History of St. Anthony of Padua Parish

“Chotis Dingreña”, considered as the municipal dance, originated from Alabaan, Dingras, Ilocos Norte, as contained in a literature used by folk dance instructors all over the country. Today, it can be claimed as “Chotis Marcoseña” because Alabaan is now part of the new town and parish called Marcos.

The southern portion of the hometown of many priests was blooming to become the rice granary of Dingras. With the quality and quantity of harvest vis-à-vis the industry of the people, the area would become the site for a new municipality. Through a bill sponsored by then Representative Simeon M. Valdez, the town of Marcos was created by virtue of Republic Act 3753. Six big barrios (Biding, Capariaan, Alabaan, Agunit, Culao and Ragas) were carved out of Dingras to form the new town, named after Mariano Marcos in recognition of his heroism even before his son Ferdinand would ascend to the Presidency. As the town progressed, the six barrios were further subdivided into the present 13 barangays mostly named after the first names of the Marcos clan (Lydia, Imelda, Mabuti, Valdez, Daquioag, Fortuna, Pacifico, Tabucbuc, Santiago, Ferdinand, Elizabeth and Cacafean).

Sensitive to the pastoral needs of the industrious people, the first bishop of Laoag, the late Archbishop Antonio Ll. Mabutas canonically erected the parish on June 13, 1966 – the date of his birth and feast of his patron, “San Antonio de Padua” – and considered the youngest for the next 33 years. (Sta. Rosa was erected in 1999, immediately before Bishop Abaya assumed the See of Nueva Segovia.) The barangay chapel of Alabaan, being the only one in the area was converted into a parish church. Gradually, more and more parishioners learned to come for mass including the taga-daya (those coming from the barangays east of the Padsan River). The small church was becoming smaller and smaller. There was no more space to expand; to the west a cliff ends the hill were the church is suspended, to the east the busy national road often became the starting point of marching couples at weddings, to the north the houses provided the resident priest neighbors at a hearing distance, and to the south another cliff ends the portion where the rectory is built. Until the thought of constructing a larger church on a higher hill where the town’s Poblacion was built, a lot with a down sloping terrain was donated by Dr. Magdalena Leaño when Fr. Jojo Saturnino was parish priest. The open diamond-shaped church with a unique architectural design was consecrated in 1996 by Bishop Abaya when the parish hosted the Christ the King celebration under the leadership of Fr. Walde Batoon. Travelling about 4 kilometers from the new parish church to his residence, and with the support of the parishioners, Fr. Ian Rabago spearheaded the construction of a huge and well-equipped rectory, blessed on July 1, 1999. The new parish church, now at the heart of the town is a witness to the growing number of active parishioners, who found difficulty going to the southernmost barangay Fortuna.

The following priests are well-remembered by Marcoseños: Rev. Amador Foz (1966-67), Rev. Damaso Argel (1967-69), +Rev. Adriano Lagoc (1969-73), Rev. Jose Agustin (1973), Rev. Teodoro Remigio (1973-77), Rev. Mario Garaza (1977-81), Rev. Richard Antonio (1981-84), Rev. Pedro A. Acoba (1984-86), Rev. Emil Valenciano (1986-89), Rev. Jojo Saturnino (1989-92), Rev. Romualde D. Batoon (1992-97), Rev. Noel Ian G. Rabago (1997-2001), Rev. Anthony Dimagiba as Parochial Administrator (2001), Rev. Tranquilino Santos (2002-2008), and Rev. Joey Ranjo (2008-2009).

by Rev. Noel Ian G. Rabago

Eucharist

As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. Parishioners and visitors to St. Anthony are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour.

If you or someone in your family is ill, Holy Communion can be delivered to your home by one of the St. Anthony Extraordinary Ministers of Communion.

Communion for the Sick
If you or a family member is ill or otherwise homebound and cannot attend Mass to receive communion, please call the rectory at 676-1201 to arrange for one of our Ministers to the Sick to bring the Eucharist to your home.

First Communion for Children
Children who are at least in the 4th grade are prepared for reception of the Eucharist during the course of their Christian Education classes in their school.

For inquiries, please call the parish office/rectory.

Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly called Extreme Unction, The Last Rites, or The Anointing, is for the elderly, the seriously ill, or those scheduled for surgery. The rite of Healing is offered by special appointment.

Call the rectory, 676-1201, if someone needs to have a priest visit the home.

Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (formerly called confession) is offered weekdays before or after the 6:30 a.m. mass and on Saturday mornings from 9:00 to 10:00.

The confessional is located in the Church chapel.

Private confessions can be scheduled by contacting the Parish office at 676-1201.

Confirmation

St. Anthony Catholic Church offers Confirmation for both teens and adults.

Since the bishop is the only ordinary minister of the sacrament, parishioners who would like to be confirmed must inquire from the parish office regarding details.

In the diocese, confirmations are customarily offered in the context of parish fiesta celebrations. Nevertheless, St. Anthony Church is in the process of preparing a formation program for candidates for confirmation celebrated apart from the parish fiesta.

Baptism

Parishioners are invited and encouraged to have their children baptized at St. Anthony Catholic Church. The Diocese of Laoag requires that parents and godparents must participate in the baptismal preparation program prior to the celebration of baptism.

Baptisms are celebrated on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Parents must contact the Parish office at 676-1201 or visit the Parish office to register and should be prepared to provide the office the original Birth Certificate of the candidate for baptism and information regarding the godparents. The Parish staff will provide information regarding the baptism, the pre-sacramental seminar, and the baptismal ceremony.

Fees:
Parents' fee: Php 200.00
Parents' fee (when the baptism is celebrated outside the parish schedule): Php 400.00
Sponsor's fee: Php 100.00

The New Pastor's Appointment Letter

A P P O I N T M E N T

By virtue of the faculty vested in me by canon 523, I,
by the Grace of God and Favor of the Apostolic See, Bishop of Laoag,
hereby appoint you

REV. NOLASCO M. PASCUA, JR.

PARISH PRIEST
of ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA PARISH,
Marcos, Ilocos Norte

whom I judge to be outstanding in sound doctrine and uprightness of character and endowed with zeal for souls and other virtues. I commit to you the full care of souls in that Parish with all the faculties, duties, rights and privileges according to the Code of Canon Law, Diocesan statutes, and approved consuetude.

I urge the clergy and our lay faithful to give you all the cooperation and consideration you need and show you the respect due to a minister of God.

This Letter of Appointment takes effect as of June 15, 2009 and is valid for three (3) years or until revoked by me or my successor.

Given this 15th day of June 2009, at the Chancery Office, Bishop’s Residence, Laoag City, duly signed and affixed with the seal of the Diocese.



(SGD.) + SERGIO L. UTLEG
Bishop of Laoag

Mass Schedule

All masses are celebrated in the Parish Church, unless otherwise indicated.

Mass Schedules shown here are for regularly scheduled masses held at St. Anthony Catholic Church throughout the year.

Sundays
6:30 a.m. (Brgy. Fortuna Chapel)
8:30 a.m.
4:00 p.m. (Barangay)

1st Sunday: Brgy. Elizabeth
2nd Sunday: Brgy. Escoda
3rd Sunday: Brgy. Tabucbuc
4th Sunday: Brgy. Pacifico

Saturdays [Vigil/Anticipated Sunday Mass]
4:00 p.m. (Barangay)

2nd Saturday: Brgy. Santiago
3rd Saturday: Brgy. Ferdinand
4th Saturday: Brgy. Mabuti

Weekdays
Monday - Friday
5:00 p.m.

Note: There is no mass at 5:00 p.m. on days when there is a scheduled wedding or funeral mass.
Holy Days of Obligation
8:30 a.m.

Confessions
Weekdays: Before or after the weekday mass in the afternoon
Saturdays: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Contact the parish office for special schedule.

Office Hours

Tuesday through Saturday
8:00 am - 12:00 nn
1:30 pm - 5:00 pm

CONTACT INFORMATION

Church and Office Address:
Brgy. Lydia
Marcos, Ilocos Norte 2907
Phone Number: (077) 676-1201
Email: stanthonymarcos@gmail.com
Mailing Address:
Brgy. Lydia
Marcos, Ilocos Norte 2907

Staff:
Pastor - Reverend Nolasco "Tom" M. Pascua, Jr.
Secretary - Ms. Tessie

DONATIONS

CLICK HERE TO SEE DONATIONS ALREADY MADE TO ST. ANTHONY CHURCH.

Contributions to St. Anthony Catholic Church support our many ministries and community efforts. Contributions also help to maintain our Parish grounds and buildings.

Contributions may be made on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Call the Parish Office at (077) 676-1201 for additional information.

Contributions may be remitted to the following accounts:
Parish Fund: Security Bank Account No. 0693-499420-002
Faith Formation Fund/Catechetical Fund: Security Bank Account No. 0693-499420-003

Donations by Check:
Make checks payable to "St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Marcos, Ilocos Norte". Deposit checks in the collection baskets during any Mass, or mail to: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Brgy. Lydia, Marcos, Ilocos Norte 2907.

All contributions will be properly receipted.

PARISH

St. Anthony Parish is a Roman Catholic Parish in Ilocos Norte, Pihilippines. Established in 1966 it supports an active, involved, inclusive and welcoming community, inspired by the love of Jesus Christ.

The Parish is called to bring all people of God together in worship; to declare our belief in God's love, based upon the teaching of Jesus Christ; and to celebrate and grow in our relationship with God.

Learn more:
Staff
Office Hours
Mass Schedule
Directions to the Church
History of St. Anthony Church
Parish Councils and Commissions
Religious Organizations and Movements
View Photos of Some of Our Events

MINISTRIES

St. Anthony of Catholic Church is an active community, inclusive and welcoming. Our mission is to bring all people of God together in worship; to declare our belief in God's love, based upon the teaching of Jesus Christ; and to celebrate and grow in our relationship with God.

The Parish has many ministries in which parishioners are encouraged to participate.

The Ministries of St. Anthony are:
Liturgical Ministries
. Ministry of the Word
. Eucharistic Ministry
. Hospitality Ministry
. Ministry to the Sick and Homebound
. Music Ministry
Philanthropic Ministries
Caregiving Ministries
. Bereavement Ministry
. Church Linen Ministry
Faith Formation Ministries
. School-based Christian Education
Social Ministries

SACRAMENTS

The Latin word Sacramentum means "a sign of the sacred." The sacraments are the signs that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. They are special ways of experiencing God's saving presence. That's what theologians mean when they say Sacraments are at the same time signs and instruments of God's grace.

The Sacraments at St. Anthony are:
Baptism
Confirmation
Eucharist
Reconciliation
Marriage
Holy Orders
Anointing of the Sick

St. Anthony of Padua

St. Anthony is one of the most popular saints in the Church. He is the patron of lost things and numerous other causes. In Brazil, he is considered a general of the army; he is the patron of the poor and has been recognized as a wonderworker from the moment of his death.
He was born in Portugal and entered the Augustinian monastery of Sao Vicente in Lisbon when he was fifteen. When news of the Franciscan martyrs in Morocco reached him, he joined the Franciscans at Coimbra. At his own request, he was sent as a missionary to Morocco, but he became ill, and on his return journey his boat was driven off course and he landed in Sicily. He took part in St. Francis' famous Chapter of Mats in 1221 and was assigned to the Franciscan province of Romagna.

He became a preacher by accident. When a scheduled preacher did not show up for an ordination ceremony at Forli, the Franciscan superior told Anthony to go into the pulpit. His eloquence stirred everyone, and he was assigned to preach throughout northern Italy. Because of his success in converting heretics, he was called the "Hammer of Heretics" and because of his learning, St. Francis himself appointed him a teacher of theology. St. Anthony of Padua was such a forceful preacher that shops closed when he came to town, and people stayed all night in church to be present for his sermons. He became associated with Padua because he made this city his residence and the center of his great preaching mission.

After a series of Lenten sermons in 1231, Anthony's strength gave out and he went into seclusion at Camposanpiero but soon had to be carried back to Padua. He did not reach the city but was taken to the Poor Clare convent at Arcella, where he died. He was thirty-six years old, and the whole city of Padua turned out in mourning for his passing.

He was canonized within a year of his death and was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XII in 1946.

-Adapted

Happy fiesta!

Warm fiesta greetings go out to all parishioners and devotees of St. Anthony of Padua.
May the day of our patron be fruitful for all of us!