St. Patrick's 50^th Anniversary

Saturday October 13, 2007

A terrific reception was held in Hannah Hall in celebration. This is just the beginning of our celebration.

Fifty and Counting

By Sue Stanislawski

St. Patrick’s, Cheektowaga, celebrated 50 years in existence in fine fashion on Saturday, October 13th.  We enjoyed communion with many former parishioners and priests who have left our parish, but not our memories, nor our hearts. 

The day started with the wonderful surprise of having Bishop Michael in attendance to celebrate with us.  We were also joined in worship by the Reverends Abuid Sam, Albert Montanari, Carmen Seufert, and Susan Anslow-Williams, and of course, our own vicar, John A. Russell.  Prior to the celebration, Father Sam was named “Rector Emeritus” of our parish by the Vestry and on this special day, he was presented with a certificate acknowledging this distinction. 

After the worship service all were invited to enjoy fellowship and light refreshments in Hannah Hall.  There we were treated to a new layout of photographs of the wardens and priests that served St. Patrick’s over the years.  We also had five scrapbooks encompassing nearly all of the photographed and written history of St. Patrick’s for all to see.  Reminiscing was high on everyone’s agenda, and there were many "reunions" happening all around.  All clergy had the opportunity to share memories from their tenure with us and there was a lot of laughter and some tears resulting from those stories.  A few of our “Founding Families” were also in attendance, helping to celebrate this joy-filled occasion.

The food presented was delicious.  The mix of older and newer members truly made it a multigenerational event.  The offering taken during the service was designated to the Diocesan Youth Commission and Operation Christmas Child, two very worthy outreach causes close to the hearts of our parishioners. 

Many thanks go out to those who made the day a huge success.  We couldn’t have done it without you.  St. Patrick’s family looks forward to seeing you around the Diocese for the next 50 years!

* In case you missed this article in Church Acts, here it is again!  Thanks, Sue!

Preserving the Past

by Karen L. Gengo

Progress continues in the review of our historical records in an effort to preserve our 50 years of memories.  We have collected a few stories from former parishioners who remember some of the “early” years.  What a treat it has been for me to read them!  We are sharing these great stories at St. Patrick’s fellowship potluck luncheons.  You can help us by doing a little thinking, “homework” some might call it, about your reason for staying at St. Patrick’s. This is a long process that we will be sharing throughout our 50th year.

Kindly use the form below to recall a memory or give your reason for staying at St. Patrick’s.  Was it because you liked the location, the people, the priest, the activities, or the community?  Did you have an opportunity to leave and decide to stay?  We welcome your story.

If you prefer to mail your story or memory, please do so soon.  We’d like to include as many personal stories as possible in the finished product and we can’t do it if we don’t have it.  Also, if you are in contact with any former parishioners, please ask them to do the same….