On Monday evening (Jan. 18), I had just sat down to begin eating my dinner and my phone rang. Lisa Hosack told me in a frantic voice that our church is on fire. I rushed to the church expecting to see that a minor incident had occurred, only to find smoke pouring out of every door of the church and the sound of fire trucks coming from every direction. To say that I was in shock would be an understatement. The sight of our church burning brought me to tears.
I was only at the church a few minutes when systemically my feelings of despair turned to hope as I experienced something that I will never forget. I watched the courageous firefighters risk their lives to save our church. I saw the good people of our community and our parishioners pour in from every direction to be of service. I witnessed Bishop Bonnar and Fr. Mike giving us hope for our future.
Fr. Mike often says that our church is more than bricks and mortar. The events that occurred that Monday evening surely proved him right. WE are the Body of Christ! WE are family! WE are St. Patrick Church! Thanks to everyone for all your love and support.
Love, Deacon John