Several St. Anthony teachers, staff and students, who are also part of the Padua community, hold the sign made by Bruins.
The Padua community has found a number of ways to support its partner school, St. Anthony of Padua, following the arson that occurred on their campus on Saturday, February 19, 2022. Padua’s administration reached out to St. Anthony’s leaders immediately offering anything they needed, from school counselors to student helpers.
Several Bruins, which included some St. Anthony alumni, volunteered at the school’s supply drive, where three box trucks full of items were collected for students, teachers and classrooms. Padua Football players helped to unload and move donations into St. Bridget of Kildare, which is their temporary location for the remainder of this school year.
Padua faculty and staff collected more than $2,500 in gift cards to local restaurants and gas stations, which were distributed to St. Anthony teachers and staff. Padua students painted a sign that read “Padua Bruins Love the Cougars” and the whole student body signed it to express their love and support. It was delivered on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 once school was back in session. The sign is now on display at St. Bridget.
Padua Prayer Blankets were distributed to parish and school leaders. Padua continues to pray for the Cougar community every day during morning announcements and at Mass.
St. Anthony Pastor Father Dale Staysniak and Principal Patrick Klimkewicz both expressed gratitude for Padua’s assistance during this difficult time.
Padua is committed to helping St. Anthony throughout the next few months and during their transition back home when the repairs and renovations are complete.