ST. LOUIS — “We have been here 37 years because we built a life here, and the life we built was at St. James,” says Peggy Skrendeske, Dogtown Resident.
From homecomings to St. Patrick's Day parades to coaching, parish council and athletic association, Peggy Skredenske is no stranger to the Dogtown community. The dogtown resident explains it all starts at St. James the Greater Catholic Church.
“It is the hub of the neighborhood.”
For over a century, the church has been a place for those in the community to turn to, to find a home.
“The important thing for Irish Immigrants, the center of their whole community was the Catholic church,” says Jim Mohan.
Now, as the Ancient Order of Hibernians celebrate their 40th St. Patrick's Day parade, their center stays the same. For this parade has never been about the floats, or the candy, but a community coming together.
Each March 17th, people from all across the world travel to celebrate their Irish heritage, families, culture, and of course, the work of St. Patrick! St. Patrick is best known for converting Ireland to Christianity.
From Britain to Ireland and now even here in St. Louis, the work of St. Patrick continues to impact the generations.
“Dogtown is a wonderful place to live and St. James is a wonderful place to be,” says Skredenske.
The party really does kick off at St. James the Greater! On Saturday, the church will host a special Irish Heritage mass at 4 p.m. Following the mass, visitors can enjoy corned beef and cabbage, and the tapping of the first keg.
Learn more by visiting here.
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