The Catholic Daughters of the Americas: Court Easton #358
Overview
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas stands as one of the largest and oldest national organizations for Catholic women in the Americas. Demonstrating a strong legacy of faith and service, the organization provides a network for women committed to spiritual growth and community involvement.
Court Easton #358
Established in 1919, Court Easton #358 represents the Lehigh Valley region. Members gather on the first Wednesday of each month, from April through November, at 6:00 PM in the Parish Center’s Social Hall. These monthly meetings offer an opportunity for fellowship, planning, and collaboration.
Mission and Activities
Guided by the motto “Unity and Charity,” Catholic Daughter women foster camaraderie and dedicate themselves to serving the community. Their efforts include supporting National, State, and local charities, organizing an annual education contest, managing a scholarship program, and offering assistance to local seminarians. Through these activities, the members demonstrate their commitment to making a positive impact both within and beyond their parish.
If you have questions or are interested in joining, please email Chris Curto or call 610-972-5629
Choir – Our Lady of Mercy: Lifting Spirits, Uniting Voices
Enhancing Worship Through Music
At Our Lady of Mercy, liturgical music plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community and spiritual connection during all weekend Masses as well as special liturgies throughout the year. The music selected spans a broad range of styles, drawing from centuries of sacred tradition while also embracing works composed in the present day. This inclusive approach enriches the worship experience and invites participation from all members of the congregation.
Join the Music Ministry
We warmly welcome new singers to join our choirs. If you can carry a tune, you are invited to participate—formal musical training is not a requirement. To express your interest, please contact the Our Lady of Mercy Parish Office at 610-252-7381 and let us know the best way to reach you. We look forward to singing with you soon!
Choir – St. Anthony of Padua: Enriching Our Parish Through Song and Fellowship
At St. Anthony’s, we take great pride in our choir and the vibrant role it plays within our parish community. Each Sunday throughout the Church year, the choir leads the congregation in song at the 10:30 AM Mass, uplifting our worship with music and fellowship.
Special Events and Services
In addition to our weekly commitment, the choir collaborates with the Youth Group for the Living Stations, a moving tradition held annually in St. Anthony’s Church. This event provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect and participate in the Passion of Christ through song and narration.
We also participate in Advent Vespers during the third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday. Advent Vespers is a cherished occasion for our parish to join together in joyful anticipation of the Christmas season through prayerful music.
Rehearsals and Membership
Choir rehearsals are held every Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM in the Church. We warmly invite all who are interested to join us—no prior experience is necessary. As it is often said, “singing is praying twice.” By becoming a member of the choir, you will experience the blessing of contributing to our parish’s worship in a special and meaningful way.
For more information, please email the director of music, Joseph Fink
♫ For more of our music, please visit bit.ly/stanthonyschoir ♫
Coro Parroquial (Spanish Choir)
Liturgical Music Ministry
The Spanish Choir plays a vital role in the worship life of the community by providing liturgical music at both Sunday and Wednesday Masses. In addition to these regular services, the choir also participates in special bi-lingual liturgies held throughout the year, enriching the spiritual experience of the congregation.
Rehearsals and Collaboration
Choir practices are scheduled before each Mass, allowing members to prepare and refine the musical selections for worship. The group actively collaborates with other choirs, fostering unity and shared purpose in the creation of uplifting worship experiences.
Mission and Involvement
The primary goal of the Spanish Choir is to glorify God through music, enhancing the liturgical life of the parish. Members are encouraged to contribute their musical talents in service to the Church, making the choir an essential part of worship within the Spanish-speaking community.
Invitation to Join
The choir warmly welcomes new voices and instrumentalists at any time. Participation offers a meaningful way to serve and share in the community’s worship through music.
For more information, please email Damian Rodriguez
Club de Lectura
Purpose and Mission
Club de Lectura is dedicated to fostering prayer, promoting spiritual insight, and encouraging the pursuit of deeper knowledge. The group welcomes individuals who are seeking to enrich their spiritual lives through meaningful engagement with scripture and faith-based literature.
Meeting Details
The club gathers every Sunday morning at 10:00 AM in the Parish Center. These regular meetings provide a consistent opportunity for members to come together, build community, and support one another in their spiritual journeys.
Current Focus
The present focus of Club de Lectura is a Bible study centered on scripture. Participants from all backgrounds are invited to join in reading, reflecting, and sharing their perspectives. This approach allows for a rich exchange of ideas and interpretations, deepening everyone’s understanding of the texts.
Community and Inclusivity
Whether someone is just beginning their journey in spiritual literature or has years of experience, Club de Lectura offers an engaging environment. The community is eager to grow together in faith and understanding, making it a welcoming space for all who wish to participate.
For more information, please email Ana Cabrera
Coffee & The Word
Weekly Study Group Overview
Coffee & The Word is a weekly gathering dedicated to studying the Holy Scriptures in preparation for the upcoming Sunday liturgies. The group meets every Tuesday at the Gathering Place, located within the St. Anthony of Padua Parish Center.
Schedule and Activities
Doors open at 9:00 AM, offering attendees a chance to enjoy coffee, tea, and engaging conversation with fellow participants. The scripture study session officially begins at 9:30 AM, providing an opportunity for in-depth discussion and reflection.
For more information, please email Valerie Hollingsworth
Comite Hispano: Supporting Hispanic Integration and Spiritual Growth
Mission and Focus
Comite Hispano is dedicated to adapting its focus to address the evolving needs of our community. The committee’s primary aim is to support Spanish-speaking individuals in fully integrating into Catholic Church rituals and Sacramental celebrations.
Annual Review and Activity Implementation
Each year, Comite Hispano conducts a thorough review of the community’s needs and implements a series of approved activities. This continuous process ensures that all initiatives remain relevant and effective in fostering community engagement and spiritual development.
Spiritual Plan Development
The committee is actively developing a comprehensive spiritual plan designed to nurture spiritual growth. This plan features workshops and retreats that provide opportunities for deeper spiritual reflection and community building.
Community Support and Events
Comite Hispano offers support through the organization of food sales and raffles, which help fund community activities. The committee also provides full backing for Spanish and bilingual spiritual retreats, ensuring that spiritual enrichment is accessible to a wider audience.
Parish Celebrations and Cultural Integration
Additionally, Comite Hispano assists in coordinating parish feasts throughout the year. By integrating cultural activities into parish life, the committee serves as a vital bridge, fostering unity and celebrating the rich traditions of the Hispanic community within the parish.
For more information, please email Daysi Diaz
Contemplative Prayer Group
Meeting Schedule and Location
The Contemplative Prayer Group gathers twice a month, specifically on the first and fourth Tuesdays, at the St. Anthony of Padua Parish Center Chapel. This consistent schedule provides an opportunity for participants to come together in a dedicated, sacred space.
Purpose and Spiritual Practice
At each meeting, members join in prayerful reflection, focusing on the Psalms as a means to pursue spiritual growth and cultivate interior stillness. The group’s approach is rooted in quiet contemplation, creating a peaceful atmosphere for all who attend.
Community Outreach
Although the group values silence and inward reflection, their commitment to living out their faith extends beyond prayer. On occasion, they support the Easton Area Catholic Helping Hands—previously known as the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank—through charitable donations, demonstrating compassion and service to the wider community.
Welcoming Environment
The setting for these gatherings is intentionally peaceful and reflective, making it an ideal environment for individuals drawn to contemplative prayer. The group extends a warm welcome to new members and non-parishioners alike, inviting anyone interested in deepening their spiritual journey to join.
For more information, please email Maryann Kearns
Crusillo de Christiandad
Overview
The Cursillo de Cristiandad is a Catholic program designed to deepen participants’ faith through a structured, three-day retreat. The term “Cursillo” translates from Spanish as “a short course,” reflecting the program’s focus on intensive spiritual growth through prayer, reflection, and the formation of a supportive faith community.
Regular Meetings
After completing the initial retreat, participants gather for regular meetings held on Sundays from 1:30 PM to 3:15 PM, running from September through May. These meetings take place at Our Lady of Mercy Social Hall. Attendance is open to both past retreat attendees and individuals interested in strengthening their faith journey.
Additional Activities
Beyond the weekly gatherings, the group actively participates in diocesan classes, summer events, and fundraising efforts. A portion of the proceeds from these fundraising activities benefits the parish, further supporting the faith community.
For more information, please email Ana Cabrera