The Class of 2023; Crossing the Finish Line
At a high school graduation, a young man stepped up to the podium to deliver his speech. He started reading from a prepared text, telling the audience, “I want to talk about my father and the wonderful influence he has had on my life. He is a shining example of parenthood, and I love him more than words could ever do justice.” Suddenly, the young man appeared to struggle for words, pausing for a moment. Then, with a sly grin on his face, he looked up and said, “Sorry, but it’s really hard to read my father’s handwriting.”
As the school year nears an end, a host of graduations have already been celebrated while others are in anticipation of this special day. Graduations awaken students as well as their families that an important stepping stone has been completed, which thrusts forth the fact that the fruits of a student’s labors have reaped dividends through efforts throughout years of study. This makes it known that a student did something well as a long range goal was attained. Graduation presents a challenge to tackle a new mission that invites demanding, unanticipated and complex challenges in the oncoming years. This is healthy for the self-image as it impounds the belief that a single person can make a difference in the world. Theodor Seuss Geisel also known as Dr. Seuss once stated, “Don’t cry because graduation is over, but smile because it has happened.”
Graduation navigates a student across the finish line as familiar activities and people are left behind since graduates trek to new destinations through uncharted roads, which serves the reminder that the scenery of yesterday begins to fade. Parents and faculty are often spark plugs to a student’s success in that they render a shot in the arm whenever a young person begins to maintain doubt in attaining advancement up the academic pedestal. A recent graduation speech that drew much attention this year took place at The University of Massachusetts on May 25 where Robert Hale, cofounder and CEO of wholesale communications provider Granite Telecommunications handed out two envelopes to graduating students with $500 in each envelope totaling the amount of $1,000. Hale addressed the graduates to say that the first $500 is for you. It’s a celebration of all you have done to be here today. You are leaders. Celebrate! The second $500 is a gift for you to give to … somebody else or another organization who could use it more than you.
The path to graduation invites a student into competition that is challenging yet sometimes painful; but, frequently renders healthy relationships that instills memories that implants bonds of lasting friendships due to lessons learned and prizes gained. Graduation erects a bridge that is crossed unaware of the environment on the other side that springs forth maturity and self-acceptance. This enables a graduate to cultivate a healthy attitude toward life aware of the blessings God bestows upon a particular life to make the world a better place. Recently WABC TV provided a lovely story about a 36-year-old man from Newark, NJ, Desmond Durham, who celebrated his Master’s Degree attained at Montclair State University while working three jobs, and caring for his son as a single parent. The man told ABC7 “Dedication, hard work and long days, long nights, it’s the will.” He mentioned that his 9-year-old son served as his motivation and the reason he kept pushing forward. The man’s ultimate goal is to become a high school principal in Newark, NJ. He certainly lived out the banner hanging over Montclair State University which reads, “Dream Big. Aim High.”
My congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2023. As you celebrate this special achievement be aware that your years of education constructed opportunity for the future. Have courage to follow your heart. God leads you in an unexplored direction. May each member of the Class of 2023 take advantage of the opportunity that awaits you as God generates strength in you to walk down roads of opportunity if you believe in yourself since God has pushed you across a finish line. Be proud of the institution of education you leave behind as it has grasped the best out of you, and cemented a foundation in a world that awaits your goodness, gifts, and blessings.
In Christ's Love,
Fr. Bob
Our baptism ministry reaquaints parents with the purpose of baptism and its sacramental significance in order to help them prepare for their child's baptism. It provides a deeper understanding of the sacrament and the responsibilities connected to bringing children into the Body of Christ. Arrangements should be made during pregnancy/adoption planning or shortly after birth by calling the parish office at 973-635-0625. Parents will be interviewed by a parish staff member to obtain the information needed for the church's sacramental records. Families living within the parish area are encouraged to register with the parish for contact information. First time parents and those new to St. Patrick Parish are required to attend an instructional session on the sacrament with members of the Baptism ministry.
Due to the many requests for Baptisms, please contact the Parish Office at least 3 months prior to the date you would like to have your baby baptized. Volunteers host baptismal preparation meetings with parents and a staff member.
We look forward to helping you and your family grow in your relationship with God!
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults - RCIA
RCIA is in place to serve those interested in becoming members of the Roman Catholic faith. This includes those who will receive the three Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. It also serves those who have been baptized in another Christian faith and those who have not completed their Sacraments of Initiation. The RCIA team consists of catechists, hospitality members and other members who walk with the candidates and catechumens through the process.
Sacred Scripture begins with the creation and union of man and woman and ends with "the wedding feast of the Lamb" (Rev 19:7, 9). Scripture often refers to marriage, its origin and purpose, the meaning God gave to it, and its renewal in the covenant made by Jesus with his Church. Man and woman were created for each other.
By their marriage, the couple witnesses Christ's spousal love for the Church. One of the Nuptial Blessings in the liturgical celebration of marriage refers to this in saying, "Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church."
~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
Couples wishing to celebrate the sacrament of Matrimony should notify the Church one year in advance of the planned wedding date. They are expected to participate in Pre Cana. Sessions are held regularly.
When a family or friend dies, the funeral rites are celebrated for the deceased. Normally, a Catholic funeral has three parts. The vigil service, sometimes called the wake service, takes place at the funeral home. Then the funeral mass occurs at the church. Finally, the committal service occurs at the graveside.
Arrangements for a funeral are usually made through a local funeral director, who contacts the parish to arrange dates and times for the Catholic funeral rites.
A member of St. Patrick Staff will meet with family members and/or friends to plan the funeral mass. Please contact the parish office for more information.
All times listed are Arizona times. We do not follow daylight savings so please check Google for correct time if you are out of state. When services are live-streamed on our Facebook page it will be noted below.