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Statue of St. Patrick in the Church

St. Patrick’s R.C. Church

Religious Formation In Days Gone By

In the following text, John Heslin recounts the early days of Religious Formation at St. Patrick's.

Fr. Walden teaching the children

 

St Patrick’s of Smithtown

Religious Formation
In Days Gone By

(Taken from the 2002

St. Patrick’s 50th Anniversary Journal)

 

Religious Formation in Days Gone By

I first participated in the St. Patrick's Religious Education Program in the Fall of 1965 as a teacher of seventh grade students.  In the spring of 1966, the Sisters in charge of the program, who were from St. John of God in Central Islip asked me if I would take over the program for the coming year as the Sisters would not be able to do so.

I accepted and was in charge of the Saturday morning program until 1975.  During these years, the program grew so rapidly that I urged Father Canning to hire a full-time Director of Religious Education who would be able to supervise the Saturday program as well as the home and high school programs.

Each Satuday morning during the school year, we held classes for grades two through eight.  Due to the large number it was necessary to have three sessions:

  • First Session from 9:00 to 9:50 AM
  • Second Session from 10:00 to 10:50 AM
  • Third Session from 11:00 to 11:50 AM

Busses picked up the children at prearranged stops and took them home at the end of each session.

The Saturday classes were taught by volunteers.  Whenever possible, we obtained the services of professional teachers, both lay and religious.  The Sisters of St. joseph who taught in St. Patrick's School were a great deal of help in this program.

Msgr. Father Walter Simmons was the Moderator of the program and took an active part in it.  He planned and organized the bus program without which many children would not have been able to attend.

Msgr. Father Simmons organized a series of Masses for individual student groups.  During these class masses, the children participated in the readings, etc.

Father Canning, our pastor, was most supportive and readily accepted the recommendations and suggestions of the teaching staff.

--John Heslin

Continued on next page...

St. Patrick R.C. Church
280 East Main Street
Smithtown, NY 11787

Mass Times

Today's Mass Readings
Weekdays:
6:45am, 9:00am, 12:10pm
Saturday:
9:00am, 5:00pm, 8:00pm
Sunday:
7:30am, 9:00am,
10:30am, 12:00pm
5:00pm
Main Rectory Phone #:
631-265-2271

Are you a card carrying member of our parish?
Stylized St. Patrick Membership Card
At St. Patrick’s we don’t have membership cards because everyone is always welcome! But if you attend or are planning on attending Mass here, and are NOT registered with the parish, please fill out a registration form and return it to the Rectory. Please help us get to know you better so that you can best take advantage of everything our parish has to offer.




Mass For The Dead
will open on
January 18th
Stop by the Rectory to order Masses for your departed loved ones.  Please note that the Mass Book fills quickly.

 
Friday, March 2nd
First Friday of the Month
We will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament following the 12:10 PM Mass until 3:30 PM in the church.  The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be recited at 3:00PM.  Please join us as we adore our Lord Jesus.

Saturday, March 3rd
8:15 AM
In the Church

Join us in praying the Rosary.

Our Lady came to Fatima with a message from God to every man, woman, and child of our century. Our Lady of Fatima promised that the whole world would be in peace, and that many souls would go to Heaven if Her requests were listened to and obeyed. Please join us in this devotion.

Detailed information on how to participate in this devotion will be available in the Church.


Happy Anniversary
Married in March?
Please join us at the
Sunday, March 4th
Noon Mass.
All couples are invited to renew their vows and recieve a special blessing.  We encourage all to participate in this very special tribute.

Rosary Kit

Rosary
Makers

 
Rosary Makers
invite you
to our

Monthly Meeting
 
Friday, March 2nd
7 PM in Room 209.
Join with others making Rosaries and spreading devotion to Our Blessed Mother.  All ages welcome.  For more information please call 804-7222.

Rosary Crusade Mary
Invites all to join them for their
Monthly Meeting.
Monday, April 2nd
 
Agenda: Recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 PM Mass at 7:30 PM
Mass will be followed by Novena prayers has been canceled due to confessions.
Our guest speaker will be Dr. Scott Brunengraber, Owner & Operator of Smithtown Wellness who will speak on “How to Create Wellness Habits that Can Save Your Life.” All are welcome to attend.

Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sacred Heart Prayer Group

Tuesday Evenings
at 7:30 PM in the church.

The Sacred Heart Prayer group is a charismatic prayer group that meets every Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM.We are looking for new members, young and old……All would be welcomed. We would especially like to reach out to anyone who might like to join our music ministry. If you play the guitar or sing, we would love for you to join us! If you have any questions, call Barbara Hall at (631) 366- 0252.

All are invited to attend!

Monthly Meeting

If you interested in being a part of a vibrant group of women who faithfully support the work of the church and help those in need, consider becoming a “Catholic Daughter”.  Feel free to stop by the next Catholic Daughter Meeting:

Monday, January 23th
following the 7:30pm Novena Mass.

Gift From God Baby
Pro-Life Family
Monthly Meeting

Tuesday, January 31st
St. Patrick School
Room 103 at 7:30 PM
St. Patrick's Pro-Life Family invites you to join us for our monthly meeting.  Please come and unite with us as we witness to the sanctity of Life.

Nocturnal Adoration Society

Saturday, January 21st
after the 8 PM Mass.

Join us for a night of prayer in front of the Sacred Sacrament.  The first vigil (hour of prayer) will begin immediately after the 8 PM Saturday night Mass.  Parishioners are encouraged to stay after Mass for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and may pray privately or with the Nocturnal Adoration group.  The first vigil will be from 9 PM to 10 PM.  The vigils will continue throught the night.  The last one will be from 6 AM to 7 AM followed by Benediction and the 7:30 AM Mass.  All are invited to participate. Come and spend sometime with our Lord Jesus.

© 2012 St. Patrick’s Parish
280 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 265 - 2271