OUR FIRST 60 YEARS – 1964 TO 2024

In the fall of 1963, the Principal of Good Shepherd, Brother Anthony Griffin, met with several men to discuss how they might be able to help the Brothers transport students to various sport events, recreational activities and other places of interest. The groundwork was laid for an organization of men who would join together to assist the Brothers and Sisters of Good Shepherd School fulfill their mission to serve the children of Good Shepherd. The organization was formally approved by the pastor Father John D. Mitchell, CSP and the first official meeting of the Good Shepherd Men’s Club was held on February 25th, 1964.

From that small but enthusiastic start, the Club has grown and can proudly look back to 60 years of service not only to the Brothers, Sisters, Lay Staff and children of the school but to every Pastor during these years.

As the years rolled on, with the rectory staff striving to maintain and support such a large plant, the men through various fundraising activities, have been able to purchase much needed equipment as requested by the school principals. In our early years “Sports Night” created not only revenue but enjoyment and competition for the children. Later “Night at the Races” became a long-standing success not only monetarily but as a source of entertainment for our adult neighbors and friends.

In addition, the Club has conducted family picnics, Christmas parties, Communion buffets and religious retreats for members. While our membership is nowhere near the size of the Club in its’ heyday, we strive to keep the Club going to serve the children of the school and provide entertainment for the community at large. This has reduced the number of events we can hold but we continue our annual St. Patrick’s Dinner Dances, Christmas Parties, Karaoke Nights, Comedy Nights, Ceilis among others on alternating years. With our fundraising we have continued to provide transportation services to the children, pay for their 8th grade activities and repair and replace needed equipment. We installed a new HD movie screen in 2023 with not only monetary help but with much physical labor. In the last few years, we also established scholarships that stay within the school as they are provided to 7th graders for their upcoming 8th grade experience. Those scholarships are in perpetuity and will continue as long the Club exists.

None of the mentioned activities would have been possible without an active and supportive membership that the Club has been able to attract. The men who serve so willingly are the strength of the Club.

We look ahead hopefully to attracting new members so that the work of the Club can continue to assist in the same spirit of service that led to our beginning 60 years ago.