Thank you for supporting the mission of St. Anthony of Padua. Check out different options to donate to our Parish and Ministries. Giving Giving Options Thank you for supporting the mission of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church! Below are different options for making a gift to our parish. For more information, check out the most commonly asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us at support@ap.church . Contact Us Questions General Offertory The financial support given through the General Offertory allows us to keep our buildings, programs, sacraments, staff, and liturgies running smoothly. Giving is an expression of our gratitude to God for the blessings He has given us! Give Now Second Collections As Catholics, not only do we support our parish family, but also our greater community around us. The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston second collections allow us to give resources to both our region and the world. Give to Second Collections Diocesan Services Fund The Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) is the annual appeal of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston that provides funding for essential ministries and programs that serve the religious, spiritual, and human needs of thousands of people from every parish. Give to DSF Outreach Ministries St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church has approximately 100 active ministries serving the local and global community. Give to one of our various Outreach Ministries such as the Food Pantry, St. Vincent De Paul Assistance Ministry, and many more! Give to Outreach Mass Intentions From the days of the early Church it has been common practice to offer Mass for the dead, as well as for others. View our intention calendar to see what Mass times are available. View the Calendar Sound System Help us enhance the worship experience by supporting our new sound system. Your gift ensures clear, quality sound for every Mass, event, and gathering. Give Now Parish Wishlist As the parish grows with time, some items need to be updated and refreshed. Click the button below to view our Parish Wishlist and how you can donate these items. Parish Wishlist My Catholic Will Create a Will For FREE! As a gift to you we are proud to sponsor free access to MyCatholicWill.com so that you can protect your family, ensure your wishes are carried out, and support our Parish with your Legacy of Faith. Complete a legal will in 20 minutes or less. Start My Free Will Parish Endowment Investing in the St. Anthony of Padua Parish Endowment is a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy—one that nurtures our parish and sustains the faith for generations to come. Learn More Matching Gifts Did you know you can double your support without even giving a dollar more? Many corporations match employee donations to non-profit organizations like ours. Our EIN is 76-0545136. Contact Us IRA - Qualified Charitable Distribution A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) (also referred to as Charitable IRA Rollover Gifts) is an excellent way to show your support for St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and receive tax benefits in return. More Information Gift in Your Will or Trust Remembering our parish in your will or trust is a meaningful way to extend your faith and generosity beyond your lifetime More Information Giving FAQs How do I change my payment method? Unfortunately, our parish staff is not able to edit your scheduled recurring giving amount or payment method for you. This is for your protection. Find detailed instructions on how to edit your card number, edit a card expiration date, change your bank account, change the dollar amount or frequency of your recurring gift here. Looking for your annual giving statement? Yearly statements will be emailed in January, to donor accounts with annual giving to the email address found on your PushPay account profile from the address of no-reply@pushpay.com . If we have an EMAIL address for your profile in the PushPay system, you will receive an ELECTRONIC statement by email delivery. Detailed instructions on how to log into your PushPay account can be found here. ALL DONORS, regardless of how they give, have an online PushPay account. If you give cash in a giving envelope OR by check, we have created a PushPay account on your behalf and can help you get logged in to see your transactions and download a statement. If you do not have an email on file in PushPay and you do not have a mailing address on file in PushPay, we are happy to send you a statement upon request. Contact support at support@ap.church . Want to stop receiving envelopes? Do you give online but still receive Giving Envelopes? By choosing to give online instead of by envelope, you will save the parish money and cut the cost of printing and shipping! Let us know you no longer want to receive envelopes by filling out the Envelope Change Request Form. Can I set up a Corporate Matching Gift? Corporate matching gifts are a type of philanthropy in which companies financially match donations their employees make to nonprofit organizations. When an employee makes a donation, they’ll request the matching gift from their employer, who then makes their own donation. Some companies have a policy against contributing to religious organizations, but will match donations made to institutions affiliated with houses of worship that provide a service to community members regardless of religious beliefs, such as St. Anthony’s Bread (the food pantry of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church). St. Anthony’s Bread is the 2nd largest distributor of food in Montgomery County, Texas. Please check with your employer to see if a Matching Gift can be made to either St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church or to St. Anthony’s Bread. EIN is 76-0545136. How do you keep my information secure? Due to an increase in identity theft, the credit card brands (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) have developed a security standard to help protect cardholder data. It is called the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). When using the St. Anthony of Padua+Pushpay payment portal, your cardholder data is handled carefully as it is transmitted through the St. Anthony of Padua+Pushpay system to our Merchant Provider's system. Responsibility for the security of your cardholder data can be broken up into two categories. St. Anthony of Padua+Pushpay are responsible for the security of all cardholder data transmitted through its systems. To ensure that your cardholder data is handled securely, St. Anthony of Padua has been assessed by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) and found to be compliant with the PCI DSS as a Level 1 Service Provider. Our Merchant Provider is responsible for the security of all cardholder data transmitted, stored, and processed on their systems. Merchant Providers also maintain compliance with the PCI DSS. BACK TO TOP

St. Anthony of Padua celebrates Mass daily and our campus is generally open from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM daily. See our schedule for Mass times, church and chapel hours, parish office hours, adoration hours, and reconciliation times. Times & Hours Weekend Mass (Main Church) Saturday: 5 PM Vigil Mass Sunday: 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM Español , 6 PM Nursery Registration Daily Mass Monday: 9 AM • Our Lady of the Angels Chapel (OLA) Tuesday: 9 AM & 6:45 PM • OLA Chapel Wednesday: 6 AM and 8:30 AM • Main Church Thursday: 9 AM and 6:45 PM • OLA Chapel Friday: 9 AM • OLA Chapel Saturday*: 10 AM • OLA Chapel *The First Saturday of every month, Daily Mass will be moved to the Main Church. Confession Tuesday: 5 PM - 6:30 PM • English Only Wednesday: 6 PM - 8 PM • English and Español Thursday: 5 PM - 6:30 PM • English and Español Saturday*: 8 AM - 10 AM • English and Español * The First Saturday of every month, Confessions will be moved to the Main Church. Every Saturday we have nursery available. Pre-registration is required. Nursery Registration Main Church Location: 7801 Bay Branch Drive The Woodlands, TX 77382 Open Hours: Saturday: 4 PM - 6:30 PM Sunday: 6 AM - 7:30 PM Adoration Chapel Open to the Public: Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 10 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM - 10 AM Sunday: 7:30 PM - 10 PM Scheduled Adoration Information: If you are interested in becoming a scheduled adorer for any public hour or throughout the night, you may register for a holy hour by contacting us. Contact Us Our Lady of the Angels Chapel Location: 8715 Kuykendahl Road Spring, Texas 77382 Open Hours: Monday, Friday, Saturday* • 8 AM - 12 PM Tues & Thurs • 8 AM - 12 PM & 5 PM - 8 PM Wednesday • 6 PM - 8 PM Sunday • 8 AM - 1 PM This is an active chapel with Daily Mass, Confession, Funerals, and Weddings scheduled weekly. If you are visiting, contact us at chapel@ap.church to ensure you are not disrupting other liturgies. Saint Relics

Giving Giving Options Thank you for supporting the mission of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church! Below are different options for making a gift to our parish. For more information, check out the most commonly asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us at support@ap.church . Contact Us Questions Giving FAQs How do I change my payment method? Unfortunately, our parish staff is not able to edit your scheduled recurring giving amount or payment method for you. This is for your protection. Find detailed instructions on how to edit your card number, edit a card expiration date, change your bank account, change the dollar amount or frequency of your recurring gift here . Looking for your annual giving statement? Statements for 2023 were emailed on Friday, January 26, 2024, to donor accounts with annual giving to the email address found on your PushPay account profile from the address of no-reply@pushpay.com . If we have an EMAIL address for your profile in the PushPay system, you will receive an ELECTRONIC statement by email delivery. Detailed instructions on how to log into your PushPay account can be found here. ALL DONORS, regardless of how they give, have an online PushPay account. If you give cash in a giving envelope OR by check, we have created a PushPay account on your behalf and can help you get logged in to see your transactions and download a statement. If we do not have an email address for your profile in the PushPay system, but we do have a USPS mailing address, you will receive a PAPER statement by postal mail delivery IF you had a single contribution greater than $250 and we have a USPS mailing address for the donor. If you do not have an email address on file in PushPay and you do not have a mailing address on file in PushPay, we are happy to send you a statement upon request. Send your inquiry to support@ap.church . Want to stop (or start) receiving envelopes? Do you give online but still receive Giving Envelopes? By choosing to give online instead of by envelope, you will save the parish money and cut the cost of printing and shipping! Let us know you no longer want to receive envelopes by filling out the Envelope Change Request Form. Can I set up a Corporate Matching Gift? Corporate matching gifts are a type of philanthropy in which companies financially match donations their employees make to nonprofit organizations. When an employee makes a donation, they’ll request the matching gift from their employer, who then makes their own donation. Some companies have a policy against contributing to religious organizations, but will match donations made to institutions affiliated with houses of worship that provide a service to community members regardless of religious beliefs, such as St. Anthony’s Bread (the food pantry of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church). St. Anthony’s Bread is the 2nd largest distributor of food in Montgomery County, Texas. Please check with your employer to see if a Matching Gift can be made to either St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church or to St. Anthony’s Bread. EIN is 76-0545136. How do you keep my information secure? Due to an increase in identity theft, the credit card brands (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) have developed a security standard to help protect cardholder data. It is called the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). When using the St. Anthony of Padua+Pushpay payment portal, your cardholder data is handled carefully as it is transmitted through the St. Anthony of Padua+Pushpay system to our Merchant Provider's system. Responsibility for the security of your cardholder data can be broken up into two categories. St. Anthony of Padua+Pushpay are responsible for the security of all cardholder data transmitted through its systems. To ensure that your cardholder data is handled securely, St. Anthony of Padua has been assessed by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) and found to be compliant with the PCI DSS as a Level 1 Service Provider. Our Merchant Provider is responsible for the security of all cardholder data transmitted, stored, and processed on their systems. Merchant Providers also maintain compliance with the PCI DSS. My Catholic Will Create a Will For FREE! As a gift to you we are proud to sponsor free access to MyCatholicWill.com so that you can protect your family, ensure your wishes are carried out, and support our Parish with your Legacy of Faith. Complete a legal will in 20 minutes or less. Start My Free Will Parish Endowment Investing in the St. Anthony of Padua Parish Endowment is a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy—one that nurtures our parish and sustains the faith for generations to come. Learn More Gift in Your Will or Trust Remembering our parish in your will or trust is a meaningful way to extend your faith and generosity beyond your lifetime More Information Beneficiary Designation Naming our parish as a beneficiary of a retirement account, life insurance policy, or other financial asset is a simple way to make a lasting impact without changing your will or trust. More Information

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first United States citizen to become a saint, was born on July 15th, 1850 in a village near Milan, Italy. Inspired with missionary zeal at a young age, she attempted to join a religious order at 18, but was denied due to her poor health. Undeterred, her missionary heart led her to restore an orphanage in Cadagono, Italy, which began an incredible journey of founding a religious order, becoming Mother Cabrini, and opening schools, hospitals and orphanages around the world. She became a U.S. citizen in 1909, and is the patron saint of immigrants. Her feast day is November 13th. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Time Period: 1850-1917 Feast Day: November 13 Title/Attributes: Virgin Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first United States citizen to become a saint, was born on July 15, 1850 in S’ant Angelo Lodigiano, a small village near Milan, Italy. Inspired with a missionary zeal at a young age and intrigued with the future of religious life, she studied arduously at her school, run by the Daughters of the Sacred Heart. She graduated with high honors at 18 and immediately applied for admission to the religious order but was turned down due to her poor health. Undeterred, she devoted herself to a life of lay service. She accepted a substitute teaching position in a village school, where she met Father Antonio Serrati, the rector of the parish run by the Daughters of the Sacred Heart. Fr. Antonio took notice of her missionary heart, and when Frances attempted to join the religious order again, he gave her a different mission: travel to Cadagono, Italy in order to help restore a disorganized and poorly run orphanage called the House of Providence. At 24 years old, she journeyed to Cadogno for a six-year period of training, teaching, and building a community of women who were devoted to a life of charitable work. In September of 1877, she became Mother Cabrini, making her vows at the House of Providence, and putting on her religious habit for the first time. She also added “Xavier” to her name, in honor of St. Francis Xavier. Frances was named Mother Superior of the House of Providence, helping train seven young nuns before the orphanage was abruptly closed in 1880. Now homeless, Frances would soon receive a suggestion from the Bishop of Lodi: found a missionary order of women to serve in his diocese. She accepted, moving with the nuns into an abandoned Franciscan friary. They became a hub of activity - receiving orphans, opening a day school, teaching classes in needlework, and doing everything they could with few resources to serve those in their area. At the same time, Mother Cabrini was beginning to draw together a simple rule of life for the institute, choosing St. Francis de Sales and St. Francis Xavier as their patrons. She composed the rule and constitution of their religious institute, designing a simple habit to wear, and they became the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. In its first five years, the institute would open seven homes, a free school, and a nursery, with many postulants flocking to Cadogno to join. Mother Cabrini traveled to Rome in 1877 to seek papal approval for her order from Pope Leo XIII, who encouraged her to take her missionary zeal “not to the East, but to the West.” At that time, millions of Italians had emigrated to the United States seeking new opportunities for their families, but found only hardships and cruelty. Lured by the enticements of a fresh start, they were immediately exploited and pulled into exceedingly dangerous jobs while living in clusters of overcrowded, disease-filled “Little Italy” slums. Most Italians found their dreams unmet, and were lonely and homesick in a new, vast country. On March 31, 1889, Mother Cabrini and six other sisters arrived in New York, ready to serve the Lord. They were met with challenges immediately, when a misunderstanding at the time of their arrival revealed that the building originally intended to be their orphanage was no longer available. The Archbishop suggested that the nuns should return to Italy, but Mother Cabrini refused. Thanks to a generous donation, the brave nuns purchased their first house, and an orphanage was soon taking root in West Park, New York, which is now known as the Saint Cabrini Home. Mother Cabrini would go on to open numerous orphanages, hospitals and schools around the world. She traveled vigorously, leaving a wake of care and support to those in need behind her. Even where she didn’t have an established institution, her presence alone led many groups and governments to take constructive steps to remedy any suffering or shortages in their area. In 1909, Mother Cabrini took the oath of allegiance to the United States in Seattle. Eight years after becoming a U.S. citizen, she was in Chicago when she suffered a recurrence of illnesses related to a previous bout with malaria. She died on December 22, 1917, in one of her own hospitals in Chicago. She was 67. St. Frances made an indelible impact on countless lives, and she is an incredible witness of a citizen-servant who was unafraid to serve God and neighbor alike. Next Item Previous Item

As we continue to grow together, there are certain aspects of our beloved church that would benefit from rejuvenation and upkeep. These include various yearly expenses where your generous support would make a significant difference. Parish Wishlist As we continue to grow together, there are certain aspects of our beloved church that would benefit from rejuvenation and upkeep. These include various yearly expenses where your generous support would make a significant difference. While your name won't be publicly listed as a donor for these items, it will be gratefully acknowledged on your annual giving statement. Your contribution, no matter the size, is deeply valued and helps sustain the vibrant spirit of our parish. Contact Us Giving Homepage Easter Candle $3,000 Candle for the Church Give Now Easter Candle $3,000 Candle for the Chapel Give Now Altar Linens $3,000 200 linens per year Give Now Missals $10,000 1,000 missals for Church and Chapel Give Now Bread & Wine $12,000 $1,000 per month Give Now Liturgy Candles $2,500 250 candles per year Give Now Baptismal Rosaries $1,750 350 baptisms per year Give Now Youth Ministry Scholarships $5,000 $150 per teen Give Now Children's Scholarships $5,000 $80 per child Give Now Distribution Bags $2,000 6,500 bags per month Give Now Narthex Table Flowers $325 $325 per week Give Now Church Altar Flowers $625 $625 per week Give Now BACK TO TOP

St. Matthew, also called Levi, was one of the twelve Apostles and one of the four Gospel writers. Born in Galilee, he worked as a tax collector in Capernaum before being called by Christ. Matthew authored the first Gospel, likely written between 60 and 90, originally in Hebraic or Aramaic, possibly while in Antioch, Syria. He preached in Jerusalem and later in Ethiopia, where he was martyred. His Gospel portrays Christ’s genealogy, ministry, Passion, and Resurrection, emphasizing Jesus as the Messiah. In liturgical art, Matthew is often depicted with an angel holding a lance, coin, pen, or money box. St. Matthew the Apostle Time Period: 1st Century Feast Day: September 21 Title/Attributes: Apostle, Martyr Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Matthew is one of the twelve Apostles and one of the four Gospel writers. He is also called Levi, or Matthew the Levite. He was probably born in Galilee and worked as a tax collector at Capernaum (Matthew 9:9-13) when Christ called him to follow him (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27-32). Matthew was the author of the first Gospel, written between 60 and 90. It was probably in Hebraic or in Aramaic in its original form. Some scholars believe Matthew was in Antioch, Syria, when he wrote the Gospel. He preached in Jerusalem and then went to Ethiopia, where he was martyred in Persia or in Ethiopia. Matthew provides a telling portrait of Christ in his Gospel, including his genealogy, ministry, Passion, and Resurrection. The entire work is designed to provide a true recognition of Christ as the Messiah. Matthew is represented in liturgical art by an angel holding a lance, a coin, a pen or a money box. Next Item Previous Item

Gift in Your Will or Trust Remembering our parish in your will or trust is a meaningful way to extend your faith and generosity beyond your lifetime By including a gift in your will or trust, you can provide lasting support for the mission and ministries of our parish while ensuring your loved ones are cared for first. This type of gift is flexible—you can designate a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder after other bequests are fulfilled. Benefits to You: • You keep full use and control of your assets during your lifetime. • Your gift can be changed at any time if your circumstances or wishes change. • Your estate may receive tax advantages, which can benefit your heirs. • It is often as simple as adding a single sentence to your will or trust. How It Works: 1. Speak with your attorney about including our parish in your will or trust. 2. Decide whether to leave a specific dollar amount, a percentage, or a residual gift. 3. Use our parish’s full legal name and address to ensure clarity in your documents. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church 7801 Bay Branch Drive; The Woodlands, TX 77381 4. If desired, include how funds should be used such as St. Anthony of Padua Parish Endowment 5. Share your plans with us so we can thank you and ensure your intentions are honored. Sample Residual Bequest I give, devise, and bequeath to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, located in The Woodlands, Texas, all (or state a percentage) of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, to be used for its unrestricted use (or for the support of a specific fund or ministry, or St. Anthony of Padua Parish Endowment). Sample Specific Bequest I hereby give, devise and bequeath to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, located in The Woodlands, Texas, _________ and No/100 dollars ($DOLLARS) to be used for its unrestricted use (or for the support of a specific fund or ministry, or St. Anthony of Padua Parish Endowment). For questions, please contact: Joe Corona Email: jcorona@ap.church We encourage you to consult with your estate attorney, financial or tax advisor. Next Item Previous Item

St. Louis de Montfort (1673–1716) was a French priest, missionary, and founder of the Daughters of Divine Wisdom. Known as one of the Church’s greatest Mariologists, he promoted deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Ordained in 1700, he later became an Apostolic Missionary by appointment of Pope Clement XI. His most influential work, True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin, teaches total consecration to Jesus through Mary. He famously wrote, “Mary is the safest, easiest, shortest and most perfect way of approaching Jesus.” His Marian spirituality influenced generations, including Pope John Paul II, whose motto was “Totus Tuus Maria.” St. Louis de Montefort Time Period: 1673-1716 Feast Day: April 28 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Marian Saint Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Body St. Louis de Montfort was a confessor, founder of the Sisters of Divine Mercy, and one of the Church’s most prominent Mariologists (The study of the Blessed Virgin Mary). He was born in Montfort, France in 1673. Educated at Rennes, he was ordained a priest in 1700, becoming a chaplain in a hospital in Poitiers. His congregation, the Daughters of Divine Wisdom, started there. Louis went to Rome and Pope Clement XI appointed him as an Apostolic Missionary. At the young age of forty-three, Louis de Montfort fell ill and passed away. But his teachings and legacy changed the Church forever. Louis de Montfort is most famously remembered for his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Rosary. He wrote The True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin and encouraged people to consecrate themselves to Jesus through Mary. According to Louis de Montfort, “Mary is the safest, easiest, shortest and most perfect way of approaching Jesus.” The devotion to Mary spread throughout the church and for years to come. Over 300 years later, Pope John Paul II’s personal motto was “Totus Tuus Maria” which means “I’m totally yours, Mary”. Next Item Previous Item

St. Athanasius was a Bishop of Alexandria and a staunch opponent of Arianism. He attended the Council of Nicaea in 325 and became bishop in 328. Persecuted by Arian leaders and emperors, he endured multiple exiles but remained steadfast in defending Orthodox Christianity. He wrote extensively, including the biography of St. Anthony of the Desert and theological works like Contra Gentes and De Incarnatione Verbi Dei. Despite enduring persecution, Athanasius' efforts helped solidify Christian doctrine, leading to Arianism's eventual defeat. He is honored as the "Father of Orthodoxy" and a Doctor of the Church. St. Athanasius Time Period: 296-373 Feast Day: May 2 Title/Attributes: Bishop, Doctor of the Church Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Athanasius is a Doctor of the Church, Bishop and one of the most dedicated opponents to the heresy of Arianism. He was born in Alexandria, Egypt around 296 to a prominent family. He was raised as a Christian and was influenced by Bishop Alexander of Alexandria, later becoming his secretary in 318 after receiving ordination as a deacon. He accompanied Alexander to the Council of Nicaea in 325 and, upon his return to Alexandria in 328, was named bishop of the see. He also became spiritual leader of the desert hermits of the region. St. Athanasius was a friend of St. Anthony of the Desert (250-356) and is credited with writing his biography. The heresy of Arianism was the chief crisis for Athanasius in the early years of his episcopacy. In 330, Emperor Constantine I, also known as Constatine the Great, was persuaded to command Athanasius to allow Arians to communion, an order that Athanasius refused. He was then accused of crimes by the heretical Arians. He was tried and proven innocent, but new charges were made; this time he was accused of killing a bishop who was actually very much alive and merely in hiding. The Arians held a synod to discuss these charges, but Athanasius refused to attend it. He did go to the Council of Tyre, Lebanon, in 335, summoned by the emperor. The Arians assembled at Tyre and managed to have Athanasius exiled to Trier, Germany. There Athanasius was welcomed by Bishop Maximinus and Constantine II, the eldest son of the emperor. This exile lasted two-and-a-half years. He returned to Alexandria in 338. By this time, the heresiarch Arius was dead, and Constantine’s empire had been divided among his sons. The Arian leader Eusebius of Nicomedia, a major participant in the previous trials of Athanasius, managed to have him deposed again. Another man tried to take Athanasius’ place in Alexandria, but the people of Alexandria rioted and refused to accept him as their bishop. Athanasius went to Rome to plead his cause before Pope St. Julius I. As the usurper died in 345, Athanasius was restored to Alexandria, although in the councils of 353 at Arles, France, and 255 in Milan, Italy, Athanasius was again condemned by the Arians. The persecution raged, culminating in a violent attack on Athanasius’ church, wounding many in the congregation. Athanasius hid in Alexandria, but after a few days, fearing more assaults on his flock, he went into the Egyptian desert. He spent six years there as a hermit, writing his Apology to Constantius, the Apology for His Flight, the Letter to the Monks, and the History of the Arians. On February 22, 362, Athanasius reentered Alexandria amid jubilant crowds, but he was exiled again by Emperor Julian the Apostate and returned to the desert. He stayed there until Julian died in 363 and Emperor Jovian reinstalled him. Only eight months later, Athanasius was again ousted by Jovian’s successor, Valens. Four months later, after hiding in his father’s tomb, Athanasius was restored to his see permanently. He spent his last years consolidating the doctrines of the Council of Nicaea. He died in Alexandria on May 2, 373. Athanasius is called “the Father of Orthodoxy,” “the Pillar of the Church,” and “Champion of Christ’s Divinity.” His efforts at defeating Arianism helped lay the groundwork for the triumph of Orthodox Christianity at the Council of Constantinople in 381, years after Athanasius’ death. He did not compose the Athanasian Creed, but it was drawn from his writings. He is a Doctor of the Church, and his most important theological writings include: Contra Gentes and De Incarnatione Verbi Dei. St. Athanasius is declared a Doctor of the Church which are certain men and women who are revered by the Church for the special value of their writings and preaching and the sanctity of their lives. They each made important and lasting contributions to the faith and are to be recognized for their great merits. To be declared a Doctor of the Church, you have to meet three basic requirements. First, you must have lived a life of exemplary holiness, or insignis vitae sanctitas (outstanding sanctity). In short, you have to be a saint. Second, to be a Doctor of the Church you must have deepened the whole Church’s understanding of the Catholic Faith with emins doctrina (eminent teaching). Which is to say, sanctity isn’t enough. There are thousands of saints, but only 37 Doctors of the Church. To be a Doctor one must do more than just live the Faith. Rather, one must significantly and profoundly contribute to our understanding of Divine Revelation, helping us to know more deeply some truth about God and His actions in the World. And third, a pope must officially declare you a Doctor. That being said, as the Church understands it, when a pope declares someone a Doctor of the Church, he’s not so much making someone a Doctor as he is recognizing what the Holy Spirit has already done - that He has conferred the charism of Doctor upon them. Next Item Previous Item

Current Employment Opportunities Youth Ministry Administrative Assistant Date Posted: September 17, 2025 The Youth Ministry Administrative Assistant is a part-time (20–25 hours/week) position reporting to the Manager of Youth Ministry, responsible for providing administrative support and coordination for Youth Confirmation, Life Teen, EDGE, and parish youth events. The role includes maintaining accurate records, handling communication with families, managing registrations, ordering supplies, assisting with retreats and events, coordinating travel logistics for summer trips, and supporting the Evangelization Department. The assistant is expected to foster a welcoming environment, embody the parish mission, and serve as a visible, faithful parishioner. Candidates must be Safe Environment certified, proficient in Microsoft Office and Canva, detail-oriented, and skilled in communication. Please send all applications to employment@ap.church Employment Opportunities