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12/11/22 Father Owen's Bulletin Message
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Dear Parishioners:
We gather today on the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday. On this day, the priest wears a rose-colored vestment, and we light the rose-colored candle. During the next two weekends, we look towards the birthday of Christ and set our hearts on the miracle of God who became man. This is indeed a busy time for everybody but as I have been saying in my homily for the last two weekends, do not shortchange your souls or the souls of your children. We will have confessions for one more weekend on Saturday, December 17 at 4 pm - 4:45 pm in the Marian Room.
Last Saturday night, the Washington Township area Knights of Columbus held their major fundraiser here at St. Luke. I was delighted to give the opening blessing and welcome everybody to this fun-filled event. Fr. Marcin, the pastor of the OLM and St. Mark’s Parish attended. It is always nice to see Fr. Marcin and welcome him to St. Luke. My brother knights worked very hard in running a wonderful event. They were assisted by the Columbiettes and an energetic team of young runners who brought auction gifts to the tables. Our young runners were from Our Lady of the Mountain parish. A big thank you to Sean, our youth minister trainee who coordinated their activities. The auctions were fun and these fundraising activities help the knights to provide for their many charitable events in the coming year. The knights auctioned a dinner at the rectory and was bid on and won by Heidi and Charlie Cryan. Their children are very involved in altar serving and music. I look forward to getting to know them on a more personal level at our dinner in the New Year on a mutually decided date.
Last Saturday, I was delighted to give a teaching experience to five scouts, four of whom are parishioners. I did a teaching experience on Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation and Holy Orders. They had many good questions, and it was a pleasure to see their interest. They also came around the altar as I taught them the importance of the altar/sacrificial table, the tabernacle, the crucifix, and the podium. I showed them how to set the altar and the importance of the vessels and the bells. I taught about Jesus’ sacred presence in the tabernacle and how we, as Catholics are privileged to receive Holy Communion, the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ. Thanks to Ad Altare Dei Counselors, Greg and Kathy Bubniak and of course, our own Scoutmaster Scott O’Neil for their assistance. It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm of the young and joyful; to see their interest in knowing why we do what we do for the sacred liturgy. These scouts will receive their Ad Altare Dei Award next year. I know they will take with them in life the lessons of a scout and in particular, Catholic scouts - loyal and true to our church, loyal and true to our country.
Our lectors are well prepared to read at our Masses with the wonderful help of Marge Moore. Several people have mentioned to me that we need to do the same with our announcement presenters. Please know that we will begin to work with those presenters going forward.
I am very grateful to the many dedicated musicians and cantors who give so much of their time to enhance our Christmas masses. A big thanks also to our extraordinary ministers, lectors and ushers who serve our parish with such loyalty and love.
Happy Gaudete Sunday!
Fr. Owen