Advent is a time of joyful preparation and conversion leading up to Christmas Day and the season of Christmas that follows. The season of Advent is also a great time to return to the Church – if you’ve been away, please know that St. Anthony is always home, and we welcome you with open arms.
As we enter these four sacred weeks, we invite you to pray with us, serve with us, and rediscover the hope and peace that Christ brings.
Giving Opportunities
Angel Tree | Items due Dec. 6/7
We have two Angel trees located near both church entrances. Pick an angel tag from the tree and bring back the item (unwrapped) by Dec. 6/7. Gifts will benefit those in need through In the Image.
Boots & Shoes Drive | Dec. 6/7
Help those in need this winter with new boots and shoes! This annual drive will take place the weekend of Dec. 6/7.
Bring your pairs of boots & shoes and place them on the altar when you come to Mass. If you would like to drop off these items early, please bring them to the parish office.
White Socks & Plastic Reading Glasses | Items due Dec. 6/7
We are collecting white socks and plastic reading glasses for the incarcerated as part of the Prison & Jail Ministry of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. Please bring these items to the gathering space by the weekend of Dec. 6/7.
Advent Enrichment Opportunities
Bereavement Holiday Gathering | Dec. 6 at 10 a.m.
The holidays can be especially difficult when you are grieving the loss of a loved one. You are warmly invited to our Bereavement Holiday Gathering on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. – a gentle time of support and reflection for those who are grieving during this season.
More event details can be found here.
To RSVP, please contact Kelly Carey in the parish office at parishoffice@saparish.com or 616-453-8229.
O Holy Lights Christmas Festival | Dec. 6 from 5:30-8 p.m.
Celebrate the Advent & Christmas seasons with us on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 5:30-8 p.m. at St. Anthony. Enjoy a lighted/decorated Christmas tree walk, music and caroling, food and snacks, cookie decorating, and more!
Advent by Candlelight | Dec. 7 at 3 p.m.
All women of the parish are invited to join us for Advent by Candlelight from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7 in the saints room. This beautiful afternoon of reflection, fellowship, and prayer will help prepare
our hearts for the Advent season. Our guest speaker will be Guine Wagner, music teacher from Resurrection Catholic School in Lansing, MI.
More event details can be found here.
To RSVP, click here.
Immaculate Conception Masses | Dec. 8 at 8:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.
The solemnity of the Immaculate Conception celebrates Mary, preserved from sin from the first moment of her life, and invites us to rejoice in God’s grace as we continue our Advent journey. This is a holy day of obligation.
Monday, Dec. 8
8:30 a.m. Mass
7 p.m. Mass
Parish Rectory Open House | Dec. 12 from 6-9 p.m.
Sorry, kids – this one is for the adults! Join us for a fun evening at 1776 Acacia Drive NW (the parish rectory!) from 6:00-9:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12. Father Tony is hosting, and he invites all adults in the parish to socialize with other parishioners and enjoy some holiday cheer!
Breakfast with Santa | Dec. 14 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Join us in the cafeteria on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. for a delicious breakfast with family and friends. Donations are welcome to cover the cost of the breakfast. Be sure to get your cameras ready for a photo with Santa!
School Christmas Program | Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Our annual school Christmas Program will fill the church with beautiful music and Christmas joy on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Families are invited to join us for the evening performance at 6:30 p.m. in the church.
Religious Education Christmas Program | Dec. 21 at 10:15 a.m.
New this year! Religious Education students will share the story of Jesus’ birth with children dressed as the characters of the Nativity and a student choir leading us in beloved Christmas hymns. Join us in the church on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 10:15 a.m.
Celebrate the season of Christmas
We warmly invite you and your loved ones to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord with us this Christmas.
Christmas Eve | Wednesday, Dec. 24
4 p.m. • Children’s Mass (music starts at 3:30 p.m.)
7 p.m. • Candlelight Mass (music starts at 6:15 p.m.)
10 p.m. • Mass with a full choir (music starts at 9:30 p.m.)
Christmas Day | Thursday, Dec. 25
10 a.m. • Christmas Day Mass