Carnival supports our ministry
To the Editor:
McAnthony Window at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Davenport is one of the longest-running and most impactful ministries in the Diocese of Davenport. Since the days of Father James Conroy and Sister Ludmilla Benda, RSM, our parish has served the homeless and those who cannot afford basic needs in the Quad Cities five days a week, year-round. Last year we served 28,141 hot meals. We expect that number to surpass 30,000 this year.
Through our ministry of presence, volunteers get to know our patrons better. We have expanded our efforts to include a food pantry, clothing, bus tokens and Hispanic food products. Last year we fed 54,762 through the food pantry and provided 24,921 bus tokens.
We feed people in more ways than just physically. We have a 24/7 prayer center with Bibles, rosaries, palm crosses and books by Catholic authors such as Matthew Kelly. We have an online group that prays for prayer requests we receive. During our operating hours, we have an AA group that meets twice a week and we offer self-help courses in personal finance, job coaching and conscientiousness building for success in life and work.
You can help support this work by attending our Kermes/Carnival fundraiser Sunday, Sept. 10, which runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at 417 N. Main St. Live entertainment includes two bands, The Quad Cities Ballet Folklorico and much more. We’ll serve pambazos, gorditas, tortas, enchiladas with rice and beans, tacos, corn, chicharrones, Elotes, fresh fruit and desserts including tres leches cake and drinks aguas frescas. New this year – Nachos Supreme, Golden Potato Tacos and Mangonadas. Kids games, raffles, music and more takes place on the street in front of the church.
For more information, visit our website at www.stanthonysdavenportiowa.org/ or call the parish office at (563) 322-3303.
John Cooper, pastoral associate
St. Anthony Catholic Church, Davenport
