St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church has been serving the Catholic community of Park Falls, Wisconsin for over one hundred years.
Final decision on the St. Anthony School building
Dear Parishioners and well-wishers,
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer. It is moving fast. I write this note as a follow-up on the St. Anthony school building. We were thinking and praying about this matter for years. It took space in the Price County Review and Catholic Herald several times. I sent you letters informing the progress. Recently we had the 100th-anniversary celebration. A lot of people thanked me for the opportunity to walk through the building and reminiscing. I want to say thank you to the Parish and Finance Council, 100th Year Celebration Committee, KC, CCW and so many of you for making the celebration beautiful. Above all, I want to thank God for guiding us and blessing us with a beautiful day.
I hope all of you had the opportunity to participate in the celebration or read in the Price County Review or Catholic Herald. Our goal was to come up with a final decision on the 100th-anniversary celebration, but we couldn’t get there. As you know, the parish and finance council looked at three different possibilities for the school building: reopen, raze, or sell. Some of the things are repeated, but I want everyone to understand how we get to the final decision.
Last December we sent out a survey to explore the idea of reopening the St. Anthony School. 115 families participated in the survey. Of 115 families, 43 express the desire to reopen the school. 55 families answered no and the rest of them are undecided. In 43 families, 17 of them are younger families with children. We have 26 children who want to enroll in St. Anthony school. There were people who made promises of over a million dollars if we came up with a viable plan. They don't like to make any commitment until we have a viable plan. The survey was promising, but it was not enough.
Many people came and looked at the building to turn into apartments, a community center, YMCA, and so on. Most of them looked at the building to make apartments. Alpha Development Corporation gave us a purchase agreement to buy the school building to turn into apartments. As I mentioned before, the developer is interested in the school and the rectory. The developer stated that they would provide residency for the priest or give $150,000.00. The question we face as a parish is what we have for the future generation. The Parish and Finance council try to answer the question and come up with the best decision. If we sell the buildings, St. Anthony of Padua parish has nothing much left other than a parking lot. We need to look at the bigger picture, what we need to leave for the future generation.
We also looked at the cost of maintaining the building. We were spending 40,000.00 to 45,000.00 a year for basic maintenance like water and sewer, electricity, gas, insurance, and emergency repairs. Major repairs were on hold.
Finally, our discussion moved to the third option: demolishing the building. We approached different demolition companies for proposals for the demolition of the building. The lowest proposal is $ 300,000.00. The LEGEND Technical Service, Inc. is doing the asbestos/led inspection prior to the demolition. It was not an easy decision, but finally, the parish and finance council recommended demolishing the building. So, I wrote to the Bishop to inform the recommendation of the Parish and Finance Council and last Monday St. Anthony Corporate Board approved the demolition of the building. It is not an easy decision, but we pray and trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit that we made the best decision in a given situation. We will be taking a loan for this project. If any of you can donate towards it or the parish can borrow money from you, please contact me (Fr. Shaji) or one of the Parish and Finance Council members.
This weekend's reading is perseverance in prayer. Abraham was persistent in prayer for the people in the Gospel Jesus talked about the need for perseverance in prayer. In this difficult time, we need to come together and pray. When we pray together everything will be possible. So please message other people who are not in the church and invite them to join our Eucharistic celebration.
Dear Parishioners and well-wishers,
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer. It is moving fast. I write this note as a follow-up on the St. Anthony school building. We were thinking and praying about this matter for years. It took space in the Price County Review and Catholic Herald several times. I sent you letters informing the progress. Recently we had the 100th-anniversary celebration. A lot of people thanked me for the opportunity to walk through the building and reminiscing. I want to say thank you to the Parish and Finance Council, 100th Year Celebration Committee, KC, CCW and so many of you for making the celebration beautiful. Above all, I want to thank God for guiding us and blessing us with a beautiful day.
I hope all of you had the opportunity to participate in the celebration or read in the Price County Review or Catholic Herald. Our goal was to come up with a final decision on the 100th-anniversary celebration, but we couldn’t get there. As you know, the parish and finance council looked at three different possibilities for the school building: reopen, raze, or sell. Some of the things are repeated, but I want everyone to understand how we get to the final decision.
Last December we sent out a survey to explore the idea of reopening the St. Anthony School. 115 families participated in the survey. Of 115 families, 43 express the desire to reopen the school. 55 families answered no and the rest of them are undecided. In 43 families, 17 of them are younger families with children. We have 26 children who want to enroll in St. Anthony school. There were people who made promises of over a million dollars if we came up with a viable plan. They don't like to make any commitment until we have a viable plan. The survey was promising, but it was not enough.
Many people came and looked at the building to turn into apartments, a community center, YMCA, and so on. Most of them looked at the building to make apartments. Alpha Development Corporation gave us a purchase agreement to buy the school building to turn into apartments. As I mentioned before, the developer is interested in the school and the rectory. The developer stated that they would provide residency for the priest or give $150,000.00. The question we face as a parish is what we have for the future generation. The Parish and Finance council try to answer the question and come up with the best decision. If we sell the buildings, St. Anthony of Padua parish has nothing much left other than a parking lot. We need to look at the bigger picture, what we need to leave for the future generation.
We also looked at the cost of maintaining the building. We were spending 40,000.00 to 45,000.00 a year for basic maintenance like water and sewer, electricity, gas, insurance, and emergency repairs. Major repairs were on hold.
Finally, our discussion moved to the third option: demolishing the building. We approached different demolition companies for proposals for the demolition of the building. The lowest proposal is $ 300,000.00. The LEGEND Technical Service, Inc. is doing the asbestos/led inspection prior to the demolition. It was not an easy decision, but finally, the parish and finance council recommended demolishing the building. So, I wrote to the Bishop to inform the recommendation of the Parish and Finance Council and last Monday St. Anthony Corporate Board approved the demolition of the building. It is not an easy decision, but we pray and trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit that we made the best decision in a given situation. We will be taking a loan for this project. If any of you can donate towards it or the parish can borrow money from you, please contact me (Fr. Shaji) or one of the Parish and Finance Council members.
This weekend's reading is perseverance in prayer. Abraham was persistent in prayer for the people in the Gospel Jesus talked about the need for perseverance in prayer. In this difficult time, we need to come together and pray. When we pray together everything will be possible. So please message other people who are not in the church and invite them to join our Eucharistic celebration.
Synod on Synodality
Northwoods Catholic Communities
Park Falls, WI
February 19, 2022
Northwoods Catholic Communities held our gathering on the Synod on Synodality on February
19th in the Padua Center at St. Anthony of Padua Church. There were around 30 people
present. We watched the video from Bishop Powers and watched the introduction to Lectio
Divina and spent time in personal reflection. Then each table engaged in small group
discussion on the scriptural reflection. Each group had lively discussions and while they each
came up with their own unique insights they also agreed on many things and made the same
points. The following is a brief overview of how the discussions went.
Lectio Divina
The Scripture passage was read three times which helped everyone go deeper into thinking
about the true meaning and what it was trying to convey. Jesus has returned home from a
journey and it was observed that usually prophets are not accepted in their home towns but
Jesus seemed to find faith in Capernaum. The faith of the four men stood out when they went
to the great length of opening a hole in the roof to lower the paralytic down. In those days
people were thought to be sinners if they had a physical condition like paralysis but the four men
were determined and strong in their belief and Jesus sensed this. He knew who had faith and
who questioned. If Jesus can know what we are thinking and what is in our hearts, what is the
need for going to reconciliation? External healing is a sign of the reality of the man’s
internal/spiritual healing. We may not realize that internal healing is more necessary. The effort
of asking to be healed is necessary. Jesus asked if it is easier to forgive sins or to heal
someone. He healed the man so that everyone would believe.
Question 1. How would you describe Jesus’ presence in your life?
This question evoked a wide variety of answers from the people. Some said they felt Jesus’
presence in nature and in friends and family. Some others felt his presence when receiving his
gifts/sacraments. He is our healer and savior and a relationship with Him is a work in progress
and it makes us strive to be better.
In general everyone seemed to agree that thinking of Jesus each day and participating in the
Eucharist creates a calming effect in our lives. When we stray away from Him we can become
more anxious. When we trust in Him to take control it calms us down. We remind ourselves
that we are not in charge. God is in charge. We feel His peace in the midst of trial and anxiety.
Page 1
Northwoods Catholic Communities
Park Falls, WI
February 19, 2022
Northwoods Catholic Communities held our gathering on the Synod on Synodality on February
19th in the Padua Center at St. Anthony of Padua Church. There were around 30 people
present. We watched the video from Bishop Powers and watched the introduction to Lectio
Divina and spent time in personal reflection. Then each table engaged in small group
discussion on the scriptural reflection. Each group had lively discussions and while they each
came up with their own unique insights they also agreed on many things and made the same
points. The following is a brief overview of how the discussions went.
Lectio Divina
The Scripture passage was read three times which helped everyone go deeper into thinking
about the true meaning and what it was trying to convey. Jesus has returned home from a
journey and it was observed that usually prophets are not accepted in their home towns but
Jesus seemed to find faith in Capernaum. The faith of the four men stood out when they went
to the great length of opening a hole in the roof to lower the paralytic down. In those days
people were thought to be sinners if they had a physical condition like paralysis but the four men
were determined and strong in their belief and Jesus sensed this. He knew who had faith and
who questioned. If Jesus can know what we are thinking and what is in our hearts, what is the
need for going to reconciliation? External healing is a sign of the reality of the man’s
internal/spiritual healing. We may not realize that internal healing is more necessary. The effort
of asking to be healed is necessary. Jesus asked if it is easier to forgive sins or to heal
someone. He healed the man so that everyone would believe.
Question 1. How would you describe Jesus’ presence in your life?
This question evoked a wide variety of answers from the people. Some said they felt Jesus’
presence in nature and in friends and family. Some others felt his presence when receiving his
gifts/sacraments. He is our healer and savior and a relationship with Him is a work in progress
and it makes us strive to be better.
In general everyone seemed to agree that thinking of Jesus each day and participating in the
Eucharist creates a calming effect in our lives. When we stray away from Him we can become
more anxious. When we trust in Him to take control it calms us down. We remind ourselves
that we are not in charge. God is in charge. We feel His peace in the midst of trial and anxiety.
Page 1
April 12, 2022
Dear Northwoods Catholic Communities Parishioners,
First of all, I would like to wish you a Blessed Easter! Easter is the celebration of hope. When we are baptized, we are given a share of the Resurrection of the Lord, we become a new creation. Our hope is that we will share in the fullness of the New Life Jesus won for us through His suffering, death, and resurrection. It is our hope in Christ that he helps us endure challenges like the coronavirus. The coronavirus has brought the pain of sickness, uncertainties, isolation, and confusion, but our faith gives us hope, beyond the pain and struggles, Easter Sunday tells us there is hope. The fullness of hope and happiness is Eternal Life. Happy Easter!
I join with our Parish and Finance councils to say a thank you to our cluster parishioners and visitors. During this pandemic, as I mentioned in my previous letters, I am amazed to see your faith and commitment to our parishes. Even though some of you are still not able to come for Mass, you sent the contribution in the mail or brought it in. Thank you to all who participate in different ministries during this difficult time, including our Confirmation Candidates and families. Thank you everyone for celebrating the faith and sharing your time, talent and treasure.
We are in Holy Week. Holy Thursday we have 7:00 pm Mass at St. Anthony and Good Friday services will be at 12:30 pm at St. Anthony and 1:00 pm at Immaculate Conception. One candidate will be receiving Sacrament of Confirmation at the Easter Vigil at 8:00 pm at SA. Easter Sunday Mass is as usual at 8:00 am at IC; 9:30 am at SA and 11:00 am at SF.
We will be celebrating Divine Mercy on Sunday, April 24 at 2:30 pm at Immaculate Conception, Butternut. We will have a light refreshment. Our Confirmation will be on April 23rd at 4:30 pm Mass at St. Anthony. Most Reverend James Powers will be coming for the Confirmation. Our First Communion will be on April 30th at 4:30 pm Mass at St. Anthony and May 1st at 8:00 am Mass at Immaculate Conception. I assume you are praying for our First Communion Children and Confirmation Candidates. We are blessed with them, and they take faith seriously.
United States Bishops are calling for a two-year grassroots revival of devotion and belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. June 19, 2022, is the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Bishop James Powers requests every cluster in our diocese to hold a procession on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. We will have a Eucharistic procession on Sunday, June 19, at 2:30 pm at Immaculate Conception, Butternut. In our Diocese each Wednesday one parish is scheduled for an adoration. August 17, 2022, at Immaculate Conception, February22, 2023, at St. Anthony, and June 7, 2023, at St. Francis.
I would also like to express my gratitude to our religious education families and catechists. Thank you for participating in the Family of Faith program. Please spread the word and bring one of your
friends next year. I am excited to share 6 of our youth are going for the extreme faith camp. This year Totus Tuus will be July 24-29. Please mark your calendar and encourage everyone, our children and youth to participate. It will be a wonderful experience.
Future of St. Anthony School building
Thank you to all those who participated in the Survey. A special thanks to all those who called me or stopped at the office to talk further and express your idea or concern. So many people expressed their concern and told me to make sure the priest has a separate house. It was a great feeling to know that you care for your priest.
I know we all have different ideas for the future of our school building. To a certain extent we are going to be divided on this issue. But I am hoping we all can come together whatever it is the final decision and work through it. I hear there are so many rumors out there. I want to clarify that there is no final decision made yet. There is no perfect answer for our issue. The parish and finance councils looked at different possibilities. One of the main concerns is if we sell the school and rectory, there is nothing left for the future other than the Church building and parking lot. If we decide to demolish the school building, we have property if we want to do something in the future. So, the consensus is to demolish the school building and keep the property and rectory, but no final decision has been made yet.
As you know we are preparing to celebrate the Feast of St. Anthony and 100th Anniversary of the school building on June 4, 2022. Our goal is to come up with a final decision on the future of the St. Anthony school building. Please keep this intention in your prayer. Also please mark your calendar for the June 4th 4:30 Mass and other activities. There will be more information the coming weeks in the bulletin. Whatever the decision on the future of the school building is at that point, it will be an opportunity for us to come together in prayer and celebrate wherever the Holy Spirit leads us.
It is time more than ever to come together in prayer. I pray that God will bless all of us in this Holy Week and Easter season. Wish you all a blessed Easter season.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Shaji Joseph Pazhukkathara
Dear Northwoods Catholic Communities Parishioners,
First of all, I would like to wish you a Blessed Easter! Easter is the celebration of hope. When we are baptized, we are given a share of the Resurrection of the Lord, we become a new creation. Our hope is that we will share in the fullness of the New Life Jesus won for us through His suffering, death, and resurrection. It is our hope in Christ that he helps us endure challenges like the coronavirus. The coronavirus has brought the pain of sickness, uncertainties, isolation, and confusion, but our faith gives us hope, beyond the pain and struggles, Easter Sunday tells us there is hope. The fullness of hope and happiness is Eternal Life. Happy Easter!
I join with our Parish and Finance councils to say a thank you to our cluster parishioners and visitors. During this pandemic, as I mentioned in my previous letters, I am amazed to see your faith and commitment to our parishes. Even though some of you are still not able to come for Mass, you sent the contribution in the mail or brought it in. Thank you to all who participate in different ministries during this difficult time, including our Confirmation Candidates and families. Thank you everyone for celebrating the faith and sharing your time, talent and treasure.
We are in Holy Week. Holy Thursday we have 7:00 pm Mass at St. Anthony and Good Friday services will be at 12:30 pm at St. Anthony and 1:00 pm at Immaculate Conception. One candidate will be receiving Sacrament of Confirmation at the Easter Vigil at 8:00 pm at SA. Easter Sunday Mass is as usual at 8:00 am at IC; 9:30 am at SA and 11:00 am at SF.
We will be celebrating Divine Mercy on Sunday, April 24 at 2:30 pm at Immaculate Conception, Butternut. We will have a light refreshment. Our Confirmation will be on April 23rd at 4:30 pm Mass at St. Anthony. Most Reverend James Powers will be coming for the Confirmation. Our First Communion will be on April 30th at 4:30 pm Mass at St. Anthony and May 1st at 8:00 am Mass at Immaculate Conception. I assume you are praying for our First Communion Children and Confirmation Candidates. We are blessed with them, and they take faith seriously.
United States Bishops are calling for a two-year grassroots revival of devotion and belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. June 19, 2022, is the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Bishop James Powers requests every cluster in our diocese to hold a procession on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. We will have a Eucharistic procession on Sunday, June 19, at 2:30 pm at Immaculate Conception, Butternut. In our Diocese each Wednesday one parish is scheduled for an adoration. August 17, 2022, at Immaculate Conception, February22, 2023, at St. Anthony, and June 7, 2023, at St. Francis.
I would also like to express my gratitude to our religious education families and catechists. Thank you for participating in the Family of Faith program. Please spread the word and bring one of your
friends next year. I am excited to share 6 of our youth are going for the extreme faith camp. This year Totus Tuus will be July 24-29. Please mark your calendar and encourage everyone, our children and youth to participate. It will be a wonderful experience.
Future of St. Anthony School building
Thank you to all those who participated in the Survey. A special thanks to all those who called me or stopped at the office to talk further and express your idea or concern. So many people expressed their concern and told me to make sure the priest has a separate house. It was a great feeling to know that you care for your priest.
I know we all have different ideas for the future of our school building. To a certain extent we are going to be divided on this issue. But I am hoping we all can come together whatever it is the final decision and work through it. I hear there are so many rumors out there. I want to clarify that there is no final decision made yet. There is no perfect answer for our issue. The parish and finance councils looked at different possibilities. One of the main concerns is if we sell the school and rectory, there is nothing left for the future other than the Church building and parking lot. If we decide to demolish the school building, we have property if we want to do something in the future. So, the consensus is to demolish the school building and keep the property and rectory, but no final decision has been made yet.
As you know we are preparing to celebrate the Feast of St. Anthony and 100th Anniversary of the school building on June 4, 2022. Our goal is to come up with a final decision on the future of the St. Anthony school building. Please keep this intention in your prayer. Also please mark your calendar for the June 4th 4:30 Mass and other activities. There will be more information the coming weeks in the bulletin. Whatever the decision on the future of the school building is at that point, it will be an opportunity for us to come together in prayer and celebrate wherever the Holy Spirit leads us.
It is time more than ever to come together in prayer. I pray that God will bless all of us in this Holy Week and Easter season. Wish you all a blessed Easter season.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Shaji Joseph Pazhukkathara
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