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St. Patrick Catholic Church Celebrating 50th Anniversary

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By JOSE PATINO GIRONA

jpatino@tampatrib.com

Published: November 5, 2008

SOUTH TAMPA - Two years ago, St. Patrick Catholic Church closed its school because of low enrollment.

The future seemed grim.

But this month the church is celebrating 50 years and will hold several events to commemorate its beginnings and highlight its plans for the future, including a dinner and dance, a ribbon-cutting for a new sign and a Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert Lynch.

"We weathered that transition" of losing the school, said the Rev. Angelus Migliore, who has been at the parish since 1995 and its pastor since 2003. "We have now come to the other side of it. Now we feel we are on our feet ready to move forward."

The church, 4518 S. Manhattan Ave., is completing the first phase of an improvement project that includes adding a 28-foot-tall sign, gateway entrances with paved crosswalks, outdoor lighting, an irrigation system and landscaping with 40 trees such as oaks, sycamores, crape myrtles and magnolias.

The church sits back from Manhattan and its previous sign was about 5-feet-tall.

"We needed to improve our curb appeal and let the people know there was a church back here," said Francis "Buzz" Bruno, the church's operations manager, who estimated the first phase cost at $160,000.

The church is building on momentum from the upgrades to raise money in 2009 for a 2,000-square-foot addition. Officials want to add a foyer or entrance; currently the front doors open directly into the sanctuary.

They also want to renovate the church, its adjacent social hall and the parking lot.

Officials and longtime parishioners said the church, with its membership of 1,000 families, hopes to take advantage of growth in South Tampa.

Members said they enjoy attending the church because of its simplicity and the warmth of its parishioners.

Mark Oliva, a 25-year member, said people hold hands during prayers and get to know their neighbors at services.

"There is definitely a feeling of comfort when you walk into that church," said Oliva, who along with his father, John, was instrumental in initiating the improvements.

Marcia Seheult, the church's music and liturgy director, said the 50-year milestone is an exciting time.

"After the school closed there was so much hurt," Seheult said. "But we came through. We are going to be better and stronger."

Clara Allen has been dedicated to St. Patrick since its beginning.

She attended Mass in nearby James Madison Junior High's auditorium before the church was built.

"I love all the people that are there," said Allen, 88, who lives in Belmar Gardens. "We all help each other. We are friendly with each other."

IF YOU GO

St. Patrick Catholic Church is celebrating its golden anniversary. Among the events:

•A dinner and dance at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Tampa Garden Club, 2629 Bayshore Blvd. Tickets are $40 and available by calling the parish at (813) 839-5337.

•A ribbon-cutting for the new church sign at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 16; there also will be a group photo taken on the front lawn.

•Bishop Robert Lynch will celebrate Mass at 9 a.m. Nov. 23; a reception will follow in the social hall.

Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659.

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