In 2023, St. Patrick Parish in Gretna created the “Fr. Ssonko Mission Fund” in response to the archbishop’s desire for parishes to become more missional, outward-facing communities. The primary role of the fund is to raise money to support the operating and capital needs of St. Mary’s Primary School in Busaabala, Uganda and help the 430 students who attend the school. On Friday, July 12, Fr. John Baptist Ssonko, the founder of the school, will join us in the St. Patrick Parish Center for an important and exciting fundraising dinner to help complete a dormitory to house 228 of the students who must walk long distances to attend school. These boys and girls are currently sleeping in classrooms which are crowded and inadequate. The dormitory foundations have been built. Now is the time to complete the dormitory so let’s “Raise the Paddle to Raise the Roof!” RAISE THE PADDLE TO RAISE THE ROOF: BUILDING DREAMS ONE BRICK AT A TIME This fundraising event is for those 18-years or older. The evening will begin at 5:30 PM with a social hour and will include a delicious meal of marinated roast beef, garlic mashed potatoes, vegetable medley, tossed salad, and homemade dinner rolls. We will hear from Fr. John Baptist Ssonko and others about this mission, and will have a raise the paddle live auction to support the building of St. Mary’s Primary School Dormitory. Tickets are $35 per person, or $250 for a table of 8 people. Tickets are available for purchase online at https://stpatricksgretna.org/ssonko-dinner/ or in-person at the St. Patrick parish office. Each dinner ticket will include one free drink ticket. Additional drink tickets will be available for purchase that evening. The Stella Matutina O’Connor Foundation has generously created a $30,000 matching fund! Even if you are unable to attend the evening’s events, please consider donating to help us reach our matching goal! You can register to attend, contribute a donation, or sponsor the event by visiting https://stpatricksgretna.org/ssonko-dinner. Payments can be made online or by check or cash in the St. Patrick parish office. There are also opportunities to volunteer during this fundraising dinner. Thank you for your support in this mission!
