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07/16/2023 Father Owen's Bulletin Message
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Dear Parishioners,
I so appreciate your support last weekend when I shared with you the news of my new assignment. Your heartfelt love after each Mass helped me through a very difficult weekend. As I mentioned, I expected to retire from St. Luke and honestly it is hard for us all to digest this sudden change. Please be assured, I will spare no efforts to ensure the best possible man is chosen to be the next pastor of St. Luke. In the next couple of weeks, our parish will go on open listing and all interested priests who are ordained five years or more can apply. I will then meet with each priest individually and share with the candidates the mission of our parish. After that, I will share my thoughts and recommendations with the Personnel Board and the Bishop.
During these next two months, the staff and I will be planning for the coming year; CCD and Confirmation classes and working on our calendar for the next year. I leave to visit my family in Dublin this Sunday, July 16th and will return on Wednesday evening, July 26th. It will be great to spend time with my siblings, their spouses, nephews and nieces. I particularly want to spend some extra time with my aunties, Maura and Claire, who have been such strong influences in my life and whom I love dearly.
Our young people depart for Catholic Work Camp this coming week. We hold them in prayer as they represent our parish helping those in need in the Paterson area. They will stay in the Salesian Convent in North Haledon. A big thanks to Fr. Alex and the Notre Dame Youth Minister, Quinn who will guide them during this week. Upon my return from Ireland, I look forward to meeting with them so that in time, they will share their experiences with you.
Last Monday, I celebrated a Mass of Resurrection for our beloved parishioner, Kevin Ruane. We extend our prayers and love to his widow, Deb, his sons, Jim, Kevin, Jr., family and friends. Kevin was a larger than life character. He was born in the Chicago area of strong Irish parents. He was a loving devout Catholic who had a personal relationship with Christ. Kevin lost no opportunity to share his faith. He truly evangelized through his conversations and acts of kindness. He was an advisor on the Finance Committee, a member of our Men’s Cornerstone ministry and part of our Operation Chillout. He died on the evening of July 4th at peace with God and ready to meet his Savior. His siblings all travelled from Chicago and how beautiful it was to gather this large loving family and offer Mass for his beautiful soul. Kevin touched my life and the lives of many people with kindness, and as a true son of God, he leaves a mark of love in our hearts. He will be missed but we know that when our lives are completed in God, we should join him for ever and ever. A big thanks to our TLC Ministry especially Marie, John and Marge who brought communion to Kevin every day and to Jeanne and Rhonda who helped with the arrangements.
It was pleasure to have Sister Stan join us for Mass on Sunday. I so enjoyed her presentation on Monday evening. I am grateful to Deacon Ray who invited her to share her mission. Sister Stan, her sisters, and volunteers have saved and now care for 110 children in Ghana. We thank her for sharing her story, her love and her gifts with us and we are proud to support them in their efforts.
A big thanks to Fr Hubert who is in charge of the parish while I am away.
Fr. Owen