The new St.
Anthony of Padua Parish was formed July 1 by the canonical merger of Our Lady
of Perpetual Help Parish in Windham, St. Anne Parish in Gorham, and St. Anthony
of Padua Parish in Westbrook. Parishioners voted on a name for the new parish,
and chose St. Anthony of Padua, which Bishop Robert Deeley approved. 
Priests from the new St. Anthony of Padua Parish lead a
procession helping to dedicate the recently merged
parish at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Windham
on July 16. SUBMITTED PHOTO
The new parish
features four worship sites including Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Windham,
the summer chapel of Our Lady of Sebago in Sebago, St. Anne in Gorham, and St.
Hyacinth in Westbrook.
Prior to the
merger, the parishes already shared the same priests and pastoral staff, but
the move will further strengthen their ties and, at the same time, reduce some
administrative work and costs.
“I think it’s
going to be good. I think there are some financial savings that will accrue to
all the parishes, and I hope that, in the spirit of ecumenism, we will support
each other, as we’re doing today,” said Paul Concannon of Knights of Columbus
Council 2219 in Westbrook.
While the merger
is, in some ways, an administrative move, Fr. Phillips said it is also about
bringing parishioners together as one family, and that is why he wanted to have
a celebration. Although the first St. Anthony Festival was held at Our Lady of
Perpetual Help Church, folks from the churches in Gorham and Westbrook also
volunteered and attended.
“It’s the first
time that we have come together as three churches under one parish. It’s the
first time that we’ve had to work together for one goal,” said Carol Kennie,
one of the festival organizers. “It’s been wonderful meeting everybody from the
other parishes on a more personal, casual level. It’s amazing the talent, the
interest, and the enthusiasm that we’ve had from everyone.”
Parishioners
agreed.
“I’m hoping we’re
all going to get to know each other. That’s the reason we’re having this,” said
Christine Lynch, who attends Our Lady of Perpetual Help. “It’s been a good
team, a good working team.”
The festival
began with a dedication Mass, during which Rev. Phillips blessed St. Anthony
medals and prayer cards, which were then distributed to
parishioners. Following the Mass, Deacon Dean Lachance carried a statue of
St. Anthony, leading a procession of priests and parishioners to an outdoor St.
Anthony Shrine, where people placed devotional candles.
The Friday
evening festivities concluded with a light reception of appetizers, sangria,
beer, and other beverages.
On Saturday, the
St. Anthony Festival featured live music; booths with handmade items, jewelry,
and books; a silent auction with items such as bicycles, kayaks, and a homemade
quilt; a yard sale; raffles; and lots of food, including homemade meatball
sandwiches, clam cakes, fried dough, hamburgers and hotdogs, and pizza. You
could also buy a s’mores kit and roast them over a fire pit, and after a break
for 4 p.m. Mass, members of Knights of Columbus Council 10020 in Windham put on
a chicken barbecue dinner.
“We’re working
the whole day. We’re working the yard sale. We’re helping with the other
concessions, and we’re doing the chicken barbecue dinner,” said Charlie Bougie,
Grand Knight of the Windham council. “We’re a pretty active council, and we do
whatever we can, but this is the first opportunity for us to be a faith
community that includes the other churches, and we’re up for that anytime.”
Bougie and the other volunteers said they are excited about the newly formed parish.
“I think it’s
wonderful, and with the fact that St. Anthony is in charge, we’ll help all the
lost souls,” said Bougie.
Some parishioners
said they liked meeting new people.
“I think it’s
fabulous,” said Rita Smith, who normally attends St. Hyacinth Church in
Westbrook. “We need to unify our church and get new ideas from different
corners and just celebrate together.”
Although the
merger took place July 1, it has been in the works for months. The process
included informational sessions with parishioners, which resulted in a proposal
being presented to the bishop, whose approval was needed.
The bishop
consulted with the Presbyteral Council and received the consent of both the
College of Consultors and the Diocese of Portland’s Finance Council before
agreeing to let the merger proceed. There was then a two-week window in
which people could appeal the decision.
To reach the new St. Anthony of Padua Parish, call 207-857-0490. <
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