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10/17/21 Father Owen's Bulletin Message
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Dear Parishioners:
Busy, Busy, Busy bees here at St. Luke Church. Fr. Hubert and I concelebrated our last outdoor mass on Saturday at 4 pm. Ryan Matos had made a beautiful stone platform and we moved the altar to the other side of the chapel area to ensure better visibility for the congregation. Sadly, however, we had to have work done to relieve a flooding issue and piping placed between our driveway and the pond. Some of the beautiful lawns were thus torn up but by next year, everything should be perfectly in place. A big thank you to Ryan for his hard work with this Eagle project.
As I write this article on Monday, I look forward to celebrating a beautiful wedding in the outdoor chapel for Anne Csipkay who will marry Mike Scardigno on Thursday.
Our St. Luke Knight representative, Frank Barnes with the assistance of knights from our combined parishes hosted a wonderful barbeque following the 4 pm Mass. My brother knights worked very hard and served delicious hamburgers and hot dogs and we thank them for all they do for our parish. Thanks to Nina who worked so hard in organizing this first social event since the pandemic began. We had approximately 150 parishioners in attendance, some old parishioners, some new and they brought delicious salads, sides and desserts. A great time was had by all.
Our Antioch retreat from Friday until last Sunday was a tremendous success. Most of the retreat as you could see was held in tents on the lawn beside the rectory. Our newly formed Antioch youth had a great experience and was open to the talks and challenges given to them by their Antioch team leaders. We ended on Saturday night and Fr. Hubert, Fr. Mike, Fr. Nick and Fr. Yohan assisted me with confessions. How wonderful it was to see so many young people avail themselves of this beautiful sacrament. Our closing Mass on Sunday at 11:30 am was joyful and spirited. A big thanks to our Adult team who worked so hard to make this retreat successful. A special shout out to Tony Amaral who has worked endless hours to bring this wonderful experience to fruition. Our young adult team leaders under the leadership of Matt and Alyssa, our coordinators were exceptional in their level of hard work, great kindness, and their ability to reflect the love of Christ to all. We are indeed very blessed here at St. Luke and appreciate all of the prayers and support of the greater community.
Last Sunday afternoon, I was privileged as the Chaplin of The Order of Malta to help run the Rosary Rally through the intercession of Our Lady of Philermo. We gathered together with members of the Diocese under the direction of our beloved Bishop Kevin Sweeney and spent an hour and half in pilgrimage. The pilgrimage began at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Pequannock and ended after benediction at Holy Spirit Church. We prayed for our nation and that we, as Catholic Americans will continue to be strong in faith and mindful of the needs of the weak and vulnerable in our land.
A big thank you to Brandon who has become an official reader at our Sunday Children’s Mass and Evelyn who answered my call to read at the 6 pm Mass. I hope that through their example in Youth Leadership, others will answer the call to be readers or assist in the role of welcomer.
As we gather this weekend to celebrate the feast of our patron St. Luke, beloved physician and ardent disciple of the Lord, I give thanks for the founding parishioners and for those of us presently carrying on the tradition of St. Luke. We are blessed to be part of such a warm, vibrant and loving parish in the name of Christ and St. Luke. I thank you for the gifts and talents you share so generously. Happy Feast Day! St. Luke, the Evangelist, pray for us.
Fr. Owen