Parish Events and Projects

The Annual St. Patrick Car Show, held on Sunday, April 19th, 2009, was a great success. Many famous cars from racing and TV and film made an appearance. Great food and entertainment helped round out the day.

Even during a time of economic uncertainty, your generosity never fails. This Lent, St. Patrick’s parishioners looked to the needs of others, halfway around the world in Imeoha-Igbezue Community in Awgbu, Anambra State, Nigeria. The village is home to Fr. Anselm Okeke, a chaplain at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital and Nursing Home who resides here at St. Patrick’s and assists with masses, confessions and other duties within our parish. During Lent, our parishioners were asked to contribute to a parish lenten project of bringing a potable water supply to the village. At present, villagers must carry buckets and clay pots to the nearest stream, three miles away, to fetch water. The approximate cost of drilling a well (and our goal for the project) was set at $25,000. Not only did we reach our goal, we surpassed it. The total amount contributed to our lenten project was: $26,812!

St. Patrick's Parish annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner Dance was held on Friday, March 13trh, 2009 at Flowerfields in St. James.

St. Patrick's Parish Lenten Project for 2009 will be to provide a community well for Fr. Anselm’s village in Nigeria. Presently, villagers carry water two or three time a day from the nearest stream, approximately three miles from the village. The cost of drilling will be $25,000. Collection boxes will be located at the church exits.

The weather on Saturday, December 20th, 2008. was less than inviting but there was more than enough Christmas spirit to warm your heart at St. Patrick’s presentation of the Live Nativity. The Nativity was enacted with live performers in the role of the Holy Family, Angels, shepherds and Wise Men. Also, live sheep, goats and even a camel filled the scene. During the Live Nativity our Folk Group, Choir and the St. Thomas More C+hoir provided the joyful singing.

More photographs are available at the parish photo album.

On the weekend of December 14th, 2008, at all Masses, we heard from parishioner Tom Beirne (left) and Pat Shea about Philemon Fellowship, a program sponsored by Beginning a New Life, Inc. in collaboration with the Office of Prison Ministry in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Philemon Fellowship seeks to help those who are incarcerated to successfully re-enter society upon their release. Many concerns are addressed prior to an inmate’s release, including housing, AA/NA meetings (if applicable), employment, documentation and transportation. Upon an inmate’s release, mentors assist with the transition back into society. If you are interested in becoming a mentor or would like to contribute to this ministry financially, contact:

In our lobby, you will notice a Tree of Remembrance which includes stars with the names of all those who died during the past year in our parish and had their funerals at St. Patrick’s. Silver ribbons are also available for those wishing to write the name of any loved one who has died on it and place it on the tree. After Christmas, the family membrs of those whose names are on the gold stars will be given the stars. Our loved ones who died are still very much a part of our lives, they still bring us life. As they are still lights to us, so we are called to be the light of Christ to one another.

Young parishioners enjoyed “Breakfast with Santa.”

The St. Patrick School Chorus sang Christmas caroles during the lighting of our Nativity scene and Christmas trees.Fr. Jilson presides at the Nativity and Tree Lighting.

More photographs are available at the parish photo album.

Fr. Fred Hill’s annual Holiday for Children Dinner Dance was held on Friday, November 7th. The evening featured great food, dancing, raffle prizes and the traditional Christmas ornament sale which offers the chance for more prizes. As a result, thousands of dollars were raised to help children and families in need at Christmas time and throughout the year.

More photographs are available at the parish photo album.

On Monday, September 29th, 2008 we had our Annual Golf Outing at the Stonebridge
Country Club in Hauppauge. It was a beautiful day weatherwise and that was a sign of how the whole day went. Everyone present enjoyed the golf and dinner and even more the relaxed, joyful atmosphere created by all who were present. I thank John Mangione and his committee for a job well done. -- Fr. Walden

More photographs are available at the parish photo album.

Parishioners enjoyed some St. Patrick’s hospitality on Sunday, September 14th following the 9 AM and 10:30 AM Masses. Helen Murray (pictured first from the left in the top left picture) and volunteer helpers provided coffee, bagels, cakes and cookies.

One year ago this month, our St. Patrick’s website made it’s online debut. Sadly, the first parish news to be reported on the website was that of the death of Fr. Vincent Liu, a much loved priest who served the people of St. Patrick’s for 19 years. (The original home page is pictured above and can be seen here.) Our website is the result of the hard work and dedication of Laszlo Girhiny who graciously volunteers his time and vast knowledge of computers to our parish. Over the months, many new features have been added to the site including, most recently, an online tour of the church. A summary of our website’s first year, written by our webmaster (Laszlo), can be found here.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2008 Toyota Prius Hybrid: John and Jackie Morreale, pictured at left in the top photo with Fr. Walden and Ed and Barbara Young who ran the raffle. The winner of the seven-day Wyndham Resort stay/Southwest Airlines tickets was Joan Jaeger (pictured above, left). The $1,000 “Cash for Gas” went to Raymond Winslow (above right).