St. Brigid Roman Catholic ChurchVolunteer Profile:
"Breathing on Eighty" by Mary Dawn Reavey
A feisty, energetic and outspoken member of the St. Brigid community, Pat Hulburt's involvement in ministry would be described by many as exhausting-according to her, "it is what keeps me alive, going and out of trouble." Fresh from her thrice-weekly workout at the "Y", Pat laughs when asked how old she is; "I'm breathing on eighty!" It quickly becomes apparent that she also enjoys going at eighty on her social ministry journey. Blessed by her Irish heritage with the gift of "Blarney", this 78 year old dynamo is a RCIA team member, a facilitator for "Little Rock Bible Study", a Eucharistic minister, juvenile hall volunteer, mentor for Pacific Beach Middle School, a CCD teacher, and the founder and leader for the San Diego chapter of the Thomas Merton Society. Pat is involved in the Cursillo movement attending one of the first California retreats in 1974. She is also the proud grandmother of twelve and great grandmother of two caring for three of them in her home one day each week.
Pat heard her first call to service as a high school student growing up in Chicago. She was listening to a talk on Social Welfare by a missionary nun when she thought "that's what I want-to be of service to those less fortunate." In 1942 at age 18 she became involved in the war effort as an Army/Air Force defense instructor and airplane plotter in Washington, DC and started college working toward a degree in sociology. In 1944 she was called to the vocation of marriage and moved to her husband's family ranch 30 minutes outside of Palisade, Colorado to start raising their family. She lived in a three-room cement house complete with a wood burning stove and outhouse and discovered an environment that was lonely, challenging and "anti-Catholic". "I couldn't even make tea in those days because I didn't know how to build a fire and no one trusted me with gasoline or kerosene to get it started because they knew I would blow the place up-and I didn't think I could live without tea." Pat reminisced with a chuckle. She coped with these struggles by learning a multitude of new skills and immersing herself in service to her family and community. When she was 21 and a new mother she started a Newman Club with the help of the local priest that attracted about 20 young adults from the area farms. She remembers the experience as the "most rousing, wonderful group" and then used her self described "fertile imagination" to create opportunities for ministry and fellowship. Another comfort during this period was the discovery of theologian Thomas Merton in 1949-a friend loaned her his first book which Pat "devoured" staying up all night absorbing his "practical love of the Lord and understanding of the faith."
In 1959 Pat and her family moved to Escondido in hopes that the dry, temperate climate would benefit her husband's emphysema. Pat became a trailblazer in her new parish when she began her 35 year stint as a CCD teacher in 1961-despite skepticism of her ability to perform because she was pregnant and not formally trained in education, she became the first lay person to become involved in this ministry. As her family grew Pat returned to school and discovered a lifelong love of learning. She graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in English in 1974. This was the same year her husband passed away after a lengthy illness leaving Pat with four children to finish raising. After moves to Washington DC and Augusta, Georgia for employment opportunities Pat relocated to Oceanside, California in 1986 and became involved for the first time in RCIA. While on the East Coast she studied for a master's degree in theology. Pat moved to Pacific Beach in the early nineties and joined St. Brigid's Parish ten years ago serving as director of religious instruction for three years. She left that position in 1995 to pursue training as a chaplain for Mercy Hospital.
When asked why she is involved in social ministry Pat responds with a laugh and mischievous twinkle in her eyes, "It's reparation for past sins but I'm not going to tell those stories!" She describes herself as a traditional believer but "not pious at all. I pray, but not always on my knees." When pushed to elaborate, Pat explains that she loves to read and like many Christian authors believes the opportunity to serve is "contemplation in action". "It also brings me tremendous personal satisfaction." Her criterion for choosing a new project is that it is "interesting, challenging and difficult-that's what keeps my mind sharp." She has been a Vista volunteer teaching literacy at St. Vincent De Paul Village and spent a month last August teaching English in Xian, China through a Christian outreach organization. When she heard about the need for medical volunteers in a cleft lip and palate repair project at Mercy Hospital she spoke up and helped in the kitchen. "Everyone has to eat and anyone can peel vegetables and wash dishes-there is always a chance to serve even if you don't have the requested skills," Pat explains practically. A recent Wednesday found her in Tijuana, Mexico exploring opportunities with the Mercy Missionary Sisters. After visiting an orphanage for 60 boys ages 8 to 18 previously living on the streets Pat reported, "Gosh, wish I was at least 20 years younger. I would volunteer right away to teach English as a second language."
Pat's favorite ministry is being a RCIA team member. "We have a very successful program here at St. Brigid's and it is interesting to see young people come in with preset ideas about the church and Catholic faith. You see and experience so much spiritual and personal growth in a short amount of time. It is very rewarding to be part of that process."
A recipient of Pat's juvenile hall ministry, 15 year old Shane Campbell describes her: "She is a kind, loving lady with strong religion who shows a special love and respect for kids she doesn't know. She believes we can change and cares by showing us respect and making a difference in our life. You can tell she doesn't do it to bring attention to herself-she comes because she cares about us. Give her thanks and appreciation for all that she does for us." When asked to guess Pat's age Shane responded, "late forties, maybe fifty." Amber Reider, who is a RCIA team member and was sponsored by Pat in the Cursillo movement, echoes those thoughts; "Pat is awesome. She is an example of God among us. It is great to share the word of God with her." Participating in several ministries with Pat, John Nadworny summarizes popular sentiment about this dynamic, service oriented woman: "Pat is a wonderful Christian leader bringing a pragmatic holiness to every situation that I've had the opportunity to share with her. I enjoy her wonderful sense of humor, vast knowledge, wisdom and genuine love of God and others. St. Brigid's is very lucky to have her as a pillar of our faith community. Thanks be to God for Pat Hulburt!"
As she "breathes on eighty" and goes at eighty Pat challenges us to get involved and share our gifts. "Try it. It's what keeps me going, alive and sharp. No, it's not exhausting-it's energizing. I get to meet interesting, fun, young people-then again," she finishes with a touch of her ready wit, "everyone is young when you get to be my age!"
