09/01/2026
Yesterday was a tough one. We closed the doors and walked out of St. Patrick Catholic School for the last time. St. Pat's was so much more than a school. It was a place where children were loved, encouraged and reminded every day that they mattered.
As we packed up, it was important to us that the things that served our students for years could continue to serve others. It seems like a fitting final act for a school that has always been about giving children opportunities and building community.
We were blessed to donate items to many organizations including all of the Springfield schools in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois along with Sacred Heart School in Pana & Our Saviour School in Jacksonville. Thanks to Courtney Westlake, many of our books found good homes at Word Up of Central IL, Laurel United Methodist Church, Central Counties Health Centers, Inc. and other area libraries. We were also grateful to share items with The Outlet, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, Springfield Public Schools - District 186 and many other organizations in our community.
To everyone who has been part of St. Patrick Catholic School over the years, thank you! Your prayers, generosity and belief in our students made St. Pat’s the special place it was.
The doors may have closed, but there is much more to come! Our work continues through our scholarship program, supporting St. Pat’s students as they continue their Catholic education. We look forward to sharing more about the students we’ll continue to serve, our scholarship program, and our new name very soon! ☘️
