Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Patrick,
Please allow me to take a few moments of your time to share some exciting news about our upcoming programs for our youth and young adults. Under the leadership of Stephanie Pritts, Parish Catechetical Leader here and at Saint Malachi, a number of parishioners have generously come forward to volunteer this coming year to ensure high quality and creative formation.
Of course, our Parish School of Religion (P.S.R.) for children Pre-K through 8th Grade is getting set to begin another year. Our catechetical instructors are preparing well to welcome our students back to the Sunday morning program.
We also look forward to welcoming our high school students to join us for a new approach to our Youth Group. At the heart of our program will be five Sunday afternoon/evening sessions at other parishes and campuses throughout the diocese. The main focus is based on Catholic Tradition as it relates to our Social Teachings. We have a number of presenters who look forward to welcoming our teenagers as they share their ministries for others who are at-risk or suffering from poverty.
Our Young Adult Group (for adults in their 20s and 30s) meets twice a month for Mass or other forms of prayer, followed by a light supper and conversation. Our parish ministry collaborates closely with other local and diocesan events.
The Sacrament Preparation Programs will also see some exciting new features. For example, Confirmation will be celebrated at the Cathedral in April 2023 as Saint Patrick will join other local parishes to gather with our Bishop. All of these local parishes will have an opportunity to gather for a retreat experience as part of their preparation for the sacrament.
These are in addition to the monthly Family Mass celebrated – as a rule – at 5:30 pm (new time) on the first Sunday of each month from October through May.
Please keep our young people and the nearly two dozen parish volunteers in your prayers!
In Christ our Divine Teacher,
Fr. Gurnick
THE EUCHARIST PREPARES US FOR A MISSION
In the face of the sin and injustice we see present in our communities and in our world, the Eucharist “plants a seed of living hope in our daily commitment to the work before us,” challenging us to live “Eucharistic” lives. It affirms our role as citizens and as men and women in various professions at different levels of society in “contributing with the light of the Gospel to the building of a more human world, a world fully in harmony with God’s plan” (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, no. 20).
How am I being called to live more or a “Euharistic” life? How am I being called to help others live “Eucharistic” lives?