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4/11/21 Message from Kevin Cleary
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My Beloved Fellow Parishioners,
For 13,972 days, St. Luke has been my parish and the parish of my family. We have a rich history here dating back to January 9, 1983. We can look back fondly on a multitude of snapshots – of memories both good and challenging. There were so very many “firsts” for us as a family and, as a parish, which we experienced together. The number of parishioners with whom we share our tenure at St. Luke’s is waning. Some have moved onward geographically while God has taken others home to be with him. No one is immune to that which life brings us. Regardless, in all cases, the common bond we all share is the Parish Community of St. Luke. It is and will always be our home. We may not be here in person each week but, it is our home, nonetheless.
I made sure to thank all of you for your love and support through the illness and death of my lovely wife, Kate, and the death of our daughter, Kelly. Thank you also for the love and support you extended to my son, Matt, his girls and us through the illness and death of his wife, Shannon. We passionately believe that God is good for he blessed us with the outpouring of love with which you have blessed us.
Life moves forward at a rapid pace. On February 3rd, 2018, my lovely wife, Deborah, came back into my life right here at St. Luke’s. We had worked together at AT&T in 1984. God was smiling on both of us that day and, every day since then. As Fr. Owen has already shared with all of you, we were married civilly on October 3rd, 2020 – one of the few bright spots in an otherwise challenging year. We both feel blessed to have each other in our lives. Separately, I have been working with Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Msgr. Mark Condon regarding the appropriate approvals from the Vatican.
In closing, I want to be clear on one key point. It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve the Faithful of the Parish Community of St. Luke with my brother Deacons – Tom and Ray; to serve with Fr. Mike, Fr. Owen, Fr. Lasch, Fr. Ron and Fr. Ray. It is my hope and prayer that I have done so with humility.
Now, I leave you with this:
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hands.
Peace,
Kevin