Pam, Bill, Grace & Will

   Who is St. Patrick, anyway?

This month we thought it would be fun to learn about Saint Patrick and eat an Irish meal as a family night activity. A pre-packaged evening…what more could you ask for? So, we will give you some of the background of why this man is a Saint. If you want more information search the internet for Saint Patrick. There is a lot of information to be found.

Saint Patrick was born around 385 in Scotland. His parents were Romans but they lived in Britain. As a teenager, Saint Patrick was kidnapped and taken to Ireland. He was sold into slavery and eventually became a shepherd for a landowner. This job was difficult, braving the elements and enduring the long hours, but he found peace each day through praying to God. He developed a strong relationship with God and knew that someday his life would improve. Sure enough, one day God told him it was time to go back to Britain. He escaped by boat. He eventually made it back to his relatives in Britain and then traveled through Europe trying to determine the path for his life.

He decided that his life should be God centered so he entered the priesthood. He was ordained a priest and then a bishop. He was sent to Ireland in 433 to teach Christianity. He converted thousands of Irishmen and built many churches during his 40 years stay. He died on March 17 461 and that is why we now celebrate Saint Patrick's day on March 17 every year.

Now, here is a little trivia. Did you know that Saint Patrick used the shamrock in his speeches? He thought that the shamrock was a good visual tool to symbolize the trinity: Father, Son and Holy Sprit. Now you know why the shamrock is tied to Saint Patrick's day!

Recipe of the month

Corned Beef and Cabbage
4-6lbs corned beef
3 stalks celery with leaves-halved
1 bay leaf
1-1/2 tsp. ground allspice
1-1/2 tsp. ground cloves
6 large potatoes - peeled and halved
1 small turnip-cut into chunks
6-8 large carrots
1 medium head cabbage-quartered

Put meat and vegetables in a large pot and cover with water. Add celery, onion, bay leaf and spices. Bring to a simmer; do not boil. Skim froth that rises to the surface. Cover and cook for 2-1/2 to 3 hours. Then turn off the heat and let cool in the pot. Remove meat, celery and onion. Add potatoes, turnip and carrots and simmer for 45 minutes. Add cabbage and cook 15 more minutes. Do not over-cook the cabbage. Slice meat and serve with vegetables. Serves 6-8.

There you have it…some trivia and a good meal. All you have to supply is some lively Irish music and you have the ingredients for a FUN family night. Saint Patrick's day will forever have some meaning for you and your family. "May the road rise to meet you!"

Pamela Caywood is the proud mother of a Grace and her new son Will.