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4/18/21 Father Owen's Bulletin Message
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Dear Parishioners,
It was wonderful to have Kevin and Deborah Cleary attend the 5 pm Mass last Saturday. Kevin’s talk was heart-warming. I was thrilled to see he got a standing ovation. We are so grateful for his years of dedication to various ministries both as Deacon and a lay person. It is wonderful to see Kevin and Deborah so happy. They are a beautiful couple, and we wish them many years of health and happiness and best wishes in their new home in Middleton, NJ. On behalf of St. Luke, I was honored to present Kevin and Deborah with a handsome St. Luke plaque which will remind them of their home away from home which I know they will treasure for many years.
I was very happy to see so many attend our Tridium Masses and to live this Holy Week in such a profoundly beautiful way. Easter masses were also well attended. I loved my first sunrise mass with 280 parishioners gathering to celebrate the Risen Lord as the dawn of Easter morning ascended above the horizon. A million thanks to so many people who worked so hard: our sacristans, Rhonda, Jeanne, Lyn, Pat and Teri for creating a beautiful environment both for the Holy Week and Easter liturgies. Thanks to all of our beloved parishioners who through their Easter envelopes paid for all our beautiful Easter arrangements that adorned the church. Thanks also to our ushers, lectors, extraordinary ministers and to Vinnie and Elaine, our live streaming experts, our dedicated staff , Kathe, Dan, Lenny and our singers, Greg and our volunteers and Deacon Ray.
Deacon Ray presided at the holy hour for Divine Mercy Sunday. A big thanks to him and to Lenny who provided the music. At the same time, I was pleased that so many people came to confession and received the Easter graces at this special time of year in our faith.
Last summer, Bob Ashburn, the father of Tom and father-in-law of Stacy, moved to Long Valley to be near to his family due to serious health issues. He was a devout Catholic, whose mission was to take care of the poor and helped at the local food pantry in New Hampshire. Bob has three grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Brady and their big brother, Matthew. When Bob’s health began to fail, Matthew who was very close to his grandfather knew he needed help and reached out to me personally to visit with Bob. We began to build a beautiful relationship to better understand his frail health, his faith and that God was calling him. He found God and learned to let go and let God. I was privileged to get to know him and become his priest for the last beautiful year of his life. Bob lived by example and by his Catholic faith. This living example of his faith is his special connection with his grandson, and we see that in Matthew through the many ministries in which he serves: usher, extraordinary minister and the Antioch Leadership team. That special connection is our miracle, faith. Bob has passed away and we celebrate his commitment to his love of God through his family and his unending commitment to his faith. We keep the Ashburn family in our prayers and hearts and send them our love.
I look forward to our St. Luke/St. Lawrence Antioch Retreat experience this coming weekend. St. Lawrence will be the host parish this time. Please keep our young people and adults in prayer during these special days for them.Fr Owen