I first participated in the St. Patrick's Religious Education Program in the Fall of 1965 as a teacher of seventh grade students.  In the spring of 1966, the Sisters in charge of the program, who were from St. John of God in Central Islip asked me if I would take over the program for the coming year as the Sisters would not be able to do so.

I accepted and was in charge of the Saturday morning program until 1975.  During these years, the program grew so rapidly that I urged Father Canning to hire a full-time Director of Religious Education who would be able to supervise the Saturday program as well as the home and high school programs.

Each Satuday morning during the school year, we held classes for grades two through eight.  Due to the large number it was necessary to have three sessions:

• First Session from 9:00 to 9:50 AM
• Second Session from 10:00 to 10:50 AM
• Third Session from 11:00 to 11:50 AM

Busses picked up the children at prearranged stops and took them home at the end of each session.

The Saturday classes were taught by volunteers.  Whenever possible, we obtained the services of professional teachers, both lay and religious.  The Sisters of St. joseph who taught in St. Patrick's School were a great deal of help in this program.

Msgr. Father Walter Simmons was the Moderator of the program and took an active part in it.  He planned and organized the bus program without which many children would not have been able to attend.

Msgr. Father Simmons organized a series of Masses for individual student groups.  During these class masses, the children participated in the readings, etc.

Father Canning, our pastor, was most supportive and readily accepted the recommendations and suggestions of the teaching staff.

--John Heslin

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