As St. Patrick Parish celebrates its 50th Anniversary, its Nocturnal Adoration Society celebrates its 50th year;  The St. Patrick chapter of the society was organized in October, 1953.  Initially the membership came not only from St. Patrick Parish, but also from St. John of God in Central Islip; Sts Philip and James in St. James; St Margaret of Scotland in Selden; St. Joseph's in Kings Park, St. Mary's in East Islip; St. Patrick's in Huntington; and St. Philip Neri in Northport.  With combined membership of 35 men, they sought the support Father Adam Willman, St. Patrick's first Pastor, in seeking to be chartered.  The Brooklyn Diocesan Director, Monsignor regan, was reluctant to allow the group to begin since 50 members were usually required to be charted by the Arch Confraternity in Rome.  Yet, with Father Wilman's help, permission was granted.

The Sprit of these first members was truly remarkable.  Those From St. John of God for example, prayed three hours each night.  Over the years, the chapter grew and members from other parishes broke off to form their own chapters.  In 1982, women were welcomed into the society.

Today, the St. Patrick chapter of the Nocturnal Adoration Society is still vibrant, with parishioners from many surrounding parishes again attending the monthly vigils.

Different groups within the chapter are assigned one hour on a rotating basis (the preferred method).  Some members, due to age or another valid reason, attend the hour of their choice. 

Nocturnal Adoration offers a uique opportunity to be in the presence of Jesus at a time when there are no distractions; to meditate on his passion, death and resurrection; to pray with Him to our Father; and to receive the strength of the Holy Spirit to continue His mission of love and compassion.  The society is an answer to Jesus' plea on the night before His death, "Could you not spend on hour with me?"

New members are formally received into the society each year on the Feast of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ.  Interested individuals are encouraged to pray with the society at any hour, even if there is no intention for formal membership.

Currently, St. Patrick's chapter consits of more than 100 members who pray for the parish and for the intentions of the society worldwide.  Prayers are offered for world peace, pro-life issues, vocations and for victims of famine, earthquakes, and other disasters.  Our departed brothers and sisters are especially in the society's prayers.  Each year, a diocesan rally is held at St. Agnes Cathedral for all the chapters of the Nocturnal Adoration Society.  Statistically, parishes that have an active Nocturnal Adoration Society experience a much higher percentage of vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and reigious life - and St. Patrick is a shining example.

The moderator of the St. Patrick chapter is Monsignor Paul Walsh.  One charter member of the society, Joe Kane, is still active.  joe was instrumental in forming the chapter 50 years ago.  The president with the longest tenure ( in the 1970s and 1980s) was Bill Sharkey.  Bill went on to become a Deacon, and eventually a Priest with the Indian missions.

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