"'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!' But he said in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.'"

- Matthew 25:11-12

Dear Parishioners,

I know there is a lot you can read about the Catholic Church that is downright dispiriting. I hear this too in many formal and informal settings. Here at the parish I know that some people worry about where we are at and what the future will be. I agree it seems that there is always “something,” something new to worry about. I don’t dismiss any of this and at times I agree with their assessment and their frustrations. These real challenges need attention and solutions.

However, I am blessed and filled with hope when I take stock of what I witness each week. When I walk through our school or our evening religious education classes, I see children filled with childlike curiosity and beautiful expressions of a simple yet profound faith. I see the dedicated faculty and staff who are willing to do anything to make it work. I see our parishioners come with the whole family from toddlers to teenagers each Sunday to mass. It is inspiring to me when I witness week after week those who are ministers around the altar or organize a party or who are faithfully serving the poor and the vulnerable in our community.

I thank you for your support. I thank you for your inspiration. I thank you for listening to your better angels. The Parish Annual Financial and Pastoral Activity Report for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023 makes me proud that despite the many headwinds, you are people whose daily sacrifices are making a life-giving impact. You have accomplished so much to move hearts to Gospel values and are heroes in the lives of others.

May God bless you and all whom you love.

Father Mike Meany

Pastor  

St. Patricia Highlights

Community Services

St. Patricia Community Services delivered food to over 300 people last year and 103 people received presents in our area for the holidays and food throughout the year. We also provided gift cards to 120 people for our Sharing Parish, St. Agatha. Students in each classroom of our School purchased gifts. 140 families from our Parish purchased gifts and gift cards for our Community and St. Agatha Parish. We also had approximately 50 people help pack the bags or deliver them to our area’s needy.

The donations from our Parish and Community catered Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners from Jewel Food Stores and 40 Hams for the Holidays. Students received community service hours helping pack our food bags. If it wasn't for our parishioners and community donations, we wouldn't be able to assist those less fortunate. They are truly a blessing.



THANK YOU TO ALL! 

Holy Name Society

St. Patricia’s Holy Name Society continued their mission to support our parish for 2023. In the Spring of 2023, they partnered with Lack & Sons Funeral Home - Holy Name presented St. Patricia students with $5,400 in scholarships for the 2023-24 school year. Finally, they generously supported St. Patricia with a donation of $10,000. We are incredibly appreciative of the dedication of this ministry! 

Religious Education

The St. Patricia RE Program is growing and thriving! Enrollment for the SIRE program this summer was at 24 students with 182 enrolled our 2023 Full Year program. Looking ahead, 46 children will receive their First Holy Communion, 57 youth and teens will receive the sacrament of Confirmation and 7 adults will complete the RCIA program in Spring 2024. We are very grateful for the 20 volun- teer catechists and 19 volunteers who share their time and faith with our young people and those seeking to begin their spiritual journey at St. Patricia. 

St. Patricia School Parent’s Club

The Parent’s Club continues to thrive and supports the school with many different events. We celebrate holiday celebrations such as Trunk or Treat, Thanksgiving Feast, Festival of Lights, and Santa’s Breakfast.

Our online fundraising group, Bobcat Bonanza, raised over $10,000 and contributed to the lunchroom renovation and gave back to our students and staff in a variety of activities and events in the school.

Our Spring Wine Mixer helps by gathering our community together to celebrate Catholic Education at St. Patricia! We raised $15,000 to support our mission of providing children an education at the highest academic level, rooted in our Catholic faith. We look forward to our spring Field Day for all grade levels. We pray for sunshine, games, and fun for both students and staff! 

Welcoming Committee

Parish Welcome Weekend was held on Oct. 14th & 15th, 2023. At this weekend, 8 new families registered & 44 updated their current information. Our Ministry booklet for 2023 was also distributed during this weekend to encourage current parishioners to get more involved in the many ministries active at St. Patricia, and that was a primary focus. 

A message from our business office:

Dear St. Patricia Parishioners,

The past fiscal year has been marked by significant changes for St. Patricia Parish. We are happy to report that we are in the final stages of the capital improvements to both the Parish Center Kitchen and the School Hall, including the School Hall Kitchen. The Parish Center Kitchen has been remodeled and is now better equipped to facilitate our many Parish Ministries.

Religious Education families and School families. This will be a great asset when hosting events and fundraising activities throughout the year. The School Hall is almost complete, and our students will enjoy a temperature-controlled, renovated space during lunch, as well as for our many Parish Ministry meetings.

However, we have also faced some financial challenges due to an increase in operational costs for both Parish and School. Please take a moment to review the St. Patricia Parish Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023. We have experienced a drop in Sunday Collection contributions and other collections. Sunday Collections are the main source of income for all Parishes.

Your contributions support all of our Ministries and School. We are thankful for your generosity!

Mrs. Siu Yu, Business Office 

Queen of Hearts 50/50 Raffle

Game #3 - Week 50 - It’s a Rollover!

Position #22 was chosen revealing the Ace of ♣.

Congratulations to Efrain M. for having their ticket pulled!

Next Drawing:

Wednesday, 11/15/23 at 6:00 pm at Prime Time Restaurant & Bar

Jackpot is over $18,406.00 and climbing! Will you find the Queen? 👑❤️

Community Services - Thanksgiving

The Jewel Food Store in Hickory Hills is offering Holiday Bucks. Before you check out at Jewel, please help us with our Thanksgiving and Christmas deliveries by picking up Holiday Bucks at either the Osco or Jewel Service Desks by Nov. 18th. Your donations will support St. Patricia’s Community Services. We would like to thank Jewel Food Stores and our Community for your assistance with helping the area’s needy. Your donation will provide a holiday meal for the needy.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

Deacon Charley and Missy Keegan 

REOPENING OF THE SCHOOL HALL

YOU ARE ALL INVITED to the reopening of the St. Patricia School Hall on Sunday, Nov. 12th following the 9:30 a.m. Mass.