LUNCH WITH SHEILA

Pat Hurley McDonald has once again kept us up to date with news of another get together.  This get together was in honour of Sheila Moriarty Amos, who was on a visit home from Cape Breton.

On October 6^th school friends Maureen O’Brien Roche, Cynthia Murphy Downey, Sheila Moyst O’Neill and Nancy Stanley Cook welcomed Sheila home. The ladies met for lunch at Fionn MacCool’s Pub on Kenmount Road and, by all accounts, it was a great get together. I think the photo confirms that!

Maureen O'Brien Roche, Cynthia Murphy Downey,
Pat Hurley McDonald, Sheila Moriarty Amos,
Sheila Moyst O'Neill, Nancy Stanley Cook
lunching  at Fionn MacCool's Pub

I hope Sheila had a lovely time at home and I am sure she was delighted to meet up with her dear friends again.  Way to go girls – keep the friendships firm.  They are indeed precious.

Thanks once again Pat.  Your support is greatly appreciated.

SIXTY- FOUR YEARS AGO TODAY

St Patrick's Convent School, Patrick St

Sixty four years ago today, on 2nd October 1953, the Corner Stone of the new St Patrick's Convent School on Patrick St was blessed by His Grace, Archbishop P J Skinner. 

Archbishop P J Skinner, Archbishop of St John's
1951-1979

Just look at that gleaming floor!
Didn't we (under Sr Immaculata's watchful eye) do well?

Thanks to Pat Hurley McDonald for this photo of the interior of Lakecrest School (formerly St Patrick's Convent School). Would you believe that the gleaming floor you see here is the original?  Yes it is an amazing sixty-four years old.  It is the same one we mopped and never, ever walked on with our muddy, wet boots!  Sr Immaculata would be so pleased!

PLEASANTVILLE LUNCH DATE

Pat Hurley McDonald has sent us a nice photo of herself and some St Patrick's school mates who recently shared a very enjoyable lunch date. On 12th September the friends dined at The Royal Canadian Legion Restaurant in Pleasantville.  

Lunching Ladies

The ladies are L-R:

Sheila Moyst, Lila Mercer, Judy Comerford, Carol Cromwell, Pat Hurley, Cynthia Murphy 

As always, a good time was had by all and another get together is now being organised. 

Thank you Pat.  We are always pleased to receive news of what St Patrick's girls (and boys) are doing these days.  So, please keep meeting up and please keep us informed.

THANK YOU FATHER WAYNE

Fr Wayne Dohey is the well loved parish priest of St Patrick's who, sadly for St Patrick's, is moving on to continue his good work in another parish.  Fr Wayne, his enthusiasm, his kindness, his dedication and his brilliant smile will be sorely missed.  Thank you Fr Wayne and may God bless you abundantly.

The Incomparable Father Wayne Dohey

Mary Lou Mallard Tucker has sent us this touching tribute to Fr Wayne. 

"Father Wayne Dohey

St Patrick’s Parish

Can anyone predict what is in God’s  plan

When we arrive to this uncertain  world?

Unforeseen circumstances do  sometimes happen

Which can put one’s life in a twirl.

Father, all that you have been  through,

You have been through many tests.

God definitely sees the whole  picture

As Satan hates Christian happiness.

God presented us with a wonderful  man of the cloth

Who will always go that extra mile.

You try to preach to Cod’s children  everywhere

With a compassionate heart, which  is so your style.

Your brilliant mind teaches all of us

We should live out God’s holy word.

In the future we will try to  remember

Your powerful words which we  have heard.

You are going where you are  needed now

Your full time work at St Patrick’s  done.

It is with deep sadness that is felt  in all of our hearts

As our parish priest, you are our  special one.

We will all miss you!

Mary Lou Tucker and Family"

Mary Lou, thank you for sharing this lovely poem. Fr Wayne will indeed be missed.

PAT AND CATHERINE VISIT THEIR ALMA MATER

Pat Hurley McDonald has sent us some really great pictures that will cause all our memory banks to go into overdrive!

Pat tells us that she and her sister, Catherine Hurley Teed, visited St Patrick's last week. As you are all aware, St Patrick's is now Lakecrest, a very well respected independent school. Pat said that the Principal graciously allowed them to tour the school which, understandably, brought back some great memories.

Pat has kindly shared her lovely photos of their visit. Get your hankies ready!

The beautifully maintained Lakecrest School, formerly St Patrick's Convent School

Pat Hurley McDonald  visiting her Alma Mater

Catherine Hurley Teed  visiting her old school

Thanks to Sr Immaculata, to us and our hours of mopping, this original floor still looks like new.  Be proud all you "moppers".

Catherine and Pat at the School door and not a "Rubber Bag"
in sight!

Pat, thank you very much for sharing these delightful pictures with us. Having seen them, all our heads will be buzzing with memories.

BASKETBALL TEAM 1960

We are long overdue for a Holy Cross Post so here is one from 1960.  Do you know anyone on it?

Young Champs!  How many can you name?

We have some names but we hope someone can fill in the blanks for us.

FRONT, L-R: Fred Noftall, ?, ?, James Murphy, Paul Meaney,?, ?,

Back, L-R: Tom Healey, ?, John Whitty, ? Healey, Kevin Walsh, Br Fahey

Br Fahey, the coach .  (Nice Brush Cut!)

BACK TO SCHOOL IN SADDLE OXFORDS!

It is that time again!  Time to say good bye to the "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" and get down to study again as schools across the Province reopen. I am sure we all remember that "butterflies in the stomach" feeling as we trudged off to school on the first day back in September. Who will be our new teacher?  Will she be nice?  Will we be in for a tough year?  Will we have to hide her slapper? 

TIMES TABLES?

It was a memorable experience heading off to Holy Heart of Mary for the very first time. Leaving St Patrick's was a sad and difficult time for some girls.  I know I left with sadness & with just a little fear and trepidation.  Holy Heart was such a big school and so far away. No more racing through Thompson's Field in an effort to make it to St Patrick's on time. No more dawdling up Leslie Street, scuffing through the multi-coloured Autumn leaves as we made our way home for dinner.  Oh well, life goes on and so does school!  And, Holy Heart wasn't so bad once you got used to it.  It wasn't St Patrick's, but it was pretty good.

HOLY HEART OF MARY REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
FOR GIRLS

Well this photo, from an old ad from St John's best know Shoe Store, Parker & Monroe, will bring back some memories for ladies of a certain age.  I for one absolutely hated those Saddle Oxfords! How did you feel about them?  In any case, I loved the ad and I am so pleased to be able to share it with you here. 

SPECIAL SHOES FOR HOLY HEART

Are you feeling a little nostalgic now? Just don't cry over your keyboard - you will clog up the keys!  

OUR ROOTS ARE SHOWING!

Before you read another word, I must tell you that this post has absolutely nothing to do with St Patrick! However, it does have much to do with our roots, our Newfoundland heritage, and our way of speaking.  

A couple of days ago I was reading a book and I came across an amusing little anecdote that really delighted me.  As St Catherine of Alexandria is the Saint involved perhaps I should wait until 25th November, St Catherine's Day,  to post it.  No, I can't wait.  I think it is so cute I want to share it with you right away.  

Among other things, St Catherine is the Patron Saint of unmarried girls.  This little anecdote that I came across told of the young girls of Milton Abbas in Dorset who used to chant this little prayer to St Catherine.

"St Catherine, St Catherine, O lend me thine aid, 

and grant that I never may die an old maid.

A husband, St Catherine, a good one, 

St Catherine,

But arn-a-one better than narn-a-one, 

St Catherine.

Sweet St Catherine, a husband St Catherine,

Handsome St Catherine, rich, St Catherine,

Soon, St Catherine."

I don't suppose this verse would be considered politically correct today but it was the 'arn' and 'narn' that jumped out at me when I read it. We all learned in school that Newfoundland's first settlers were mainly people from Ireland and the West Country of England.  The West Country includes Dorset. I was just pleased to find such an unexpected confirmation of our Dorset roots and, if you haven't already heard this verse, I hope you will enjoy it now.

Dorset, where some of our forebears hailed from

ALS ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE MONTH

Teri Healey Evans has been in touch to tell us about the forthcoming ALS ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE.  Here is Terri's email.

"AUGUST is ALS ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE MONTH. In honour of my sister Cindy & all the many people afflicted with ALS, I have decided to  host an ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE on Sunday August 20, 2017, 2:30 pm, at Middle Cove Beach. The fee to participate will be $10.00 (more or less whatever you can afford) per person (Children under 12 free) & all proceeds will go to the NL Chapter of The ALS Society. My goal is to get as many people as possible to attend & maybe we can break a record! I am challenging all of my family, friends, co-workers, & any businesses to participate. The ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE should only take a few minutes of your time but just think of all the good that may come out of it. Please come along, invite friends & share on facebook! This event will only go ahead if we can get the numbers, but it WILL go ahead rain or shine. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. Don't forget to bring your bucket & towel! You can RSVP burgawgirl@gmail.com

Thanks! 

Teri Healey Evans"

WILL YOU TAKE THE CHALLENGE?

I am sure you are all aware of what a terrible illness ALS is and, readers of this Blog will also be aware of all the hard work Terri and her family put in on behalf of the NL Chapter of the ALS Society.  Let's give Teri all the support we can muster and help rid the world of ALS!

WINNIFRED SULLIVAN AND CLASSMATES

***** THIS WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED ON 12th OCTOBER 2015.  DOREEN HAS RECENTLY HELPED WITH A FEW MORE NAMES SO WE ARE RE-POSTING IN THE HOPE THAT SOMEONE ELSE WILL HAVE HER MEMORY  JOGGED AND WE WILL RECEIVE EVEN MORE NAMES. HERE IS THE ORIGINAL POST: 

"I have received a very interesting photo from Pamela (Brown) Hartman.  Pamela graduated from St Patrick's in 1976.  Pamela's mother, WINNIFRED SULLIVAN, is in this picture, front row, fifth from right. 

Winnifred Sullivan Brown is in the very centre
of the front row, 5th right.

The photo, taken in the 1950s, is of Sr Imelda's Commercial Class.  After graduation, many girls went on to do a Business Course, known in those days as"Commercial Class".  Sr Imelda taught Commercial at St Patrick's for many, many years before eventually being transferred to the new High School, Holy Heart of Mary.  Sr Imelda's Commercial graduates were always well instructed and in great demand in offices in St John's.  So highly were they thought of that company bosses and directors would contact the school looking for graduates to fill vacancies in their offices.  Hence, most of the girls would have jobs waiting for them upon completion of their Commercial course.

I am posting a cropped version and the original version of the photo.  The cropped version is to give you a closer look at the girls so that, hopefully, you can identify some of them for us.  I do have someone working on that at the moment but if any of you can help, it would be much appreciated.  (If you click on the pictures they will enlarge!) You can send any information you might have to mcallistersmith@gmail.com and we will add it to the post.

Sr Imelda's "Commercial Class", 1950s.
The Deanery Avenue School is in the background.

I love the original version of this photo.  The old Deanery Avenue School is in the background.  This School, which opened in 1921, was built as a memorial to the men and boys of St Patrick's Parish who gave their lives in WWI.  Sadly, this School is no more and where it once stood there is now just a vacant lot.  There is nothing, neither plaque nor word nor picture, to remind the populace of the dedicated teachers, the generations of children nor of the brave young men for whom it was meant as a lasting tribute.

Pamela, thank you very much for sharing this beautiful photo with us.  I hope someone will be able to come up with a bit of information for you."

NOW FOR THE ADDITIONAL NAMES I HAVE BEEN GIVEN.

ROW 1: 

3rd L, Mary Ford; 

5th L, Winnifred Sullivan; 

9th L, Kay Barron;

ROW 2:  

8 L, ? Collins;

ROW 3:  

1 L, ? Horan;

IF YOU CAN IDENTIFY SOMEONE IN THIS PHOTO, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH AT mcallistersmith@gmail.com. 

GETTING TOGETHER AGAIN

I apologise for the delay in reporting these two get-togethers.  There are several reasons for my tardiness, i.e holidays and computer problems!  

Both gatherings took place in May and we are really happy to post them here today.

The first photo is from Joan Reynolds Fogarty. Joan and her classmates are still meeting several times a year for a meal and a chat.  This group of ladies is remarkable in their lasting friendship and loyalty to one another. This get-together took place on 15th May at Milestones.  

The friends in the photo are:
Front L-R: Catherine Corbett Stanley, Kathleen Dobbin Benson, Rosemary Ashley Healy
Back L-R:  Joan Reynolds Fogarty, Patricia Connolly Leonard, Mary Fitzgerald, Brenda Casey Grouchy, Joan Connolly Alston, Betty Fitzgerald Pye, Mary Bulger Corcoran 

CLASSMATES AND FRIENDS!

Joan said they had a wonderful time and they plan to meet up again in September. We will be waiting for news of it, Joan.  

The next photo is from Christine Mary Butler.  Christine has sent us a photo of the fourth annual gathering of the Grade 3 Class of 1967/68. This gathering took place on 28th May at Smitty's Restaurant in Mt Pearl. Christine said it was an awesome afternoon!  She also tells us that plans are in hand for next year's big 50th Anniversary reunion. Anyone interested can contact Christine on butlerchristine@nl.rogers.co.

FOURTH ANNUAL GATHERING

Thank you to Joan and Christine for keeping us in touch with what you are getting up to these days and we look forward to hearing more from you both very soon.  Christine, if you would like us to post any news or details re the 50th celebrations, just send details to us at mcallistersmith@gmail.com and we will be delighted to spread the word for you.

NEWFOUNDLAND'S FIRST CANADIAN

Canada is 150 years old this year and of course all Canadians are celebrating. Newfoundland became a part of Canada just 68 years ago, 1st April 1949.  St Patrick's Convent School has a special connection to that historic event. Newfoundland's FIRST CANADIAN, Sharon Rose Healey, was born at 1:35 am on 1st April 1949.  Sharon grew up on Brine Street and, along with her sisters, attended St Patrick's Convent Schools.  

NEWFOUNDLAND'S FIRST CANADIAN,
SHARON ROSE HEALEY O'NEILL

Now Mrs Sharon Rose O'Neill, she is married to Owen who has a special connection with  the Presentation Sisters.  Owen was born and raised on the beautiful Southern Shore, in Port Kirwan, Fermeuse.  

In September 1853, Mother Bernard Kirwan, the founder of the Presentation Order in Newfoundland, with four other Presentation Sisters, established at Admiral's Cove, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Convent.  Mother Bernard died on 27th February 1857 and was laid to rest in Admiral's Cove.  In 1960, this amazing Irish Nun was honoured when the name of Admiral's Cove was changed to Port Kirwan.

Sharon's sister, Teri Evans, has sent us a photo of Sharon who received due recognition at the Canada 150 Celebration Breakfast on Canada Day, 1st July 2017. Sharon was presented with a bouquet of flowers by St John's City Councillor, Sandy Hickman.

SHARON IS HONOURED AT CANADA
150 CELEBRATION BREAKFAST ON
CANADA DAY, 1ST JULY 2017

Congratulations Sharon! Thank you very much, Teri, for the photo and the information about Sharon.  It is an interesting and important part of our Newfoundland History. It is also a part of our St Patrick's History and we are happy and proud to share it here on our St Patrick's School Blog.       

ALS WALK 2017

Congratulations to “Team Cindy” on their great success with their effort in the 2017 ALS WALK, which was held on 11^th June.  Teri Healey Evans led the team in memory of her dear sister, Cindy, who passed away from this devastating disease.  Teri was joined in the ALS Walk by friends and other members of Cindy’s loving and loyal family and together they raised $500.00. 

Teri has sent us this picture of some of those who walked for Cindy.  They seem to be enjoying  some well earned refreshments.



"TEAM CINDY"

L-R: Teri’s son Matthew, Teri, Matthew’s girlfriend Melanie, Cindy’s sister Sharon Healey O’Neill and Sharon’s husband Owen O’Neill.

Cindy’s brother Charlie Healey, Teri’s daughters, their friends, and Sharon and Owen’s grandson Zachary also did the walk but, Teri tells us, by the time she remembered to take a picture they had left.  Perhaps we will get them on next year’s walk!

Thank you, Teri, for shedding some light on ALS and for sharing this wonderful family effort with us.  Keep up the good work and if we can help by posting events for you, please just let us know.

LET'S BEAT ALS FOR CINDY!



LOU GEHRIG

This is an email I received from Teri  HEALEY Evans.  Teri and all her sisters are graduates of St Patrick's Convent Schools.  Tragically, one of the sisters, Cindy, was taken by this cruel disease at just 58 years of age.  Teri is now appealing to our St Patrick's family for support in her efforts to help research into this devastating illness.  PLEASE READ TERI'S EMAIL AND PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS.  REMEMBER, EVERY CENT COUNTS! 

 

"My name is Teri Evans (formally Healey, from Brine St) At St. Patrick's the Sisters called me Teresa Healey.

I'm not sure if this is something you can post for me on the St. Patrick's Website & if it is not, I totally understand.

I hope I am sending the correct link, my computer skills are much to be desired!

https://apps.facebook.com/fundraising_na/PersonalPage.aspx?RegistrationID=3819863
Thanks! Teri

To My Former St. Patricks Family & Friends,

I have joined the WALK for ALS in my community, because I would like to do my part to find a cure for ALS. ALS, is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, after the famous American baseball player who died of ALS in 1941. ALS is a progressive and ultimately fatal neuromuscular disease, which has no known cause, cure or drug therapy of consequence. This devastating disease slowly robs the individual of the ability to walk, talk, and ultimately, to breathe. This disease attacked my sister, Cindy at the age of 58, literally overnight. My family have seen firsthand how devastating ALS is & are determined to help to find a cure. I am not asking for large donations (although most welcome) just the cost of your one coffees, a toonie can go a long way! Please support my fundraising efforts by clicking on the donate button.

Thank you

 

I wrote this rant a couple of days before Cindy (Jan 23, 2016) passed away to try to get out my frustration at the time. In honor of ALS Awareness Month I decided to post again. This June 11th in Cindy's honor my family are participating in the ALS Walk. If you haven't yet but would like to sponsor us you may do so (one dollar goes a long way when you are trying to find a cure & it this case a how/why also). Just message me if you would like to sponsor & if you can't please don't feel bad, we realize how much you have all already helped out Cindy during her illness. Also please share this "Rant" to spread awareness. Thanks!!!

Teri Evans"

 

"January 21, 2016 ·

Dear ALS.........I hate you, you have stolen so much from my sister. You are a monster, 1st you steal her beautiful voice & rob her of the things she loved so much, talking to her children & grand children, her family & friends, singing which she loved to do & could do so well. Next came the walking, you couldn't even leave her with that ability & then her arms. You stole them from her so that she could not hug her family & her two precious grandchildren. You made sure she couldn't even scratch an itch, you bastard. Then you decide, hey that's not enough, why don't I just make it difficult for her to breathe. Did you love seeing the fear in her eyes when she though she was going to choke? Did you enjoy hearing her scream? BUT just know this ALS, Cindy participated in research studies just to beat you & you may have won her battle but she is leaving a legacy for all of us to fight you & that we intend to do just that!. We will find a way to destroy you yet...mark my words!"



LET'S STRIKE OUT ALS FOR CINDY AND FOR EVERYONE!

 

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA

On 13th May 1917, nine year old Lucia Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto were herding sheep at the Cova da Iria near their home in Fatima. To these poor humble children Mary the Mother of Jesus appeared. The apparitions continued until 13th October that year. Because she asked the children to pray the Rosary daily for peace,Our Lady of Fatima is also know as Our Lady of the Rosary.

Jacinta and Francisco did not live to adulthood, dying just a couple of years after the apparitions. Lucia became a Nun and lived to the great age of 97 years. She died on 13th February 2005

Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta

Today, 13th May 2017, Pope Francis is in Fatima.  On this 100th Anniversary of the first appearance of Our Lady at Cova da Iria, His Holiness will beatify the two little shepherds, Jacinta and Francisco Marto.

We Newfoundlanders have our own special connection to Our Lady of Fatima. Back in May of 1955, thousands of Portuguese fishermen walked in procession from the Harbour to the Cathedral (now Basilica) of St John the Baptist. Through the streets of St John's, these devout men bore on their shoulders beautiful statues of Our Lady of Fatima and the three little seers.  The old City rang with the voices of the fishermen as they praised Our Lady in song. Upon reaching the Cathedral, they reverently deposited the statues in a niche near the altar where they remain loved and honoured, to this day.

May 1955, thousands of Portuguese Fishermen accompany their Lady of Fatima to the Basilica

Thanks to CBC, this amazing footage of that memorable day in 1955 can be seen by clicking here.  Please take the time to watch this beautiful video.  It is another important part of our wonderful history.

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us

LET'S SUPPORT ANN MOORE

Hello,

My Name is Donna Hayes, formerly Donna Blyde, graduate of St. Patrick's. The following is the printed post that is supposed to be attached to the picture I have attached. It explains the fundraiser being held for Ann Moore, graduate of St. Patrick's, who is battling life threatening health issues and needs our help.  Please take the time to look at this picture and consider putting it on the St Patrick's site. Ann was a lovely girl in our school days and perhaps there are a lot more former students who would like to support her during this terrible time. Thank you in advance for reading my email.  

The bingo is being held at the Knights of Columbus, Greenwood Crescent, May 25 @ 8 pm.  The poster and explanation were by Melissa Catherine, Ann's daughter.

GREAT PRIZES AND A GOOD CAUSE.
PLEASE LEND YOUR SUPPORT.

"Attention everyone! GREAT prize opportunity here! Fundraising for mom, who needs an infusion that is not covered by MCP for dermatomyositis use. It will cost approximately $32,000 for 4 doses of this drug. My kind friends have been nice enough to donate these lovely gift baskets to help us fundraiser. There is also going to be a goods bingo on May 25th, which is when this prize will be drawn for! Let me know if you want tickets and share this post so it reaches as many people as possible please!"

Thank you

 

Donna Hayes

REDEMPTORIST MISSION CROSS, ST PATRICK'S CHURCH

Since we are well into this Lenten Season, we should have a look at some reminders of Lent. The most vivid reminder of Lent is the Cross so let’s take a brief look at a very special Cross in St Patrick’s Church.

Inscription on Mission Cross,
St Patrick's Church

St Patrick’s Church officially opened in August 1881.  Parish missions were a frequent occurrence in Ireland and our forebears were not slow when it came to safeguarding their souls.  A parish mission was soon in progress in the new church.  This first mission was conducted by the Redemptorist Fathers in December 1882 and, as was common in those days, the parishioners turned out in droves.  The successful mission concluded with the erection of a Mission Cross. 

We will see from the two old photographs of the interior of the church that the Cross has been moved several times.  

The Mission Cross is to the left of the Sanctuary

Originally, the Mission Cross was located at the front of the church.  The above photo is of the original altar of St Patrick's Church and the Mission Cross can be seen to the left of the Sanctuary.

Men's Mission, St Patrick's Church, Lent 1953

The picture of the Men's Mission of 1953 is almost unbelievable today.  The sheer number of men who, after a hard day's work, came out every evening for a whole week is something that 21st century minds probably find difficult to comprehend.  Even the choir loft is full, as are the aisles.  Perhaps the only fire hazard they were concerned with was the one that the Mission Priests were talking about!  From this photo, we can see that the Mission Cross has been relocated to the back of the church.  It is to the left of the door and, as the custom dictates, the figure of Christ is covered with a purple cloth.

The Redemptorist Mission Cross,
St Patrick's  Church, 1882

The Redemptorist Mission Cross is currently at the back of St Patrick's Church, just to the left as you enter the church by the main door.  The Cross is inscribed “Redemptorist Mission” and in a heart, “Mission Cross erected on Dec 18^th 1882”. This Mission Cross is a familiar sight to all of us.  It has graced St Patrick's Church for more than 134 years.  Over the years, the feet have been worn smooth by generations of pious souls who have been touched and inspired by this magnificent representation of our Crucified Savior.