2008 Woodie Awards
St. Patty's SWITCH
Mount Pleasant, surrounding area
By: Brad Canze and Heather Hammons
Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: Lifeline
For the first time since 1940, the Roman Catholic Church has moved the observation of St. Patrick's Day.
This year, the Irish holiday will take place on Saturday, March 15 instead of Monday, March 17.
The move is meant to keep the holiday from interfering with Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday and Good Friday. It may alter many Catholic plans and celebrations, but isn't expected to upset the plans of some students and Mount Pleasant businesses.
"I don't think it will affect anybody besides the hardcore Catholics, and they don't celebrate the same way college kids do," said Harrison sophomore Charles Zelkowski."My friends and I will probably celebrate the whole weekend, and up to the 17th."
"St. Patrick's Day is a fun holiday to celebrate, but I'm not too Irish and I'm not really that religious, so I guess there would be minimal effect for me," said Northville freshman Nick Mitich.
West Branch freshman Cassaundra Graven said her Irish family usually has a big get-together.
"It's a big day for us and many other students," Graven said. "I think the students will be thrilled because it's on the weekend and they won't have to worry about it interfering with classes during the week."
However, moving the holiday to the weekend may add to activity in town and around campus.
CMU Police Capt. Fred Harris said authorities are prepared for increased trouble.
"We will be adding extra patrol to keep a handle on things and to keep people safe," Harris said. "I'm not sure how much changing the day will affect businesses, but it's certainly not going to cause a reduction. People will probably stay out a little later since it's a weekend versus a week day."
Local bars and restaurants are preparing for patrons to be celebrating both days.
"I think people will celebrate Saturday and Monday, and even Sunday if they can squeeze it in," said Lois Breidenstein, owner of The Bird Bar and Grill, 223 S. Main St.
This year, the Irish holiday will take place on Saturday, March 15 instead of Monday, March 17.
The move is meant to keep the holiday from interfering with Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday and Good Friday. It may alter many Catholic plans and celebrations, but isn't expected to upset the plans of some students and Mount Pleasant businesses.
"I don't think it will affect anybody besides the hardcore Catholics, and they don't celebrate the same way college kids do," said Harrison sophomore Charles Zelkowski."My friends and I will probably celebrate the whole weekend, and up to the 17th."
"St. Patrick's Day is a fun holiday to celebrate, but I'm not too Irish and I'm not really that religious, so I guess there would be minimal effect for me," said Northville freshman Nick Mitich.
West Branch freshman Cassaundra Graven said her Irish family usually has a big get-together.
"It's a big day for us and many other students," Graven said. "I think the students will be thrilled because it's on the weekend and they won't have to worry about it interfering with classes during the week."
However, moving the holiday to the weekend may add to activity in town and around campus.
CMU Police Capt. Fred Harris said authorities are prepared for increased trouble.
"We will be adding extra patrol to keep a handle on things and to keep people safe," Harris said. "I'm not sure how much changing the day will affect businesses, but it's certainly not going to cause a reduction. People will probably stay out a little later since it's a weekend versus a week day."
Local bars and restaurants are preparing for patrons to be celebrating both days.
"I think people will celebrate Saturday and Monday, and even Sunday if they can squeeze it in," said Lois Breidenstein, owner of The Bird Bar and Grill, 223 S. Main St.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 8
Tom Bradley
posted 3/12/08 @ 2:34 AM EST
RE: St. Patrick's Day: The Roman Catholic Church has transferred the Solemnity of St. Joseph from Wednesday, March 19 to Saturday March 15 - because of March 19 being in Holy Week. (Continued…)
Lauren Rinke
posted 3/13/08 @ 11:36 AM EST
I have to say that the illustration of Pope Benedict XI for "St. Patty's Switch" is religiously offensive. Depicting the Pope as a bully is a gross misinterpretation of the Vatican's actions to move St. (Continued…)
michmediaperson
posted 3/13/08 @ 7:08 PM EST
The question CM LIFE should be asking is this:
Why isn't CMU and its Diversity/Multicultural Dept. not having Irish-American Month?
Surely, we could cut the budgets for black, hispanic and asian history months and put those monie to celebrate the Irish culture in March. (Continued…)
sturg1dj
Dan Sturgeon
posted 3/14/08 @ 10:29 AM EST
I am glad I am not the only one who saw that as offensive. I am not the best catholic in the world, so when I saw that and got upset I was wondering if I was overreacting. (Continued…)
teh troll
posted 3/16/08 @ 9:11 AM EST
I'm catholic and didn't find it offensive at all. But then again....that's because I have a sense of humor and have removed the stick from my butt a long time ago
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