“Come follow me…”

Hello! My name is Ida Leonelli. Many may know me from teaching  CCD at St. Pat’s. Living a life of stewardship has had a positive effect  on me. I joined St. Patrick Church in 1972. Through my working years I was employed at Loblaws and Giant Eagle until I retired from the grocery business in 1986. When I retired, I called Sr. Delores to see where I could volunteer at the church. She invited me to help with the RCIA program. This experience opened the door to many new friendships and many opportunities to learn more about Scripture and the history of the Catholic Church. At that time, some of my classes were even taught by our very own pastor today, Fr. Mike Swierz. I also volunteered at Vacation Bible School in the summer and had a lot of fun with the youth of all our churches here in Hubbard. Then Sr. Kathleen encouraged me to teach second grade CCD. I loved it so much that I continued to teach for thirty-one years. I received the Pius X Award for teaching and was also awarded as a National Honorary Catechist through Catechist Magazine. I am very grateful and honored for these awards. Through the years my faith continued to grow as I participated in the Christ Renews His Parish Ministry. I have also served as a Eucharistic Minister, in Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Generations of Faith, Altar and Rosary Society, and the Festival Committee. I felt like Jesus was telling me, “Come, follow me…I am not through with you yet!” I also have enjoyed Fr. George Balasko’s classes and reading my Bible. I love Scripture so much it is like living in the moment of Jesus’ life. At my age, I am  still learning something new. My sister, JoAnn and I belong to the Sewing and Craft Center at St. Pat’s and the Senior Citizens Club that meets once a month. These activities are great times for both of us in our upper years. All the deacons have also helped me so much in my life too. I have learned that through a stewardship way of life, you are never too old to grow in love and service to our Lord, Jesus Christ.
God Bless you!