Burial ground Mass at St. Patrick’s

MILLERTON — The sun broke through on a cloudy evening at 5:30 and a bagpiper played for a Mass celebrating the Feast of the Ascension in the graveyard of closed St. Patrick’s Church in Millerton on May 29.

The cars of about 50 former parishioners and town residents were parked on the side streets and lot across from the church. Some were clever enough to bring their own folding chairs.

Father Andrew O'Connor led the Ascension Day Mass at St. Patrick's burial ground in the Village of Millerton.Photo by Christine Bates

Rob Cooper, a former altar boy at St. Patrick’s, was there with his mother. Elyse Harney who provided support for the event was there with her children — Michael, Elyse and Paul.

Father Andrew O’Connor, resident priest at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Amenia, officiated in front of an elevated chair representing the chair of St. Peter, designed by Father O’Connor and fabricated by local artist Svend Lindbaek.

An effort to reopen St. Patrick’s, which was closed by the Archdiocese of New York ten years ago, is underway after well attended services on St. Patrick’s Day and turn out on Thursday.