CT PHOTOS/TODD MUSKOPF

Gathered around the celebratory cakes are, from left, Anne Mix, Grace Kindelin, Theresa Siewart, Annette Briesbraugh, Father James Duell, Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Ray Burton and Ray Bice.

150 years of God's mercy for His people

St. Patrick in Troy celebrates sesquicentennial

By Mary Knapke

SIDNEY DEANERY - Trumpets heralded the beginning of a recent Mass at St. Patrick Church as a procession of several clergy and ministers entered the sanctuary.

More than half a dozen Knights of Columbus participated, wearing ceremonial dress. The adult and children's choirs, accompanied by a brass ensemble - totaling about five dozen musicians - performed hymns before and during Mass.

Archbishop Pilarczyk offers the Body of Christ to a young parishioner.

"Today we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of this parish. It's important for us to be conscious of what we are celebrating," Archbishop Pilarczyk said in his homily. "We are not celebrating 150 years of wonderful spiritual achievements on the part of the members of this congregation, great things that we have done to make God love us. On the contrary, we are celebrating 150 years of God's generosity, 150 years of God's mercy for His sinful people, 150 years of God reaching out to us with His love in spite of our unworthiness. And what that calls for is gratitude . . . not for what we have been able to do, but for what God has done for us."

Following Mass, parishioners gathered in the church undercroft for a reception organized by the pastoral council with help from various parish commissions.

"I was very pleased to have all the priests there, and the music was wonderful," said Ruth Groff, president of the pastoral council. "The parish seems to be very united in generosity, love, forgiveness and belief in the Eucharist - and that's what the Lord expects us to do."

Pastoral council member Anne Mix added, "It was such a joyful, spiritually uplifting occasion that I felt very privileged to have been a part of."

As part of the anniversary celebrations, volunteers worked together to host a 150th fellowship potluck on the eve of the Mass. Julie Gillespie, who coordinated the effort, said nearly 200 people attended the event. Entertainment was provided by the McGovern Ceili Dancers, who performed traditional Irish dance. Parishioners also watched an historical video about the church.

In addition, three Spirit of St. Patrick awards were presented to parishioners who have provided extraordinary service to the parish. Award recipients included Rob and Karen DeVilbiss and their sons Ryan, Aaron and Kyle; Robert McCaffrey and Mary Jane Moyer.