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In August, a 150th Anniversary Ornament was issued to commemorate this special year. Parishioners, helped design the ornament with Father Gerard, and they were able to get it ordered and produced through their international suppliers. Each ornament was individually hand-painted from the inside. It sold like hot cakes in and around the parish. On Thanksgiving Weekend, Sunday, October 12th, a 150th Anniversary Mass was celebrated at 11:30 AM. Most Reverend James Wingle, Bishop of Saint Catherine’s, presided over the liturgy He was assisted by the Carmelite Provincial, Very Reverend John Welch, O.Carm., and the pastor, Father Gerard Power, O.Carm. Also in attendance were ten other Carmelites, some of whom are former pastors of Saint Patrick Parish: Father Bart Larkin, Father Tony McNamara, and Father Bruce Taggart. The church was filled to capacity as parishioner Mr. Mike MacNeil led the procession with bagpipes. The Knights of Columbus provided an honor guard, and Saint Patrick’s Adult Choir raised the roof with both traditional and contemporary hymnody An elaborate reception followed in the parish hall. Plaques and certificates were presented to Father Gerard by Niagara Mayor, Ted Salci; Mr. Kim Craitor, Alderman and Member of Provincial Parliament, and Honorable Ron Nicholson, Member of Parliament, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. MP. A museum was set up in the parish gym which contained many artifacts of the parish, and also thousands of photos from events over the years. It was truly a walk down memory lane for many people, and some seniors were even able to find their first communion photos. The final anniversary celebration was held on November 1st, All Saints Night with an Adult Talent Show. This was organized by the parish staff and other volunteers. Numerous volunteers came out to help with the event. The evening was cabaret style with hot food, candlelight and wine. It was a sold-out show in which ten groups of parishioners and individuals performed. The repertoire ranged from solos to Broadway Choir to a Newfie Kitchen Party! Truly, a fun night and also many requests to make it an annual event!
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