ST. PATRICK PRESERVATION – FALL 2008 ERIN TOWNSHIP NEWSLETTER

I am sure some of you have noticed a little bit of activity in Old St. Patrick Cemetery. Gehl Monument Company is in the process of straightening several headstones thanks to the generosity of the Patricia Nickols’ family in California, who donated a sizeable amount of money for the perpetual care of this historic cemetery. If you have loved ones buried in Old St. Patrick Cemetery, please also consider donating to this worthy cause. The more money available, the quicker restoration work can begin and the greater the opportunity of saving these beautiful, old headstones for future generations. To donate to Old St. Patrick Cemetery, contact Father David LaPlante, Pastor, St. Kilian’s Parish, 262/673-4831.

The yearly membership drive is underway for the St. Patrick Preservation Fund, Inc. Memberships are reasonably priced at $5.00 single and $10.00 family. These donations allow us to continue our preservation work for 153-year old St. Patrick’s Church. If interested, please contact President Maureen Fitzsimmons-Vanden Heuvel at 262/670-0975 or via E-mail at savestpats@aol.com.

We would like to thank David Millen of Millen Roofing for his generosity in donating his time and materials to fix the gutter issue at St. Patrick’s—we are truly grateful!

We recently updated our website with current news and pictures, thanks to webmaster Joe Van Beckum. Check out the latest happenings at www.savestpatricks.com.

The 150 year old St. Patrick’s Altar Society is gearing up for another year. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month, September through May at 1 p.m. at the Erin Town Hall located at 1846 State Highway 83. If you would like to be a part of the camaraderie and spirituality AND enjoy some of the best desserts in the county, please drop in at the next meeting. If you have any questions, please contact President Joan Coffey at 262/673-2193.

If you are looking for a special Christmas gift for family and friends—please consider purchasing a copy of the 150th Anniversary History Book of St. Patrick’s Church—suggested donation of $25 or $30 if shipping is required. The 187-page book packed with memorable information, very interesting facts and over 250 pictures. To get your copy, please contact Nancy Henke at 262/673-5219 or E-mail Mary Hasslinger at mary.weddingday@att.net.

We again thank you for your support during the past nine years, as we continue our goal to preserve St. Patrick’s, this important part of the history of the Town of Erin. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Erin Town Hall, 1846 State Highway 83—all are welcome. The Rosary is prayed prior to the meeting on the steps of St. Patrick’s May through October at 6:35 p.m., weather permitting.