November 4, 2022

By: Anna Hamilton, Managing Director, Wordnet Productions

Some treasures are very hard to replace. This is what Sr. Pat is to all of us who know her.

On Wednesday, October 12, 2022, Wordnet Productions said farewell to a treasured friend, board member, executive director, manager, producer, and speaker. For 40 years, Sr. Pat Phillips has been a part of the Wordnet family since the beginning, with the late Fr. Michael Manning, SVD, its founder of the ministry.

Many friends and colleagues gathered with Sr. Pat to share their memories and fondness for the gift of presence she brought to all. She was a driving force behind the scenes to keep the ministry afloat during good and bad times. Annie McCarthy shares, “Sr. Pat helped to save her faith, by allowing Wordnet as a home and workplace to her during the pandemic.”

Cecilia Negrete says, “Sr. Pat was like a grandmother who taught her the beauty of what a loving family should be like.”

For myself, Sr. Pat was the first person you met when you walked in the door; and you were always greeted with warmth and sincerity of kindness and a smile. She made all guests feel the value of their gifts on every visit.

The celebration began with the Eucharistic Liturgy with Fr. Soney Sebastian, SVD, Executive Director presiding. Fr. Soney recalls his time beginning with Sr. Pat when Wordnet moved to its current location on 5th and D Street in 2007. For the last 15 years, they have collaborated, shared meals, and worked through the many challenges a non-profit can experience. Through it all, they have managed those difficulties and continued to work hard with a lot of joy and trust in God’s grace.

Sr. Pat’s tenacity for ministry is her greatest strength and she will be missed for her talents and wit that made you laugh wholeheartedly. It is our hope at Wordnet to draw from Sr. Pat’s energy and continue the work she has begun. Do you have any memories to share of Sr. Pat? Please send us your stories to Wordnet Productions at 532 North D St., San Bernardino, CA 92401. She is wished great joy in the coming phase of her life.