2007: ST. ANTHONY PARISH COMMUNITY ROOM

When I retire completely, I intend to write a book. It probably will be of interest only to "locals" but one of the chapters in the book will be devoted to the countless hours I spent as a parishioner, Lector, Music provider, Eucharistic Minister, Holy Name Society President, PTA President. I will be sure to include detailed stories relating my favorite "men of the cloth" at St. Anthony during my years there, the "Iron Mike," Monsignor Michael P. McCorristin, and then-Father Leonard Toomey, Father Liam Minogue, Father Danny Cahill, and my favorite Nun, Sister Dolora, who was instrumental in organizing my "Wings of Song" scriptural music singers.
My PTA and Holy Name Society tenure brings to mind the beautifully restored "church basement" we see in the photo above. Back in the 1960's when my 3 children attended St. Anthony Grammar School, the basement was in very poor condition with hard to clean asphalt tile flooring, water-stained walls, and dilapidated furniture. It was in this room that we hosted countless PTA and Holy Name Society events. Those who are my contemporaries will recall that the mirror finish on that floor and the beautiful NEW tables were not part of our experience. Indeed, a number of our tables collapsed while events were in progress. You'll have to wait for my book for the detailed stories, but I have a million of them, including the demise of our wonderful guitar singing group, Wings of Song" which was formed to entice the younger generation to Mass.

1937: ST. ANTHONY TRENTON - HOLY NAME SOCIETY

One of the very stark differences in society of our fathers and mothers was the incredible attention citizens gave to civic affairs. In this case, a situation with which I am very familiar. Going through the news stories of years gone by, it becomes obvious that local clubs, societies, lodges, and other neighborhood affairs were very well attended and supported. As society progressed and hundreds of distractions became a part of living, the support lessened, lessened, and then nearly vanished. The article above is an excellent example of the support the parishioners at St. Anthony Church gave to just one of the societies; in this case, the Holy Name Society. As a past President of that august group during the 1980's I can attest to the fact that by the time I came on the scene, attendance at Holy Name Society meetings had dwindled down to a pitiful few senior citizens. Like the old fashioned custom of sitting on the front porch and communicating with the neighbors, football, baseball, television and other distractions now take the place of community and neighborhood togetherness.

1934: ST. ANTHONY HOLY NAME SOCIETY

I WAS PRESIDENT OF THE ST. ANTHONY HOLY NAME SOCIETY WHEN I WAS A PARISHIONER THERE. HOWEVER, THE SUPPORT FOR THE SOCIETY BACK THEN WAS MEAGER TO SAY THE LEAST. EACH YEAR, WE TRAVELED OVER TO ST. RAPHAEL'S IN YARDVILLE FOR THE ANNUAL MONSIGNOR CREAN BREAKFAST. THE EVENT OUTLINED IN THE ACCOMPANYING EVOLVED INTO THE ANNUAL ST. RAPHAEL EVENT.