We exist to witness God's love so that all can share in His joy.
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07/02/2023 Father Owen's Bulletin Message
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Dear Parishioners,
During the last several weeks, the staff and I have been working on a mission statement for St. Luke Parish. We feel that the statement that is above, reflects everything we are, and everything we hope to be as the Parish family of St. Luke. As soon as a new person enters our beloved church, they feel the love of Christ as seen through the welcomers/ushers, extraordinary ministers, lectors, and the greater community at large. It truly is a place where you are only a stranger once. All our new parishioners have commented, “What a welcoming community we are.” That makes me very proud.
During the celebration of Holy Mass, we together listen to the Word of God and through the homily, the faithful receive the gift of how to apply these two-thousand-year-old readings to modern life in our northern New Jersey suburbs. During the time of Holy Communion, we are all fed the Precious Body and the Precious Blood of Jesus and we are then gifted to go forth so that all can share in his joy. It is wonderful after Mass to witness the new and old friend groups chatting in our bright, airy narthex. Old parishioners welcoming new parishioners, people on a journey together. Our parish is comprised of old and young alike. The elements we have in common are faith and our positive joy. We laugh a lot at St. Luke and joy is contagious. We laugh because we enjoy being together and are proud of who we are. As your pastor, I am very aware that I am your Servant Leader following the footsteps of Jesus and our Holy Father, to live a holy life with enthusiasm, sensitivity, and compassion. In the coming weeks, we will reach out to our ministry leaders and in the coming months, spread the word of our new efforts to continue to re-engage each other in an exciting and yet individual way. In the meantime, let us make time to reflect on how blessed we are to care for each other and to bring God’s word out and beyond our community.
This past year, we have been blessed to be a huge support to the Little Sisters of the Poor and to our brothers and sisters in Paterson. Our used clothing drive, our cans of food, our collection of non-perishable items, our prayers, and love extend to those who live in a less affluent area. The reminder that Christ invites us all to share everything we are and everything we can be in His Holy Name. As pilgrims on the journey, I invite you to join us as together we continue to witness God’s love and share His joy with the people you work with and live nearby. When you are at Mass reach out to a family or couple you do not know. If it is somebody new, welcome them, get to know them, and tell them about our beloved parish. Each one of us are ambassadors for Christ and the joyous welcome truly makes a difference in each other’s lives.
Summer has finally arrived, schools are off for the coming months, our youth and young people are happy. I know many of you will be going to your beach houses in the coming weeks, and others visiting friends and family and some travelling abroad this coming season. Use this time well to relax, sometimes the busyness of our lives, coupled with multiple sports activities for families brings about a certain sense of exhaustion. It is good during these weeks to sleep a little more, enjoy the beach or the pool or simply read a book in the back garden. For those travelling, enjoy the opportunity to meet new people, experience new cultures and yes, maybe even learn a little bit of a new language. God’s world is indeed beautiful and how blessed are those of us who can see and enjoy different lands and different peoples. Have a blessed summer! Happy 4th!
Fr. Owen