EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

After the 8AM Mass on Fridays in the chapel

ROSARY

11:30AM Marian Holy Hour w/ Rosary on Monday.

7:00 PM Fatima Prayer Group on Monday

After the 6:45 AM and 8 AM Masses Monday thru Friday and after the 8 AM Mass on Saturday.

SUNDAY, JULY 29

Adult Volunteers:  Lenora Wright, Janet Boyers

Student Volunteers: Ashley W., Max W., Helen A.

Designate a gift to Saint Antoninus Church in your will and give witness to your faith. 

Dear Parishioners,

     The following is a summary of my notes from the second session which Fr. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, the director of the National Catholic Bioethics Center, presented on Embryonic Stem Cell Research (ESCR).  His goal was to cut through the spin on stem cells and cloning. First, he reviewed cell potencies.

     He divided his topic in the following way: 1) Cell potency; 2) What they can do; 3) origin of cells. Thus: Totipotential cells can develop into a new adult from 1-3 day old embryos.  Pluripotential cells can form any of the 220 known cell types in the body from 5-7 day old embryos (blastocysts). Multipotent cells are partially differentiated and can form many other tissues from adult stem cells, umbilical cords and bone marrow. Father Tad wanted to cut through the Hollwood hype, which only considers the "benefits" of embryonic stem cell research, by contrasting "myth" and "fact."

     Myth: Stem cells only come from Embryos.  Fact: Stems cells not only come from Embryonic Germ Cells but also Adult stem cells; Umbilical Cords; Placenta; Amniotic Fluid; Bone Marrow; Fat; the Nose; Cadavers.  Myth: The Catholic Church is against stem cell research.  Fact: The Church has ethical concerns about the sources of the cells; the good end, medical research for potential cures does not justify the destruction of embryonic Humans.

     Morally, it is ok to use adult stem cells because no one's life is taken, thereby.  Father referred to the Family Research Council (FRC.org/1-800-225-4008); and pointed out that all the medical advances have been the result of adult stem research, of which he had many moving examples.  Myth: Embryo stem cell research has shown the most developing treatment and cure.  Fact: Adult stem Cell research is already curing numerous humans while, to date, ESCR has never cured anybody. (On a personal note, I was astounded by that fact.)

     Then, why pursue embryonic stem cell research?  It comes down to greed: money and royalties from licensing.  It also a "culture war" because a scientist, Irving Wiesman, was able to convince actors like Christopher Reeve, based on faulty science reports, that ESCR was the only way to go. How can I find out about clinical trials for a particular disease using stem cells?  See www.clinicaltrials.gov.

     Father urged us to respect the Embryonic Human, as a former embryo himself!  He illustrated his point with a story about the American Bald Eagle.  In 1940, the bird was placed on the Federal Endangered Species list.  The law was so strict that if one were to destroy one of the eagle's eggs it was if you shot the bird out of the air. Are not humans worth as much protection?  As a society, we will be judged by how we treat our weakest members.  For more information, see NCBCenter.org/215-877-2660.

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     On July 6, I met with Archbishop Pilarczyk for my evaluation.  Except for myself evaluation, the evaluations from the parish staff, parish council and parishioners-at-large were compiled in such a way as to protect their identity.  In brief, the evaluation was positive yet there is room for improvement.  I wish to thank all who participated in the process.  I found it a valuable experience.

-- Rev. Christopher R. Armstrong

LOURDES UPDATE

If you wish to join this wonderful pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady’s Immaculate Conception, please make your deposit for the trip ASAP.  For more info call Best Catholic Pilgrimages at 1-800-908-BEST.  Contact the rectory during office hours for a brochure listing the itinerary.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process by which adults formally prepare for Baptism, or, for those already baptized, reception into full communion with the Catholic Church.  If you know a family member, a friend, a co-worker or a neighbor who would like an invitation to the RCIA, please phone Deacon Bob Schroeder at 922-4759.

Dear Fr. Armstrong and Parish Community,

     Thank you for the hospitality and welcome of the Sisters of Notre Dame.  I am grateful that I was “called” and chosen to worship with you and share some of the work of our missionaries in Africa and South America.  I feel proud to have my name with yours on the scroll in heaven! Let’s pray for each other as we live into our “call!”

In God’s Goodness, I remain,

Sister Teresita

(As of July 17, Saint Antoninus parishioners have donated $3,937.00 to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.)

ST. ANTONINUS PRO-LIFE/PRO-FAMILY COMMISSION meeting will be in the Holy Family Room in the undercroft on Monday, July 30, at 7PM.  All are welcome to attend.  For info call Joan Loebker at 922-0348 or Loebker@Yahoo.com.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY  SAT., JULY 28

     Revised rules from Habitat for Humanity policy on construction youth volunteers.  Under 14 years of age are not allowed on site during construction.  Ages 14 and 15 can help with landscaping and clean up at the end of the build; and must have adult chaperone supervision.  Ages 16 & 17 can help with construction, but not allowed to operate power tools, work on roof, or work on scaffolding.  There must be one adult chaperone/ supervisor per each 5 youth volunteer.  18 and up can join any crew if approved by Construction Site Coordinator.  Call Deacon Bob at 922-4759 with any questions, and if this policy causes changes in your plans.

ADULT SOCIAL GROUP

Thursday, August 23, Toyota Plant, $20 p/p, lunch on your own.

Friday, September 7, 1PM, Steering Committee meeting in the Holy Family Room.

Monday, September 10, 12:30 Communion service and lunch with Alice Roosevelt Longworth.

Wednesday, September 19, Rumpke trip. $12 p/p, depart at 9:30 AM.

Wednesday, October 17, Keeneland, $55.00/pp, includes lunch, bus and admission.

“Caring for a Loved One-Caring for Yourself?”

July 28, from 9:30-11:30 AM, in the Saint Mary’s Room in the undercroft.  Doors open at 9AM.  Speaker: Mr. Gene McClory, Coordinator/Caregiver Assistance Network, Catholic Social Service will talk about stresses of care-giving and support services available. Call Linda Guetle at 451-1227 for reservations.

BIBLE INSTITUTE WEDNESDAY, JULY 25 from  9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.   For info, call 922-0923 or 588-0425.

REMEMBER THE POOR with your contributions to our St. Vincent de Paul Conference in the poor boxes at all of the church entrances.  Thank you for your generosity.

HOLY SPIRIT PRAYER GROUP

Our members are taking part in the Bible Institute.  There will be no meeting in the chapel this week.  Please remember us in your prayers.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES has a job opening for a Family Caregiver Specialist who assists the Coordinator of the Caregiver Assistance Network.  The position requires a passion for seniors and caregivers, excellent people and organizational skills, and experience with Microsoft. Full-time with benefits.  Send resume to Catholic Social Services of SW Ohio Human Resources Dept., 100 East 8^th St., Cinti., 45202, or e-mail: PenelopeO@cssdoorway.org or fax to 241-4333.

ST. ANTONINUS SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS

JULY CLOSED;

AUGUST 1-10^th, 7:30AM to 11:30AM

Monday, AUGUST 13^th, 7:30AM to 3:00PM

4TH QUARTER HONOR ROLL

Seton High School: First Honors- Logan B., Regina H., Caitlin W., Catherine P., Samantha S., Katherine T., Maria H., Maria H., Jennifer L., Ashley S., Cassandra V., Stephanie W., and Laura W.

Second Honors- Emily A., Krista C., Elizabeth H., Megan H., Megan H., Maria K., Katlin L., Maria M., Sarah M., Tricia V., Christina Z., Margaret A., Lyndsey G., Michele H., Nora L., Stacy R., Paige W., Stephanie Z., Emily B., Allison B., Kristen F., Kelsey K., Jessica L., Karen P., Jessica S., Elyse B., Erika L., Kayla M., Jenna R., Alexis T., and Jennifer V.

Elder High School: First Honors- Nathan H., Nicholas B., Patrick N., Paul R., Sean M., Troy S., Scott W., David H., Mitchell C., Doug D., John G., Matthew J., Jonathan T., David D., Brett N., Scott H., Thomas M., Jonathan T., Greg K., Ryan M., Robert T., John M., and Brent Z.  Second Honors-  Dan G.,  Matt B., Scott M., Tim R., David I., Scott M., James H., Zachary D., Brad B., Benjamin W., Kevin R., Matthew G., Joseph H.,  Patrick J., Daniels M., Ryan B., and Alexander T.

LADIES FELLOWSHIP DAY on Saturday, November 17^th, from 8AM to 3PM. More information and reservations forms will be available soon!