Harry and Pat Sloate have been parishioners of St. Peter for eight years. They moved from Falmouth MA on Cape Cod to be near their daughter Lisa and Pat’s sister Eileen. Their move was made easier because of the welcoming spirit and friendliness of Saint Peter Church; where they joined the parish and have become an important part of the parish family.
The oldest of five girls, Pat grew up in Schenectady NY and attended St. Joseph parochial school for twelve years. After high school, her family moved to Syracuse NY where she graduated from the Eastman School of Dentistry and worked as a dental hygienist.
Harry grew up in Hartford CT. He graduated from Yale as an electrical engineer and worked for General Electric. They met through a mutual friend and were married in 1964. In 1971, Harry obtained his Ph.D. from Syracuse University. During that time their five children were born and in 1972 they moved to Acton Massachusetts.
A true test of their faith occurred in 2010, when tragedy struck as their son Timothy passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack at the age of 41. They believe he is at rest in heaven with the Lord.
Pat’s sister Kathy Cavanaugh was a nurse for over forty years in Syracuse NY. After many family vacations in Florida, she decided to move to Jupiter in 2014 and lives close by.
Pat, Harry and Kathy enjoy being able to worship together as a family at Saint Peter’s. They help with Food For Families and Harry runs the Camp Grow program, which he inherited from Deacon Dave. Confirmation candidates and young parishioners do community service on Saturday mornings by growing vegetables for the Food For Families program.
All three enjoy attending the Young at Heart Club luncheons, where Kathy volunteers. Pat and Harry serve as Eucharistic ministers for the hospitalized and homebound. Harry participates in the men’s prayer group, which meets on Thursday mornings (All are welcome).
Harry and Pat have seven grandchildren. Like so many other parishioners, they have children and grandchildren living in many different places: Vancouver BC, Holden MA, Aspen CO, Falmouth ME and here in Jupiter.
For their work in the Parish and the Community, the Knights of Columbus recognizes Harry and Pat Sloate and Kathy Cavanaugh, as their Family of the Month for April.
Their award will be presented at a future Family Fellowship Breakfast once the pandemic restrictions are lifted.