More than 3,000 young people participate in programs offered by the St. Patrick Youth Community, a fact that is even more impressive when you consider that the Youth Community does not include St. Patrick School or the Religious Formation Program.

Many find here a sense of community.  Those who participate in Youth Commnuity programs take with them many memories; such as performances in the annual Youth Christmas Show, afternoons and evenings spent with family and friends on the soccer or softball fields, worshipoping God in song at the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass, or overnight retreats during Don Bosco week.

The purpose of all these activities, as stated in the Youth Community's vision statement, is to "strive to grow in our knowledge and experience of the love of Christ."

The St. Patrick Youth Community began, as many parish organizations do, with only a few members.  It has gone under different names - the Youth Group, the Folk Group, and the Youth Council.  The various programs became a synchronized whole under the direction of Tony Colangelo, assistant Ann Lynch and numerous parent volunteers.  With the blessing of former St. Patrick Pastor, Father John Mott, the program began to thrive.

Under Tony's tenure, the Folk Group grew until, at one point when members stood to sing on Sunday morning, they filled the entire side of the church.  The Folk Group performed at St. Patrick Cathedral, Madison Square Garden and in churches in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Niagra Falls.  The group traveled to Canada, and had its own recording session.  Over the years, more and more activities were added, from sprots to Kickliine to Children's Choir.

Among the parent volunteers who helped the Youth Community to blossom were Frank and Kathy Maggiacoomo.  When Tony Colangelo departed, Frank took on the role of Youth Administrator.  During Frank's tenure, the Enrichment Program, the Learning Center, the Outdoor Summer Basketball and T-Ball leagues, Pizza and Prayer, and the Disciples of Christ all came into existence.  Facilities also were added, including the modulars and the outdoor sports courts.  Frank also was a driving force behind the construction of our new church, the renovation of the old church into a gymnasium, and the addition of a new wing.

With Frank's untimely death on January 1, 2002, the reigns of the Youth Community were handed to Cindy Marsh, who has directed Camp St. Patrick, the Learning Center, and the Enrichment Program for many years.  Cindy is assisted by Youth Minister Joy Robles.  Father Douglas Arcoleo serves as the Youth Moderator. 

In an article written for a parish newsletter several years ago, Frank Maggiacomo was quoted as saying, "All you read about are the kids who make bad choices, but the truth is that the truly good kids greatly outnumber the others."  The St. Patrick Youth Community gives young people an outlet where they can play, pray, and grow in their love for Christ and one another.  If the young people of our parish are our future, the future is indeed very bright.