Some of the most common "works of love" are those done by parents for their children.  At St. Patrick school, this is often demonstrated by members of the Parents' Guild.

The Parents' Guild was founded in July, 1984 by a group of dedicated parents who wanted to do more for the students of St. Patrick School.  After months of discussions and hard work, the Executive Board has its first official meeting.  Almost 20 years later, the Guild is still meeting ... still discussing ... still working.  Parents have invested an enourmous amount of time and effort.  Yet, they say, it's worth it - for the children, for the school, and mostly for the honor and glory of God.

The purpose of the Guild is to bring people together with a common goal of being of service to the school community.  Its mission is to assist the Principal and Pastor in promoting the spiritual, intellectual, and physical well being of the students.  The Guild is not a policy-making organization; it's intent is to be of service.  All parents of enrolled students are members of the Guild.  In order to be considered a member in good standing, the by-laws required annual dues as established by the Guild to be paid.  Currently, approximately 260 families are members in good standing.

The Parents' Guild is involved in both the school and parish community.  The Guild runs several fundraisers each year, which pay for a variety of activities and equipment - from the spiritual (Communion Breakfast, Catholic Schools Week, Reconciliation Brunch, Rosary Makers, etc.), to the intellectual (technology and science equipment, Author Program, cultural arts, class field trip fund), and to the physical (gym equipment, lockers, lunch tables, etc.)  The Guild also sponsors many events, such as the Chhildren's Christmas Fair, Father/Daughter Square Dance, Family Bingo, Family Film Night, the St. Patrick's Day Dance, New Year's Eve Festivities, Graduation Events and more.

Guild members often sacrifice a great deal of their time and energy, yet it does have its rewards.

"To be given God's children to raise is a gift, but an awesome responsibility and task.  As a parent, I am called to be actively involved in their daily life and education - spiritual, intellectual, and physical," said Corinne Addiss, an executive board memgber and past president.  "Being an active part of St. Patrick School and Parents's Guild has assisted me in fulfilling all of this an in addition has given me the camaraderie of families and a community who share a common interest, with God being the primary focus.  This is yet another gift for which i am thankful."

Maura McMullin, a Parents' Guild member and Chairperson, agrees that it's worth it.

"As a mother of four young children, I was able to become involved because the Parents' Guild gives you as a parent the opportunity to imact the children of St. Patrick;s spiritual and intellectual growth.  As a member, you have a voice in the programs that are offered by the Parents' Guilds.  You can join the Guild and simply pay your dues or you can volunteer for one event or many.  There is a place and need for eachone of us in the Parents' Guild.  After all is said and done, seeing the children's happy faces makes it all worh while."

There are many good reasons to be an active member of the Parent's Guild, among them, friendship, the chance to enrich children's school experience, and the opportunity to work with other parents withsimilar values and goals.  Mother Teresa referred to the young as "buliders of tomorrow." Perhaps the ultimate hoal of the Guild is to prepare them to build.