Let the Future Begin . . .

To our St. Patrick Parents and Friends:

Do you believe dreams can come true? If so, I can show you proof. I can show you a dream which twenty-four hours ago was the impossible dream. I can show you a dream come true which means so much to parents who love and cherish this diamond in the ruff we know as St. Patrick School. I can show you a dream come true which means you no longer need to worry about transferring your child's education to another school, entrusting your child's future to a new and unknown environment, one which takes that innocent child from the warmth, security and individual attention uniquely provided at St. Patrick School. And here is that dream come true: St. Patrick School is alive and well and will continue its century-long mission of providing for the religious and academic needs of the youth of our community. St. Patrick School will be open for business as usual in the 2010-11 school year. Let me say that one more time: St. Patrick School will be open for business as usual in the 2010-11 school year. And it will be the same Pre-K through 8th grade facility it has been for so many decades. No consolidation, no loss of identity, just the same St. Patrick School it has always been, the school which over the years has produced graduates who have become doctors, teachers, lawyers, members of the clergy, public servants and community leaders.

And how is this possible? How is this possible when St. Patrick has fallen onto such difficult financial times? The answer, in three words, is Bishop Peter Sartain. Bishop Sartain, unlike most of us, does not dwell on dreams. Instead, he relies on prayer. Bishop Sartain is truly a man of God. And this decision is reflective not only of God's will, but also of the Bishop's receptiveness. One might wonder if I'd feel the same way should the Bishop have determined to close St. Pat's. The answer is a profound "yes." As a matter of fact, many of us had come to regard closure or consolidation as the most likely scenario. I have seen and heard Bishop Peter Sartain preach the Word of God to a banquet hall filled with Catholic school principals. And he did not need a teleprompter. He barely referred to the few notes he had scribbled on a piece of paper. No, he did not need a prepared text, because he came with a prepared spirit and a mind prepared by many years of intense study and reflection upon doctrine of the Catholic faith. He is a man to be honored, to be respected and to be totally trusted.

We have been granted both an opportunity and a challenge. If the future of our school is to remain secure, we must escape the shackles of indebtedness. We must present to the Bishop more clearly delineated strategies to return to financial stability. And most importantly, those strategies must be accompanied by real dollars and not just real intentions. That, indeed, will be a major task.

But there is good news as well. We have a vast alumni association which must be contacted personally, advised of our present needs and reminded of what this school has meant to them. We have, at all grade levels, parents and staff members who have served loyally and tirelessly in support of this school. There have been times when that support has been tested. Times when the direction of the school has been clouded by turmoil and controversy. Yet these people of St. Pat's have not flinched nor waivered in their support. They have focused instead upon the "bigger picture" and the greater good. We need their continued service, if we are to survive beyond 2011.

In addition, there is a new breed of parent coming up through the ranks. It's a resourceful and dedicated group, young and free of bias. They care not for the strife of the past, but look forward to the promise of the future. They, too, wish to attend the graduation of their children from St. Patrick School in the years ahead.

So, in conclusion, maybe this is a time for a "gut check" as a good football coach might say. A time for those who have served so faithfully - even during periods of controversy - to renew their personal pledge of service to the school they love. And it's a time for our new parents to sprout their wings and assume a meaningful roll in serving and saving St. Patrick School. My thirty-seven years of experience tells me one thing. When you have a group of eager volunteers, dedicated to accomplishing a goal, give them direction and then get out of their way. My friends, that's exactly what I intend to do.

Thank you, and may God continue to bestow His many Blessings upon our wonderful St. Patrick community.

Dr. Lonnie L. Hughes, Principal

Catholic Schools Week

January 31 through February 5

Tentative Schedule of Events

St. Patrick School will again participate in the St. Jude's Mathathon. Participation is strictly voluntary. Students are bringing home permission slips today. They should be returned by Thursday February 4th so workbooks can be ordered. The Mathathon will end on Friday, February19th. Please direct all correspondence and pledge money to Mrs. Delach (Grade 5 Teacher).