We exist to witness God's love so that all can share in His joy.
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08/20/2023 Father Owen's Weekly Message
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Dear Parishioners,
As a priest, I am blessed to become close to many people and to interact in their lives in a very special way. Last Saturday, August 12, I concelebrated a funeral Mass with Fr. Peter Krebs for Ruth Furnald, Dan’s mom. Dear Ruth was 99 years of age and had been living with her daughter in Virginia. Ruth and her husband, Larry had lived in the Watchung area for many years and raised their close knit strong Catholic family there. She was involved in Youth Ministry and in scripture classes and lived a long, holy and beloved life. Dan and his son, Quinn were music ministers at her Mass and picked the most be
autiful selection of music for the beloved mom and grandma. Dan and Mary have been members of our parish for many years and raised three amazing children. Quinn, who is the Music/Youth Minister at Notre Dame has been very involved in our parish in Youth Ministry and music. His wife, Allie, is the youth minister at St. Lawrence, Annie, and Luke, who ran Catholic Work Camp in North Haledon this past summer and Zack and Candace, who are members of St. Joseph Parish and have two beautiful children. Ruth was indeed a great example of faith to her family and friends and all who knew her. As best we can, let us emulate her in the sharing of faith and in the joyful way we live our daily lives.
Last Friday, August 11th, I celebrated the wedding of Gianna, a member of St. Rose Parish, East Hanover and Austin, Holy Family - Florham Park. I had given Gianna her First Holy Communion and confirmed her. Like so many other young people in our parish, I am proud of both her and her new husband, Austin for seeking a sacramental marriage and living and embracing our Catholic faith. It is wonderful to see young couples brought up by strong Catholic parents who love their Catholic identity and seek God’s blessings in their young lives. Congratulations to this wonderful young couple and to all couples who are preparing for the sacrament of marriage. May they all feel the strength of the divine Christ in their lives.
As you remember, I attended a youth workshop in Phoenix, Arizona last June. I wanted to obtain the tools to best interact and teach our young people. I made several connections with the amazing catechists, teachers and coordinators who help priests and youth minister interact in a modern and effective way with young people. Last Monday, I met with our new Youth Leadership team, Tony, Jeff, Michele, Mike, and Kira to develop a program for our Youth Ministry for the young people of St. Luke. We will be using an established program through Life Teen. More information to follow.
Thank you to Sean, our Youth Minster trainee for his work this past year. Sean is moving to Kansas to pursue other opportunities. We wish him well.
Through the generous tithing of many, we have been able to redo our office floor. The original carpet was more than 40 years old and has certainly seen better days. Our new laminate floor is beautiful, brings a fresh look to the office and will be easy to clean and maintain. Thanks to our wonderful parishioners for their heartfelt generosity.
Fr. Owen