About St. Patrick's Day

Every year the city of Scranton, PA sponsors a parade in honor of Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland. Since Catherine McAuley’s heritage branches from Ireland, the Center thought its presence at the parade would be quite appropriate.

The first year the Center entered the Parade, the 1997 theme of the float was “Building on the Foundation of Catherine McAuley.” Complete with thatched roof cottages and colorful flower gardens, the Center’s float won first place for Culture and Heritage.

The staff and volunteers had so much fun they decided to make it a yearly event. They meet in January to discuss ways of getting the materials to build the float; they find a trucking firm that would donate a truck and 40′ flatbed; they stay up ’til the wee hours of the morn’ assembling everything; they dress in traditional “float” fashion; and march the streets of the city. After an exuberant day of marching, everyone enjoys a much deserved ham and cabbage dinner served at the Center.

We need volunteers to help with: