The Catholic Messenger
The St. Patrick Society Grand Parade XXXVIII will take place March 16. The day begins with Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church in Rock Island, Illinois at 10 a.m. The parade will start at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of 4th Avenue and 23rd Street in Rock Island. The parade will travel across the Centennial Bridge to Third Street and proceed east to the River Center. A post-parade bash will take place at the River Center from 1-4 p.m. Email spsparade@me.com for information about the parade and how to enter a float or walking unit. Applicants of a purely commercial theme are not permitted; parade organizers are most interested in participants expressing the spirit of St. Patrick and Irish heritage.
One day earlier, Friday, March 15, the Grand Marshal, Irish Mother of the Year, and 2024 Scholarship recipient will be introduced at the Gathering of the Clan Luncheon at the River Center. For luncheon reservations contact Vic Quinn at vicquinn2016@gmail.com.
The St. Patrick Society is seeking applications for Irish Mother of the Year through Feb. 28. All nominations must be original letters of approximately 150 words. A nominee should be involved with family, church and community, have a good sense of humor and demonstrate pride in her Irish ancestry. The nominee must be able to attend the St. Patrick Society Gathering of the Clan Luncheon on March 15, the Grand Parade and the post-parade bash. Mail nominations to St. Patrick Society Attn. Irish Mother Nomination, P.O. Box 4487, Davenport, Iowa 52808
Students interested in applying for the $1,500 scholarship can pick up an application from their high school counselor, from Matt Wissing at wissingm@yahoo.com or at stpatsqc.com. Eligible applicants must be related to a current member of the St. Patrick Society and be able to give evidence of the ability to pursue a college or university education, as substantiated by grade point average, class standing, and SAT/ACT scores. Involvement in extracurricular school and community activities also will be considered. Letters of recommendation from educators, counselors, employers and others are helpful. Applicants are not judged on basis of need. Applications should be mailed to St. Patrick Society Scholarship, P.O. Box 4487, Davenport, Iowa 52808. Applications received by Feb. 27 will be considered.
Details for all St. Patrick’s weekend events can be found at stpatsqc.com.
