In 2003 and 2004, St. Anthony of Padua Church in the historic West End of Atlanta underwent a strategic planning process. Numerous meetings were held with community members, staff and parishioners to discern parish concerns.

In part because of this undertaking, and in recognition of the Year of the Eucharist declared by Pope John Paul II, a series of spiritual development programs for the St. Anthony parish and surrounding community is now beginning.

To help parishioners of all ages deepen their Catholic faith and to give them more spiritually enriching programs, the parish Evangelization Ministry and Lifelong Formation Ministry are joining together to host a series of parish renewal activities. The purpose of these activities is to enhance the faith community’s understanding of the spirituality of the Mass and each individual’s participation in the formation of that spirituality. These activities include small faith-sharing groups as part of the “Why Catholic?” program, a mini-series on “The Mass and Our Participation,” and a series of Parish Renewal Days focusing on spirituality in the Mass, black Catholic history, and Franciscan prayer.

The Parish Renewal Days are geared for parishioners 8 years old through adulthood. On Feb. 26-27 the renewal days will focus on the spirituality of the Mass. On April 23 the focus will be on black Catholic history. On June 11-12 the focus will be on Franciscan spirituality and the parish feast day celebration.

The mini-series on the spirituality of the Mass was developed to help parishioners and guests grow spiritually and enrich their experience of the Mass by learning more about the history, traditions, symbols and gestures, biblical references and essential elements of the Mass.

All sessions will be held in St. Anthony Church or in Adamski Hall.

The dates and topics are as follows:

The Mass: Rooted in the Judaic Tradition, Tuesday, March 1, 7-9 p.m.;
The Evolution of the Mass, Tuesday, March 8, 7-9 p.m.;
The Ties that Bind, Tuesday, March 15, 7-9 p.m.;
Symbols and Symbolism in the Mass, Tuesday, March 22, 7-9 p.m.;
The Real Soul Food: Word and Eucharist, Tuesday, April 4, 7-9 p.m.;
“Where two or more are gathered …”: Prayer of the People, Tuesday, April 11,7-9 p.m.

All are invited to travel and grow with the parish on this exciting spiritual journey Call Kimberly Daniels at (404) 842-1838.