MESSAGE FROM FR. QUAN

Hello everybody!

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of our Lenten season. I encourage you to join us at mass at noon or at 7:00 p.m. In order to be fully immersed in the Lenten experience, the Church gives us three extraordinary ways to draw closer to God: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. They are gifts to us for deepening our relationship with Jesus and renewing the choices we make, so that we might live as He taught. May this season of Lent be a time of growth and renewal for you as you move forward with the assurance of God’s forgiveness and the trust that God

embraces you with arms of love.

Please consider participating in several excellent opportunities to grow in God this Lenten season. Join us for Stations of the Cross that commemorate Jesus' last day on earth as we walk with Him on the path to Calvary. We offer Holy Hour with adoration in this Lent to spend time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. All are invited to come celebrate God's forgiveness and make a new beginning with his grace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Also, consider to sign up for a one-hour time slot on Tuesdays to pray for an end to abortion, and a renewed respect for life from conception to natural death. Prayer time may be anywhere: at home, at church, or during Adoration. Moreover, the Lenten Fish Fry starts on February 16. Please come and join us for a great meal and good fellowship. In particular, we are getting additional publicity at our award winning Fish Fry on Friday, February 16. WLKY news will be here with a team to interview our Concessions ministry for their live morning show. Additionally, you are invited to participate in the Rice Bowl as a way to encounter Jesus through others, especially through the most vulnerable in our world.

Last week I had a wonderful trip with days full of refreshment, excitement, and joy in San Diego, California where I cerebrated the Lunar New Year with my relatives. Thank you for your prayers and know of my thoughts and prayers for you as well.

As we are stepping into the Lenten season, may God bless all of our good works and our Lenten observances.

Peace and Blessings,

Fr. Quan

Fr. Jeff Update

Hello everybody!

Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers. I am healing well and continue to feel blessed and amazed at how just how well my recovery and physical therapy are going. I know my temptation is to overdo it, so I have been mindful of my limitations and healing. I will, however, begin returning to some limited ministry this week and observing my stamina and fatigue. I look forward to seeing more of you soon and am prayerfully entering into this Lenten Season as a time of repentance and renewal. God bless!

Peace,

Fr. Jeff

Staff Spotlight

Jonna O'Bryan, Director of Youth Ministry

What is something people do not know about You?

There is something about me that many might miss. I call myself a “simpleton”. What I mean by this is that I'm pretty straightforward, what you see is what you get. But there's more. Deep inside, I hold on to a strong faith in Jesus who guides me through life. He is the quiet force that keeps me grounded. Although, I say I am simple, there is a depth to me that's rooted in my beliefs. My faith shapes how I see things and how I try to live my life.

What is your favorite scripture or prayer and why?

The one verse from the Bible that's really close to my heart is 1 John 4:19. It says, "We love because he first loved us." For me, it’s a reminder that the love we have for others comes from God's love for us. His love is a powerful force that changes us from the inside, making us capable of loving others. It's not just about us trying hard to love; it's about God's love working in us. And every time I read it, it's like a nudge, saying, "Hey, remember how much you're loved? Now, go and spread that love around." It's a simple verse, but it has a profound way of shaping how I see love and relationships.

What do you love most about your ministry/serving at St. Patrick's?

I feel privileged to be a part of the ministry at St. Patrick. My favorite part of youth ministry as a whole is seeing faith become real for the youth we are trying to reach. It's not just words; I see them out, living their faith, especially in service to others. Another key to our ministry is the lasting relationships we build with the students – that's pure gold. Statistics say, that the more adults in the parish that are involved in a young person’s life, the more they are involved and stay practicing Catholics. Another plus, of working in ministry at St. Patrick's is that they give us the freedom to be creative, I love how we can try out different things, and keep it fresh. And let's not forget the randomness of middle schoolers – it gives ministry an adventure on its own. It's like a mix of chaos and pure joy, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

To learn more about Jonna and the ministries she is involved with, go to https://stpatlou.org/jonna-obryan

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Fielding the Future

Our Celtic Athletic Ministry (CAM) and Concession Ministry are teaming up during the Lenten Fish Fry season to help raise funds to purchase a new walk-in freezer that serves many events and activities around campus. In addition, funds raised will help offset the cost of sporting equipment for student athletes and keep sports registration at an affordable rate for families. Check out the auction items and raffles on the link. Drawing for raffles ends on March 15.

Women's Circle W.I.N.E & Unwind

Join us for a night out with our own Deacon Greg Gitschier. He will be discussing situational awareness and ways to keep ourselves safe.

February 22
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Schindler Hall
Snacks and wine provided
RSVP on the sign-up link

St. Mary's Center Basketball Tournament

We are still in need of volunteers for scoreboard operators, stat sheet workers, and game announcers, along with lots of fan support. Join us for our annual St. Mary's Center Special Olympics Basketball Tournament that will be held in our Celtic Center gym on Saturday, February 24. Games will run from 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Click on the volunteer link to sign up for one of these positions.