St. Lucy’s to honor Pat Bergan at Dorothy Day Award Dinner

Award dinner will be held Thursday, May 8

Sister Pat Bergan, OSF, who passed away in December of last year, was the pastoral associate at St. Lucy’s Church in Syracuse. But for many who knew her in the community, including long-time parishioner Eileen Clinton, she meant so much more. Clinton shared how Pat, who preferred to simply be called by her first name rather than “Sister Pat,” would call everyone in the church directory twice each month to check in on them, cheered on parishioners’ sons and daughters at local sports games, volunteered at the food pantry, provided rides to doctor’s appointments, and so much more. The two words that come to Clinton’s mind that best describe Pat are “welcoming” and “service.”

“She was a friend; she was a comrade. She was always there for people. She was all about people and how to serve their needs,” said Clinton.

Pat, who served at St. Andrew’s and St. Lucy’s for many years, was also instrumental in organizing the St. Lucy’s annual Dorothy Day Award Dinner. It’s only fitting that this year, she will be honored at the dinner on Thursday, May 8, where all are invited to come together and share an evening to celebrate her life and her legacy.

All that Pat did for the community “displayed what an incredible person she was,” said Clinton, and showed how she “lived the life of Dorothy Day… a life of service.”

The Dorothy Day Award Dinner will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8 in the gymnasium at St. Lucy’s Church, 432 Gifford St., Syracuse. All are welcome to attend. The suggested donation is $10-15 for individuals, $25-30 for a family, or a free-will offering. For more information, to confirm attendance or to sign up to bring an appetizer or dessert to share, please contact Catherine Nock at [email protected] or Coco Koseki at [email protected].