St. Patrick’s Catholic School: Three profiles on faith, leadership & service

These are just a few examples of the varied directions life has taken the more than 1,500 St. Patrick Graduates.  Bishop Daly of the Spokane Diocese says, “The values found in a Catholic education are far-reaching.  Every community in our Diocese benefits from the strength and health of our Catholic schools.”

For 68 years, St. Pats has provided “an educational experience in which the mind, body, and soul are challenged to be their best versions,” states Bailey Rivas 2000-2009 St. Pat’s alumnus.  Bailey says he learned the value of accountability early on in life due to his time at St. Patrick.  This lesson served him well during his time at Seattle Pacific University.  Bailey now serves as a valued member of the Tri-Cities community in his role as Associate Advisor at Petersen Hastings Investment Management.  “My greatest professional achievement thus far has been becoming licensed to sell securities and help many families reach their financial goals.” 

Another St. Pat’s alumna only has to “look around our area to see the beautiful buildings we have contributed to the landscape,” shares Katie Thornhill 1967-1977 St. Pat’s alumna.  “St. Pat’s was a great foundation for me.  I loved going to a Catholic School.  It was academically challenging and gave me the courage and the skills to be a leader.”  Katie recalls Sr. Rosalie playing the guitar for the school Masses and over the intercom during the week. “I’m so grateful to my parents for the sacrifice they made to send all nine of us Roach kids through Catholic School and encouraging us to attend Seattle University.”   Katie and her husband own Terence L. Thornhill, Architect in Pasco.  Together they have raised 5 girls, all St. Pat’s Alumni.  In addition to their contribution to the architectural landscape of the Tri-cities, the Thornhills were Co-Founders of Tri-Cities Prep.

 

“I’m still best friends with many of the people who were in my class at St. Pat’s, but also with many other St. Pat’s alumni of all ages.”

- Katie Thornhill, St. Patrick alumna '77

Fr. Kyle Ratuiste, 1994-2003 alumnus, is a direct recipient of the Thornhill’s work with Tri-Cities Prep.  As a St. Pats Graduate, he went on to Prep, Gonzaga and then the Catholic University of America for graduate school.  “I believe God called me to the life of service and sacrifice.  It was a vocation I began to consider when I was in second grade and learned what the word vocation meant.”  His “professional” achievements “may not be flashy,” but they help bring people closer to God.  Whether he’s helping a couple through a painful annulment or witnessing people on their journey in faith, he credits Catholic School as his foundation.  “Catholic School means encountering Christ in all things, not just religion class; learning that faith and reason work side-by-side to build up a person.” 

 

“Life has taken us in different directions, but conversation starts easily.”

- Fr. Kyle Ratuiste, St. Patrick alumnus '03

St. Patrick Catholic School has been building up people in the Tri-Cities since 1951.  St. Pat’s prepares virtuous graduates instilled with a thirst for knowledge enlightened through faith with exacting educational standards, community service opportunities and lasting friendships.
So now for that punch line; A rabbi, a priest and a minister walk into a bar. The bartender looks up and says, "What is this, a joke?"