Deacon John’s Stewardship Blog

I have been familiar with the Parish School of Religion (PSR) program at St. Patrick Church for many years.  My son Shawn has completed the program and will enter 10th grade this year at Hubbard.  My daughter Elizabeth will make her confirmation during the upcoming year and will finish up her 8th grade year of PSR.  In 2024, I volunteered to teach 6th grade PSR alongside Milton Gonzalez.  Mr. Gonzalez deserves all of the credit in the world for leading the class, along with the other catechists who teach K-8 in the Parish School of Religion.  I’ve gotten to know many of these people, and I consider myself lucky to call them friends, and mentors to me, my children, and all of your children who attend PSR.  As for me, why did I get involved?  The simple answer is….I don’t know.  There is no earthly reason as to why I got involved, other than to say it was a calling.  It just felt right.  My goal going forward, is to not only teach the Word of God through study in class, but to educate my students about how religion and faith are applied everyday in real life situations.  I’ll continue to encourage everyone to pray a little, or a lot, throughout the day.  To reflect, during quiet times, about what Jesus Christ has done for you and will continue to do for you and your loved ones.  Finally, I want my students to pay attention to everything that happens around them.  A lot of times, things are not just coincidences, they happen for a reason.  Look for the signs.  If you truly believe, you will have those moments that will live with you forever.  Those moments will reinforce what we all know….God is real, He loves you unconditionally, and deserves all Praise and Honor.  And please, keep your eyes open, Saints Walk Among Us.

God Bless You All,

Bob Meluch

My name is Chris Buccino and I am catechist for the fifth grade Parish School of Religion (PSR) here at St. Patrick’s religious education ministry. For me, teaching PSR offers a rewarding opportunity to help children grow in their Catholic faith, learn about God, and develop a strong foundation for their spiritual lives.

When I first started this ministry, three years ago, Deacon John told me, “I love walking by your classroom and hearing the children laugh and have fun. That is our mission at PSR, for the children to enjoy learning about their faith and Jesus.” Deacon John’s validation of our classroom behavior allowed me to realize that religion teaching and learning should be enjoyable!

Teaching PSR has helped me deepen my faith as I prepare lessons, engage with students and parents, to share the teachings of the Church. One of our main objectives in the class is to read and reflect on the weekly Gospel, so we can develop a relationship with God, and understand religious teachings. In our class, we use creative activities, games, prayers and opportunities to learn in a unique way. Children are different learners today and they deserve to be taught their faith in a way that is enjoyable.

This past year, we did a service project for the Animal Welfare League and collected items for the animal shelter. The students were able to see that not only talking about the Gospel is important in our faith, it is even more important to live the Gospel.

Many of you would be wonderful catechists, as it offers a personally enriching experience, fosters many skills, and deepens an understanding of yourself and of others. It is a calling to share the love of God and help the next generation grow in their faith, to help contribute to a stronger parish community. Please consider joining this rewarding ministry.

Teaching children about Jesus brings unique blessings. Some of these blessings include the joy of seeing your own faith develop, the satisfaction of planting the seeds of truth, and the opportunity to gain experience in one’s own understanding of the Catholic faith. It also fosters a sense of purpose and fulfillment as you guide the children towards a relationship with Christ and Mother Church, potentially impacting lives for an eternity.

Our Saint Patrick School of Religion and children’s ministries have so many opportunities to offer these blessings for us. Some include teaching, being an aide or substitute, helping our security guards to protect the children during PSR, help with our coffee/donut hour, organize social/fun activities for the children, provide service opportunities, help with SHINE, and help with Children’s Liturgy of the Word during Mass.

During the summer months, we will feature various parishioners who serve in some of these capacities as they share their blessings from their ministries as well. If you feel called to help in any way, please contact us. Our children are our greatest gift from God and certainly a crucial link in perpetuating our beautiful Catholic faith in years to come.

Thank you,
Deacon John and Karen Bartos