Saint Anthony

St. Anthony's, Berwick, Nova Scotia

On Nov 25, 1956, St Anthony's Church, Berwick and St. Monica's Church, Aylesford were blessed and dedicated as Mission churches of St. Joseph's, Kentville. The population of parishoners continued to increase and on Nov 6, 1960, Bishop Albert Lemenager of Yarmouth officially created the new Parish of St Anthony of Padua at Berwick.

English Mass on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

St. Anthony's, Berwick, Nova Scotia

Church History Prior to the establishment of St. Anthony's Parish in 1960, Roman Catholics at Berwick, Aylesford, Cambridge and Morden were served by priests of St. Joseph's, Kentville. With an influx of Roman Catholics during and after World War II. Mass was celebrated at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Boylan. Mrs. Harriet Heffler became Catechist for the children of the area. As numbers increased and pastoral needs intensified, it became apparent that West Kings needed a Church or Churches. On Nov 25, 1956, St Anthony's Church, Berwick and St. Monica's Church, Aylesford were blessed and dedicated as Mission churches of St. Joseph's, Kentville. The population of parishoners continued to increase and on Nov 6, 1960, Bishop Albert Lemenager of Yarmouth officially created the new Parish of St Anthony of Padua at Berwick with St Monica's at Aylesford and the churches of St. Bernadette at the Cambridge Reserve and Stella Maris at Morden as it's missions. .The first Pastor and resident priest of the new Parish was Father Yvon Guerin. In order to meet the growing need for Pastoral care in the area, the Sisters of Notre Dame du Sacre Coeur helped immensely in the areas of Catechetics and Social Action. They were followed by the Sisters of Charity. However, both groups were called back to their Religious Orders because of decrease in vocations. The necessity of rebuilding the present Church structure took place in two phases: Phase one of insulating and refurbishing the interior began in 1985 and was completed in 1986. Phase two of expansion to meet the dire need of more space for worship and religious education began in 1987 and was completed in 1988. Once again, as the Parish outgrew existing facilities, there was a need for more space for religious education; accessibility for the physically challenged and older parishioners; accommodations for concerts, receptions and workshops; more washroom facilities; and adequate kitchen space. A decision to build a Parish Centre was made by the parishioners on Sept 6-7, 1997 and on April 4, 1998, the first sod was turned by Mayor Prall, Ted Peters and Fr. Gerald Saulnier. Construction began April 17th. 1998 and the project was completed on September 22, 1998. The Grand Opening and Blessing of the Centre took place on Septemeber 27, 1998. A time capsule containing memorabilia of Parish history, pictures, list of clergy who served the Parish, local news clippings and several letters to future parishioners will be opened in the year 2023. A bronze plaque has been erected on the Centre with the following inscription : "St. Anthony's Parish Centre Dedicated to all Pastos and Parishioners whose faith in God, hope in Jesus, and love for neighbor have been the cornerstone of St. Anthony's Christian Mission. 27 September, 1998."