ST. PAUL’S SPIRITUAL ENHANCEMENT SERIES – SESSION 10, March 24, 2021, “The Gift of the Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday & Easter Sunday” By Tom Leavens

On March 24, 2021, the tenth session of the St. Paul’s Spiritual Enhancement Series was held over Zoom conferencing. The theme was, “The Gift of the Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday & Easter Sunday.” Joe Amato led a discussion with Men’s Cursillo Spiritual Team Member, Deacon Pat Gerace.

Deacon Patrick Gerace is currently serving at St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Church in Shoreham, NY, bringing with him over 30 years involvement with the Cursillo experience. Pat spent 20 years as a Police Officer in the NYPD, receiving 12 medals and numerous commendations. His assignments included time at the 48th and the 103rd precincts, with eventual retirement after 12 years from the NYPD’s ESU (Emergency Service Unit), which required EMT training. Pat has been on staff at Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson, NY, for over 30 years. With a bachelor’s degree in counseling, he is a CASAC (certified drug and alcohol counselor). His years of service to the Hope House Ministries family includes launching the Montfort House program where he was the  Program Director, serving as Program Director at Pax Christi Hospitality Center, working as House Manager at the Hope House Community House, and currently working as a Substance Abuse Counselor at the Counseling Center and Hope Academy. Hope House is truly blessed to have this remarkable, kind, compassionate and loving gentleman on board. Deacon Pat has been a wonderfully positive influence for so many whom he has helped on their way to recovery.

Joe asked Deacon Pat about his Cursillo, his career as a NYC Police Officer, his family & his call to ministries as a deacon and his work at Hope House. They spent time going through Holy Week—Church traditions, their emotion connections to each day & their personal experiences. This was a beautiful way to prepare for & enter Holy Week.  Joe concluded the evening with reflective questions on The Last Seven Words of Jesus.

If you were unable to join us that night, I highly recommend watching it. The session has been posted on our YouTube channel (“St. Paul’s Cursillo Community”) at the link below. Take some time to watch our  previously recorded sessions as well and please share it with others!

https://youtu.be/0DyE_V6BQRo