Dear Friends,

I shall always cherish the challenge that was mine when I arrived at St. Patrick’s. To renovate the Church according to the new liturgy — to insure the continuance of the great Catholic educational system.

I found people of extraordinary faith and zeal for this apostolic challenge. I could name those loyal, dedicated, enthused, faithful Christians that will always be in my heart and in my prayers. It was remarkable! It was rewarding!

This parish has a history that is enviable - a tradition that is alive and a faith that is most commendable!

I shall always treasure my past roots as most providential in my 58 years of priesthood.

God Bless us all!

Father Dunne

At forty years of age, I became Pastor at St. Patrick’s in 1972. One parish lady expressed her dismay because it was the first time in her life she was older than the Pastor.

St. Mary’s School was then, as now, a great blessing to the community of Faith. It was shocking to learn the Sisters each made a grand salary of $400 a year. To remedy that situation was a priority for us.

The laity were very involved with the clergy and religious in spiritual programs. The Town and Country Auction was a great fund raiser. There was always time for fun however, especially around St. Patrick’s Day.

God Bless you all,

Fr. Conley

“Give thanks and remember...” Congratulations!, parishioners of St. Patrick’s as you, the “People of God,” celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Church in O’Neill. How you appreciate, at this time, the struggles and sacrifices of those who brought the faith to O’Neill and nurtured its well-being down the years. How grateful you of the present generation must be that God has blessed your sacrificial efforts to maintain the wonderful school system of St. Mary’s.

“Give thanks and remember...” That fond memories I have of my years as your pastor. The sentiments of St. Paul, when writing to those he instructed in the Faith, I make my own:

“I give thanks to my God every time I think of you ... In every prayer rejoicing at the way you have continually helped promote the Gospel from the very first day. I am sure of this much: that he who has begun the good work in you will carry it through to completion right up to the day of Christ Jesus.

... my prayer is that your love may more and more abound both in understanding and wealth of experience, so that with a clear conscience and blameless conduct you may learn to value the things that really matter up to the very day of Christ.

... It is my wish that you may be found rich in the harvest of justice which Jesus Christ has ripened in you to the glory and praise of God”.

In Jesus’ love,

Fr. Benedict J. LaRocque, O.S.B.

I have tried to filter through the flood of memories that are mine of my years at O’Neill. What stands out is the struggle to find money to pay bills and payroll during that time, somewhat aggravated by the need to replace the roofs on both school buildings. It occurs to me that there was supposed to be a twenty-year warranty on them. Are they holding up? Other things. The efforts of Fr. Owen Korte and Sr. Gloria Shuffer, to enhance the quality of the school program. The annual auctions were fascinating, and even more so when moved to the school auditorium - it was warm!! At those auctions there was the usual vying for Lucille Dufek’s rolls. I was out of the running early on that - $450 for a dozen??? What I really treasure most are memories of experiences with many people in all sorts of circumstances during the seven and half years while there. Those I know I will carry into eternity, when they will then know the great gift that they have been to me.

Fr. Roland Peschel

I remember one humorous situation that occurred at a St. Patrick’s Development Dinner, which was held at the Legion Club. The theme was the “Roaring Twenties.” I made a comment about the beautifully dressed mannequins, which were all over the place. The next day as I walked into my office, to my surprise, there a mannequin dressed as a priest, donning a red cap and holding a banner that said, “Go BIG RED.” I laughed because I knew it was Fr. Filips and Fr. Sanderson who were the pranksters.

Congratulations!

Fr. Ortmeier

I was Pastor at St. Patrick’s from June 1994 - June 1999. When I came to O’Neill, we executed the plans for the repainting and renovation of the church, which began during Fr. Ortmeir’s pastorate. It was exciting for me to see the church of St. Patrick refurbished. I enjoyed various aspects of parish and sacramental life at St. Patrick’s. In addition, I was able to share my artistic interest by creating and planning the seasonal environments and liturgies of the Church. As a final project, I was honored to be able to paint an icon of St. Francis for the Church commemorating the 100 years that the Sisters of St. Francis had served in O’Neill. It was dedicated October 4, 2000.

Fr. Richard Reiser