We exist to witness God's love so that all can share in His joy.
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07/23/2023 Father Owen's Bulletin Message
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Dear Parishioners,
Catechesis is the way by which we teach faith. We do so in many and varied ways here at St. Luke with children, young adults, young couples, and our more seasoned parishioners. To teach about the Catholic faith, it is imperative that we are excited about the story of Christ and want to share the story with enthusiasm and wonder.
On Sunday, September 17th, we will celebrate Catechetical Sunday. Our Diocesan Director of Catechetical Formation, Fr. Yohan offers continuing workshops for priests, DREs and catechists on how best to teach our young people with enthusiasm and skill. Here at St. Luke, Maureen and our catechists do an amazing job of teaching the faith to our children and young people from kindergarten through 10th grade. In the coming weeks, Maureen and I are planning some parent faith sharing experiences so our parents can be nurtured and helped to work in partnership with us in the living and teaching of our faith. It is important to understand that as we teach our children they need academic formation, and they also need to understand how to love Christ, how to understand the history of the Catholic church and through acts of charity, how to use their gifts. Certainly last year, our children had a great experience both learning and the giving experience to the Little Sisters of the Poor. This helps them to understand that this is what Catholics do. As Maureen and I plan our classes for the coming year, we are looking for adult catechists who know and love Christ to teach our children. This commitment would involve about one hour every other week for grammar school kids, for high school kids, the same timeframe once a month. If you love your faith, and would like to share it with the children of our parish, Maureen will give you the tools to pass this along to the next generation. Please contact Maureen directly, she will be delighted to hear from you.
I am in the process of working on a Baptismal team and have asked Mike and Susan Keating to be the chairs. At this time, Catherine and Alan Bush are coordinating the Baptismal program. Catherine and I would like to expand this. I invite young to middle-aged couples, who love their faith to consider meeting with young couples who have had a baby and are preparing for Baptism. We will invite our Baptismal team members to share their faith journey with our young couples and support them in the wonderful decision of Baptism. Anyone interested in helping in this ministry, please contact me directly.
We are thrilled that we already have several interested candidates for Adult Formation through the RCIA process. In September, our RCIA leadership team will again begin to welcome adults who seek the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, or Confirmation. If you have a family member or friend who is in need of the sacraments, please contact me directly.
Our Preschool prepares for our 4-year and 5-year-olds through academic formation in a Christ-centered atmosphere. We teach them their basic prayers and help them to understand God’s love for them. Our PreK is a happy place for our children who are nurtured and loved by Jeanne and her staff.
Men’s and Women’s Adult Catholic formation also continues with the men and women of our parish through scripture, prayer, reflection, and bonding at the Men and Women’s Cornerstone retreats. This is also a good time for our members, to invite family or friends, be they Catholic or not to come experience the excitement of our Christian faith.
Fr. Owen