Explore the holy relics of saints and sacred objects at St. Anthony of Padua in The Woodlands, TX. Learn their history and veneration in the Catholic faith. Open Hours Monthly Feast Days Relic Information Relic Listing Upcoming Venerations Chapel and Relics What are Relics? A relic is an object that is considered holy or sacred because it is associated with a saint or a significant event in the life of Jesus or the early Church. The term “relics of the Saints” primarily refers to the bodies or notable parts of the bodies of the Saints who, as distinguished members of Christ’s mystical Body and as Temples of the Holy Spirit, now dwell in Heaven but once lived on earth. Objects that belonged to the Saints, such as personal items, clothing, and manuscripts, are also considered relics, as well as objects that have touched their bodies or tombs, such as oils, cloths, and images. Saints in our Reliquary Wood of the True Cross 1st Century September 14 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information Veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1st Century January 1 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information From the Tomb of Mary 1st Century August 15 Main Church - Near Mary Statue More Information Holy Innocents 1st Century December 28 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Agatha 231-251 February 5 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Agnes 291-304 January 21 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Alexander Sauli 1533-1592 October 11 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Aloysius Gonzaga 1568-1591 June 21 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Alphonsus Liguori 1696-1787 August 1 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Ambrose 340-397 December 7 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Anastasia of Sirmium 281-304 December 25 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Andrew Avellino 1521-1608 November 10 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Andrew Kim Taegon 1821-1846 September 20 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Andrew the Apostle 1st Century November 30 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. André Bessette 1845-1937 January 6 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Angela Merici 1474-1540 January 27 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Anrê Nguyễn Kim Thông 1790-1855 November 1 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Anselm of Canterbury 1033-1109 April 21 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Anthony of Padua 1195-1231 June 13 Main Church - Near St. Anthony Statue More Information St. Anthony of the Desert 250-356 January 17 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Athanasius 296-373 May 2 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Auguste Chapdelaine 1814-1856 February 27 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Augustin Schoeffler 1822-1851 May 1 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Augustine 354-430 August 28 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Aurelia c. 300 September 25 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Bartholomew the Apostle 1st Century August 24 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Basil the Great 330-379 January 2 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Benedict Joseph Labre 1748-1783 April 16 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Benedict of Nursia 480-547 July 11 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Benedict the Moor 1526-1589 April 4 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Bernadette Soubirous 1844-1879 April 16 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Bernard of Clairvaux 1090-1153 August 20 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Bernardine of Siena 1380-1444 May 20 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Blaise c. 280-316 February 3 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Bonaventure 1221-1274 July 15 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Bridget of Sweden 1303-1373 July 23 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Caesarius of Arles 470-543 August 27 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Camillus of Lellis 1550-1614 July 14 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Carlo Acutis 1991-2006 October 12 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Catherine Labouré 1806-1876 November 28 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Catherine of Alexandria 287-310 November 25 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Catherine of Bologna 1413-1463 March 9 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Catherine of Siena 1347-1380 April 29 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Cecilia 180-230 November 22 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Charles Borromeo 1538-1584 November 4 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Charles Lwanga 1860-1886 June 3 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Christopher c. 220-251 July 25 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Clare of Assisi 1194-1253 August 11 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Clement of Rome d. 97 November 23 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Columba d. 853 September 17 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Cunibert of Cologne 600-663 November 12 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Damien of Molokai 1840-1889 May 10 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Denis of Paris d.c. 250 October 9 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Deodatus of Antioch 1st Century January 28 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Desiderius of Langres d. 407 May 23 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Dominic 1170-1221 August 8 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Edith Stein 1891-1942 August 9 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Edward the Confessor 1003-1066 October 13 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Elizabeth 1st Century November 5 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 1774-1821 January 4 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Elizabeth of Hungary 1207-1231 November 17 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Ephrem the Syrian 306-373 June 9 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Faustus of Córdova d. 304 October 13 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Felicity d. 203 March 7 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Fortunatus d. 286 October 16 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Frances Xavier Cabrini 1850-1917 November 13 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Frances of Rome 1384-1440 March 9 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Francis Borgia 1510-1572 October 10 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Francis Caracciolo 1563-1608 June 4 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Francis de Sales 1567-1622 January 24 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Francis of Assisi 1181-1226 October 4 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Francisco Marto 1908-1919 February 20 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows 1838-1862 February 27 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Gemma Galgani 1878-1903 April 11 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. George 280-303 April 23 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Germain Cousin 1579-1601 June 15 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Gertrude the Great 1256-1302 November 16 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Gianna Beretta Molla 1922-1962 April 28 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Guiseppe Moscati 1880-1927 November 16 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Helen 248-330 August 18 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Hilary of Poitiers c. 310-368 January 13 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Ignatius Loyola 1491-1556 July 31 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Illuminatus 3rd-4th Century No Assigned Date Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. James the Greater Apostle d. 44 July 25 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. James the Lesser Apostle 1st Century May 3 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Jane Frances de Chantal 1572-1641 August 12 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Jerome 342-420 September 30 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Joan of Arc 1412-1431 May 30 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. John Berchmans 1599-1621 August 13 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. John Bosco 1815-1888 January 31 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. John Brito 1647-1693 February 4 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. John Damascene 675-749 December 4 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. John Francis Regis 1597-1640 June 16 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. John Neumann 1811-1860 January 5 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. John Paul II 1920-2005 October 22 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. John XXIII 1881-1963 October 11 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. John the Baptist 1st Century June 24 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. John the Beloved Apostle 1st Century December 27 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Josemaría Escrivá 1902-1975 June 26 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Joseph 1st Century March 19 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Joseph of Cupertino 1603-1663 September 18 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Jucundus d.c. 250 January 9 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Jude Thaddeus the Apostle 1st Century October 28 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Julia 5th Century May 22 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Julian of Le Mans 3rd Century January 27 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Justin 100-165 June 1 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Katharine Drexel 1858-1955 March 3 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Lawrence 225-258 August 10 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Lawrence of Brindisi 1559-1619 July 21 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Leonard of Port Maurice 1676-1751 November 26 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Louis de Montefort 1673-1716 April 28 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Louise de Marillac 1591-1660 March 15 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Lucianus of Beauvais d.c. 290 January 8 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Lucy of Syracuse 283-304 December 13 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Luke the Evangelist 1st Century October 18 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Marcellin Champagnat 1789-1840 June 6 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Margaret Mary Alacoque 1647-1690 October 16 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Margaret of Antioch 289-304 July 20 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Margaret of Castello 1287-1320 April 13 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Marguerite d'Youville 1701-1777 April 11 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Maria Goretti 1890-1902 July 6 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Marianne Cope 1838-1918 January 23 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Mark the Evangelist 1st Century April 25 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Martha 1st Century July 29 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Martin de Porres 1579-1639 November 3 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Martin of Tours 316-397 November 11 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Mary Magdalene 1st Century July 22 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Matthew the Apostle 1st Century September 21 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Matthias the Apostle 1st Century May 14 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Maximilian Kolbe 1894-1941 August 14 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Michael the Archangel (stone) Apparition in 492 September 29 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Monica 332-387 August 27 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Nicholas of Myra 270-350 December 6 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Olcese 4th - 5th Century January 22 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Padre Pio 1887-1968 September 23 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Papias of Hierapolis 60-130 February 22 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Paul of the Cross 1694-1775 October 20 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Peregrine Laziosi 1260-1345 May 1 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Perpetua d. 203 March 7 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Peter Canisius 1521-1597 December 21 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Peter Julian Eymard 1811-1868 August 2 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Peter of Alcántara 1499-1562 October 19 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Peter of Verona 1205-1252 April 29 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Peter the Apostle 1st Century June 29 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Philip Benizi 1233-1285 August 23 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Philip Neri 1515-1595 May 26 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Philip the Apostle 1st Century May 3 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Pier Giorgio Frassati 1901-1925 July 4 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Pius X 1835-1914 August 21 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Raymond of Peñafort 1175-1275 January 7 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Renatus of Angers 5th Century November 12 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Rita of Cascia 1381-1457 May 22 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Rocco (Roch) 1295-1378 August 16 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Rose of Lima 1586-1617 August 23 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Rose of Viterbo 1234-1252 September 4 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Sebastian c. 255 - 288 January 20 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Severin of Cologne 4th Century October 23 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Simon the Apostle 1st Century October 28 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Stephen the Protomartyr d. 34 December 26 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Symeon the Stylite 390-459 July 27 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart 1747-1770 September 1 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Teresa of Calcutta 1910-1997 September 5 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Teresa of Ávila 1515-1582 October 15 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Thomas Aquinas 1225-1274 January 28 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Thomas the Apostle 1st Century July 3 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Thérèse Couderc 1805-1885 September 26 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Thérèse of Lisieux 1873-1897 October 1 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Timothy 1st Century January 26 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Titus Brandsma 1881-1942 July 27 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Tranquilus 3rd - 4th Century July 6 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Verecundus d.c. 522 October 22 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Victor d. 250 March 10 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Victoria d.c. 304 December 23 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Vincent Ferrer 1350-1419 April 5 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Vincent de Paul 1581-1660 September 27 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Vitalis d. 287 September 22 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information Sts. Louis & Marie-Azélie Guérin Martin 1823-1894 ; 1831-1877 July 12 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information The Martyrs of Gorkum d. 1572 July 9 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information The Seven Founders of the Servite Order 1233 February 17 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information

Deepen your faith at St. Anthony of Padua in The Woodlands, TX. Bible studies, retreats, devotions, and adult formation opportunities for all ages. Filter by Category Select Category Grow in your Faith Are you looking to deepen your faith? There are plenty of opportunities for adults to get involved at our parish. We have Bible Studies, Community Groups, Prayer and Devotions, Classes, Retreats, Organizations, and Groups in Spanish. I Want to Volunteer Contact Us Bible Study Class Community Group All Categories Devotion Organization Retreat BIBLE STUDY CLASS COMMUNITY GROUP DEVOTION ORGANIZATION RETREAT ACTS Retreats Various Times English & Spanish Retreat ACTS is a Parish Weekend Retreat that brings people closer to God and helps them build a relationship with Jesus. It’s based on Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service which is patterned after the description of the early Church by the Acts of the Apostles. Upcoming Retreats AGAPE Various Times English Only Bible Study Amazing Grace Adaptive Praise & Evangelization (AGAPE) is a Bible Study for Adults (18+) with special needs. Weekly we explore the Sunday Mass readings through reflection, discussion, and interactive activities like games. Our time together helps deepen our understanding of Scripture in a joyful and supportive setting. Throughout the year, we also come together for fun social events. More Information Baptism Prep - Part 1 Online English Class At St Anthony of Padua, the preparation for baptism is offered as a two part program. Part 1 is an online, self-led study done at your own pace. Part 2 is an in-person, classroom experience led by one of our parish deacons. More Information Bedside Prayers for the Dying Ministry Various Times English Devotion Do you have a loved one who is dying and in need of prayer? Our prayer team is available to visit and pray at the bedside. A Mass will be offered and the individual will be included in parish prayer intentions. To request a visit, please call 832-482-4116. This is NOT Anointing of the Sick or Last Rites. Call the Parish at 281-419-8700 for EMERGENCY need of anointing and leave a message on our Priest Emergency line. Contact Breaking Bread Sundays English & Spanish Community Group Are you looking to meet other parishioners in a smaller setting? Breaking Bread is an opportunity for you to have a meal with our Pastor, Fr. Jesse and other parishioners in the priest home (rectory). Those who are 21+ are welcome to sign up for any available time slots. More Information Catholic Daughters Various Times English Only Organization Catholic Daughters of the Americas® (CDA) is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women. Formed in 2015, Court St. Jane Frances de Chantal #2699 is the local charter instituted at St. Anthony of Padua. Our members, women ages 18 and older, have answered the call to say YES to make a difference through spirituality and service in the community. More Information Circle of Friends Various Times English Only Community Group Circle of Friends is dedicated to supporting individuals through personal fellowship, educational and spiritual events and fun activities. Membership is open to all single, divorced, widowed or separated. This ministry is not a dating service but it is a great way to meet new friends, share common experiences and enjoy companionship with others. Register Communal First Saturdays 1st Saturday of the Month English & Spanish Devotion Communal First Saturdays provides a way of fulfilling Our Lady of Fatima’s request for the First Saturday and thereby helping bring about world peace and the salvation of souls. More Information Cornerstone Evening Mondays at 6:30 PM English Only Bible Study The Cornerstone Catholic Scripture Study strives to build, strengthen and deepen a personal and loving relationship with God and His people through prayer and the study of His Word. It incorporates daily studying the Word, Prayer, daily lessons, small group sharing, personal Reflections, and a Written Commentary. This year, Cornerstone will be studying Acts of the Apostles. Register Cornerstone Morning Wednesdays at 9:45 AM English Only Bible Study The Cornerstone Catholic Scripture Study strives to build, strengthen and deepen a personal and loving relationship with God and His people through prayer and the study of His Word. It incorporates daily studying the Word, Prayer, daily lessons, small group sharing, personal Reflections, and a Written Commentary. This year, Cornerstone will be studying Acts of the Apostles. Register Daily Communal Rosary Before Daily Mass English & Spanish Devotion Join us for Liturgy of the Hours at 8 AM and a Communal Rosary at 8:30 AM all before the 9:00 AM Daily Mass in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel. See below for specifics. More Information Divine Mercy Cenacle Mondays at 10 AM English Only Devotion We study the Diary of St. Faustina using a formation manual with weekly lessons along with appropriate references from the Bible and Catechism of the Catholic Church. We emphasize and promote the concept that the Divine Mercy message is more than a devotion: It is a Way of Life. We learn the role of trust, forgiveness, and mercy in our daily lives. Register El Camino Thursdays at 6:30 PM Spanish Only Class El Camino es un grupo de Evangelización y Catequesis para Adultos en Español donde podrás crecer y fortalecer tu fe y amor a Dios, en un ambiente de comunidad fraterno y tranquilo. Register First Friday Devotion 1st Friday of the Month English Only Devotion First Friday Hour of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus comes from when Our Lord appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alocoque, and gave her the special task to spread devotion to His Most Sacred Heart at a time when religion was growing cold in the hearts of mankind. More Information Holy Hour for Vocations Once a Month on Saturday English Only Devotion Join us in praying for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Monthly we host holy hours in the OLA Chapel from 3 - 4 PM. See below for upcoming dates. Upcoming Dates Holy Name Retreats Various Times English & Spanish Retreat Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center supports and encourages the great human and spiritual adventure: the discovery of God and God’s loving compassion through Christ Crucified. Holy Name exists to provide hospitality, healing, compassion, and opportunities for spiritual growth for all people. Retreats are offered on many different weekends throughout the year. Upcoming Retreats Intercessory Prayer 3rd Saturday of the Month English & Spanish Devotion Join your parish family for Intercessory Prayer on the third Saturday of the month immediately following 10:00 AM daily Mass. There is no registration required for those who have a prayer request. Our prayer teams desire to pray for you! More Information Knights of Columbus Various Times English Only Organization The Knights of Columbus Council 12327 is for Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. It is through these five service areas – Faith, Community, Family, Youth and Fellowship – that we truly make a difference. More Information La Divina Misericordia Lunes a las 12 PM Spanish Only Devotion El Cenáculo de La Divina Misericordia es un grupo de oración, para experimentar el esplendor de nuestra fe Católica a través de la devoción y el Mensaje de La Divina Misericordia. Basado en la enseñanza de las Sagradas Escrituras, el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica y el Diario de Santa Faustina; es una maravillosa oportunidad para crecer en la fe y confianza en el Señor y ayudar a la salvación de las almas. Más Información Legion of Mary Thursday Evenings English Only Devotion Legion of Mary is an apostolate centered on prayers and works of mercy. The primary objective of the Legion of Mary is the holiness of its members, under the auspices of our Blessed Mother. Through participation in the various programs of the organization, members develop an active prayer life, enhanced by serving others within our parish community. More Information Life in Christ Various Times English Only Class Our Director of Evangelization, Kate Mims, hosts a series called: "Life in Christ". Monthly, Kate will dive deep into various topics about our faith and how we can truly live a Life in Christ. She will cover topics like prayer, spiritual warfare, the Mass, and much more! This series will be held in the Main Church and start at 5:30 PM with a short talk followed by Q&As. All are invited! More Information Liturgy of the Hours Before Daily Mass English Only Devotion Join us in praying the Liturgy of the Hours before the 9:00 AM Daily Mass. All are welcome Monday – Friday in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel beginning at 8:00 AM. A rosary will follow the Liturgy of the Hours and then Mass. More Information Lord Teach Me to Pray Virtual Meeting English Only Class Lord Teach Me To Pray (LTMTP) is a three-part Ignatian prayer series that endeavors to bring the Holy Spirit into our daily lives in facilitated faith-sharing prayer communities, where, the Lord, Himself, teaches them to pray. Note: At this time LTMTP is offered only to women. Register Marriage & Family Series Saturday Mornings English Only Class The Marriage and Family Ministry hosts various events throughout the year. Monthly, on Saturday’s Mornings there will be a new speaker and topic. Upcoming Events Millions of Monicas Tuesdays after Mass - Monthly English Only Devotion We are a group of mothers coming together to lift up our children of all ages. Many of us have children who are struggling to embrace their Catholic faith or have left the church entirely. Like St. Monica, we pray for their joyful return to full unity with the Catholic Church. We are not a support group or a self-help group. We believe that by coming together monthly, uniting our hearts and voices, we can bring strength and joy to each other. More Information Ministerio Hispano Various Times Spanish Only Community Group Un grupo de hombres, mujeres y niños comprometidos en compartir su tiempo, talento y tesoro para convertirse en el portal cultural y la antorcha espiritual de la comunidad hispana en la parroquia de San Antonio de Padua. Más Información Momentum 3rd Friday of the Month English Only Community Group Momentum, a ministry for single moms, invites all single moms interested in growing in their faith and community with other single moms to an evening of fellowship, prayer and refreshments. Register Movimiento Familiar Various Times Spanish Only Community Group El Movimiento es un grupo de familias católicas que unen sus esfuerzos para promover los valores humanos y cristianos de la familia, para que sea en la comunidad: formadora de personas, educadora en la fe, consciente de su misión evangelizadora y comprometida con desarrollo integral de la comunidad y la iglesia doméstica. Más Información Philippine-American Group Various Times English Only Community Group A group of men, women & children committed in sharing their time, talent and treasure to become the cultural portal and spiritual torch of the Philippine-American Group at St. Anthony's (PAG-ASA). More Information Prayer & Life Workshop Sunday Mornings English Only Class The Prayer and Life Workshop is a practical, hands-on method of learning diverse ways to pray through Scripture, music, and sharing. Step by step, you will develop a deeper, more intimate union with the Lord while experiencing his peace. Register Retiro Mensuales Martes por la mañana Spanish Only Retreat El Retiro Mensual es una mañana de oración personal frente a Cristo Eucaristía ofrecido por el Movimiento Regnum Christi. Es una invitación abierta a todas las mujeres que quieran crecer en su relación personal con Jesús a través de meditaciones basadas en la Sagrada Escritura, oportunidad de confesión y de participar en la Santa Misa. Más Información Retreats Various Times English & Spanish Retreat Throughout the year we offer various retreats at St. Anthony's and around the Archdiocese. Visit our website for more information. Upcoming Retreats Rosario Familiar El primer sábado Spanish Only Devotion El Rosario Familiar en español se lleva a cabo en la Capilla de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles el primer sábado de cada mes a las 6:30 pm. ¡Todos son bienvenidos a unirse! Más Información Schoenstatt Movement Various Times English & Spanish Devotion Schoenstatt is an international Catholic movement focused on spiritual renewal through everyday faith, inspired by Mary. It unites diverse communities into one family, fosters personal holiness, and promotes lay apostolic life. Its unique spirituality encourages living God’s will with practical, modern steps in faith, hope, and love. More Information Scripture & Reflection Wednesdays at 7 AM English Only Bible Study Join us for the Wednesday Morning Daily Mass at 6:00 AM. Stay after Mass and enjoy some coffee and fellowship as you discuss the readings for the Day. More Information Secular Franciscan Order 4th Saturday of the Month English Only Devotion The Secular Franciscan Order was established by St. Francis of Assisi more than 800 years ago. Our purpose is to bring the Gospel to life where we live and where we work. We look for ways to embrace the Gospel in our lives and try to help others to do likewise. We meet monthly for a small group discussion and have an annual retreat. More Information Senior Pals Various Times English, Spanish and Mandarin Community Group Anyone 50+ is invited to join our community! We host a multitude of events every month! There is a monthly meeting, trips, luncheons, and other activities to participate in. Check the bulletin for the monthly meeting times and other events. For more information, call Art Dominguez at 281-622-7703 Monthly Newsletter She Shall Be Called Woman Monday Evenings English Only Community Group Transforming Families, One Woman at a Time. Each content year of She Shall Be Called Woman consists of two 9-week seasons — one in the fall and one in the spring. Each meeting consists of 3 essential elements: fellowship, video presentation, and discussion within small groups. Register St. Anne's Society Various Times English Only Community Group St. Anne’s Society encourages all women blessed with the gift of motherhood to fulfill their vocation with the dignity, humility, and love of St. Anne, the mother of Mary. Our community offers the opportunity to belong to a group of women, connected by their beliefs, and focused on spiritual, social, and educational growth through monthly meetings, philanthropic events, and planned programs. Register St. Anthony Novena Tuesdays after 6:45 PM Mass English Only Devotion St Anthony’s Novena Devotion is every Tuesday after the 6:45 PM Mass. St. Anthony our patron saint, is often invoked for helping to recover lost items, healing of sick and other intentions and is popularly known as a miracle worker. Join us in asking for St. Anthony’s intercession! More Information St. Monica's Society Fridays at Noon English Only Community Group St. Monica’s Society is a group of moms with children in intermediate school through college. We gather to pray, build each other up, and glean wisdom from various Catholic books on motherhood, prayer, and spirituality. Register That Man Is You Fridays at 5:30 AM English Only Community Group That Man is You! is an interactive men’s program from Paradisus Dei, focused on the development of men in the modern world. TMIY combines the best research from science with the teachings of the Catholic faith. It builds upon the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of authentic men capable of transforming themselves, their families and greater society. Register The Great Adventure Various Times English Only Bible Study The Great Adventure (TGA) bible study is designed in such a way that anyone can make sense of the Bible and experience the life-changing power of God’s word. TGA introduces Catholics to scripture, equipping them with a basic biblical literacy. There are multiple classes offered each semester. Register The Mass Explained Thursdays at 6:30 PM English Only Class Dcn. Scott Broussard will lead The Mass Explained: Dr. Brant Pitre gives insight on the Biblical, Traditional, and mystical meanings of the words, ceremonies, languages, gestures, postures, orientation, music, and signs of the Roman Catholic liturgy. From the Ancient Church through the Medieval Church, from the Council of Trent through Vatican II, explore the practice, purpose, and development of the Holy Mass. Register Together in Holiness Various Times English & Spanish Community Group Together in Holiness Formation series provides year-round marriage enrichment to small groups of married couples who gather seven times throughout the year for fellowship and formation. The format of the Formation series includes gathering in someone’s home for about 2 hours for a meal, a short video, and discussion to learn from each other and live out your vocation. Register Walking With Purpose Wednesday Afternoons & Evenings English Only Bible Study Walking with Purpose Bible studies help women grow closer to Christ as they lean on truths found in Scripture to live joy-filled lives. Our Catholic Bible studies are unique in that they offer solutions found in the Bible that can be applied to our everyday lives and vary in length and depth to meet the needs of different women. Register Work of Mary (Focolare) Various Times English Only Class Join Fr. Jesse and learning about the Work of Mary (Focolare), an ecclesial movement for spiritual and social renewal. The movement helps members deepen their understanding and live out the Spirituality of Unity in everyday life. More Information World Wide Marriage Encounter Various Times English & Spanish Retreat The Worldwide Marriage Encounter experience offers married couples an opportunity to reconnect with each other through dialogue and time spent together. Experiences are offered in various formats to meet the needs of couples - weekend retreats, weeknight meetings, and online options. More Information Young Adults Various Times English & Spanish Community Group The Young Adults at St. Anthony’s are a group of Catholic young adults ages 18-35 (single, dating, engaged, or married) who are looking for community and opportunities to serve others. Contact us to join our mailing list and learn about all the events hosted throughout each month! More Information BACK TO TOP

Give your time at St. Anthony of Padua! Volunteer in liturgy, youth, outreach, or hospitality and help serve our parish and community. Volunteer Opportunities Are you looking to give your time and volunteer at St. Anthony's? Below are all the opportunities for you to get involved! St. Anthony of Padua requires all adults (18 years +) volunteering with our parish to be in compliance with Safe Environment. If you have not taken the Safe Environment Training, click the link below to complete it. If you have questions, please contact us. Safe Environment Training Contact Us Outreach Liturgy Hospitality Evangelization Outreach Evangelization Liturgy Hospitality Outreach Evangelization Liturgy Hospitality Food Pantry Outreach Many Volunteers are needed for the daily operations of the St. Anthony’s Bread Food Pantry: Unload truck deliveries from different vendors, sort food donations received, stock shelves, pre-pack bags of food, deliver bags/boxes of food to those in need by loading cars on food delivery days. Learn More St. Vincent de Paul Outreach St. Vincent De Paul helps tackle poverty and disadvantage by providing direct practical assistance to anyone in need. This is usually provided as short-term assistance to those in crisis in the form of rent assistance, utility bills, or other emergency funding. Volunteers will answer phones, scheduling and conducting home visits, pledging funds and paying client bills. Learn More Honduras Mission Outreach Every year, our missionaries work in outdoor clinics, schools and churches providing medical and dental care for hundreds of villagers in need of attention. Services include: check-ups, consultations, dental extractions and restorations and the distribution of medicines and vitamins. HIGHLIGHT : Both Fr. Jesse and Fr. Viet plan to go on mission this June. Watch their personal testimonies! Learn More Fellowship Sunday Hospitality Fellowship Sunday is a great opportunity for our parish to come together after Mass and enjoy some donuts, coffee, and community! Come meet some new friends, and learn about the various ministries and events going on in our Parish. If you would like to volunteer for Fellowship Sunday, contact us. Contact Us Breaking Bread Hospitality On Sundays after Mass, parishioners are invited over to Fr. Jesse's home to share a light meal with him. We are in need of volunteers to help "host" the Breaking Bread sessions. Contact us Altar Servers Liturgy Altar Servers provide respectful and reverent altar service at our Lord’s table during scheduled liturgies. The Altar Server ministry is open to those who have completed the fourth grade, have received their First Holy communion, and are members of a family that is registered in our Parish. Contact Us Children's Catechist Evangelization Catechist means “to echo.” As Baptized Catholics, we are all called to echo Christ’s message. Experience the rewards of sharing your faith and leading our young parishioners to know the love of God and our Catholic faith. There are at least 2 Catechists in each classroom, and all materials are provided. Learn More Children's Volunteer Evangelization With over 1000 children participating in the Faith Formation and Sacraments programs at St. Anthony’s, we need many hands to provide them with activities, handouts, and safety while they are on campus. Dates and times are flexible enough to fit any schedule. Please let us know if you can spare some time to help! Learn More Creation Care Ministry Outreach In partnership with Sts. Simon & Jude and inspired by Catholic teaching and Laudato Si’ , our Creation Care Team is committed to educating, advocating, and guiding our community in living out the call to care for our common home. Together, we seek to embrace ecological responsibility and build a more just and sustainable future for all. Join us for "Greener Lent" , a Lenten program inspired by Pope Francis's Laudato Sí. More Information EMHC Liturgy Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) assist the pastor and deacon in distributing Holy Communion during Mass. Contact Us EMHC Visitation Liturgy This extension of our liturgy permits commissioned Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to bring the Blessed Sacrament to those who are homebound or in a hospital setting. Contact Us Habitat for Humanity Outreach Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County, TX (Habitat MCTX) is building affordable homes and making critical home repairs to provide long-term home ownership to hard working families in need or to allow existing low-income homeowners to age in place. The major project over the next two decades will be the development of Marble Creek – a 201 home residential community in Magnolia, TX. More Information Instituted Acolyte Liturgy The Instituted Acolyte is appointed to assist the Deacon and serve the Priest during the Mass. He is an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. The primary responsibility is to assist with the purification of vessels used in the distribution of Holy Communion. Contact Us Kolbe Prison Ministry Outreach Kolbe Prison Ministries is an apostolate to those incarcerated men in Texas prisons. We run three day retreats, bible studies, OCIA Classes, praise and worship, and much more! Contact Us Lector - English Liturgy Lectors proclaim the Word of God at Mass so as to bring alive the scriptures in the hearts of the faithful gathered. Contact Us Lectores - en Español Liturgy Lectores – en Español: Los lectores proclaman la Palabra de Dios en la Misa para dar vida a las Escrituras en el corazón de los fieles reunidos. Contact Us Loving Choice Pregnancy Center Outreach Loving Choice, a pregnancy help center, is a place any woman can go for help and information when she is facing an unexpected, emotional and possibly scary situation. Maybe she just wants to take advantage of a free pregnancy test. If test results read “Positive” she might wonder “What do I do now? Who can help me understand my options without judgement or pressure?“. The volunteers at Loving Choice will listen to you and provide compassionate options. We want to help. Contact Us Misc Volunteer Outreach Not sure where you want to give your time? Contact our Outreach Coordinator to learn more about volunteering opportunties Contact Us Music Ministry Liturgy The Music Ministry creates an atmosphere of celebration and reverence to God through music for all Masses. St Anthony's music program includes cantors, choir(s), and instrumentalists to share in the musical experience of prayer. If you are interested in volunteering with our music ministry, we are always looking for singers, musicians, and admin help! Submit an interest form here and we can schedule a time to meet with you. Learn More Pro-Life Council Outreach The Pro-Life Council at St Anthony of Padua is dedicated to promoting a Culture of Life throughout our community through pastoral ministry, education, advocacy and prayer. We are committed to recognizing and protecting of the dignity of every human life, especially where most vulnerable. Learn More Sacristan Liturgy The Sacristan’s supervises the set-up for Daily and Weekend Masses. They coordinate the Liturgical Ministers (EMHC’s, Ushers, Greeters) who are serving at that specific Mass. The Sacristan is responsible for the set-up and physical arrangement of the Liturgy. Contact Us St. Clare's Society Outreach St. Clare’s Society prepares lap-sized prayer blankets for those who may be in need of spiritual comfort during times of physical or emotional illness. The blankets are a witness to our belief in the healing power of prayer. Please stop by the Parish Office and pick up a prayer blanket for a loved one! Contact Us St. Daniel Prison Ministry Outreach St. Daniel Prison Ministry serves the incarcerated men and women in Texas prisons through bible studies and praise and worship. Contact Us St. Joseph's Foster Care Ministry Outreach The St.Joseph Foster Care Ministry is devoted to creating a supportive, Christ-centered community for foster and adoptive families. Our mission is to raise awareness, support vulnerable children and families in our community, and serve alongside community partners already doing incredible work to support foster youth. More Information St. Leonard Rosary Outreach St. Leonard Society makes specially designed rosaries for incarcerated men and women in prisons throughout the state of Texas. SLRG has provided over 9,000 rosaries over the last four years. Email us if you are interested in helping with this ministry even from the comfort of your own home! Contact Us Usher Liturgy Ushers are vital to Mass on Sundays. We welcome individuals of all ages and backgrounds who are eager to extend a warm hand of welcome to those around them. Contact Us Walking With Moms Outreach Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our local community and we are increasing awareness of resources available to mothers and families in need. Learn More Wedding Coordinator Liturgy The Wedding Coordinator is responsible for running the wedding rehearsal the day before the wedding. Then on the big day, they are responsible for setting up the church, and assisting the musicians, florists, photographers, and families as they arrive for this special day and making them feel at ease as they await the ceremony to start. Contact Us Welcoming Team Hospitality We are seeking volunteers who can arrive 30 minutes before Sunday mass to warmly greet parishioners in the piazza and the church entrances, offering assistance when needed. Contact Us Youth Ministry Catechist Evangelization Catechist means “to echo.” As Baptized Catholics, we are all called to echo Christ’s message. Experience the rewards of sharing your faith and leading our young parishioners to know the love of God and our Catholic faith. There are at least 2 Catechists in each classroom, and all materials are provided. Learn More Youth Ministry Volunteer Evangelization 1. Youth Ministry Core Team Share your faith and help lead our middle and high school teens to know and love God. Our Life Teen, EDGE, and Confirmation programs provide essential spiritual and intellectual formation. Each small group has at least two Core members, and all training and materials are provided. 2. Youth Ministry Parent Volunteers With over 750 teens in our programs, we need extra hands to help with activities, materials, and campus safety. Dates and times are flexible to fit your schedule—let us know if you can help! Learn More BACK TO TOP

St. Luke the Evangelist, a physician and companion of St. Paul, authored the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Writing for a Gentile audience, his Gospel emphasizes Jesus’ compassion, the Holy Spirit, and the dignity of the poor. Luke’s Gospel, written between 70–85 AD, includes unique details like the Annunciation and Magnificat. Acts continues the story, chronicling the Church’s early growth. Luke is also said to have painted the first icons of the Virgin Mary from life. He is the patron saint of artists, and several Marian icons are traditionally attributed to him, including Our Lady of Czestochowa. St. Luke the Evangelist Time Period: 1st Century Feast Day: October 18 Title/Attributes: Evangelist Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Luke the Evangelist is one of the four Gospel writers and is the author of the Acts of the Apostles. St. Luke, a physician by trade, is believed to have been a Greek Gentile from Antioch (Modern Turkey). Luke was a convert to the new faith and accompanied St. Paul on his second missionary journey (c. 51). He remained six years in Philippi, Greece and went on the third missionary journey, the journey to Italy that included the famous shipwreck off the coast of Malta. He remained with Paul during Paul’s imprisonment. Paul wrote of Luke three times in the New Testament. St. Paul confirms that Luke practiced medicine in Colossians 4:14: “Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings.” He mentions that Luke is accompanying him in 2 Timothy 4:11: “Only Luke is with me” and in Philemon 24: “as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers.” It is also possible to deduce Luke’s presence with Paul on the missionary journeys from numerous passages in Acts (16:10-17; 20:5-21:18;27:1-28:16). When St. Paul was martyred in 66, Luke went back to Greece, where he is believed to have died at the age of eighty-four “full of the Holy Spirit.” Luke’s Gospel was written between 70-85 AD, possibly in Greece, although Eusebius claims that it was written before the martyrdom of St. Paul in 66 AD. The point of view of the Gospel is that of a Gentile Christian for other Gentile (or non-Jewish) individuals. The Acts of the Apostles was written perhaps in Rome, either during the imprisonment of St. Paul or immediately after his death, or in the province of Achaea, in the area around Greece. The Acts details the Church from c. 35-63 AD, demonstrating in often superb prose the remarkable growth and the witness of the faithful. Luke is also the patron saint of painters. It is said that he painted portraits of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom he visited while they were both still living. There exist multiple traditions surrounding what happened to the original icon(s) that St. Luke wrote. One ancient account explains how during the 5th century a Byzantine Empress brought from Jerusalem to Constantinople an icon attributed to St. Luke. The Hodegon Monastery was built to enshrine it and later all copies of this icon became known as Hodegetria. Most believe the original image was lost during the Middle Ages. Whatever truth there is behind these traditions, here are a few more widely known icons attributed to St. Luke. Our Lady of Vladimir According to Russian sources the original Hodegetria was transferred from Constantinople to Vladimir in 1115 and remains one of the most popular images of the Virgin Mary in Russia. Our Lady of Czestochowa A popular account relates how in the 4th century St. Helena discovered an image of the Virgin Mary that was painted by St. Luke on a tabletop made by Jesus. She gave it to Constantine and it ended up in Constantinople. After that the image was eventually owned by Charlemagne, who gave it to Prince Leo of Ruthenia. By the 14th century the image was transferred to Jasna Gora in Poland in response to a request from Prince Ladislaus and remains there to this day. Salus Populi Romani Similar to Our Lady of Czestochowa, it is believed this image was discovered by St. Helena and taken first to Constantinople. By the 6th century the image was transferred to Rome and ever since has been enshrined in the church of Saint Mary Major. It is this image, known as "Protectress of the Roman People," before which Pope Francis prays and offers flowers each time he leaves Rome for a pontifical journey and again when he returns. Our Lady of Perpetual Help This particular icon is believed to be a replica of the original Hodegetria image in Constantinople. One story explains how the image was later enshrined in Crete, but then a thief stole the miraculous image from a monastery, bringing it to Rome in the 15th century. It is now located in the Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori in Rome. "4 Icons of Mary Attributed to St. Luke the Evangelist." Aleteia, 18 Oct. 2017, https://aleteia.org/2017/10/18/4-icons-of-mary-attributed-to-st-luke-the-evangelist . Accessed 21 May 2025. Next Item Previous Item

Saint Bonaventure was a wise and holy man who devoted his life to the sharing of Christ’s love through mystical and Christian wisdom. His contributions to the Catholic Church – from his writings, restoration of the Franciscan Order and organization of the Council of Lyon – are immeasurable in their impact, and he is remembered as one of the most brilliant minds of his time. His intellectual prowess, paired with his calming, peaceful skills of reconciliation, created a much-needed bright spot in the Catholic Church in a time where many brewing storms could have caused severe, lasting damage if he hadn’t intervened. His feast day is July 15th. St. Bonaventure Time Period: 1221-1274 Feast Day: July 15 Title/Attributes: Bishop, Doctor of the Church, Franciscan Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones Saint Bonaventure was born Giovanni di Fidanza in Bagnoregio, then part of the Papal States, around the year 1221, but little is known about his early years. There are varying stories of how he became known as Bonaventure, but one story recounts his parents growing anxious when young Giovanni fell deathly ill. Beside herself with worry, his mother sent for none other than St. Francis of Assisi to come and pray over him. St. Francis healed the sickly 4-year-old boy and foreseeing the greatness of the future saint, cried out, “Oh good fortune!” which in Italian, is “O buona ventura.” And thus, the name “Bonaventure” stuck. Fast forward to 1243, when a healthy 22-year-old Bonaventure followed Francis by entering the Franciscan Order. He had already earned a Master of Arts degree in 1243, and after joining the Friars Minor, became a Master of Theology at the University of Paris alongside another future saint, Thomas Aquinas. He produced many notable works, including commentaries on the Bible, a commentary on “The Four Books of Sentences” (a theology book written by Peter Lombard), and the Breviloquium, which was an outlined summary of his theology. Bonaventure was particularly noted for his ability to reconcile and unite differing viewpoints into a harmony of theology, philosophy, and understanding. In 1256, a teacher at the University of Paris accused the mendicant Franciscans (meaning the friars who were nomadic wanderers, begging for a living) of defaming the Gospels by their practice of poverty, to prevent the Franciscans from holding teaching positions at the university. Bonaventure defended the Franciscan ideal of Christian life, and his ability to share his personal understanding of truth in a way that formed a pathway towards the love of God earned him the title of minister general of the Franciscan Order on February 2, 1257. Bonaventure expertly navigated numerous divides during his life, and thanks to his tireless visits to various provinces, he was able to restore unity to the order and reestablish the spirit of St. Francis among the friars and beyond. At all times, Bonaventure preached the Gospel eloquently and with a noticeable outward happiness. In his writings and teachings, he made it clear that only through an inward peace and joy, gained from having God in his heart, could he show happiness on the outside. He would serve as the superior of the Friars Minor for 17 fruitful years, and his impact is so great on the order that he is sometimes referred to as the second founder of the Franciscans. He successfully proposed a unified and collected text regulating the daily life of the Friars Minor in 1260, which was accepted and ratified by the General Chapter of the Order in Narbonne. Bonaventure’s skill at reconciling opposing views caught the attention of numerous Popes, including Pope Clement IV, who nominated Bonaventure for Archbishop of York in 1265. He would turn down the title though, wanting to live a simple and frugal life. A few years later though, the next Pope, Gregory X, appointed him Cardinal Bishop of Albano and it was a dignity that he couldn’t refuse in May of 1273. Pope Gregory consecrated him in November of 1273 in the French city of Lyon, and his first big task as a Cardinal Bishop was to help prepare the Second Ecumenical Council of Lyons, an important ecclesial event aimed at uniting the divisions between the Latin and Greek Churches at the time. Bonaventure worked hard to prepare the council and was a leading figure in the reform of the church, but sadly, he would not see its completion. Bonaventure died suddenly on July 15, 1274, while the council was still in session. He was buried the same day in a Franciscan Church. His contributions to the church and profound sanctity earned him the canonization of a saint on April 14, 1482 by Pope Sixtus IV, and he was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1588 by Pope Sixtus V. He is often referred to as the “Seraphic Doctor” of the Church, with seraphic referring to the highest order of angels in heaven. Saint Bonaventure could have easily been remembered only for his immense intellect shared in his teachings and writings. Instead, this wise and holy man chose to reinforce that intellectual ability, while good and valid, is inferior to the direction and affections of the heart. In his own words: “If you learn everything except Christ, you learn nothing. If you learn nothing except Christ, you learn everything.” St. Bonaventure is 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

Room Configuration Room Configurations in the Paduan Center, PLB and STC Standard Configurations are maintained in the Paduan Center, STC, and PLB. Ministries may reconfigure the spaces but must return them to the Standard Configuration at the conclusion of their event. The Standard Configurations are as follows: Paduan Center - 12 rectangle tables, 4 chairs each, Additional tables and chairs are available in the corner closet PLB 205 – 10 conference tables, 4 chairs each, 30 chairs in row seating PLB 202, 203, 204, 209 - 6 rectangles and 18-24 chairs per room. STC 120 – 8 conference tables 3 chairs each, additional row seating in the back Sheltz Hall and Gym Set Up Requests Facilities will assist with event set ups in the Gym and Sheltz Hall. There are times when Facilities may request assistance from your ministry for set up or clearing of an event. Please submit a Room Setup Diagram when booking the Gym or Sheltz Hall Room Setup Diagrams .pdf Download PDF • 124KB Previous Item Next Item

Saint Anthony of Padua was born Fernando Martins de Bulhões in Lisbon, Portugal on August 14, 1195. Born into a wealthy family, he left home at age 15 to become an Augustinian Canon. Around 1220 AD, he was inspired by the faith of some Franciscan martyrs, and joined the Franciscan Order. While living in Italy, his preaching and energetic defense of the Catholic faith earned him the nickname “The Hammer of Heretics.” He led the friars in Northern Italy for many years before his death in 1231. He was officially recognized as a Doctor of the Church in 1946. His feast day is June 13th. St. Anthony of Padua Time Period: 1195-1231 Feast Day: June 13 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Doctor of the Church, Franciscan Location of Relic: Main Church - Near St. Anthony Statue Type of Relic: Piece of Clothing Saint Anthony of Padua, a holy miracle worker, humble preacher, and Doctor of the Church was born Fernando Martins de Bulhões in Lisbon, Portugal on August 14, 1195. Born into a wealthy family, his father was a captain in the royal army in what would one day become Portugal. Fernando’s journey as a servant of Christ began at a young age, when he left home at age 15 to become an Augustinian Canon. He studied theology and latin at the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Coimbra, before being named guestmaster of the abbey at 19 years old. Around that same time, some of the first members of the Order of the Friars Minor, which St. Francis had founded in 1206 AD, traveled to Coimbra to reside in a small hermitage outside of town. Fernando was attracted to their simple, evangelical lifestyle. Around 1220 AD, some of these friars went as missionaries to preach the Gospel in Morocco, where they were brutally killed for their faith. The bodies of the Franciscan martyrs were recovered, with their relics returning to Coimbra. Upon seeing the relics, Fernando felt an intense longing to join the Franciscan order, so that he too could set out and become one of those closest to Jesus: those who die for the Good News. Moved by the martyr’s heroic example, Fernando begged his superiors to allow him to depart, eventually receiving permission to join the Franciscan Order in their small hermitage in Olivais. He changed his name to Anthony, taken from the name of the chapel located at the hermitage, named in honor of Anthony the Great. In the same year he joined the Order, Anthony was sent on mission to Morocco to preach to the Moors. Shortly after arriving though, Anthony was struck with a severe illness, leaving him grievously weak. Resigned to return home, he boarded a ship back to Portugal. Unexpectedly, a storm drove the ship off-course, and the boat landed in Sicily. Anthony was given shelter by the Franciscans there, eventually residing in a quiet convent near Forli, where he spent most of his time praying, reading Scripture and doing small tasks around the kitchen. That all changed though, when Anthony attended an ordination ceremony, and the priest who was to give the sermon fell sick. One of the Franciscan superiors quickly asked the friars in attendance to fill in, but one-by-one, they excused themselves. Finally, Anthony was called upon, and in his humble nature, he accepted, and proceeded to speak with incredible eloquence, learning and passion that all in attendance were amazed. St. Francis took notice of Anthony’s preaching abilities, and commissioned him to not only preach throughout Italy, but also to teach theology to the other friars. Many traveled from far away to hear Anthony’s preaching, which was leading way to miracles left and right. Three stories in particular helped shape the legend of St. Anthony. First, his energetic defense of the Catholic faith led many lost heretics to return to the church, thus earning the nickname “Hammer of Heretics”. Secondly, one novice at the hermitage decided to leave the hermitage, and stole one of Anthony’s valuable books he used for teaching. When Anthony discovered it missing, he prayed it would be found or returned swiftly. Not only did the thief return the book, but he also returned to join the Order as well! Lastly, while staying the night at a man’s home, Anthony was found by the man holding in his arms the Child Jesus, surrounded by heavenly light. This is the reason St. Anthony is often depicted holding a young Jesus in his arms. He led the friars in Northern Italy for many more years before settling in the city of Padua to continue preaching and serving the Lord up to his death. Anthony fell ill and on June 13th, 1231 AD, received the last sacraments, all the while smiling in the distance saying “I see my Lord”. He died at 36 years old. St. Anthony of Padua is one of the quickest canonized Saints in the history of the Catholic Church, with Pope Gregory IX declaring him among the saints the very next year. He was revered by many for helping those who had lost God find Him again, and still today, many pray to Anthony to help them in finding what is lost. In 1946, Pope Pius XII officially recognized him as a Doctor of the Church. 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

St. Bernardine of Siena, a Franciscan preacher, was born in 1380 near Siena, Italy. Orphaned young, he joined the Confraternity of Our Lady and cared for plague victims before entering the Franciscans in 1402. Ordained in 1404, he lived as a hermit before beginning his renowned missionary work in 1417, preaching against immorality and promoting devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. Declining several bishoprics, he expanded the Franciscan order before resuming his missions. He died in 1444 at Aquila, where his remains were enshrined. He is often depicted holding “IHS,” symbolizing his devotion to the Holy Name. St. Bernardine of Siena Time Period: 1380-1444 Feast Day: May 20 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Franciscan Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Piece of Tunic St. Bernardine of Siena was a Franciscan preacher and missionary, known for his devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. Bernardine was born on September 8, 1380, at Massa Marittima, near Siena, Italy, the son of the governor and a member of the degli’Albrizzeschi family. He was orphaned at seven and raised by an aunt. At seventeen, Bernardine, or Bernardino, entered the Confraternity of Our Lady. At the age of twenty he operated the hospitals in Siena during an outbreak of plague. In 1402, Bernardine entered the Franciscans and was ordained a priest on September 8, 1404, preaching his first sermon on September 8, 1417. He lived as a hermit for twelve years before starting his missionary work. His first sermon attracted attention because of its eloquence and fervor, and he traveled throughout central and northern Italy, preaching against the immorality of the times. He was defended by Pope Martin V in 1427 when his enemies slandered him. The pope offered him the see of Siena, but Bernardine declined that and other dioceses. In 1430, he was elected vicar-general of the Franciscan Friars of the Strict Observance. Through his prayerful labors, he increased the order’s membership from three hundred to more than four thousand. In 1442, Bernardine resigned so that he could carry on his missionary labors. He was venerated as the foremost Italian missionary of his era, particularly in stirring devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. He died at Aquila on May 20, 1444, and his remains were enshrined there. He is depicted in liturgical art holding a sign with the letters “IHS,” denoting the Holy Name of Jesus. Small miters are often shown at his feet, representing the offices of bishop that he refused. Next Item Previous Item

Saint Teresa of Ávila was born Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada on March 28, 1515 in Ávila, Spain. At 16, she was sent by her father to be educated in a convent of Augustinian nuns, and she eventually joined the Carmelite Order. After a severe bout of Malaria and a series of striking visions, Teresa founded the Order of Discalced Carmelites, opening more than 30 convents in her lifetime. She is remembered as one of the great mystics of the Catholic faith, and is one of the four women to be named a Doctor of the Church. St. Teresa of Ávila Time Period: 1515-1582 Feast Day: October 15 Title/Attributes: Virgin, Doctor of the Church, Carmelite Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones The religious reformer known as Saint Teresa of Ávila was born Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada on March 28, 1515 in Ávila, Spain. She was the third child in a family descended from Jewish merchants who converted to Christianity. Growing up, Teresa was captivated by the thought of spending eternity with God, and she soon became intrigued by the lives of saints and martyrs. So infatuated was Teresa, that before she would even turn ten years old, she would try to run away from home to devote her life to Christ as a martyr in a Muslim country, although her uncle found her down the road and sent her back home to Beatrice, her mother. Beatrice would pass away when Teresa was 14, causing a profound grief that would initially prompt a stronger devotion to the Virgin Mary, but by the age of 16, Teresa was more focused on clothes, flirting and rebelling. This newfound interest in worldly matters, along with the strict religious standards imposed by her father, caused Teresa to have a harsh sense of self-judgement, considering herself a “miserable sinner.” It wasn’t long before her father noticed the loss of her childhood zeal for God, and decided Teresa would benefit from a change of scenery. She was sent to be educated in a convent of Augustinian nuns. While Teresa found their way of life dull at first, she grew to like religious life, and when the time came for her to choose between marriage or religious life, she became a nun of the Carmelite Order (a decision which she wrote was “the safest for someone as prone to sin as she was”). This decision though was in direct opposition of the will of her father, who was displeased by the easy-going nature of the Carmelite Convent. Indeed, the convent was not the pious, contemplative institution Teresa expected. Many women who had no place else to go would end up in the convent, whether they felt they had a vocation or not, and numerous women were accepted for purely financial reasons. Parties seemed to take priority over piety, and the convent became overcrowded with a steady stream of visitors, which caused Teresa to struggle to grow in her relationship with God or find time for quiet reflection. Shortly after becoming a nun, Teresa experienced a severe case of malaria that would leave her in great pain for years. She was bedridden for a long period of time, endured a four-day coma, and many were convinced she would not survive. However during this period of pain, she began her very first experiences of divine visions. Teresa described the sensation as an inner sense of peace that seemed to transcend the intense physical pain of the body. One of the more striking visions Teresa experienced came in the form of an angel who would appear holding a long, golden spear. The angel was smiling and gentle, so Teresa wasn’t frightened by him, but she was surprised when he thrust the spear into her heart. She simultaneously felt severe pain and sweet ecstasy from the spear, a symbol of God’s love. Writing in her autobiography, Teresa described the experience – “the sweetness of the pain was so surpassing that I couldn’t possibly wish to be rid of it. My soul couldn’t be content with anything but God.” Many clergy dissuaded her from pursuing the visions though, as they felt they were the delusions of the devil. Nonetheless, Teresa grew significantly in mental prayer during her recovery, but once back to health, her prayer life plateaued. Having lost the confidence to pray as she ought, she settled instead to lapse into a more routine prayer life. She would remain an obedient Carmelite, but struggle to establish a close personal connection to God for nearly twenty years. Around the age of 40, Teresa experienced a spiritual awakening, finding herself dramatically called back to the practice of contemplative mental prayer. Furthermore, she felt called to restore the Carmelite spirituality back to its original purpose: to live for God. She plunged back into her faith, emboldened to reform the Church. Teresa desired to found a new convent that refocused on the basics of contemplative prayer and poverty. Around the same time, she became close friends with a Spanish priest named Juan de Yepes y Álvarez, who would come to be known as St. John of the Cross. With his close collaboration, Teresa founded the Order of Discalced Carmelites. Discalced means barefoot, a term Teresa chose to symbolize the simplicity to which she wished to return the order. The move was met with intense opposition and scrutiny from public officials and religious leaders, who denounced her from the pulpit, started legal proceedings against her, and told her she should raise money for the convent she was already in. The bulk of the hostility came from the fact that the convent existed without endowment, but Teresa stood firm on the focus of poverty, and eventually the opposition waned. In 1562, with Pope Pius IV’s authorization, she opened the first convent of the Carmelite Reform, St. Joseph’s. Teresa would go on to found 30 more convents during her life, as St. John of the Cross was initiating the Carmelite Reform for men, opening the first monastery of the Primitive Rule in Duruelo Spain in 1568. Teresa’s health never fully recovered following her bout with malaria, and the rigors of opening more convents and traveling around Spain left her frail. However she never let her poor health dissuade her from her life’s mission, and she persevered through continued criticism, clashes with the Spanish Inquisition, and even an attempt to excommunicate her order. While traveling through Salamanca in 1582, her health failed her for the final time, and she accepted her illness as God’s chosen means for calling her into His presence forever. A fellow Carmelite described the hours before her passing: “She remained in this position in prayer full of deep peace and great repose. Occasionally she gave some outward sign of surprise or amazement. Her facial expression was so wondrously changed that it looked like a celestial body to us. Thus immersed in prayer, happy and smiling, she went out of this world into eternal life.” She died in October of 1582, at the age of 67. Teresa of Ávila was canonized on March 12, 1622, and in 1970, she received the prestigious title of Doctor of the Church by Pope St. Paul VI. She is only one of four women to have ever been proclaimed as such. Saint Teresa is remembered as one of the great mystics of the Catholic faith, and her writings are heralded as literary canon regarding Christian mysticism and Christian meditation. Her writings Way of Perfection and The Interior Castle have helped generations of faithful Christians grow in contemplative prayer to this day. Teresa lived in a tumultuous time, but was determined to stand on her own two feet, and boldly pursue the call of God. Enthusiastic, courageous, and outgoing, she brought about immense reform despite the opposition of poor health, political turmoil, and her own feelings of mediocrity. Yet she struggled forward, faithful until the end, to found monasteries, share the beauty of mental prayer, and fall into the embrace of the Lord. A Doctor of the Church 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

St. Aloysius Gonzaga, born in Italy in 1568, was a nobleman who renounced his title to join the Jesuits. He served as a page in the courts of Philip II of Spain and Francesco de Medici, where he was spiritually guided by St. Charles Borromeo. Despite his aristocratic upbringing, he chose a religious life, excelling in philosophy and mathematics. In 1590, he had a vision foretelling his death. During a famine-induced plague, he cared for the sick, contracted the illness, and died in 1591 after receiving last rites from St. Robert Bellarmine. He is honored as the patron of youth. St. Aloysius Gonzaga Time Period: 1568-1591 Feast Day: June 21 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Jesuit Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Aloysius Gonzaga was a scholar and patron of youth. He was born in Castiglione Castle in Italy on March 9, 1568. He was the eldest son of Ferdinand Gonzaga, the marquis of Mantua-Castiglione, and was sent to serve as a page in the court of King Philip II of Spain in 1581. He also served as a page in the court of Francesco de Medici and came under the spiritual guidance of St. Charles Borromeo. While in the court of Philip II, Aloysius decided to embrace the religious life, choosing the Discalced Carmelites at first and then the Jesuits. In 1584, he returned to Italy, where he won his father's approval to renounce his title and inheritance. He then presented himself to Claudius Acquaviva, the father general of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, on November 25, 1585. A brilliant man and both trained philosopher and mathematician, Aloysius earned honors at the University of Alcala. During his Jesuit novitiate, or early period of training, he was singled out for his intellect and for his piety. In 1590, he received a vision that declared he would die within a year. In the vision, the Archangel Gabriel led Aloysius and St. Anthony of Padua to heaven. When a famine developed in Italy, a form of plague swept across the land. Aloysius cared for the victims, contracted the plague, and died on June 21, 1591, after receiving the last rites from St. Robert Bellarmine. Next Item Previous Item