The modern St. Patrick’s Day observance which is held around the world on March 17th started in 1631 when the Church established a feast day to honor St. Patrick who had been a Patron Saint of Ireland. It is a time when people gather together and celebrate the missionary life of St. Patrick, the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, and the heritage and culture of the Irish. This Saint Patrick’s Day Milestone Moment provides the opportunity for family and friends to celebrate and discuss the missionary heritage passed on by St. Patrick and what it means to us.

This Milestone Moment consists of two pages that are reproducible in your local setting. It can be sent in emails or printed.
· Page 1 describes the significance of the moment and the importance of observing it.
· Page 2 provides a conversation guide* that includes talking and listening to one another, reading a verse/s from the Bible, and a prayer and blessing. It includes a food for thought question on how one might show love for one’s neighbor through an act of service.

All Milestone Moment Conversation Guides are designed and based on the *Four Key Faith Formation Practices of Caring Conversations, Devotions, Rituals and Traditions, and Service. These practices encourage us to grow in our faith through personal, trusted relationships.

The Shamrock Stone for Gifting are individually hand-crafted and available at a low cost to purchase and gift as meaningful reminders of this Milestone Moment. They are a wonderful keepsake to remember celebrating Saint Patrick's Day and to wish someone good fortune and best wishes in the future.