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10/3/21 Father Owen's Bulletin Message
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Dear Parishioners,
The beautiful month of October has begun. Here in Long Valley, we are so blessed by the beauty that surrounds us. I look forward to the colors of Fall and as time permits, leisurely walks to smell the wonderful fresh air and appreciate God’s beauty that surrounds us.
Monday, October 4th is the feast day of St. Francis. On this day we reflect upon this great saint from Assisi, Italy who talked about the environment long before anybody knew the word. St. Francis today reminds us to take care of ecology, to appreciate the world God has given us and by conserving energy, passing this precious world onto generations to come. St. Francis was also about peace and reconciliation. We pray that he will place his caring hand on turbulent nations and invoke peace instead of war. Fr. Hubert and I were delighted to bless animals both big and little Saturday. It was cute to see the interaction between the animals but honestly, I think the humans have more fun.
Maureen, Nina and I were delighted to welcome back our CCD youth, their parents and guardians, last weekend. This weekend, we begin our formal classes for Cycle A. A big thanks to Maureen, Nina, our dedicated catechists and volunteers who work so hard in this important ministry. This evening at 5:15 pm, we welcome our parents and 9th and 10th graders and we will give a little presentation of expectations and conclude with 6 pm mass.
We welcome our Special Needs members to the 11:30 am mass this weekend. I am so thrilled to see that our Special Needs ministry is growing as more and more families become comfortable moving out and about. Every year, Bishop Kevin Sweeney presents the Vivere Christus Award to a group of parishioners from every parish who serve their local Catholic community in an exceptional way. This year, the staff and I have selected our Special Needs Ministry to receive this award. On Sunday, October 17th, our Special Needs Ministry Leadership Team will accompany me to the Cathedral and at 3 pm, join parishes in our diocese to receive the gratitude and affirmation for their hard work. Congratulations to each of you who serve our beloved Special Needs Ministry with loyalty, enthusiasm and joy!
Part of being Catholic is being aware of those less fortunate than us and of making a sacrifice to sustain them. I am so proud of our Hands of St. Luke ministry which on a regular basis gives support and help to the working poor. Every year, our bishop asks us to support the Diocesan Ministries Appeal which provides for the needs of many living within our diocese.
Ron Cohen, our Diocesan Ministries Appeal co-chair will give us more information at all masses this weekend.
Fr. Owen