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8/22/21 Father Owen's Bulletin Message
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Dear Parishioners,
For those of us who love to pray the rosary, we know that August 22 is the day when we celebrate the crown-ship of Mary. This Marian Feast Day always takes place a week after the Assumption of our Blessed Mother into heaven. As we celebrate Mary’s crowning, we call to mind that the Lord our God gives her the crown of righteousness; the crown fit for a queen, the loyal obedient servant of the Father and dedicated Mother of the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. We know too that our Blessed Mother continues to intercede on behalf of all humankind and within the last 150 years has visited sites such as Lourdes, France, Fatima, Portugal and Knock, Ireland. Our Blessed Mother has also brought inspiration and hope to Native Americans through St. Diego in Mexico City and continues to remind us of the need to love each other as we are loved by God.
It is hard to believe that it is now the third Sunday of August. Labor Day is just two weeks away and many of you, our beloved families are preparing for school. Some of our parents have begun to live in what we call the Empty Nest Syndrome. When their “little” ones have begun their new lives in college. It is harder for parents who have one child or for those who find that their youngest child has now begun college life. I know that tears are shed on behalf of the parents and in the college bound youth themselves. New beginnings are never easy. It is very important to remember, however, that our parents raise their children with a strong Catholic faith and give them the tools to begin to be independent in the world and to channel their gifts. These gifts which will enrich our world. Be assured of our prayers here at church and know that the heartache of either an empty nest or a nest that is not so full is indeed a proper part of life. For those of us who are adults, remember back to our beginning days of college when with great enthusiasm you settled into your dorm, you made new and lasting friendships and you began to use your intellect in a very specific way. So, moms and dads, dry your tears and feel our love with a virtual hug and a reminder that you can do this. God is on your side. We keep our college bound students in prayer during these days and feel a great sense of pride in the nurturing that has taken place here at our beloved St. Luke parish.
This weekend I am thrilled to welcome, our new Antioch team who will gather together for the first time at the 6 pm mass. My hope and expectation are that with the strong Catholic leadership of our co-leaders, Matt and Alyssia each of the co-leaders through the living of their Catholic faith, will impact the lives of their younger peers for our combined St. Lawrence/St Luke Antioch weekend to be held here at St. Luke on Friday, 24th of September through Sunday, 26th. We keep our co-directors and team leaders in prayer as with our adult Antioch community as they prepare for this retreat experience and for the ability to direct our young people with God’s grace. We place our families in the loving care of the Holy Family during these days.
*** Jesus, Mary and Joseph intercede for us and for those who are dear to us. ***
Fr. Owen