August 28, 2007-Toledo, OH-   The Historic Church of St. Patrick in downtown Toledo will celebrate the completion of renovations and the construction of its new steeple with a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, September 9th at 10 a.m. and a Skybreaking Celebration on Saturday, September 15th starting at 8 p.m.

On September 9, 1980 The Historic Church of St. Patrick in downtown Toledo was struck by lightning. The result was a fire causing extensive damage to the church and to the steeple. The spire was completely destroyed and removed and the church sustained water and smoke damage.  Due to the generosity of a church member who passed away last year, the church’s dream of restoration has been realized.  Margaret Tank willed her estate to the church making the project possible. Twenty-seven years after the fire the full restoration of the church is finished.

On Sunday, September 9 at 10 am there will be a Mass of Thanksgiving to honor and thank all firefighters who to put their lives on the line everyday to help those in need, and especially for those firefighters who fought the 1980 fire.

In celebration of the new steeple there will be a Skybreaking ceremony on Saturday, September 15, 2007 beginning at 8 p.m. with food and entertainment. The new steeple will be unveiled at 11:05pm with Midnight Mass following. Valet parking will be available and tickets for the evening cost $25.

The Historic Church of St. Patrick’s has been an important landmark on the skyline of Toledo, proudly serving the surrounding community for 145 years.  Built in 1863, St. Patrick’s has come to symbolize the hopes and aspirations of an immigrant community determined to make a new life in America. Located at 13th and Avondale, the parish became the heart of the “Irish Hill” neighborhood helping the Toledo Irish to succeed beyond their hopes for a new life beyond their wildest dreams.

For more information on the Mass of Thanksgiving or the Skybreaking, call the parish office at 419-243-6452.