Deacon John’s Stewardship Blog

Karen and I left our son’s home Sunday after visiting our grandchildren. When I got into the car it was hard to hold back the tears knowing that I might not be able to see our grandchildren for a while. Many of us are having those same feelings of separation.

When I walk into our church, I experience the very same feelings. I truly miss being with my brothers and sisters in Christ. You have all played such an important role in my spiritual life. I know all of us share in this feeling in some way. Whenever I am feeling turbulence in my life, I always turn to the holy Scripture. John 14: 27 tells us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”

The peace that Jesus offers us in times of trouble is the peace of shalom – the peace of harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity and welfare. We will be together once again!

“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee”.

Thank you for continuing to support our parish with your time, talent and treasure.

Shalom,
John Bartos, Jr.,
Director of Stewardship

The Coronavirus has disrupted the rhythm of our daily lives. Our schools have been closed, our workplaces have been disrupted and our celebration of Mass has been postponed. The effects of these events have left us in many cases, frightened and disconnected. It is easy to feel like a ship that has broken away from its anchor and is floating helplessly in the high sea. In the midst of a storm, 1 John 5:4-5 tells us, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”  Yes, Jesus is our hope who will keep us anchored in the midst of this storm.

Even though our celebration of Mass has been interrupted and the social gatherings of our parish have been cancelled, we have not been separated in our spiritual communion with the Lord and with one another, which makes us one body in the Lord, His mystical body, united and strong.

Our call to stewardship has never been greater. Let us give our time to those separated from their families, especially the elderly and those in assisted living with a letter of hope or a phone call. We have many of our parishioners that use their talents in the medical field as doctors, nurses and pharmacists, as well as first responders. May we continue to pray for their safety. We are also called to share our treasures. We continue to pray for our parishioners who have experienced a loss of income in their household and the difficulties they face. Please remember to support our parish with your weekly offerings if you are able and most importantly, your prayers.  The expenses remain the same: gas, electric, and so many other monthly expenses. You can make your offering on-line (https://www.stpatshub.org/donate/), by mail or drop your envelope off at the front door of the parish house.

We are so blessed to have Fr. Mike as our pastor, especially in these times. Be sure to follow Fr. Mike on our St. Patrick web page (www.stpatshub.org) and our St. Patrick Facebook page for live streaming of our weekend Mass, messages from Fr. Mike and upcoming Lenten devotions.

May we never allow our fear to outweigh our faith. Jesus, I trust in you!

Love you,
Deacon John

On March 6-7-8, 2020, St. Pat’s hosted its 12th annual Celebrate Weekend for our high school juniors and seniors. Celebrate Weekend is truly a living example of stewardship – coming together to share our gifts and give witness to the mighty acts of Christ in our lives. The weekend was led by our Celebrate Pope- A. J. Trobek and our senior team: Brianna Love, Chloe Record, Madi Barton, Hayley Agnone, Amanda Trinckes, Daniella and Giavanna Hosack, Nick Matisi, Hannah Johns, Ally Phibbs, Rylie Campbell, Cassie Herberger, Sogol Nasseri, Rocco Bornes, Josh Wilcox, Paige Elkes, Laney McCallister, Bailey Lopuchovsky and Joey Kempe. Our parish community is truly grateful to all of you for the dedication and commitment you have given to this ministry throughout the entire year. It is your shining example that helps our teens recognize the presence and power of how Christ shines in our lives through His love, compassion and forgiveness.
We had 36 Juniors attending, a team of 12 adult advisers led by Teri Ray (Celebrate Coordinator) and a team of 4 young adults (past Celebrators) who helped to lead and facilitate the weekend and a team of night time chaperones. We also had a kitchen team of parents and volunteers led by Joyce Tringhese who came early and worked to feed the entire crew throughout the whole day. Our many thanks to Joyce and her team for feeding us so very well and for all who helped by supplying desserts for the meals.
Our weekend theme was Unpack Your Heart. It truly is a witness to the glory of God when we unpack his goodness from our hearts and share it with others! Great Things Happen!

Blessings to all,

Deacon John Bartos

When Jesus encouraged us to help our neighbors, He meant anyone who suffers; be that of loneliness, sickness or poverty. As stewardship reminds us, our material goods are just the beginning of real Christian giving. We are called to give of ourselves, of our time, and to others in need. Almsgiving opportunities are all around us. For example, we can donate to our St. Patrick Food Pantry & Emergency Outreach, donate our gently used clothing and household items, give our treasures to a charitable organization, and visit or write a note to our shut-ins and those in nursing homes. Our Catholic and social teachings set the direction of our moral compass. We are to show love and respect to those in the margins of society. We heard for 25 years, “that happiness begins when the giving starts”. How true that is!

God bless,
Deacon John