"We exist to witness God's love so all can share in His joy."
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07/30/2023 Father Owen's Bulletin Message
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Dear Parishioners,
I am back! I flew back from Dublin last Wednesday evening having had a wonderful time with my family. It was a great time to spend time with my elderly aunts and to celebrate Cait’s birthday. I always enjoy going back to the land of my childhood and to just hang with my siblings. I stayed in the Dublin area but took a day trip with my sister, Margaret, to visit a dear friend in Limerick. My sister Cait and I took a trip to Belfast to visit with my Aunt Eithna who lives in the north of Belfast. I must admit I was a little nervous going to Northern Ireland but thank God things are more peaceful now and their economy is gaining strength. Dublin is such an amazing city. It is bounded by the Irish sea about thirty miles and on the southern side of the city, the Dublin mountains loom in splendid glory over the city. I had peaceful walks through suburban streets and public gardens filled with the wafting scent of roses. We had lots of laughs, shared memories and I got invigorated for the months to come.
On Friday, July 28th, I drove to the Finger Lakes to celebrate the wedding of Mike and Stephanie Oros’ daughter, Kelsey to Cole. The Oros are great friends and parishioners, and it is a pleasure to celebrate their daughter’s beautiful marriage. Fr. Hubert covered the Saturday Mass as I was driving back to New Jersey. I welcome the Falk family back to Long Valley. This Sunday, I baptized little Larkin Grace, the daughter of Randy and Jessica, who live in Atlanta, Georgia.
On Tuesday, August 1, Fr. Hubert returns to Poland to lecture at the University of Warsaw. As you know Fr. Hubert is a very gifted man and will share his knowledge with his students with enthusiasm in the field of psychology and psychotherapy. I will miss having him here at St. Luke. I will miss both his friendship and his advice, and he and I will, of course, continue to stay close and communicate on a regular basis. A big thank you to Fr. Hubert for his dedicated service to our parish for the last several years. We keep him in prayer as he begins his new life and look forward to welcoming him back to our diocese next year.
Our beloved Deacon Ray will be celebrating his 75th birthday on August 10th. As is the norm, a priest and deacon must submit his resignation to the Bishop before their 75th birthday. In July, Deacon Ray having had a conversation with me wrote to the Bishop, and we are delighted to tell you that Bishop has approved Deacon Ray to continue in active ministry as our deacon. Deacon Ray and Leslie are an amazing couple, united in faith and in service to our parish. They give so much to so many and everything they do, they do with a sense of joy. I applaud them and thank them for their service to our parish and I am thrilled and excited that they will be able to continue for many years to come.
We look forward to celebrating Maureen’s birthday early next month. Maureen is a very important part of our staff, and we all love her dearly. She loves what she does and gives without counting the cost. She makes such a difference in the lives of our parents, children, and teens. We all love to work collaboratively, trading ideas and advice and helping each other in our mission. She is blessed in her marriage to Jim who is quite the vibrant Irishman and as they say in Ireland, a gentleman, and a scholar. We love you Maureen and we are delighted to celebrate your birthday with you. Enjoy this beautiful month of August!
Fr. Owen