Additional Mass Scheduled 4 PM Saturday
Due to uncertainty surrounding the first wave of the impending snowstorm, St. Patrick will offer an additional Mass on Saturday, January 24, at 4:00 PM. Snow is expected to begin Saturday morning, but forecasts vary on the amount of accumulation during the day. If travel remains possible, this additional Mass provides another opportunity to attend before heavier snow is expected overnight into Sunday.
Please note that this Mass will be without music, and the homily will be abbreviated. All other scheduled Masses and confessions—including the regularly scheduled 4:00 PM Saturday confessions—will proceed as planned.
With confidence high that significant snowfall will occur Saturday night into Sunday, Fr. Shaughnessy wanted to offer parishioners a chance to attend Mass while travel conditions may still be safer.
Safety First: No one should put themselves or their family at risk to attend Mass or to fulfill a ministerial assignment. Please use prudent judgment when deciding whether to travel.
Sunday Obligation Reminder:
The Church teaches that the faithful are obliged to participate in Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation (Canon 1247). However, when participation becomes impossible due to a grave cause—such as dangerous winter weather—the obligation does not bind. In these situations, the Church encourages the faithful to devote time to prayer, either individually or as a family (Canon 1248 §2).
The Church teaches that the faithful are obliged to participate in Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation (Canon 1247). However, when participation becomes impossible due to a grave cause—such as dangerous winter weather—the obligation does not bind. In these situations, the Church encourages the faithful to devote time to prayer, either individually or as a family (Canon 1248 §2).
Weather-Related Schedule Updates
The following parish groups and ministries have shared schedule updates:
Saturday, January 24
- Men's Prayer Group will meet after 8 AM Mass
Sunday, January 25
- Donut Sunday is canceled
- School Open House is canceled
- OCIA class is canceled
- Youth Ministry Teen Life Night may or may not meet and will be notified via email; for questions, contact Tess at tess@stpatsch.org
Monday, January 26
- Catholicism 101/OCIA is canceled
- If school is canceled, the parish office will be closed (see Follow School Closure below)
- If school is canceled, there will not be First Reconciliation (2nd Graders)
Inclement Weather Policy
Events and Gatherings
- Follow School Closure: Events and gatherings will follow the snow closure and weather directions of St. Patrick Catholic School. When the school is closed due to weather, all gatherings will be canceled unless otherwise directed by your ministry/group leader. School closings are sent via text message to school families and shared with FOX 2, KMOV 4, and KSDK 5.
- Parish School of Religion: PSR closures are not directly associated with St. Patrick day school or Wentzville school closings. PSR closings will be on KSDK 5 and FOX 2 News. Parents/Guardians will receive an email.
- Affected Ministries: Closure of St. Patrick Catholic School due to weather applies to all offices, events, and ministries at St. Patrick Church and School.
- Weekend: If there is a sudden change in the weather during the day, or if there is a gathering scheduled for the weekend, the pastoral staff or ministry leader will make a decision as soon as possible to ensure safe travels.
Parish Communications
- Every attempt will be made to post weather-related announcements on our parish website and/or delivered through Flocknote. If you are unsure whether a gathering is canceled, please contact your ministry/group leader directly.
Shoot for the Win!
Tonight: St. Patrick Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship! Open to boys & girls ages 9–14. Register at 6 PM; shooting starts at 7 PM in the gym. Trophies for winners and a chance to advance to the District Championship!
AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE
PREPARING
Click the graphic above for this coming Sunday's Readings.
