Plans were drawn up, parishioners pledged money, and in two years, the church and school became a reality.  The new St. Patrick Church and School was dedicated on November 12, 1966 by Bishop Walter P Kellenberg.

1967, New St. Patrick's Church and School

In September of 1967, S. Patrick School opened its doors.  Initially the school consisted of grades one through four.  For the next few years, one grade was added each year.  The students were taught by the Religious Sisters of St. Joseph from Brentwood.  Sister St. Catherine, CSJ, was the school's first principal.

After a busy 13 years as a pastor, Father Canning was transferred to Immaculate Conception parish in Westhampton Beach.  St. Patrick welcomed its third pastor, Father John Mott.

Monsignor John D Mott, Pastor 1976-1990

Parishioners describe Father Mott as outgoing, easy to work with, a solid businessman and someone who allowed for creativity within the parish,  When Father Mott arrived, the parish was saddled with a heavy mortgage.  Within six years, however, the mortgage was paid off and the papers were burned during a special mass which was followed by the first Annual Parish Picnic.

Father Mott also had a knack for encouraging the involvement of the laity  Many parish organizations grew and flourished during his tenure, perhaps most notably, the Youth Community.  Father Mott gave Youth Minister Tony Colangelo a free hand in developing programs for young people.  As a result, the Youth Community experienced explosive growth.  Hundreds of young people participated in the Folk Group, and it wasn't just the numbers that were impressive.  The Folk Group became widely known for its high quality performances.  The young people went on tour, did recordings and performed on the radio.  Many sports programs were offered to the young people for the first time as well.  In all the activities, Tony stressed the theme of "knowing Jesus as friend."

Father Mott encouraged the creativity of the lay community in other areas as well.  The Parish Council, the Liturgy Committee, and Parish Outreach all came into esxistence - all adding to the spirit of the parish.

Other changes took place as well.  The Permanent Deaconate, having been restored in the Second Vatican Council, led to the ordination of St. Patrick's first deacons.  Eucharistic Ministers began assisting in the distibution of Communion, and women began serving as lectors.  Stained glass windows were added to the church, as well as outdoor shrines.

Monsignor Paul Walsh, Pastor 1990-2002

After 14 years as pastor, Father Mott was reassigned and Associate Pastor Father Paul Walsh took the reigns.  Parishioners say they regard Father Walsh as a kind and spiritual man, quick with a smile, and sensative to the needs of everyone in the parish.  While fund raising may not be something he enjoys, he has done it successfully several times as pastor.  His willingness to put the needs of the parish before his personal preferences has made him a true spiritual leader.

In recent years, one of the most pressing needs of the parish (and one that has required a great deal of fund raising) has been the need for more space. That need was met to some degree by the addition of a new wing several years ago.  More recently, outdoor sports courts were added to to accommodate Youth Community sport programs, as well as modular units, which house the Enrichment Program and an additional classroom for the school.

Yet, the space problem has not gone away, which is why the parish currently is in the midst of a sizable building project.  The project includes a new, freestanding church, and the renovation of the current church into a gymnasium / auditorium.  An additional wing that will house classrooms and meeting rooms is also planned, when funds become available.

While meeting the physical need for space has been no easy task, meeting the spiritual needs of a parish of more than 5,000 families is perhaps even more daunting.  In a parish this large, many would assume that individual parishioners and families could feel like nameless faces in the crowd.  Yet many will attest that the opposite is true.

Our Parish organizations, which number more than 30, are one way individual parishioners become involved with others in the parish and being to feel a sense of community.

It may seem that the St. Patrick Church of today has little in common with the small group of families that once made up the church.  Yet in some ways, we are very much the same.  We still are a community which, having been strengthened by the Sacraments, goes out to "love and serve the Lord and one anouther." May we never depart from that mission.

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