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Lenten services at St. Anthony & St. Patricks churches
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St. Anthony of Padua in Manteca and St. Patrick’s Church in Ripon are offering several opportunities for area faithful to observe Lent and prepare for the risen Christ on Easter.
Two of the events feature internationally known speakers Terry Barber and Dr. Allen Hunt. The third event is the annual Taize, an ecumenical service of prayers and songs highighted by moments of silence and personal reflection.
The lenten reflection, led by Barber, and the Taize prayer will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Manteca.
Barber, who is a popular Catholic speaker, author, and radio personality, will be appearing on Saturday, March 10, beginning at 12:30 p.m. He will be sharing reflections focusing on how the faithful can enhance and deepen their Lenten observance.
Since the 1980s, Barber has been instrumental in helping promote Catholic radio. At that time, there were only five Catholic stations throughout the United States. He currently co-hosts “Reasons for Faith Live” on EWTN Radio with Jesse Romero. The program is heard on more than 170 radio stations all over the U.S.
A pioneer of Catholic evangelization, he is the founder of St. Joseph’s Communications and the Catholic Resource Center. He is also co-founder and chairman of the board of Lighthouse Catholic Media.
In the past three decades, he has distributed more than 25 million inspirational Catholic audio CDs and DVDs, touching millions of lives.
Barber’s special appearance at St. Anthony of Padua is being made through the auspices of the Santo Nino Ministry.
The Taize is set for Wednesday, March 14, starting at 7 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua.
In Ripon at St. Patrick’s, Dynamic Catholic will bring nationally known speaker Hunt in a Lenten presentation titled, “Find Your Greatness: Four habits that will transform your life,” on Saturday, March 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program will be held in the church located at 19399 E. Highway 120 in Ripon. Tickets for this event are $25 per person and may be purchased at DynamicCatholic.com or by calling 859.980.7900.
“Our lives change when our habits change. Based on Matthew Kely’s book, ‘The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic,’ this half-day event will introduce you to four simple habits that will help you reach your full potential,” according to the advance notice about the speaker’s topics.

Ecumenical Taize a joint
service by area churches
The Taize is an annual service of prayer and meditation present jointly by St. Anthony of Padua, Manteca Presbyterian Church, St. Paul’s Methodist, and Northgate Community Church. Hosted by Manteca Presbyterian last year, it is being held for the third time this Lent at St. Anthony of Padua, 505 E. North Street.
Here’s what to expect at this ecumenical prayer, according to the organizers:
uencounter God’s love and mercy;
udraw upon the wisdom from the Word of God, the guidance for your life;
udeepen your faith and strengthen your hope;
ureconcile your relationship with God and with one another; and,
useek for a peaceful mind and heart.
Originating in the Taize region during the dark days of World War II, this ecumenical prayer opportunity has since continued to attract thousands of people from all over the world, from various walks of life.
Last year’s service was hosted by Manteca Presbyterian Church. Before that, it was held at St. Paul’s Methodist Church. The public is invited to attend.