We exist to witness God's love so that all can share in His joy.
Search
2/19/2023 Father Owen's Bulletin Message
-
Dear Parishioners,
This coming Wednesday begins the season of Lent. As we prepare for Ash Wednesday, do remember it is a day of fasting. We are allowed one small meal and two snacks. We are not allowed meat and the meal should be plain and simple. Our masses on Ash Wednesday will be celebrated at 9 am, 5 pm and 7 pm and Liturgy of the Word at 12 noon by Deacon Ray with Distribution of Ashes.
On that day, we call to mind that we are dust and to dust we shall return. It is good to begin Lent by contemplating our relationship with Christ; our role as a Catholic and the responsibilities each one of us have in spreading the faith by word, deed, and example. During the 40 days of Lent, the faithful are encouraged, if possible, to attend daily Mass and to take on some form of sacrifice. This year, our parish sacrifice will support The Little Sisters of the Poor in Totowa. These wonderful sisters with their staff provide excellent nursing care for the elderly, the sick and the dying. We all know the cost of nursing homes these days and the sisters invite, especially those on low income or no income, into their facility with the welcome and love of Jesus our Savior. I will speak more on this during the coming weeks. As we have done before, I invite parents and grandparents to talk about this in your own family home and each week through sacrifice, your own sacrifice put aside money to support the Little Sisters’ Mission.
Every Friday morning at 9:30 am, I will lead the Stations of the Cross. Every Friday evening, Deacon Ray leads the faithful in the Stations of the Cross. This beautiful prayer reminds us of Jesus’ real pain and suffering as he offers his life for us and many. If you are unable to come to the church for the stations, please take a copy of the Stations of the Cross-prayer pamphlet and pray it at home. A group of parishioners pray the rosary every day after 9 am Mass, if time permits, please join them. If you are unable to join, them, please take a rosary pamphlet and if necessary, rosary beads and pray at home for your own convenience. Tim and Helen Kelly will again lead a wonderful bible study program morning and evening, please see the bulletin for more information.
It is very important to go to the sacrament of Confession during the season of Lent. Every Monday, from 7-8:30 pm confessions will be held in every church in our diocese. Fr. Hubert or I will be available in the Marian Room. Confessions are also held every Saturday from 4-4:50 pm. Our parish confession evening will be held on Tuesday, March 14th and we will have six priests available for confessions from 6:00 – 8:30 pm.
Our Wines of the Worlds Special Needs Fundraiser was a marvelous evening. We all enjoyed being together. Many making new friends and helping support our beloved Special Needs family. Frank as usual picked out the most amazing wines. What a fabulous time! This night took months to plan and a huge thank you to Frank Sullivan and the Wine Tasting Committee, a small group of volunteers who bring together the spirit of our Parish with so many people pitching in and coming together to stage this beautiful event. This beautiful night sums up our parish family of St. Luke, a holy family; a holy family that loves to party, have a good time and care for each other. Thank you to all who helped, supported, and enjoyed.
Fr Owen