Arts & Entertainment

Celebrating the Saint in St. Patrick

When celebrating the Irish holiday, don't forget a wee bit of religion.

"May you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows you're dead."

That is one of my favorite Irish proverbs. It's not just a sassy comment. Celtic spirituality is deeply rooted in pagan traditions, even superstitions.

We cannot celebrate the High Holy Days of St. Patrick without a wee bit of religion. Luckily, Will County churches make it easy for us.

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In Shorewood, Holy Family Parish celebrates Mass every morning. If you're feeling the need for an extra Irish blessing, start St. Patrick's Day there at 8:15 a.m.

Holy Family Parish is located at 600 Brook Forest Ave.

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If, however, Paddy's Day has come and gone and you haven't gotten your Irish fix, you're not out of luck.

St. Patrick Parish in Joliet will host their Third Annual Irish Dinner on Saturday, March 19. This is promises to be a great time.

For just $10, you can get a full corned beef and cabbage dinner, with free entertainment. Keigher Irish step dancers perform at 6 p.m. followed by the St. Patrick Children's Bell Choir. The cost for seniors is only $9, and children are $7 ages four and over. There will also be a DJ streaming Irish music.

"This is the third year we've done it so we hope to be as successful as in the past two years," said Alicia Tocwish, a staff member at the parish office.

All the proceeds go to the parish, she said. There will also be a cash bar and baked goods for sale.

The dinner is served from 4 p.m to 8 p.m. There is also a 4:30 p.m. mass. St. Patrick's Church is located at 710 W. Marion St.

St. Patrick's Day should be celebrated all month long. We can never have too much corned beef. And we certainly can't have too much dancing. A little extra religion never hurt anybody. Afterall, we're not dead, yet.


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