Category: Bulletins and Newsletters

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin November 6, 2022

by Terrie Evans

National Vocation Awareness Week will be celebrated throughout our country from November 6-12, 2022.  As practicing Catholics, we all believe God has a plan for us to live our own vocations.  Vocations means “Call” with some of us being called to marriage, to the priesthood, or to a religious life.   Pope Benedict XVI said, “Each of you has a personal vocation which He has given you for your own joy and sanctity.  When a person is conquered by the fire of His gaze, no sacrifice seems too great to follow Him and give Him the best of ourselves.  This is what the Saints have always done, spreading the light of the Lord….and transforming the world into a welcoming home for everyone.  This annual weeklong celebration of the Catholic Church is dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education.  National Vocation Awareness Week began in 1976 (46 years ago) by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to support those who are considering a particular vocation.  During this next week, our San Antonio Church Community is asked to pray for those young men and women who are called to serve the Church as Franciscans, Dominicans, Benedictines, etc.  We are also asked to pray for those who work with the youth in our schools within the Archdiocese and for all the Priests, Brothers, Sisters, and Deacons who have dutifully served San Antonio Church in the past and present throughout our 100^th year history.  We can never thank enough – Fr. Bill Ferris, Fr. Frank Jasper, Fr. Mike Savino, Fr. Rudy, Fr. Ralph Westerhoff, and Fr. Pat McCloskey for serving not only our church community but other parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

A Short Prayer for Vocations: 

God Our Father,

We thank you for calling man and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests, Deacons, and Consecrated Persons.

Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to your call.

May our San Antonio Church Community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

A quote from St. John Paul II: “The way Jesus shows you is not easy.  Rather, it is like a path winding up a mountain. Do not lose heart! The steeper the road, the faster it rises towards ever wider horizons.”

Please remember, on Friday, November 11^th, we observe Veterans Day to honor all our Military Veterans.  In 2001, the U.S. Senate Resolution 143 designated the week of November 11^th-17^th as National Veterans Week.  Our San Antonio Church Community has many military members who have served in our country’s wars who are part of the 19.5 million Veterans within the United States, and part of the 500,000 World War II veterans still living.  These were the dedicated men who led troops into battle, served multiple deployments over years and came home to start families and became the greatest generation who built companies, communities and led our country to prosperity.  Many were the sons of Immigrant Italians who were first generation Italian American men who enlisted and were proud to serve and defend our country.  Our San Antonio Church Community is honored to have quite a few still attending Mass with us on Sundays.  There were many distinguished Veterans who are no longer with us that are listed on the Honor Roll Roster in the Hall.  Please take a moment to read their names.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin October 30, 2022

by Terrie Evans

Every November we as Christians honor two important days, the 1^st is “All Saints Day” to celebrate and honor all the Saints of the Church, whether they are known or unknown on November 1^st.  The day is spent by attending church services, praying for the dead and visiting cemeteries.  Observance of this day started in the 4^th Century to commemorate Christian Martyrs.  By the 9^th century, Churches in the British Isles held the commemoration of all Saints on November 1^st which was then observed by Pope Gregory IV and then extended to the whole Catholic Church.  In theology of the Catholic Church, All saints Day commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in Heaven.  “All Saints Day” is a time set aside to give God solemn thanks for the lives and deaths of his saints whether they are famous or unknown. 

There are different traditions throughout Europe that are customs on “All Saints Day.”  In Austria and Bavaria, it is a tradition for Godfathers to give their God Children a braided yeast pastry (Allerheiligenstriezel).  Belgians will visit the graves of loved ones and place chrysanthemums to remember and honor them.  In France, wreaths are placed at each tomb or grave and in Germany, “All saints Day” is considered a silent day to only allow public entertainment if the solemn character of the day is preserved.  In Poland, families will gather at the cemeteries of loved ones to tend to the graves and then leave candles and flowers in their memory.  In Portugal, after Mass and visits to the cemeteries, Portuguese children will take part in the tradition Pao-por-Deus by going door to door to receive cakes, nuts, pomegranates, and candies to celebrate all the Saints in heaven.  

The second date is November 2^nd, the Roman Catholic Church along with other Christian Denominations honor “All Souls Day” to Commemorate all the faithful departed with a day of prayer and remembrance.  In Italy it is known as “Commemorazione di tutti fedeli defunti;” with many traditions being associated with Purgatory as bells toll to comfort those being cleansed, and candles will be lit to light the way for the poor souls languishing in darkness.  In the Catholic Church, the Faithful refers to all Baptized Catholics to remember the souls in Purgatory.  We are taught that the purification of the souls in Purgatory can be assisted by the actions of the Faithful on earth.  The Faithful on earth can assist those souls who have not fully atoned for past transgressions by prayers, alms, deeds, and especially by the sacrifice of the Holy Mass. 

“All Souls Day” is a time when we particularly remember those who have died.  The prayers appointed for that day remind us that we are joined with the Communion of Saints, that great group of Christians who have finished their earthly life and with who we share the hope of resurrection from the dead.  As we remember all our deceased loved ones who have passed on from our lives, please keep those from our church community who are no longer with us and who we have lost since in the last year from November 2021- 2022.  Martha (King) Andriacco (1943-2022), Kevin Bocklet (1962-2022) Edward (Eddie) Carota (1956-2022), William (Billy) Milazzo (1962-2022), Butch Prinzo (1939-2021) George Purtell (2022), Roy Romelli (1934-2022), Mary Louise (Stevens) Russo (1935-2022), Elsie (Farson) Ventre (1931-2022). 

Please do not forget to set your clocks back 1 hour for next Sunday, November 6^th.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin October 23, 2022

by Terrie Evans

Our San Antonio Church community sends its deepest sympathy to Frank Russo and the family of Mary Louise (Stevens) Russo on her passing on October 6, 2022.  She leaves children Pam (Russo) Baechle, Tony & Sheri Russo, and Perry & Cinamon Russo and their families.  Mary Louise was the daughter of Dominic (1904-1987) and Virginia (Guerrera) Stevens (1910-1970) who resided at 1966 Queen City Avenue and grew up around many extended family members while attending San Antonio Church.  After her marriage to Frank Russo, they became longtime supporters of San Antonio Church until her passing.  They were active and attended many fundraiser events throughout the many years they were members.  Mary Lou was very knowledgeable about the history of San Antonio Church and was always available to help Terrie Evans with her research for the 100^th Anniversary family stories for the detailed Centennial Book.  Mary Lou was a great lady who had many friends and extended family members who will miss her presence at our 9:00 AM Mass on Sunday.  She also leaves Grandchildren:  Ryan, Jason, Samantha, Amanda, Nick, Nicole, and Hunter.  Mary Lou’s Great Grandchildren, Braelyn, Christian, Sawyer, Finn, Jett, Baker, Aubrey, and Luke.  Our condolences and prayers are with all of you.   Her funeral Mass was held at San Antonio Church on October 12, 2022, with Fr. Len Wenke officiating.

This Sunday, October 23, 2022, is World Mission Day to support in solidarity the life-giving presence of the Church as we remember the poor and marginalized in more than 1,150 mission dioceses.  This day was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1926 for the whole church with the first worldwide Mission Sunday collection taking place in 1927.  This Sunday is celebrated as the feat of Catholicity and the universal solidarity as Christians all over the world recognize their common responsibility to aid the evangelization of the whole world.  Collections will take place wherever a Church is present to promote poorer parishes, overseas diocese and helping communities build schools, clinics, parish halls and even churches.  On this Sunday, Pope Francis calls each one of us to be witnesses to Christ and to recall the bond between every missionary and Christ himself.  His message for this World Mission Sunday is “You Shall Be My Witnesses” as Pope Francis states “Disciples are sent by Jesus to the world not only to carry out, but also and above all to live the mission entrusted to them; not only to bear witness, but also and above all to be witnesses to Christ.”  Pope Francis says “The call to Mission, is the invitation to step out of ourselves for love of God and neighbor as an opportunity for sharing, service, and intercessory prayer.  The Mission that God entrusts to each one of us leads us from fear and introspection to a renewed realization that we find ourselves precisely when we give ourselves to others.”  

On this World Mission Sunday, please join our Holy Father Pope Francis in supporting his missions.  As we continue to pray and respond to his call at home, we all share in those celebrations taking place in every parish and in schools throughout the world.  As we gather on this Sunday, our prayers and financial support will help bring the Lord’s Mercy to the most vulnerable of communities in the Pope’s Missions.  In carrying out this mission and with the efforts of our almsgiving in our church community regardless of its size it is fundamental importance to the goal of World Mission Sunday.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin October 16, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On this 29^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we celebrate the fest days of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque a nun who advocated for the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Hedwig, a German Duchess who dedicated her life to the poor, orphans, and widows.  St. Margaret Mary was born in France who at a young age became committed to the Blessed Sacrament.  After making her First Holy Communion, she became bedridden for 4 years all the time praying to the Blessed Mother for a full recovery from the rheumatic fever that ravaged her body.  She never lost her devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and by the age of 24, she entered the Visitation Convent in France on May 25, 1671.  She took her vows in 1672 and started receiving revelations of the Sacred Heart first in 1673 and in 1675. 

In these revelations the Sacred Heart asked her to receive Holy Communion on the 1^st Friday of every month, attend Adoration of the Holy Eucharist every Thursday, and always celebrate the Feast of The Sacred Heart.  Mary Margaret went on to promote observance of the Feast of the Sacred Heart to her Mother Superiors and to King Louis XIV who she asked to consecrate the nation of France to the Sacred Heart in 1689.  They both declined, but it was not until after her death that the Jesuits advanced her cause with her writings on the Devotion to the Sacred Heart, published in 1698 are now used extensively by Catholics.  St. Margaret Mary died on October 17, 1690, at age 43 and in 1824 was declared Venerable by Pope Leo XII and when her tomb was opened in 1830, two people were cured of their afflictions.    

On September 18, 1864, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque was Beatified by Pope Pius IX and 56 years later in 1920, she was Canonized by Pope Benedict XV.  She is the Patron saint of Polio Patients and Devotees of the Sacred Heart.  Her incorrupt body is preserved in the Chapel of the Apparitions within the Visitation Monastery in France where pilgrims from all over the world have journeyed and reported many miracles attributed to her.       

On this Sunday we also honor St. Hedwig (1174-1243) who is considered the Patron saint of the Republic of Poland, Brandenburg, and Berlin Germany.    She grew up at the Andechs Castle in Bavaria with siblings Agnes, Gertrude (Mother of St. Elizabeth of Hungary) Matilda, Bishop Ekbert of Bamberg, Archbishop Berthold of Kalocsa, and Henry, Margrave (Medieval Title for a Military Commander) of Istria. As a young teen, Hedwig married eighteen-year-old Henry I, high Duke of Krakow, they welcomed 7 children.  After their last child was born the couple vowed to promote and facilitate the Growth of Christianity in Germany, Poland and throughout parts of Europe. 

In 1202, Hedwig and Henry built the Trzebnica Abbey, a Cisteercian Convent for Nuns.  When Henry I died in 1238, he was buried at the Abbey and Hedwig would later enter the convent to become a Lay Sister who would invite friends from all over Europe to till the lands around the Abbey establishing many villages, towns, and cities.  St. Hedwig and Henry helped found many convents, monasteries, hospitals, and Churches while living a very religious life promoting their Christian Faith.  St. Hedwig, Duchess of Silesia, and Poland died in in 1243 and was Canonized by Pope Clement IV on March 26, 1267.  She once said “Would you oppose the will of God? Our lives are His.” 

This Sunday is also the conclusion of Sukkot, the 7-day Jewish Festival known as the Feast of Tabernacles and the Festival of Booths.  For this observance, a sukkah will be constructed with walls of wood, canvas, or sheets to be free standing or on the sides of a building or porch.  The sukkah will be decorated with hanging decorations and artwork and will serve as shelters to resemble those that were built in the fields at harvest time.  It is used for daily prayers from the Torah, meals and some even sleep in the sukkah during this 7-day festival.  It is like harvest festivals and marks the end of harvest time and the end of the agricultural year in the Land of Israel.  It is also intended to recall the type of fragile dwellings the Israelites used during their 40-year journey in the desert after their Exodus from slavery in Egypt.  It is also celebrated by Christian denominations that observe holidays from the Old Testament who base the festival on the fact that Jesus celebrated Sukkot in the Gospel of John 7. The holiday by Christian Groups dates to the 17^th century.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin October 9, 2022

by Terrie Evans

San Antonio Church welcomes everyone to our Annual Spaghetti Dinner that dating back to 1936 when the choir stepped forward to start a fundraiser that would help raise funds for the church.  There are family members from every generation who have dutifully served over the last 86 years and the next group of volunteers who are present on this Sunday are the descendants from those original families.  All the parishioners from San Antonio Church appreciate our patrons who have supported this event and we thank all those dedicated workers, bakers, and cooks who made this day a success.  Buon Appetito to all!

On October 9^th, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of St. John Henry Newman (1801-1890) St. Denis who died (258AD), and St. John Leonardi (1541-1609). St. John Henry Newman was born in England and was ordained an Anglican Priest in 1825 and soon was dissatisfied with the Anglican Church and their policies.  In 1832 while on a Mediterranean tour, visited Rome and met with Nicholas Wiseman, a Catholic Priest and started to read the writings of St. Augustine of Hippo about the Church Fathers.  By 1842, he was living a Monastic life and by 1845 was received into the Catholic Church by Dominic Barberi from the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ.  St. John Henry Newman journeyed from England to Rome in 1846 where he was ordained a priest by Cardinal Giacomo Filippo Fransoni with Pope Pius IX then awarding him a Doctor of Divinity Degree.  He went on to establish Catholic Universities and in 1879 was made a Cardinal by Pope Leo XIII, suffered from ill health in 1886 and died in 1890 in Birmingham, England.  Pope John Paul II declared him Venerable in 1991 with Pope Benedict XVI beatified him in 2010 after two miracles were attributed to him.  The first was declared from his intercession in 2001 and the second in 2018 with St. John Henry Newman Canonized in 2019 by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square. 

St. Denis was the Bishop of Parsi in the 3^rd Century during the persecutions and was killed along with his companions Rusticus and Eleutherius in 258 AD.  St. Denis and six Missionaries were sent by Pope Fabian to convert people back to their Christian Faith.  With the help of St. Genevieve, St. Denis along with Clergymen Priest Rusticus and Deacon Eleutherius were very successful and the pagan priests became jealous and wary of the group and wanted them arrested.  After being imprisoned, St. Denis, Rusticus, and Eleutherius were slain on the highest hill in Paris, Montmatre.  They were buried in the Basilica of St. Denis started in 475 A.D. by St. Genevieve and the people of Paris.  The Basilica would later become the burial place of the Kings of France.  

The 3^rd Saint to honor on this Sunday is St. John Leonardi (1541-1609), a Roman Catholic Priest and founder of the Clerks Regular of the Mother of God of Lucca.  At the age of 17, he began his studies to become a pharmacist when he became certified at 27.  Soon after, he felt God was calling him to the priesthood and soon he was studying toward his goal and was ordained on December 22, 1572, at the age of 31.  He dedicated himself to adolescents at his Parish in Lucca and went on to organize a group of laymen to work with him in prisons and hospitals.  He would continue his work in Rome where he met St. Philip Neri who became his Spiritual Director and good friend.  St. John Leonardi was then given the task of reforming the Monks of Vallombrosa and the Benedictine Congregation of Montevergine. 

In 1603 he founded the seminary of the Propagation of the Faith for the training of Missionary Priests.  He died in 1609 after contracting influenza after assisting victims of a deadly plague in Rome.  His relics are interred under the altar in the Church of Santa Maria in Campitelli in Rome.   St. John Leonardi was Beatified by Pope Blessed Pius IX in 1861 and Canonized in 1938 at Saint Peters Basilica.   He is considered the patron saint of Pharmacists and Clerics regular of the Mother of God of Lucca.

Monday, October 10^th is Columbus Day, the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World.  He was born in Genoa, Italy in 1451 and when he was 41 years old was asked by Queen Isabella of Spain to discover a new route to China and the East Indies.  On August 3, 1492, Columbus along with 90 men sailed on the flagship Santa Maria along with two other ships, the Nina and Pinta.  He landed in the New World in the Bahamas two months later, October 12, 1492.  Over the years, Italian Americans have continued to celebrate this discover with Columbus Day Parades, Dances, Festivals and Educational Programs.  The month of October is considered Italian Heritage Month because of the efforts of Christopher Columbus.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin October 22, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On this 1^st Sunday of October, all Catholics are called to reflect on those who are the most vulnerable in society.  We are all responsible for those individuals   and to defend, protect and pray for them during the month of October.  As a church community we are asked to consider local pregnant and parenting women in need so we may better support them and to keep informed on local efforts.  We must keep our hearts open to anyone who is facing life changing circumstances as we “walk in their shoes” and join them on their journey while praying that Christ’s love will accompany them.  Tell them that God will always be with them.   

Pope St. John Paul II once stated to a group of American Bishops, “The pro-life movement is one of the most positive aspects of American public, and the support given it by the Bishops is a tribute to your pastoral leadership.” On this Respect Life Sunday, let us be grateful for the pastoral leadership of the American Bishops, and we answer their call to promote respect for the lives of unborn children, and to serve women in problem pregnancies with love and compassion worthy of the name “Christian.” For more information on the Church’s Pro-Life efforts and the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, please visit https://www.usccb.org/prolife. 

There are Pro-Life events scheduled within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati at Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center at 5440 Moeller Avenue, Norwood Ohio.  On the first Saturday of the month, a Pro-Life Mass & Rosary takes place from 9:00 – 11:00 AM followed by coffee and a speaker.  The next Mass and Rosary will be Saturday, November 5^th, followed by December 3^rd, and then January 7, 2023.  If interested, please contact Jerry Schmidt at (513) 509-9841 or jschmidtgj@fuse.net.  All these Pro-Life Masses & Rosaries are leading up to the March for Life 2023. 

Please remember the March for Life is scheduled for January 19 & 20, 2023 to celebrate, value and protect every life. The March is held every January and will continue every year until a culture of life is restored in the United States of America.  There are about 900,000 abortions performed annually as many legislative battles loom with the goal to not only change laws at the state and federal level, but to change the culture to hopefully make abortion unthinkable.  Many young people will be in attendance including teens and college students who travel with Catholic Schools, Churches, and Youth Groups.  In 2022, attendance was said to be in the tens of thousands with over half of the marchers under age 30 who started their day delivering roses and then lobbying members of Congress.  The March for Life begins with a rally at the National Mall, followed by the March down Constitution Avenue where it ends on the steps of the Supreme Court. 

Many Presidents and political figures have supported this day by addressing the throngs of participants.  In 1987, President Ronald Reagan and then President George W. Bush (2003-2009) both spoke remotely supporting this” national tragedy” and “noble cause”.   In 2006, U.S. Representative Steve Chabot spoke to the marchers and his stance against abortion.  In 2017, Mike Pence became the first Vice President and the highest-ranking federal official to address the marchers.  In 2018 and 2019, President Donald Trump addressed the 45^th and 46^th March via satellite from the White House with Vice President Pence speaking at the event in person.  And in 2020, President Trump became the first U.S. President to attend and speak at the March for Life.  The March for Life official website (http://www.marchforlife.org) Many in our church community have grandchildren and great grandchildren attending Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati who will travel to the 50^th March for Life in January 2023.  Please check with their schools to offer any support or assistance as needed.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin September 25, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday we honor all our current Priests and remember those past men religious   who have diligently served our church community throughout the history of San Antonio Church.  Priesthood Sunday is a day to   reflect on the role of the Priest who is central to the life of the Church.  At present we cannot thank enough our dedicated priests who serve and celebrate mass with us every Sunday.  We at San Antonio Church appreciate Rev. Bill Ferris, Rev. Frank Jasper, Rev. Pat McCloskey, Rev. Mike Savino, and Rev. Ralph Westerhoff.  They are not only here for Sunday Mass, but have been available for countless Baptism’s, Weddings, Funerals, and special events.  

On Priesthood Sunday, we acknowledge Fr. Bill Ferris from the Franciscan Order who was born in South Bend, Indiana and entered St. Francis Seminary at age 14.  Fr. Bill went on to become the 1^st Principal of Roger Bacon High School from 2001-2013 until and then became Pastor of the Church of the Transfiguration in Southfield, Michigan.  Rev. Bill Ferris serves other church community while also doing mission work. 

Our Church community acknowledges Fr. Frank Jasper, also from the Franciscan Order who is now based at St. Clement Parish working with Deacon John Gerke Pastoral Associate and Colleen Gerke Director of Faith Formation assisting the Latino Community.  He has been a Provincial Vicar and has written about the demands of religious life.  In 2014, Fr. Frank Jasper escorted a tour visiting the Shrines of Ireland and continues to work with those less fortunate.  On July 27, 2022, Fr. Jasper travelled to Santa Barbara, California for the profession of vows for Novices, Dominigo Martinez, William Compton and Matthew Tran.  

On this Sunday, we acknowledge Fr. Pat McCloskey also a Franciscan who was in attendance for our 100^th Anniversary Mass assisting Archbishop Dennis Schnurr.  Fr. Pat McCloskey obtained his master’s degree in Theology and has been Editor of the St.  Anthony Messenger writing a column for Saint of the Day.  In 2010 Fr. Pat wrote “Ask A Franciscan” a very resourceful 113-page book that covers many interesting topics.  

Today, we thank Fr. Mike Savino born in Dayton, Ohio to a large family who went on to establish a popular Italian Market.  Fr. Mike was the Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in North Bend, Ohio when they celebrated their 150^th Anniversary in 2010 and Co-Celebrated the Mass with Archbishop Dennis Schnurr. On November 20, 2022, Fr. Mike will preside over a Memorial Mass at the Church of the Resurrection with Fr. Jim Meade for Dr. James Moore, a renowned Composer of Liturgical Music in the United States.  Dr. James Moore, known for his liturgical pieces “Taste and See” and “Come to the Feast” was the Music Director at St. Agnes Church. 

We also mention and acknowledge, Rev. Frank Westerhoff “Fr. Chet” a graduate from Elder High School class of 1954 and was the Basketball Team Chaplain under the late Coach Frey delivering many inspirational homilies that alumni still recall.  He was a recipient of the Christian Leadership Award in 2006 and delivered the opening prayer at the dedication of the Elder High School Vietnam Veterans Highway, in 2014, Fr. Westerhoff has been available for many special events at Elder and was present to celebrate the Mass on April 29, 2022, at Elderfest to honor and recognize the Seniors Class.  Everyone who attends Mass appreciates all your support of our little church that means so much to all of us.       

We send our sincere condolences to the Bocklet, Fathman, Hasenohr, and Yankoviak Families on the loss of Kevin Bocklet, Beloved Son, Brother, Husband, Father, and Uncle.   Kevin leaves his wife of 22 years, Mary (Fathman) Bocklet, daughter Michelle Gajus, brother Scott (Judy) Bocklet and Dan (Sue) Bocklet.   He was the son of Nancy (Hasenohr) Yankoviak, the late Bill Bocklet.  Kevin passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2022, and was buried from Corpus Christi Catholic Church.   Please know, everyone at San Antonio Church is keeping your extended family in our prayers.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin September 18, 2022

by Terrie Evans

This is the 25^th Sunday in Ordinary Time.  It is also the Sunday in the Catholic Church referred to as Catechetical Sunday by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  On this Sunday, the church reflects on the role that each person plays in being a witness to the Gospel.  Pope Francis is urging all young adults, Ministry leaders and Bishops “To Move Boldy into the Future” with evangelization.  Those who have chosen to be Catechists will be commissioned for their ministry on September 18, 2022, with the theme “This is my Body given for you”. 

To prepare for their commission, online services were offered to all interested individuals to help serve diocesan leaders.  Many age groups are needed for parish catechetical leaders to promote the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life.  This Sunday all those who are interested in promoting the Catholic Church will take on teaching the true meaning of the Eucharist and provide faith formations to diverse groups and settings.  Taken from the Greek word Eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving, we celebrate the Eucharist as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine, the glorified Christ who rose from the dead.  We discover the meaning of Church and the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist that helps all of us experience the richness of our faith.  We pray for all those who have chosen to be commissioned as Catechists in the Catholic Church.

On this Sunday at San Antonio Church, we welcome members of the Comarata, Miller, Sammons, Hornsby, Rizzo, and Weigand Families as they gather for a Memorial Mass in memory of their Patriarch, Anthony James Comarata (1940-2012) on the 10^th Anniversary of his passing.  The Comarata Family has a rich history they trace back to the year 1732 in the region of Termini Imerese, Palermo, Sicily.   Anthony “Tony” James Comarata was born on February 11, 1940, to Lucille (Rizzo) (1896-1978) and James Anthony Comarata (1892-1956).  His mother, Lucille (Rizzo) Comarata’s parents were Ignazio (1850-1922) and Carmela Rizzo (1860-1945).  His father, James Anthony Comarata’s (1892-1956) parents and Anthony James Comarata’s Grandparents were Vincenzo Augustino (1850-1911) and Martina Lo Schiavo Comarata (1852-1929).  Anthony “Tony” James Comarata’s siblings were of Vince Joseph Comarata (1923-1991), Martha (Comarata) Borman (1920-1995), Henry Comarata (1927-2019), Mary (Comarata) Wetenkamp (1930-2018), and the last surviving sibling, Rose (Comarata) Hornsby.  Anthony James Comarata (194-2012) wed Gloria “Miller” in 1961 and welcomed Anthony “Tony”, Lisa (Comarata) Sammons, Steve, and Amy (Comarata) Weigand.

Please remember, our Spaghetti Dinner will be held on Sunday, October the 9^th.  We always need volunteers to help in all areas for the big day so let the Sunday Hall Crew know of your interest and they will pass on your information.  Also, we will need desserts and 2-liter Coke products:  Diet Coke, Sprite, Regular Coke and Coke Zero for that day.  We will have signup sheets for volunteers, drinks and desserts in the Hall throughout the Month of September so, please consider doing whatever you can to make this dinner surpass the previous 85 as we closeout our 100^th Anniversary 1922-2022.  The hours for the dinner on October 9^th are for Drive Through from 11:30 AM-7:00 PM with ONLINE ORDERING at https://www.facewbook.com/SanAntonioItalianChapelCincinnati/ or contact Dave Sabatelli at 513-405-6444.  There will be RESERVATIONS ONLY for DINE IN at the Hall between 12:00-2:00 PM and 4:00PM-7:00PM by contacting Vic Minella at 513-520-5594.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin September 11, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On this 24^th Sunday of Ordinary time, please take the time to observe Patriot Day to remember those who died in the September 11, 2001, attacks.  This was a sad time in the history of our country, and we will never forget where we were on that dark day.   A month after the attacks, Rep. Vito Fossella (R-NY) introduced a Bill to make September 11 a National Day of Mourning on October 25, 2001, along with the support of 22 co-sponsors and   President George W. Bush.  In 2002, the 1^st Patriot Day was observed with a moment of silence at 8:46 A.M and memorial events held to honor the 2,977 victims who perished from the terrorists who carried out these attacks on our soil.  Today, the United States Flag will be flown at half- mast throughout the world on all U. S. Government Buildings.  Americans are asked to display flags outside their homes as we all mourn the anniversary of this tragic day, 21 years ago.   It is also referred to as a National Day of Service and Remembrance as a day to volunteer for special projects across the country in participating communities, large or small.  There are many ways to share the gifts God has bestowed on you.  Visit someone in a Nursing Home or spend time with a sick friend, your time is worth more than you think to someone who would enjoy your company. 

There are also many unique ways to show appreciation to those heroes’ who serve in your community.  All of us could not live without the emergency services these agencies provide.  We forget those who serve us 24/7 in our own neighborhoods to keep us safe and out of danger.  The Firefighters, Police, National Guard, Border Patrol, and all branches of the Military all need our support and kindness.  America became the greatest country on earth because we all looked out for each other so, choose a charity to donate funds for a cause you are interested in. 

A service project to consider as we get close to the Holidays is Wreaths Across America.  In a few months we will celebrate the holidays to anticipate the season of Christmas and visit the graves of our loved ones at the cemetery.  There are many cemeteries with graves of soldiers who are forgotten during this time of year.  Some cemeteries will set aside a Saturday during December to place wreaths on a Veteran’s grave.   Wreaths were used in mythology by Apollo who wove a wreath from the branches of an olive tree to wear around his neck to honor the memory of a loved one.  The Greeks would hang harvest wreaths for good luck and by the 16th century the wreath would symbolize eternal life through Jesus Christ while being used for funeral arrangements.  National Wreaths Across America Day is observed by volunteering to lay a wreath on a Veteran’s Grave, sponsoring a Veteran’s wreath at a cemetery or by donating to a local sponsorship organization.  It is designed to remember America’s fallen soldiers by covering a veterans grave marker with a Christmas wreath on a Saturday in mid -December.  These Veterans were our Sons, Daughters, Father’s Mother’s, Sisters, and Brothers, so we must never forget and honor those who served as we teach our children and grandchildren the value of freedom.  

Spring Grove Cemetery is one of the participating cemeteries in our area for the Wreaths Across America Day.  There will also be wreath laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and at more the 2,500 locations in all 50 United States, at sea and abroad.    Spring Grove Cemetery will have a ceremony to remember the fallen; on Saturday December 17^th, 2022, at 12:00 PM to lay 1,500 wreaths on the Veteran’s Graves while saying their names and reciting a prayer.  The Theme for this day is “Find a way to Serve” as we remember the courage and sacrifices of our military Veterans.   In 2021, more than 2.4 million Veteran’s wreaths were placed by volunteers at 3,136 locations around the country.  The late Mother Teresa said, “The greatest good is what we do for one another.” The link for Spring Grove cemetery is https://www.springgrove.org/locations/spring-grove-cemetery-arboretum/.