We exist to witness God's love so that all can share in His joy.
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5/8/2022 Father Owen's Bulletin Message
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Dear Parishioners,
I am thrilled to tell you that the bishops of New Jersey have decided that we should have the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord on the Sunday before Pentecost. Looking ahead, we will celebrate the feast day on May 29th which works perfectly as it is one week before Pentecost rather than Thursday, May 26th.
A big thank you to Deacon Ray who represented our parish at the blessing of the Romanian Orthodox church in Califon. We send our loving congratulations to our Romanian brothers and sisters and wish them God’s blessings in their beautiful new church.
In each of the parishes where I have been a pastor, I have always been aware to be inclusive and welcoming to every person who enters the building and to allow them to know that they too have a place in our worshiping community. Here at St. Luke, one of our most treasured communities, of course, is our Special Needs family. We had a wonderful celebration of Lourdes last Sunday. I am so proud of our leadership and of our wonderful community to whom they minister. Please enjoy the photographs in the bulletin and on visual ministry this weekend.
As we consider the different groups who attend St. Luke parish, naturally as a welcoming community, we have people who are married, single, divorced and remarried civilly, widows, gay couples, and families, and as your pastor, I am very aware of the joyful responsibility to welcome all in God’s name. However, I am always mindful of the presence of little children, and I think it is very important to keep our little ones, innocent of adult topics. You will notice I am sure, that in the presence of children at Mass, I am sensitive to the words that I use. Last week, I sent a letter to Washington Township Board of Education and asked that the letter be read at the meeting speaking for myself, the pastor of St. Luke. I am concerned that some of the topics that the teachers could be asked to teach in the fall might be inappropriate for little children. I believe that the parents are the first teachers of the child, and they should be empowered in every way possible to explain to their children about different family structures, and the changes in our society. Our children need to be aware that God loves everybody unconditionally and His love is steadfast no matter what path they follow. I am happy to discuss this further should the need present itself.
Thank God and thank all of you, my beloved parishioners for your openness and trust in our church revitalization. I am thrilled to tell you that to date, $231,000 has been raised. I encourage those of you who haven’t come on board to simply do your best. I am very aware of different family situations, and you can see from the donation form that there are varying amounts so that every parishioner can feel included in this project which will ensure the beauty of our church for years to come.
The vocation of Mother is so special to all of us. Today we honor and remember all our moms, grandmoms, godmothers, and stepmothers who have nurtured us. We give thanks for our moms and grandmoms who are still with us and offer to those who have died, the joy of heaven and the special place our moms now have in union with our Blessed Mother and Jesus, our Risen Savior.
Happy Mothers’ Day! We love you!