and synagogues participate in the walk and raise money for the needy.
Contact: Leonore Isleib (609) 448-6470

The Green House
Staffed by the Social Concerns Committee.   We receive and distribute gently used, washed and folded clothing on Saturdays, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.;  We receive clothing only on Saturday from 9:00 Am to 11:00 am. Contact:  Barbara McGeachen (609) 448-8399

Handbell Choirs
Both young people and adults participate in this extraordinary musical activity that adds special beauty to our major feasts and other occasions.  Junior choir members are from grades six through high school.  Adult members are high school age or older.  Having music reading skills and good coordination are helpful.
Rehearsals:  Sunday at 5 to 8 p.m. in the Community Room
Contact:  Quentin Marty (609) 443-3944

Helping Hands Ministry
This worthwhile ministry provides support for individuals with special needs.  A special need could be: a ride to services, helping with light chores, picking up prescriptions, an occasional ride to a doctor, or perhaps enjoying the company of a weekly visit. Contact: Judy Abramovitz (609) 443-3573

Hispanic Choir
The choir sings in Spanish, and lead the sung prayer at the 12 noon Mass on Sunday.
Contact: Nelson Rivera (609) 443-9683

Instrumental Music
Individuals who are skilled at playing a musical instrument are invited to offer their talents as soloists, accompanists to the choirs, and members of various ensembles.
Contact:  Quentin Marty (609) 443-3944

King’s Kids
This is a children’s liturgy of the Word.  All young children are invited to participate to hear the gospel and a special children’s homily.  Dates for the liturgy are published in the bulletin (See the latest bulletin on this website). Contact:  Joanne and John Tyne (609) 443-1069

   Knights of Columbus
  A fraternal organization of Catholic men, running service programs; we welcome any interested parish men to join us. To learn more about ourcharitable work, please Contact: Richard Gavila (609) 578-0446.

Ministry to the Homebound and Nursing Home/Health Care Residents
Ministers provide the Eucharist on a weekly basis to those parishioners confined (long or short-term) to their homes and also to our extended family in local nursing homes and health care facilities.
Contact:  Barbara Bocchino (609)799-0850

Prayer Shawl Ministry                                                                                                                                                               Our group knits & crochets prayer shawls and lap blankets  that parishioners & their families can request at no charge, for those who are seriously ill, or going through an extremely difficult time in their lives.  All shawls are prayed over while being made and are blessed by a Priest or Deacon.         

Contact: Rosemarie Farkas (609) 448-6971 or Roselie Danek (609) 448-8431

Religious Education Program
Educates the children of the parish from pre-school through eighth grade. The program strives to combine the formal teaching of the Church with real-life opportunities to live the Gospels, and by encouraging children to incorporate Christian values in their daily lives. All parishioners are invited to support the program in a variety of ways. Classes: Weekly, September to May on Sunday mornings, Monday afternoon and evenings, Tuesday afternoon and evenings. A Summer program is also offered.
Contact:  Deacon David Shapiro (609) 448-0141, ext. 28

Why Catholic
A faith sharing and fellowship consisting of small communities of parishioners. Participants meet in their homes one night a week for six to eight weeks in the fall and then again in the Lenten Season.
Contact:  Deacon David Shapiro (609) 448-0141, ext. 28

Social Justice Committee

Looking to the Gospel narratives, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and The Principles of Catholic Social Teaching for inspiration, the Social Justice Committee has four main goals: 1. to become more aware of underlying structures that keep people in poverty or negatively affect their human rights. 2. to help others become aware of these injustices. 3. to communicate with legislators to encourage their support for human rights legislation. 4. to sponsor programs that both educate the community and promote justice. For information or to become involved, please contact Leigh and Lenore Isleib at Lrisleib@aol.com or call 609-448-6470.

St. Anthony’s Choir
They lead the assembly in sung prayer.  They also sing anthems from traditional and contemporary choral repertoire, which adds beauty and solemnity to our worship.  The group welcomes anyone of high school age or older who enjoys choral singing.  The four-part mixed choir sings at 10:30 a.m. Mass each Sunday and at all major feasts of the church year.
Rehearsals:  Thursday evenings from 8 to 10 p.m. in the church
Contact: Quentin Marty (609) 443-3944

Ushers / Ministers of Hospitality
They endeavor to make everyone feel welcome in our parish.  They greet and guide parishioners to seating areas, distribute literature, receive weekly and monthly contributions, and help maintain church decorum.  They are also available for medical emergencies.
Contact: Janice Mastriano (609) 448-9120

Welcoming Ministry (Greeters)
They provide a welcoming atmosphere by greeting attendees at weekend and holy day Masses and other parish events.  Young people, especially, are invited to participate.
Contact:  Rae Rasi (609) 443-6339

   Additional Ministries, Groups and Contacts

CYO Basketball – Ray Taylor 443-9106, Bob Sobkowiak 448-4308
Eat Smart – Sheila Conway 448-0141 ext. 25
Eucharistic Adoration Committee – Pete Haas 448-3082
Filipino Community – Angie & Bart Cruz 448-2511 
Hispanic Youth – Josue Arriola
Latino Community – Dr. David Abalos 371-2436
Lectors  - Cheryl O’Brien 448-7415
Liturgy Facilitator – Janice Mastriano 448-9120

Parish Liason to the Ministry for Maturing Adults - Eileen Mead 371-8316

Pro-Life - Pete Haas- 448-3082

Respect Life - Tony Humphreys - 448-8229

Spiritual Direction– Gloria Lynch 658-4035