Nick Sardegna
(Good Friday Way of the Cross, March 21,2008) - Providing additional melody and harmony were dedicated members of the SCB adult choir Kathy Wolfe, Nita Detillier, and Nick Sardegna.
Nick
The Lamb, October 2001
If we had to select the most outstanding Catholic man from our parish, Nick Sardegna would be at the top of the list.
He grew up in the Norco Shell village, did what youngsters from that era did. Retrieved golf balls that were lost and sold them back to the golfers for a little extra money at the club shows. I have to admit I don't know much about Nick's boyhood, if I tried to elaborate more I'd be getting in trouble for saying the wrong thing. When we were forming the parish counsel 38 years ago, Nick asserted himself as the driving force behind the counsel. Father Boudreaux realized his drive and intellect and named him the first counsel president, thus ending the trusteeship which had governed parish administration for nearly 250 years. When this took place Nick had just moved into his first home in Destrehan which he could call his own with his lovely wife Joy and three girls. He was active in his old parish, Sacred Heart, in Norco. This started a career of organizing work crews for the fairs, directing Passion plays, directing the church choir, planning liturgy celebrations set to music. So when you attend a Mass and enjoy it thoroughly you can bet he did his best work and had a part in it. Then Prof Hurst enters the picture and tells Nick he must make a Manresa retreat. He's been going ever since. Upon Prof's death, he took over as the leader of the Manresa men's club. Getting back to his many talents, he could have made it as a movie director or as a lead singer in any movie. He chose to use his talents serving in the church Jesus instituted. He should be called the C. B. DeMille of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish. Though he's had many problems (like most of us) - family, health, etc. (won't elaborate) - he gets up every morning, takes up his cross and follows Him who sent him, namely Jesus Christ. It is seldom that a man like Nick comes to a parish who needs him most. The people of the parish named him the first recipient of the Order of St. Louis award for outstanding service, which was well deserved and appreciated by all people of the parish. We pray that God will keep him with us for many, many years to come. Even though he was the best left-handed pitcher in high school and American Legion baseball, we still prefer his other talents directing, singing, teaching religion and setting an example for the youth of the parish. This is the Men of Manresa leader, one of the finest men we know. God be with you Nick, you're the best. We the rest of the Manresa men are proud to know you and have you for a friend. May the peace of Christ be with you always and may you always walk in Christ's foot prints.
Nick Sardegna honored by SCB
Men of Manresa leader recognized for 33 years of service to CCD
The Lamb, June 2004
On the last day of the CCD school year, students, parents, teachers and administrators gathered in the St. Charles Borromeo Church to celebrate Mass. But before Mass started, SCB Director of Religious Education Kathy Hymel went to the podium. “We want to recognize someone,” she said, “who has taught in our CCD program for 33 years. Thirty-three years!” she repeated. Looking out into the audience, she added so sweetly, “That’s since before some of your parents were born.”
Still not yet revealing the honoree’s name, she continued. “For others, this person actually taught some of your parents in CCD. And for his years of dedication, we would like to present Mr. Nick Sardegna with this token of our appreciation.” At this, she handed Mr. Nick - as he is known to generations of CCD students - a handsomely etched trophy to recognize a contribution that no other person in the written history of this parish has ever matched.
While the congregation was applauding this soldier of Christ, he stood humbly before them as Father Harry approached the microphone to testify to his dedication, devotion, and leadership. Detailing Nick’s countless contributions to CCD, the Men of Manresa, the Choir, the Decorating Committee, and many other ministries of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Father Harry said that “when it comes to his dedication to Christ and to the parish, Nick Sardegna does whatever it takes to get the job done.” Without pause, he emphasized, “Whatever it takes.”
As it was, Nick was a bit green around the gills that evening but had shown up just the same. In his own inimitable style, he explained this in his opening remarks, saying “I must have eaten my meals in the wrong order”. During his brief acceptance speech, Nick offered thanks and gratitude to both God and his fellow parishioners, and concluded by stating with his own unparalleled brand of class and humility, that “if I have treated anyone harshly [during my 33 years of teaching CCD], I’m sorry.”
After 33 years teaching, Nick Sardegna remains active in the CCD program, and now serves in its administration and as a substitute teacher.
Our SCB Men of Manresa motto comes to mind: “To the Lord I give the hours of my life and the use of my death.”
May God continue to shine His light upon others through you, Nick Sardegna.
Men's club co-captain clears chronological hurdle
Nick Sardegna hits 70!
The Lamb, Feb. 2005
| Birthday suit- The cake honoring Nick Sardegna on his 70th birthday surprise party (first photo) was decorated with his bare-chested baby
picture. On the other hand, the outfit he wore to the party (second photo) includes stylish slacks, a nice sweater, and - it’s a
safe bet that this was not his idea - a shiny new crown. Remember when (third photo) - Septuagenarian Sardegna examines a gift of remembrances compiled by Fay Louque; also looking on are Ralph Richoux (REAR) and Warren Louque (RIGHT). |
On January 10, SCBMoM Co-captain Nick Sardegna celebrated his 70th birthday. Read on for a few of his own thoughts on the occasion...
Thinking of the day I would turn 70 was not a pleasant thought. Fifty, sixty, even sixty-five was OK, but 70!!
Sunday, the day before the birthday, was quiet until 4:30 PM when I was cleverly tricked into a surprise birthday party planned by my wife, three daughters and their husbands. What a truly remarkable experience I will never forget.
At the party, approximately 50 relatives, friends and church acquaintances expressed very humbling comments that made me realize the importance of friends and what a closely knit parish family we enjoy at St. Charles Borromeo. To everyone there, to those who couldn’t make it and those who may have been overlooked, I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for making a 70 year birthday my very best. How many people can be so blessed?
To top off everything, my wife treated me to my favorite Chinese restaurant on Monday, January 10 (the big day). This next note is the reason my documenting all this. The fortune cookie that concluded my delicious meal read – “Do not give up, the beginning is always the hardest.”
Question: Does life “begin” at 70?!!!
Clarion Herald - January 20, 2000, "Spotlight On"