Patrick McGarry Confirmation and Youth Ministry Coordinator
Dear St. Raymond Community,
I am a theology teacher and department chair at Saint Viator High School, with over 10 years of experience in Catholic education. I specialize in enthusiastically serving as a prism for the Gospel message to be heard, loved, and lived out by young people in today’s world.
I bring a deep-rooted commitment to ministry, with a career dedicated to theological education. I view myself as a bridge between tradition and modernity, striving to meet students where they are in their faith journey, and emphasizing the importance of meeting individuals at their level to offer pastoral care effectively. I believe in building relationships grounded in charitable love, hoping to foster unity and solidarity within the communities, of which, I am a part.
Rooted in the belief that all humans are created in God’s image, endowed with reason, intellect, and free will, I advocate for the defense of human dignity and the empowerment of those whose rights are trampled upon, with a specific skill set built toward environmental justice. I also embrace ecumenism and interreligious dialogue, recognizing the value of shared experiences and universal commonalities among all people, regardless of belief.
My ministerial values guide my approach to teaching, emphasizing honesty, inspiration, and patience. I believe in the power of asking meaningful questions and creating a supportive learning environment where students feel seen, heard, and valued.
Ultimately, I see my ministry as a collaborative effort, where I play a part in moving the needle toward a more just and compassionate world. With enthusiasm, wisdom, and a deep sense of purpose, I hope to inspire those around me to live out their faith with sincerity and love.
When I am not teaching in the classroom, or working on justice-related projects, I am often planning my next barbeque, researching native plants to add to my garden, or going to the zoo with my wife, Mary Kate, and almost two-year-old daughter, Isla. My favorite movie is The Dark Knight, my favorite video game is Red Dead Redemption 2, and my favorite food is a tie between butter and donuts. I played rugby throughout high school and college and cheered for the New Zealand All Blacks and the USA Eagles. I also recently got really into Premier League Soccer, where I support West Ham United.
This upcoming year will be fun and exciting as we learn from one another, deepen our faith, build relationships, and support others through service. I look forward to meeting all the students and parents in our Confirmation program and Youth Ministry. I will be around during VBS to support the volunteer team so I hope to meet many of you then. My contact information is below, so please feel free to reach out.