We exist to witness God's love
so that all can share in His joy.
Search
5/29/22 Father Owen's Bulletin Message
-
Dear Parishioners,
Finally, summer has begun and last week we completed our last CCD class and our last Confirmation class. On behalf of Maureen, a huge thank you all our catechists and volunteers who helped us this past year. Over the summer, Maureen and I will be planning a new program beginning in September.
Many people have asked me to change the Mass schedule from 11:30 to 11 am as it seems many people like to have more time left in the day. Last Sunday, I took a poll and most people wanted it earlier. Your voice counts at St. Luke’s. Therefore, starting on June 12, the 11:30 am Mass will be changed to 11 am. I hope that this will make life easier for work and play and especially give more time to people during the summer. I also did a poll at the Saturday evening mass and most parishioners would like to begin the outdoor Mass again. Lenny and Dan set up, provided music, and singing during the COVID years, however, as you know, Kathe prefers to cover the 5 pm Mass. We will recommence our outdoor Mass on Saturday, June 25th. However, in order to have music, Kathe has asked that we have some strong volunteers to carry down the keyboard and assist with some technical support. I personally like celebrating Mass outdoors and we would love to have a few volunteers.
Our liturgical painting company, John Tiedemann Inc. have been working hard and this week, we are beginning to see the incredible job with color and design that will begin to make our beloved church pop. We expect that they will complete this by Friday, June 3. The floor will be regrouted, cleaned and buffed early next week. The pews are due to be installed Monday, 13th and will take 3 days for the job to be completed. Confirmation practice will take place in the parish center on Monday, June 13th and the church will re-open for the celebration of confirmation on Friday, June 17th.
In the last several weeks, we have been getting together at St. Lawrence each Sunday night after evening Mass to hear post-Antioch talks by our Leadership Team. I am always touched by these talks given by our young people which calls upon God’s strength at joyful and challenging times throughout our lives. There will not be any Antioch follow-up this week because of the holiday. A big thank to Tony and Isabel Amaral who give their time each week to support our young people. Members of our Antioch team and other parishioners and friends had a wonderful evening at the Ashburn’s home to celebrate Matt’s graduation. His parents threw a lovely party where old and young alike were able to celebrate this devout and talented young man. Matt like many of our young people give me great hope for a bright, strong Catholic future where our young people will take over the reins of discipleship in the years to come.
As we gather together on this Memorial Day, we give God thanks for the members of the Armed Forces who are presently serving to guide and protect. We also give God thanks for those loyal men and women some of whom are ill and aged and for those who have died. Here at St. Luke, we proudly support our Vets and pray particularly for those who feel lonely and isolated. As Americans, let us never take our freedom for granted and sadly, in a world where leaders of some countries can be aggressive and greedy, we always need to remain strong to protect our own citizens and those who have no voice.
God bless America! Enjoy this long weekend with family and friends to take time to appreciate what we have. Happy Memorial Day!
Fr. Owen