You have made a difference in these young people’s lives.


Over twenty years ago, Jennifer Gasser approached Fr. Tim O’Neil and myself, with a vision to start a scholarship program for our high school seniors. Thank God for the past twenty years, this vision has been a reality. Our Saint Patrick Youth Scholarship program is blessed to award seventy-eight recipients with a total of $106,000 as to date.

Over the years these scholarship recipients have brought great honor to our parish as they journeyed through their lives. They have become air force pilots serving their country. They have entered the medical field serving in many capacities or have become outstanding businessmen and businesswomen. Many have started families raising their children in our Catholic traditions. What a wonderful testament to the great young people we have within our parish.

This scholarship has had its longevity thanks to your generosity. You have made a difference in these young people’s lives. On behalf of our board, I would like to convey our heart-felt thanks and gratitude.

Love,
Deacon John Bartos, Co-Director
Jennifer Gasser, Co-Director              

 

Fifth Grade Parish School of Religion (PSR) students at St. Patrick donate to the Animal Welfare League (AWL) of Vienna

 Since the beginning of the PSR school year the Fifth-grade PSR students, proclaimed their love for animals. As part of their almsgiving project during the Lenten season, the students decided to donate to local animals such as dogs and cats in need at the Animal Welfare League.   All during Lent, the students and their parents brought items to class that the AWL requested, to feed, clean and care for the homeless shelter animals. A big thank you to Aubrey Munnell, the 5th grade PSR aide who inspired the students to make this project a reality as she gives her time every Saturday to the AWL.

 

Our greatest success was how our parishioners represented the love of Jesus Christ to all our guests as well as to one another.

It is hard to believe that our six weeks of fish dinners have come an end.  How fast time goes when we are having a great time! I absolutely love when I watch our parish family working together for a common goal. I am happy to tell you that our fish dinners were a great success for many reasons. I believe that our greatest success was how our parishioners represented the love of Jesus Christ to all our guests as well as to one another. It was amazing!

I would like to thank everyone who took part in this year’s Lenten fish dinners. I feel so blessed to serve you and your families.  I am looking forward to working with you at the festival this August. Please remember that “all are welcome.”

Love and thanks,
Deacon John

 

Forgiving and Giving

St Patrick’s 4th grade PSR class enjoyed doing a project for Lent, learning how Jesus paid for all our sins by his crucifixion. The “Paid In Full” crosses made by the students helped them to understand the true meaning of the Lenten and Easter season.

Over the Lenten season the children focused on forgiving and giving others not only second chances but third and fourth chances.  They were reminded through the gospel readings how our Father forgives us for our mistakes. We must forgive each other and, with the help of God’s grace, pray for those who harm us. The children are reminded to fall back on one of the golden rules for our Catholic faith—treat others the way you would want others to treat you with compassion and love.

It’s a wonderful calling to be able to work with and teach the children of our Parish. Not only are we a part of their spiritual growth, but they are also a part of our spiritual growth.  The children are the future of our parish and it’s a privilege to be part of that.

God bless our children and their families
Leslie Kerr and Marylou Reder
4th Grade PSR