EFFINGHAM — Parishioners, friends and family of Father Carl Schmidt will be celebrating his 90th birthday and 65th anniversary of ordination with an open house on Sunday, Oct. 18 at St. Anthony of Padua Parish Center, 101 E. Virginia Ave., in Effingham. The reception will take place from 2 to 4 p.m.

Father Schmidt was born on Oct. 16, 1925 in Carlinville to Anthony and Frances Schmidt. The third-oldest child, he has four brothers and two sisters. He was ordained May 27, 1950 by Bishop William A. O'Connor at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

As a priest, he has served in a number of parishes throughout the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, with his last assignments being pastor of St. John the Baptist in Coffeen and Sacred Heart in Panama, where he served from 1988 to 2005. Although he retired in 2005, Father Schmidt continues to celebrate Mass and help out at St. Anthony of Padua.

Cards for Father Schmidt can be sent to him at: 509 North Main, Effingham, IL 62401.