Theresa Visconti, Parishioner

I wanted to fill you in on something that happened today during the lunch hour in the parking lot at St. Patrick. I’m a daily mass attendee and have been a parishioner at St. Patrick’s for many years. I am grateful that we have been able to park in the parking lot during these Lenten noontime masses. That, in itself, is such a blessing…and I suspect a sacrifice for the students (giving up part of their playground). It does not go unappreciated; I regularly hear people commenting on what a blessing this is. I, personally, enjoy seeing the students each day and all the wonderful energy they have. I pray for them each time I walk by.

For the past few weeks, there have been two beautiful, young, female students opening the door for us as we approach the church from the back parking lot, welcoming us to mass. The teachers have been doing an heroic job protecting our safe passage through the throng of joyful students (sometimes even running interference for us). But today, it all went to a new level. As I approached the back door to enter the church, there were about 14 students lined up in two rows before the door. Not only did they joyfully welcome us, they gave us high-fives, encouragement, and really cheered us on. (How could you not love this?) It reminded me of football games when the cheerleaders line up in two rows to cheer on their team’s football players (the people whom many look to as “heroes”). But here we were (the earthly saints, as St. Paul calls us) being cheered on by these loving students, as if to say, “Great job! Continue the race! Go team!” This is such a prophetic picture of the larger church family: the church in heaven (the Church Triumphant) which is cheering us on every day as we (the Church Militant) “fight the good fight” and continue the battle on earth. Whichever student or teacher thought this up is brilliant and deserves great praise. The only thing missing was the band playing “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Perhaps the angels were singing this in heaven.

St. Patrick School students (and teachers) are AWESOME. We love you all. Thank you for making us feel part of the family. May God bless you super-abundantly.

-Theresa Visconti, Parishioner