"His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee."

- Mk 1:28

Dear Parishioners,

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK begins today. I hope you take the time to invite a young family to consider having their child attend St. Patricia School and to visit our school during the Open House this Sunday. Mrs. Kathleen Gorman and her staff of teachers and parent leadership are most proud of what they have accomplished through your support.

Catholic Education is not private education but rather its role in the faith community is to promote and support the formation of practices and choices that will compose and shape the children’s entire lives. The Catholic School provides the young children with substantive normative bearings, standards and imperatives to guide their life choices and practices.

A few of these virtues and values are as follows: working always for the common good, seeking reconciliation instead of vengeance, honoring one’s parents and elders; respecting the dignity of others because they are made in the image of God, acting honestly and fairly even when at cost to one’s self, and giving to the poor.

All of the above-named virtues and values are rooted in the belief that Christ loves us and gives us the grace to be His disciples. Prayer, meditation, confession, forgiveness, trusting in divine Providence and the Sacramental life of the Church, especially the Sunday Eucharist, enable us to stay close to Christ and one another.

With the Lord and the community of faith we have the moral, spiritual and emotional strength to deal with the stresses and problems of life. All this tends to work towards positive, constructive outcomes in young people’s lives.

Now more than ever, we ask for your financial support for Scholarships for those in need. The Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship—previously raised $45,898 supporting 9 students at St. Patricia School—was not renewed by the Illinois legislature.

Cardinal Cupich wrote on November 10, 2023: “The Illinois legislature abandoned nearly 10,000 children attending Catholic and other non-public schools this week by failing to renew the Invest in Kids scholarship program. Since 2017, Invest in Kids has empowered low-income families to choose the school that best meets their child’s needs, providing them the same options more affluent families have.”

Perhaps you saw the news that was widely reported that on January 18th the school communities of St. Frances of Rome in Cicero and St. Odilo in Berwyn learned the sad news that their schools will close in June due to the Illinois legislature’s decision to end the Invest in Kids Scholarship program.

Please write you check today to St. Patricia School Scholarships or go on line to archchicago.org/scholarship to make an online gift to St. Patricia School.

Strong enrollment and financial support to those in need will ensure our future. 

PEACE,

Fr. Mike Meany, Pastor

St. Patricia News

St. Patricia Parish Retreat

THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OF “PEOPLE ON THE WAY”

Fri, Sat & Sun, February 9-11, 2024

by Fr. Mike Meany and Mac Karaban 

COME AWAY & PRAY AWHILE

YOU ARE INVITED TO: “The Gospel of Peace: A Commentary on Matthew, Mark, and Luke from the Perspective of Nonviolence.” By Fr. John Dear.

WHO: Father Dear will lead a discussion and book signing on Thursday, March 7th at 7:00pm in the School Hall (School Lunch Room).



WHERE: St. Patricia Parish - 9000 So. 86th Avenue, Hickory Hills

708-598-5222.

Father John Dear offers the first-ever commentary on the Synoptic Gospels from the perspective of active Nonviolence, in the tradition of Gandhi and Dr. King. In his commentary, he goes through every line of the three Synoptic Gospels to point out Jesus’ practice and teachings of nonviolence to inspire us to practice creative nonviolence like Jesus.

Father Dear is an internationally known author, peace activist, and Nobel Peace Prize Nominee.

“John Dear is the embodiment of a peacemaker.” — Archbishop Desmond Tutu wrote when he nominated Dear for the Nobel Peace Prize.

“John Dear’s inspired journey -inside and out- gives us renewed hope for our own personal and public peacemaking.” — The late Fred Rogers, TV star of “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.”

“Some teachers are all theory and some are all practice. John Dear has earned ability to be both. Some teachers are very orthodox and some open new ground. John Dear puts the two together knowing they are the same.” — Richard Rohr, American Franciscan priest and writer on spirituality.

“The Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount are Jesus’ blueprint for peace. I urge everyone to study John’s Dear’s beautiful re- flections (“The Beatitudes of Peace”) and join his campaign of peace and nonviolence.” — President Jimmy Carter.

A buffet dinner from 5:30—6:30pm precedes the program, so the individuals planning the event will appreciate the favor of your reply by March 4th. To register, please contact Missy Keegan at mkeegan@stpatriciaparish.com OR contact mkaraban@stpatriciaparish.com.



All are welcome. Please Spread the Word! Father Mike Meany 

PLEASE MAKE YOUR GIFT TO THE 2024 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL 

Many families in our parish will be receiving the Annual Catholic Appeal mailing from Cardinal Cupich. On behalf of those served by the ministries, parishes, and schools that receive funding from the Appeal, we thank you for your gifts. Please return your response as soon as possible. The Annual Catholic Appeal offers a wonderful opportunity to answer the call “Together at the table.” In addition to providing for ministries and services throughout the archdiocese, the Appeal also funds services that are of great help here in our parish. For example, Appeal funds support SPRED, Deacon Training, Ministry of Care, School, Religious Education training of Catechists, Young Adult Religious Education, and Evangelization (for example, Holy Fire Program for the School and Religious Edu- cation for the children).

As we contemplate God’s many gifts to us, we should also reflect on our gratitude. Your financial support for the work of our parish, our archdiocese, and the Church throughout the world is one way to express this gratitude. Please give what you can to the 2024 Annual Catholic Appeal. 

ST. PATRICIA FAMILY!

The ST. PATRICIA HOLY NAME SOCIETY STILL HAS SUPER BOWL SQUARES AVAILABLE AND IS SELLING SPLIT THE POT TICKETS in The Gathering Space of the Church at the Weekend Masses.

Split the Pot Tickets will also be available for purchase at the Rectory Office.

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! 

Queen of Hearts 50/50 Raffle

Game #3 - Week 58 - It’s a Rollover!

Position #32 was chosen revealing the 4 of Diamonds

Congratulations to David R. for having their ticket pulled!

Next Drawing:

Wednesday, 1/31/24 at 6:00 pm at Prime Time Restaurant & Bar

Jackpot is over $22,930.00 and climbing! Will you find the Queen? 👑❤️

St. Patricia School News