What our Parishioners Say

     “We have been very blessed to be part of the St Vincent DePaul Society at St Patrick for many years. Belonging to this faith-filled community not only has strengthened our Catholic faith but inspired us to give back and find ways to help those around us. It has shown us how small gestures of kindness and companionship can make such a difference in a person's life. St Patrick is truly a very special place and we thank God every single day that we belong to such a loving and supportive extended family of faith.”

Ron and Judy

     “10+ years ago we were searching for a new spiritual home and came to St Patrick's. Our first Mass was with Fr. Mario - we were hooked! From the altar to the pews - there was something fresh, authentic and alive here! This is definitely our forever faith family!

     We've made it a point to try to introduce ourselves to at least one new person (or couple) every Sunday. Several weeks ago, we noticed a young couple that we hadn't seen before, so we introduced ourselves. A smile quickly came across their faces. They explained that they were new to the area and, like us 10+ years ago, were seeking a spiritual home. They had said to each other as they walked into church, ‘Let's be open for a sign.’ That couple has registered as new parishioners and are quite active in many of the ministries already. The Spirit is a mystery, but it is alive here at St. Patrick’s!”

Dennis and Jane

     “I've been blessed to be a member of this parish since 2004, when my husband and I were first married. We're raising four children and have been active members of the St. Patrick School community for 15 years. I'd always considered myself to be far too busy with family and home life to be able to give more to the parish, but I couldn't deny God's gentle encouragement that I had gifts I could share with our parish community while not taking away from my primary vocation as wife and mother. Remaining open to God’s invitations and prodding has borne great fruit in my life. This parish is truly a second home for me and my family where we have found and nurtured the most meaningful friendships. I thank God for the priests, deacons, staff, and fellow parishioners who encourage me and our community to step out in faith to serve God and one another.”

Meg

     “I know the love of Jesus through the sacramental community of Saint Patrick Parish, which is a great comfort amidst the craziness of life! Here I can both welcome others and am welcomed myself, so that I can both give and receive. It may sound cliché, but I am grateful to have experienced deep, unexplainable peace through faith, which I am fortunate enough to live and have strengthened in our parish community.”

Eleanora

     “St. Patrick School and Parish are the centers of our world. We spend much of our week at the school, where our two children attend as a 5th grader and a preschooler. We find great peace in our hectic lives when we are able to attend daily and Sunday Mass. St. Pat’s has been our family since we moved to Stoneham in 2017 and was a soft place to land when we lost our infant Peter late in pregnancy in 2019, and then again as we healed and brought his little sister, Cecelia, into the world in 2020 during a global pandemic. Wearing masks, our little Cecelia was baptized by Deacon Frank, and to have that beautiful sacrament available in the midst of such uncertainty and fear was a balm and a time of true joy for our family!

     We appreciate the pastoral care and leadership we’ve always found at St. Patrick Parish, by all of the priests and deacons who tirelessly serve our community. Each member of our family experiences ongoing faith formation - the children through the amazing faculty and staff at the school, and us in our Men and Women’s groups/ Bible studies. The fellowship, curiosity, and deep hunger for learning has been so fruitful for both of us. By knowing Christ better through his Word, the sacraments, and the examples of others in our beautiful St. Patrick Parish, we are emboldened to live out our faith and bring others closer to Christ!”

Bill and Michelle

     “Every time we walk through the doors of St. Patrick’s, we are always encouraged and inspired to live as true disciples of Christ. Not just in our daily prayers and reading Scripture but how we live, act and think throughout each day. There have been countless times whether it's during homilies, Bible study or simply reading the bulletin that we ask ourselves, ‘Are we living the life that Jesus wills us to? How are we doing our part to build up the Church? What changes should we make? Are we walking in love? Are we living as true disciples? Are we living the example to our children?’

     Since we have been at St. Patrick’s, we have left behind any bitterness, anger, resentment that we didn't even realize we held onto from our past; scars we had tucked away in ourselves. Now we have truly embraced forgiveness, mercy and grace and our hearts have been transformed as we look at everything differently.

     The beautiful community here and friends we have made along the way are so accepting, encouraging and humble. There is a love here at St Patrick’s which we really can't describe but, it does feel like family. Many times we have heard people say that you can really feel the Holy Spirit within the walls here and that we are truly blessed. We can't agree more! Our family is so thankful and we count our blessings everyday.”

Ronnie and Malinda

     “Here at St. Patrick's, we have found true Christian friendship. Through the people we've met in the parish, we've found a supportive community and friends to share the highs, lows, and everything in between. There is often a fear that there is nobody that you can relate to or who will understand you. At St. Patrick's we've found that it's quite the opposite. There are many people at different points in their relationships, lives, and faith, who can relate and encourage you on your journey. No matter your background or age, there are people here that can relate to you.”

Kyle and Mackenzie

    “The programs that St. Patrick’s Parish offers have enabled us to strengthen our faith both as a married couple and individually. In helping us to realize how we are called to use the gift of grace given to us to ‘bear good fruit,’ discipleship has become central in our lives. The confirmation and youth groups have provided opportunities for us to not sit on his message but share God’s love.”

Sean and Laura

     “Thanks to my Mom, being a Catholic had always been part of my life, but life’s ups and downs and twists and turns had left me numb. Through the encouragement of a dear friend and nun, two wonderful pastors and a deacon, and through my involvement as a volunteer with many caring parishioner groups, I found my way back to Jesus. God Bless You All!”

Donna

     “Being part of St. Patrick Parish has been a real gift to me. Over the years, I have learned not only how to really belong to the Lord through our parish but also have seen how the Lord has used me to help others through the many relationships I’ve established with so many friends here.”

Marlene