St. Patrick’s Day card party a fixture for local church

    Gathered in Holyoke’s St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Hall, about 50 locals enjoyed a night of pinochle, pitch and bridge last Sunday, March 17, to celebrate the life and mission of the church’s patron saint.
    The St. Patrick’s Day card party has been a local tradition since the tenure of Irish pastor Francis Brady, who served at the church from 1935-1954, organizer Mary Austin said.
    She noted that older congregants have fond memories of going to the parties as children. On Sunday, high schoolers and junior high students also joined in the games.
    “It’s been a tradition for quite a long time in our parish,” she said.
    “It was also fun to see the young people there. My two grandchildren were there, and they had a great time,” fellow organizer Teresa Mailander said.
    Held for the second time in the church’s new meeting hall, the party gave St. Patrick’s Catholic Church members the chance to enjoy fellowship and beloved games with other local community members.
    “It’s just a really nice annual thing to do, to recognize the name of the church, and the residents and our patron saint,” Mailander said.
    The night included a light meal, cards and prizes — top players and the winners of a prize drawing were eligible to receive movie passes, gift certificates, homemade cookies, candy, stuffed animals, home decor and a quilted wall hanging.
    Dinner began at 6 p.m. and the games were in full-swing by 7 p.m. Several games were kept going at once, with 10-point pitch being the most popular and a few tables playing bridge and pinochle.
    On refreshment tables draped in green tablecloths, special green punch and other snacks were served. Attendees also got into the spirit of the holiday with green shamrock necklaces and scarves, and other themed accessories.
    Mailander said the organizers were very happy with this year’s turnout, which was close to last year, when the church hall was opened for the first time.
    “Even though it wasn’t quite as big as last year, it was really good,” she said.
    In an era when card parties have declined as a community pastime, Mailander said it’s important to pass card games and the culture around them on to the next generation.
    “Card playing used to be such a tradition out here,” she said. “Those of us who do it have done it for many, many years, and we don’t want to let traditions like that die.”
    
Saint was enslaved in Ireland, returned to baptize thousands
    Austin said the church’s patron saint was chosen by Irish railroad workers, who helped found the church when the tracks were being built through town.
    “It was the railroad that got Holyoke started, and then the churches followed afterwards,” she said.
    St. Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century and is recognized today as a national icon and hero.

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