At St. Patrick – St. Anthony and the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry, we recognize that all who walk through our doors have gifts and talents to share. Many of our ministries include our youngest parishioners in their ministry.
This year, many dedicated, longtime, young volunteers have graduated from high school and are heading off to college. Keep an eye on this page as we share “Graduate Spotlights” of these dedicated individuals. You will find many of their faces familiar since they have enriched our parish and community with their gifts over the years.
We share our gratitude to them for answering God’s call to be who they are, by sharing their gifts of time and talent with us.
Nate Welsh
Nate has been involved in our music ministry from an early age, singing as a youth participant and growing into a leadership role with the Songbirds seasonal choir. Additionally, he sang with Treble Clef Choir for many years until he moved to Bass Clef Choir. He has provided musical leadership as cantor and provided accompaniment by playing the organ at our outdoor Masses. He also volunteered his time at the House of Bread for three years.
Nate graduated from Kingswood Oxford and Davidson Academy Online, and is heading to Williams College to pursue music, environmental science, and philosophy.
During his high school career, Nate earned a place in the OAKE (Organization of American Kodály Educators) National Honor Choir in 2020, and in the CMEA (CT Music Educators Association) All-State Choir in 2022. Nate trained in voice, piano, composition, and organ.
He worked as a ski instructor, election official, librarian, cantor, and accompanist. He interned with East Granby Land Trust, co-led the investigative section of KO News, and was a student director of the tenor-bass sound a cappella group Crimson 7.
Nate’s most impactful memories of his time at St. Patrick – St. Anthony include Father Mike’s outdoor Masses, singing at Midnight Mass on Christmas, and getting to work with and learn from the incredible musicians in the choirs for so many years.
Nate, we are so grateful to you for your dedication in sharing your gifts with our community through the years. We wish you all the best in your endeavors at Williams College, and hope you will keep in touch with us and hope to see you during your college breaks.
Patrick Reilly Schwab
Patrick has been a Youth Lector since he was eight years old all the way through his senior year at St. Patrick – St. Anthony, and additionally has volunteered with the House of Bread monthly to make sandwiches. We are grateful for what he has done for our community and excited for his future.
A recent graduate of Kingswood Oxford, Patrick served as Captain of the Lacrosse team for two years, and played four years of Varsity Football. Besides athletics, Patrick also participated for four years in Mock Trial, winning Best Lawyer and being the Captain as his team won State Championships this year. He also served on the Shield and Dragon Executive Committee at KO.
Patrick will be heading to Boston College this fall to study business in the Carroll School of Management.
Patrick, we are so grateful to you for your dedication in sharing your gifts with our community through the years. We wish you all the best in your endeavors at Boston College, and hope you will keep in touch with us and hope to see you during your college breaks.
Olivia Boling
Olivia volunteered with both the Sandwich Ministry and the House of Bread monthly throughout high school, and also went through the Confirmation Program at St. Patrick – St. Anthony. We are very proud of her and are excited to see what she will do in the future.
A recent graduate of Newington High School, Olivia was Captain of the Girls Volleyball Team and was even honored with Athlete of the Year in Girls Volleyball. She was also part of the Chamber Choir and Drama Club at her school.
Olivia will be attending Johnson and Wales University in the fall to study Dietetics and Applied Nutrition. She will be continuing with volleyball for her university and hopes to continue her passion for theater as well.
Olivia, we are so grateful to you for your dedication in sharing your gifts with our community through the years. We wish you all the best in your endeavors at Johnson and Wales University, and hope you will keep in touch with us and hope to see you during your college breaks.
Cate Pace
Cate Pace began helping with the CGS program as an Assistant Teacher when she was in middle school, and began as a Youth Lector around the same time. She has been a familiar face helping around St. Patrick St. Anthony for many years.
Cate graduated from Simsbury High School and was involved in the school spirit group “Trojan Wall” and Student Council. She also played lacrosse and soccer. She will be attending Providence College this fall.
Cate, we are so grateful to you for your dedication in sharing your gifts with our community through the years. We wish you all the best in your endeavors at Providence College, and hope you will keep in touch with us and hope to see you during your college breaks.