Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Patrick Parish,
Anniversaries are important milestones in our lives. Having recently celebrated my own 25th Anniversary of Priesthood, I found this to be a time of reflection and self-inventory. With the help of others, it was a fruitful experience as I examined aspects of my life: spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and personal wellness goals. Along with others whether as priests, religious, married couples an anniversary signifies what has been, what is, and what will be.
On the occasion of our parish’s 170th anniversary, this is definitely a period in our parish’s history to
celebrate what our past has been, what today looks like, and what we see for our future. We find ourselves at an interesting milestone as we make plans for our collaboration with Saint Malachi becoming an oratory and our parish assuming a new relationship with them. This is a period in our history that can be filled with many hopes and dreams as well as many fears and concerns.
While we experience all of the above, we’re ultimately called to celebrate a rich past and a bright future with praise and thanksgiving.
Through our listening sessions since July, members of both parishes cherish our respective histories and appreciate how we arrived at the present day. While many hopes and dreams have been expressed, we are not without our fears and concerns. And every single one is important. This is why a strategic process is so critical as we plan for our future and that of Saint Malachi. By fortifying our strengths together, the goal is to ensure a grace-filled and lifegiving presence in Ohio City for generations to come.
As we celebrate our 170th Anniversary at Saint Patrick Parish, may this be a joyful time of thanking
God for all that he has done and continues to do.
Please join us for our special Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, October 29th at 11:00am with Bishop Michael Woost who will be visiting our parish for the first time as our auxiliary bishop. A light reception will follow in the Lower Hall.
Be assured of my continued prayers for all parishioners and friends of Saint Patrick Parish, especially during this important time of celebration.
Joyfully yours in Christ,
Fr. Gurnick