Reverend Mark D. Filips

301 East Adams

O'Neill, NE 68763

Dear Fr. Filips and parishioners of St. Patrick Parish,

One hundred and twenty five years of parish life is a remarkable milestone in our archdiocese. The early years of the parish are filled with people who faced adversity and set backs but lived with an abiding faith in God and a lively hope for their families and their children's children.

I congratulate you on the occasion of this anniversary for your parish family, and I thank God for all who have been touched by the faith witness of the members of your parish over the years.

The celebration of the sacraments over these years has provided a mainstay to the faith community- baptisms, first communions, confirmations, pastoral care of the sick and dying, and marriages. The Catholic education heritage in the parish is a point of pride and has made a difference in the lives of countless students and families. The many parish gatherings and milestones over the years have woven a remarkable spirit of dedication, cooperation and appreciation.

You are in debt to the pioneering people of faith, at the beginning of and over the course of the entire history of St. Patrick's Parish. These individuals used their wits and their faith to build up a lively faith community. The vitality and future of the parish faith community has passed into your hands. May the good work that is St. Patrick's Parish, begun generations ago, be blessed in this present generation and for the generations to come.

I am sincerely yours in the Lord,

Most Reverend Elden Francis Curtiss

Archbishop of Omaha