Rev. Patrick Rice, a man to remember

By Rose Sgarlato
Sparta —The parish community of St. Kateri Tekakawitha and the people of Sparta lost a gift last Thursday with the passing of Rev. Patrick Rice at age 66.

In his gentle ways and continuous outreach to all walks of life, he enriched the hearts and souls of those around him.

Rice was an advocate for interfaith dialogue and a believer that houses of worship in Sparta should work together and not compete.

The pastor left his indelible mark on a parish and a people that will remember him for years to come.

"We came into St. Kateri just this past year from a different religion, Greek Orthodox. As a family, we wanted to find a parish that felt good to be there where my kids could grow up in, so we 'shopped' around," said Robyn Papandrikos. "Upon walking into St. Kateri, it was Father Pat's kind face and warm welcome that greeted us. He immediately recognized that we were new. He placed a gentle hand on my daughter Carys' head and asked her to come up for a special prayer with the children."

Colleen Lubertazzi attended the cannonization of St.Kateri Tekakawitha with Rice three years ago in Rome.

"My first experience of getting to know him is when my son and I traveled with him to Italy," said Lubertazzi. "He was a lovely man - it's a huge loss."

Another parishioner said: "When he was speaking on the alter, you felt like he was talking to you and no one else.

During his six years at Kateri, Rice led various ministires of outreach programs for youth and adults.

Parishioners mourned his loss at masses over Labor Day weekend where his friend and fellow seminarian, Rev. Jack Boland, spoke about their ordination 41 years ago and Rice's priesthood.

"Fr. Pat grasped better than most of us what it is like to be present in the lives of people and being compassionate," said Boland. "If you went to him with a challenge or difficulty, he was always present."

Boland said Rice was not about imposing the laws of the church on people.

There are many memories and impressions that the pastor leaves behind for the people of St. Kateri to take with them. His unassuming style put people at ease.

In his Sunday homilies, he would often quote from a range of sources including Steve Jobs, Vince Lombardi, the Dhali Lhama and The New York Times, sending a message that faith can fit into our contemporary lifestyles. To humanize his message, he would often tell a story about a person's journey.

The pastor's friend, Boland ended his Sunday homily with some humor helping to lift the mood.

"If Fr. Pat is not in heaven, then none of us stand a chance."