About a dozen students from St. Anthony School, Central Catholic High and St. Mary’s High found time recently to volunteer their services to the Feast of St. Anthony luncheon.

The special event was hosted by Sister Ann Venita Britto and her Ministry of Caring.

“Our young people are the ones who helped make (the luncheon) a success,” Sister Ann said.

Many were products of the nearby Catholic elementary school, including Dwight Jackson.

“We’re used to serving here,” said the incoming St. Mary’s ninth-grade student.

Madison and Savannah Jackson along with Sarah Alviso are current St. Anthony students. They often look forward to serving those from the likes of St. Jude Care Center (formerly Palm Haven Care Center), Prestige Senior Living, Merrill Garden, The Commons, Valley CAPS, and Almond Blossom, to name a few.

They’re also receiving credit for volunteer hours necessary for Confirmation.

All three will be eighth-graders in the fall, and are scheduled to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in about eight months.

Meanwhile, St. Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of lost articles.

Born to a wealthy family in Lisbon, Portugal, he became a Catholic priest of the Franciscan Order, and died on June 13, 1231 in Padua, Italy.

This date also marks the Feast of St. Anthony, with Sister Ann and her Ministry of Caring celebrating the event a few days earlier.

Mary and Ralph Donges were among the regulars attending the luncheon.

“We go every time Sister Ann hosts one of these lunches,” Mary Donges said.

She and her husband of over 60 years were treated to a sit-down pasta meal prepared by Tony and Ida Queirolo.

With it also came with fellowship, raffle prizes, plenty of goodies, and entertainment as provided by the parish musical group, JRP & Company.