Sound System Replacement Begins

The first major overhaul of the Church audio systems is underway.

DCI Sound Inc. of Marcellus NY was hired to design and install a new sound system for the Church.
DCI has extensive experience working in worship sites including The Church of the Holy Family in Watertown.

A DCI representative has been in the Church this week running new wiring and installing new microphone "jacks". 
When DCI returns it will be to pull the old system and replace it with state of the art equipment.
 
"Unlike typical sound equipment suppliers, DCI takes the time to design a custom solution that matches your facility's distinct requirements. We understand how to make even the most acoustically difficult spaces work for you. During the design phase and throughout the life of the installation, we use up-to-date technology tools to predict, verify and enhance system performance."

The speakers and microphone locations currently in use were largely installed during the $1 Million renovation of the Church in 1999. Over the years the equipment has been tweaked, adapted, pushed, pulled and stretched beyond its useful age and ability.  Numerous parishioners have been concerned that they are having difficulty hearing certain readers and presiders.  DCI has designed a system to address those deficiencies.

At this writing (February 1) we are unable to give a completion date for the installation but remain optimistic we will hear the Alleluias loud and clear at Easter.

Tabernacle from Mercy Hospital Sacred Heart Chapel Has a New Home

The weekend of September 17/18, 2011 was a special one for St. Patrick's. The Tabernacle which has graced Sacred Heart Chapel in the former Mercy Hospital School of Nursing has been relocated to St. Patrick's. The tabernacle, installed in the chapel in 1946, is dedicated to Mercy Sister Maureen Crowley. Sister Maureen was a St. Pat's girl, baptized in our church and received her first Eucharist at our altar. She tragically lost her life the year before the chapel opened. The Sisters of her Order chose to memorialize her by inscribing her name on the new tabernacle.

Through the goodness of the owner of Mercy Care Center, Mrs. Nancy Salerno, the tabernacle has been donated to St. Patrick's as a lasting memorial of the close relationship between our parish and our next door neighbor, Mercy Hospital, since its founding in 1924.  Father Donald Robinson, Pastor of St. Patrick's, blessed the new tabernacle in a rededication ceremony on September 17, 2011.

St. Patrick's Parish Adopt-A-Unit:

        HQ Co A 1-32 INF 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

Thanks to the generosity of our parishioners more than a dozen boxes of Holiday cheer were mailed to our unit before Christmas.

Special thanks to Peter and Pat Esposito and Austin and Ann Kilburn for all they do on behalf of our adopted units. 

Please continue to pray for all of our military. We currently have several parishioners deployed and their families would appreciate knowing their parish family is holding their loved ones in their prayers.

Our Elizabeth Ministry Chapter Has an Angel!

St. Patrick's Elizabeth Ministry presents Baby Bundles to the mothers of newborns in our parish. These bundles include crocheted items donated by various individuals and groups.  Bernice Mayer is from Port Henry, NY.  Her sister, St. Joseph's Sister Jane Frances lives at the Motherhouse on Washington Street.  Bernice heard about our EM chapter from her and Sister Mary William Argy.  The result...a seemingly endless supply of sweaters, booties, blankets and other wonderful items for our newborn.

On a recent visit with her sister, Bernice was finally able to link-up with our chapter chairperson, Kathy Mastellon, to bring five more boxes of her creations and to swap crocheting tales and tricks. Thanks Bernice and all who contribute to our newest parishioners.

Elizabeth Ministry is a woman-to-woman outreach which focuses on the childbearing years. Women visit and share with others facing similar experiences, a like-to like ministry. The areas of Elizabeth Ministry include, but are not limited to, pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, infant or child death, crisis or special needs, adoption, fertility and infertility. Referral forms are available at the Pastoral Center or by contacting Kathy Mastellon through the Pastoral Center.

For more information, visit the international organization site http://www.elizabethministry.com. or contact Kathy Mastellon through the Pastoral Center. Volunteers are always needed.