We exist to witness God's love so that all can share in His joy.
Search
09/03/2023 Father Owen's Weekly Message
-
Dear Parishioners,
As we gather to celebrate this Labor Day weekend, we thank God for the ability to use our gifts and make God’s world a better place. Deacon Ray and OPERATION CHILLOUT ministry marked its 13th Annual “Vets Summer Fest” fundraiser for homeless veterans at Vasa Park in Mount Olive on August 13. Hundreds of families enjoyed one of the best days of the summer with good music, great food, crafts vendors, and a kid zone. Special thanks to our brothers of Knights of Columbus Council # 10419 and our sisters in the Columbiettes for joining them. Please see the pictures in this week’s bulletin and on behalf of our parish, I thank all members of Operation Chillout and particularly Deacon Ray for his dedication and love for the women and men who served our country.
It is hard to believe that our kids have all left for college and many of our young people are back in school. Last Sunday night, I welcomed our 9th and 10th grade young people to an information session followed by Mass. I am proud of the work that Maureen and our catechists do in preparing our young people not just for Confirmation but for a strong Catholic faith-filled life. Our moms and dads are the foundation of our program, and we work to ensure the passing on and living of our Catholic faith for years to come. 9th Grade Confirmation classes start on September 10 and 10th grade starts on September 17th.
We are very much looking forward to our Antioch retreat which begins on Friday, September 29th and ends with Mass around 3 pm on Sunday afternoon on October 1st. The St. Luke team leader, Michael LaVista is working hard with our young leaders to plan an exciting and enriching weekend where our young people can grow together. I invite our parents who have 10th grade children to strongly encourage them for this weekend to come and join an amazing group of young people representing St. Luke, St. Lawrence, and several other parishes. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for this exciting and interactive weekend.
This coming weekend, September 10th, I welcome our new and returning children from K through 8th grade to attend the 9:30 am or 11 am Masses as we begin again the Teaching Mass series and I give information on the year to come. A big thanks to Maureen and our catechists who work hard running our CCD program to make it both intellectually challenging and interesting. These CCD classes in conjunction with our teaching Mass help our young people to know the story of our faith, begin to get an understanding of the Gospels and to know and love and understand the Mass.
As you know, next weekend is Grandparents’ day on September 10. The best gift we can give a grandparents is the gift of Holy Mass. Several weeks ago, we invited you to offer Mass Intentions living and deceased intentions. If you have been away and haven’t gotten around to this, please take a form in the narthex or on our website and return it as soon as possible. Thank you.
Happy Labor Day!
Fr. Owen