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A Life Poured Out: The Inspiring Catholic Story of Faith and Service of Pat “The SJE Donut Lady” Preis
- SJE
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
A Story of How One Woman’s Joy, Grit, and Generosity Shaped a Parish Community
Affectionately known as the SJE Donut Lady, Pat Preis is far more awe-inspiring than this sweet title implies. She is also known simply as “Ma” — and many call her that. She is a loving mom, a doting grandmother, detailed chronicler, and hardcore Catholic, to name a few.
She lovingly assists her daughter Natalie Rosinski, who leads the Sacred Grounds hospitality ministry, bringing warmth, beauty, and homemade detail to our parish community. From sewing high-top table covers to rearranging parish storage, from serving coffee to crafting Christmas ornaments for children, Pat pours herself into every task with devotion — and joy.
An Inspiring Catholic Story of Faith Woven Into Family and Parish Life
Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Pat spent 40 years at St. Andrew Parish in Calumet City before settling in Indiana. After searching for a new spiritual home, her family found SJE — and in the crowded old church (now the Day Chapel), a kind stranger offered her a seat. Then she watched Father Sammie Maletta joyfully greeting his congregation before Mass. In that moment, Pat thought, “We knew we were home.”
Her faith journey is deeply personal and intimately tied to her family’s story. She and her husband Joe had been married for 33 years when he passed. After losing her mother in 2000 — right before Natalie and Jeff married — her family became her mission and her anchor.
At 83, Pat is now the matriarch of generations of believers, each touched by her witness of simple and heroic faith.
Miracles, Mysteries, and a Granddaughter’s Extraordinary Faith
Pat’s granddaughter Sarah, born with a rare heart condition, wasn’t expected to live long. Yet her spiritual insight remains extraordinary. Sarah often tells her grandmother: “He walks around in this church — you will bump into Him.”
Despite developmental and medical challenges, Sarah made her First Holy Communion with Father Maletta’s blessing: “She knows what she needs to know for this sacrament.”
Sarah remains one of Pat’s inspirations, often reminding her:
“Grammy, you do it for Jesus, and Jesus knows it all.”
Strength in Action — Twice Facing Down Danger
Pat’s courage is as extraordinary as her compassion. She once physically disarmed a young man with a gun while working in a doctor’s office. With a full waiting room behind her, she took a flying leap, tackled him from behind, and held him until police arrived.
The gun was loaded.
People were in danger.
Pat didn’t hesitate.
Years later, in another clinic, she encountered a second gunman. Calm and clear-headed, she helped move patients to safety — then sat and spoke with the man until help arrived.
At age 78, she claimed she retired “to take it easy”… though anyone who knows Pat knows she never stops serving.
A Quiet Hero With a Life Stitched Together by Love
Pat continues to support her daughter’s ministry, helps care for Sarah, and has also raised a grandson for decades after his mother passed away. She walks with family and friends through life’s hardest trials — always faithful, always praying.
She knits, cooks, cleans, decorates, prays, praises, and creates.
Always moving.
Always giving thanks.
Always whispering, “Thank you, Jesus. Please help me, Jesus.”
To know Pat is to witness a life poured out for others, stitched together by faith, and steeped in joy.
A Disciple Who Makes Disciples
Every stitch she sews.
Every donut she serves.
Every prayer she whispers.
Every person she encourages.
All of it is her offering to God.
What a blessing Pat is to our church — a true Disciple who Makes Disciples, and a living witness of an inspiring Catholic story — what love, courage, and unwavering faith look like in action.
And although we will not be having donuts after Masses on December 21 and December 28, remember Pat's undying love and prayers for all of us. Let us keep her in our prayers of thanks for a joyful, blessed Christmas Season. Thank you, Pat, for being a Disciple who Makes Disciples!
Inspired by Pat’s story?
Join us in building a parish family filled with faith, joy, and service. Whether you can pour coffee, greet guests, craft décor, or simply share a smile, there’s a place for you.
Step into the mission — and discover how God can use your gifts.