St. Patrick of Ireland is one of the world's most popular saints. Apostle of Ireland, born at Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, in Scotland, in the year 387; died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland, 17 March, 461.

Along with St. Nicholas and St. Valentine, the secular world shares our love of these saints. This is also a day when everyone's Irish.

There are many legends and stories of St. Patrick, but this is his story. Patrick was born around 385 in Scotland, probably Kilpatrick. His parents were Calpurnius and Conchessa, who were Romans living in Britian in charge of the colonies.

As a boy of fourteen or so, he was captured during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. Ireland at this time was a land of Druids and pagans. He learned the language and practices of the people who held him.

During his captivity, he turned to God in prayer. He wrote

"The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was rosed, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same." "I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain."

Patrick's captivity lasted until he was twenty, when he escaped after having a dream from God in which he was told to leave Ireland by going to the coast. There he found some sailors who took him back to Britian, where he reunited with his family.

He had another dream in which the people of Ireland were calling out to him "We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more."

He began his studies for the priesthood. He was ordained by St. Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre, whom he had studied under for years.

Later, Patrick was ordained a bishop, and was sent to take the Gospel to Ireland. He arrived in Ireland March 25, 433, at Slane. One legend says that he met a chieftain of one of the tribes, who tried to kill Patrick. Patrick converted Dichu (the chieftain) after he was unable to move his arm until he became friendly to Patrick.

Patrick began preaching the Gospel throughout Ireland, converting many. He and his disciples preached and converted thousands and began building churches all over the country. Kings, their families, and entire kingdoms converted to Christianity when hearing Patrick's message.

Patrick by now had many disciples, among them Beningnus, Auxilius, Iserninus, and Fiaac, (all later canonized as well).

Patrick preached and converted all of Ireland for 40 years. He worked many miracles and wrote of his love for God in Confessions. After years of living in poverty, traveling and enduring much suffering he died March 17, 461.

Catholic.org (please click here to finish this article)

Tuition statements will be sent home in an envelope with your child on Sunday, March 7th. Please be sure to turn in all money owed by the end of April. If you have discussed payment arrangements with Miss Dillenburg - please update her on the status of future payments. Thank you!

We have two service opportunities left for our Confirmation students.

Pancake Breakfast - March 28, 2010

Lunch Set Up and Service - April 2, 2010 The Good Friday Walk of the Cross.

See Miss Dillenburg for details.

The Communion Parent Meeting Make Up Date is Tuesday evening, March 16th at 7:00 PM in the Resource Room. All parents who missed the first meeting are required to attend.

Saturday, March 27th - 9:00 am until noon in the Gym All children making their First Holy Communion are required to attend.

Thank You!

We have quite a few people who have expressed concerns about the pick up of students after classes on Sunday mornings. Please be aware of the older parishioners who are coming to Mass and trying to use the handicapped parking spaces. Be sure to keep moving and not to block any of the parishioners who are trying to park. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.