Among St. Patrick's oldest parish organizations is the Rosary Altar Society.  It was established by Father Adam Willman, founding pastor of St. Patrick's.  The Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary was granted by Bishop Thomas Malloy on May 8, 1953.

Throughout the years, members have been dedicated to fulfilling the primary purpose of the Rosary Altar Society: "To praise and honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and to secure her patronage by the recitation of th Rosary for the mutual spiritual benefit of all the members throughout the world."

St. Patrick's Rosary Altar Society currently has 225 members.  Membership is open to Catholic men and women.  The only obligation for members of the Confraternity is to recite the fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary once a week.  It also is recommended that members attend Mass once a month as a Society, assist in the public recitation of the Rosary, and contribute their time and talent to the organization as needs arise.  One continuous need that the Society satisfies is the maintenance and upkeep of all Mass items such as Altar cloths, small linens, chalices, ciboria, and the candlearbra.  Members also take care of Altar flower arrangements.

The Rosary Altar Society meets on the first Monday of the month, following the 8:00 PM Novena mass in honor of Our Lady of the Miraulous Medal.  The society sponsors many special events as well.  These include, but are not limited to, a Children's Rosary Instruction program, in which members visit the children in the parish school and Religious Formation classes and instruct children on how to pray the Most Holy Rosary; a Christmas season, "adopt a needy family program;" and the annual May Crowning of Mary.

Members give unselfishly of their time.  The benefits of such generosity include special protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a share in all the Rosaries said by all the members of the Confraternity throughout the world.  All of the prayers and good works of the Dominican Order are also shared with the members of the Rosary Confraternity, which the Order considers to be part of the Dominican Family.  The main reason parishioners say they become Rosarians is out of a love for the Blessed Mother.

"I have a great devotion to Our Lady, and I pray the Rosary every day," said Ann Knowd "I realized that the primary purpose of the Rosary Altar Society was to spread devotion to the Blessed Mother, so I wanted to become involved with teh organization for this reason.  I also enjoy taking care of the Altar, and I feel this is a very important service that we provide to the Church."

"I became a member of the Rosary Altar Society because I wanted to be closer to the Blessed mother," said Assunta Black. "I have always had a special devotion to Mary, and I wanted to serve the Church by taking care of the Altar."

Some also find a sense of fulfillment in their work taking care of the Altar.

"I joined the Rosary Altar Society 16 years ago," said Helga Singer. "I've always had a special devotion to Our Lady, and I wanted to become active in the service of the Church.  Shortly after joinging, I became involved in the arrangement of the Altar Cloths.  I do feel a sense of personal satisfaction when this work is completed.  By decorating the Altar, we give Glory to God, and we help the congregation experience the seasons of the Liturgical calendar."

The Altar is the heart of every Catholic Church.  It is where the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered, in which the bread and wine are transubstantiated into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ.  Caring for the Altar is a labor of love.  Members of the Rosary Altar Society offer this work all for the Honor and golry of God and the love of His Mother.

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