Those words which we have hoped and prayed to hear have been spoken. And they have been spoken by the only voice which could bring them to fruition, that of J. Peter Sartain, Bishop of the Diocese of Joliet. Yes, my friends, there will be a graduating Class of 2011 at St. Patrick School. There will also be another group of second graders making their first confession, receiving their First Holy Communion. In December, young voices will again be singing sacred Christmas carols and having breakfast with Santa the following morning. There will be another celebration of Catholic Schools' Week, another annual basketball tournament, another Science Fair, and, of course, another accumulation of memories, a personal treasure for each and every member of the St. Patrick family. Yes, this venerable old school stands for yet another year as a proud beacon in the community it serves.

Of course, there is work to be done, but the laborers are in the vineyard. In future weeks we will be recording the activities of the 2020 Vision for the Future Committee, a group determined to erase the barriers which stand in the way of our school beyond 2011. We want our lease on life to be much longer than a single and we're confident that will be the case. Our prayers go with the committee as it pursues thus lofty goal.

For this brief moment, however, let us take a deep breath and relish the joy which is in our hearts.

May our Lord continue to bestow His many Blessings upon our St. Patrick family.

Dr. Lonnie L. Hughes
Principal

• Let us celebrate . . . St Pat's will continue it's great history of Catholic education next year!
  
  
• Come check out what PTO has been doing this year. PTO will be providing treats and refreshments and there will be entertainment provided by some of our students.
  
  
• Students who attend will earn a Spirit Day Pass.
  
  
• We will be taking nominations for the 2010-2011 PTO board positions. Any parent is eligible. All positions will begin June 2010 and end June 2011.
  
  
• Any parent interested in becoming involved with St Patrick's PTO should take this as a wonderful opportunity to become more active in our great school.
  
  
• Please show your support for St. Patrick's School. Together we will keep this school going and growing. See you there!

You may purchase them in the school office or call Mary Workman: 815-351-8949

Tickets can be purchased after Masses or in the school office.

Items donated in the past: Bicycles, used and new gaming systems, board games, dolls and other new and gently used toys, gift certificates, theme gift baskets.

Thank you to those who have already donated!

Please bring donations to the school office.

Limited ticket sales begin the first week of February.

Questions?
Contact Stephanie Gordon
815-919-1017