Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I’d like to take this opportunity to express profound thanks for two very important and beautiful events which occurred last week at our parish.
The first event is the obvious one—Saint Patrick Day! The weather was picture perfect as nearly 600 parishioners and friends of Saint Pat’s gathered to celebrate 9:30am Mass with Bishop Gries, which included a special honor presented by Councilman Kerry McCormack to the family of the late Neil and Kathleen Raleigh for all they have been to our parish community. The Mass was followed by food and fellowship in the Club building. Of course, folks went on their way to enjoy the downtown parade after the drawing at noon. Congratulations to our winners!
I offer a special thanks to the Restoration Committee and members of our parish staff for their hard work to make this such a special day as we enjoyed a sense of life returning to the parish since Covid’s 2020 invasion. I also thank those who served in the various ministries at Mass and who served at the breakfast.
I want to also take this opportunity to thank the Mike and Nancy Engle family for their very generous contribution to restore the parish’s Saint Patrick gold chasuble. This beautiful vestment will be enjoyed for many more patronal feasts thanks to the Engle Family.
The second event last week was more subtle but just as powerful, as four of our local parishes joined together at St. Ignatius High School’s chapel for the diocesan Evening of Confessions. With five priests and eight hospitality ministers, over fifty people celebrated the sacrament throughout the three hours. It was truly a beautiful evening filled with grace and a genuine sense of Lenten joy.
As we gather this weekend for Laetare (Rejoice!) Sunday, we’re at the halfway point of Lent. Part of that joy this year is the Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary made by our Holy Father on Friday as we celebrated the Solemnity of Mary’s Annunciation. The text for the Act of Consecration can be found here. I invite you, your family, and your circle of friends to pray it together as we continue to seek divine peace in all things.
Sincerely yours in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary,
