St. Patrick Haven A shelter for homeless men, the Haven is open from 8pm to 8am. The Haven provides a warm place to spend the night as well as fellowship. Members of many different parishes volunteer to spend one hour each week to witness the Lord’s caring presence to the men. The Upper Room Shelter Through the combined efforts of St. Patrick Church and St. Paul United Church of Christ, the Upper Room is a facility aimed to serve the homeless during the day. Here the homeless can find a warm place to stay, coffee to drink, literature to read, and the fellowship without the fear of being asked to leave. St. Patrick Food Bank The Food Bank provides staples to over 100 families. Each Tuesday, parishioners volunteer to serve in the capacity of distributing over two tons of food items each week. A client enters with the knowledge that there will be some needed groceries and more than one friendly face. Care and Concern The Ave Maria Care and Concern Society is a model of service in which all parishioners are given the opportunity to provide services in the areas of: Prayer-line, hospitality to shut-ins and nursing homes, bereavement, welcoming parishioners, transportation, home services and resource information. RCIA The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a program which prepares persons desiring to become members of the Catholic Church, or to complete their Sacraments of Initiation, as well as offering an opportunity for a renewal of Church Teachings for current members. Religious Education Programs for Students in grades 1-10 Baptism Preparation Classes Reconciliation Eucharist Confirmation (grade 11) Adult Education Liturgical Ministries Ministries which assist and enhance the weekly liturgies through the participation of many parishioners are: Lectors Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Altar Servers Cantors Choir Ushers Ministers of Hospitality Interpreter for the Deaf Children’s Liturgy of the Word The Liturgy Committee Social Ministries St. Patrick Church provides time for fellowship through various organizations such as: Ave Maria Society Men’s Council Women’s Council Annual Parish Festival Annual Parish Picnic St. Patrick Day Festivities Building Access St. Patrick Parish not only provides religious services but also the services of our building. Space is provided for organizations and events throughout the year. Some include: Alcoholics Anonymous Erie Chamber Orchestra Erie Junior Philharmonic Irish Cultural Society Knights and Ladies of St. Patrick Commodore Perry Chorus Rince Na Tirna School of Irish Dance