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I pray this note finds you happy, healthy, and holy! On March 17th, our parish and really the world to a certain extent, will be “celebrating” the popular holiday, St. Patrick’s Day. (A side note: Fr. Matt will be arriving home this same day, which will bring me great joy as a certain dog will take his place on his proper throne, the lap of his master Fr. Matt!) At any rate, what exactly are we celebrating? I am all for having an occasional beer and listening to some Irish music but I am certain that how St. Patrick’s Day is often celebrated is far from giving glory to God for the life of this great and popular saint.
Do you know about St. Patrick’s incredible life? As a teenager born in Britain, he was sold as a slave and sent to Ireland. He grew in his faith during this difficult time and as a young adult was able to escape and return home to his family. Feeling called to priesthood, he began the necessary studies and was later ordained. God had revealed to this young priest that he wanted him to return to the pagan country of Ireland to spread the Gospel. And he did just that! Legend has it that St. Patrick won over influential people of the day which enabled him to move throughout Ireland preaching and teaching about God’s love for them. Legend has it he used the familiar shamrock to teach about the mystery of the Holy Trinity, that God is one, but three Persons. He performed many miracles, and through the work of this one individual, countless churches were built and a country was converted to the Catholic faith.
What an amazing life and a fitting saint to celebrate. As parishioners of a parish named under St. Patrick’s patronage, we are entitled to celebrate this saint with greater fervor! Please join our parish in true celebration by attending a beautiful Mass Friday, March 17th at 5pm. A corned beef dinner in Shamrock Hall will follow, where beer and other drinks will be provided. In many respects we live in a country in deep need of conversion, so let us celebrate this worthy feast in a way that gives glory to God and pray for God to work in converting our country and world!
In Christ,
Fr. Schultz
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