Spring 2005

St. Patrick Preservation Update – Spring 2005 Town of Erin Newsletter

We joyfully usher in 2005—as we begin the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the founding of St. Patrick’s Church by Irish immigrants in the Town of Erin. Perhaps many of you are unaware that some damage to the interior ceiling tiles at the church were discovered during a routine check of the buildings a few weeks ago. We wish to express our deep gratitude to Father Petrie, pastor of St. Kilian’s Parish, who oversees the chapel, for his prompt attention to this matter. Kelmann Corporation and O’Neill Acoustics of Mukwonago did a beautiful job of removing the old ceiling and installing the new one. We are thankful that this situation occurred now rather than closer to our celebration date.

Please mark your calendars for the official celebration on Sunday, June 26, 2005. We have requested a Mass at St. Patrick’s at 3 p.m. and are awaiting confirmation. We wish to clarify some confusion regarding the location of the Mass. Of course our greatest hope is to commemorate this historic day inside St. Patrick’s! A catered dinner by Marty Pankow of Rubicon (at a reasonable cost of $15 per person) will follow at the Erin Town Hall at 5 p.m. All former parishioners, Town of Erin residents, historic enthusiasts and supports are invited to attend. Several out-of-town descendents of Erin Township founding families are making plans to join us as we celebrate this historic event.
If you would like an invitation to the celebration, please contact Nancy & Ev Henke at 262/673-5219 or E-mail Mary Hasslinger at flrlpsk@nconnect.net.

Have you noticed the pink plastic ribbons on the gravestones at Old St. Patrick’s Cemetery as you drove by??? Starting in late May or early June, P L Gehl will begin work on resetting some of these historic monuments. We have been assured this work will be completed in time for visitors to enjoy a walk through the cemetery (which dates back to 1850) on our anniversary weekend.

The 150th Anniversary History Book of St. Patrick’s Church of Thompson in the Town of Erin is still available—but don’t wait too long to get your copy as there are only a limited number of books left!! The 187-page book packed with memorable information and over 250 pictures is reasonably priced at $30—or if shipping is required $35. To receive your copy, please contact Nancy Henke at 262/773-5219 or e-mail Mary Hasslinger at flrlkpsk@nconnect.net.

Don’t forget the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17, 2005. Float construction plans are now underway, as we compete for another First Place. If you want to be part of the festivities, please call Maureen Fitzsimmons-Vanden Heuvel at 262/670-0975.

We thank you for your continued support to preserve an important part of the Town of Erin’s history. We look forward to seeing many of you on June 26! For continued updates on our progress, please visit our web site at www.savestpatrick.com or join us the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Erin Town Hall. Coffee, dessert and catching up with family, friends and neighbors follow the meeting. The Rosary will be prayed (weather permitting) from May through October at 6:40 p.m. prior to the meeting on the steps of St. Patrick’s. If you would like to become a member of the St. Patrick Preservation Fund, Inc. (reasonably priced at $5/Single and $10/Family), please contact Nancy Henke.