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1/15/2023 Father Owen's Bulletin Message
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Dear Parishioners:
Last Tuesday, January 10th we began Ordinary Time. This weekend, January 15th, we celebrate the second week of Ordinary Time. This season continues until Ash Wednesday, February 22. During Ordinary Time, we strive to do as St. Therese of Lisieux advises, ”Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.” Christmas is behind us; Lent is in front of us. Let us spend these next few weeks, opening our hearts to God’s presence in our lives and listening to answer his holy will.
On a personal note, last Tuesday, January 10th, I presided at the wedding ceremony of my nephew, James, and his wife Kate. All of the Morans were there and the Fenby family also. Following the ceremony, we had a delicious dinner and I am delighted that James and Kate are now blessed by Mother Church and prepared within the sacrament of marriage to live a godly life together.
We moved out of our beach houses on Wednesday afternoon and I am in Melbourne with my twin brother, Michael. On Monday, the 16th, Michael and I will make a short flight together to Tasmania. We will spend this time together exploring this beautiful island and having fun together until Friday. Michael’s special friend, Nooie will join us for the latter part of the week. I fly out of Hobart on Friday, January 20th and arrive home in Newark with the multiple time differences at 5:30 pm. It is amazing to think that after a 24-hour flight with some layovers, I arrive home on the same day that I left. I look forward to seeing you all on the weekend of the 21st & 22nd.
Back in the good old USA, on Monday 16th we celebrate Martin Luther King Day. Here at St. Luke, we continue to respect each other and enjoy the blessings of the many cultures that make up our beloved land.
On Friday, the 20th, many people will gather in Washington DC to march for the dignity of life. Normally, I would be there offering my prayers and support for this great cause. This year, I will pray for them as I cross the great Pacific Ocean. As we pray for life, we must always consider that those women who had abortions, men, their partners/husbands who have assisted, doctors and nurses involved in abortion can be forgiven of this sin. We pray that those who are Catholic will go to a priest and feel the mercy of God. For the rest of us, we pray that we will continue to support organizations such as Several Sources. It is important to be aware of young pregnant women in our community who might need our support so that we can guide them.
As people of life, I am so proud of our parish that we, through Catholic Charities support our brothers and sisters living in poverty in Paterson. The Hands of St. Luke Ministry truly makes a difference. We are teaching our children, that we, who are privileged need to be ever aware of the needs of the working poor. So many people struggle to pay their bills simply just to survive but each still is entitled to their dignity. In our country where so many have so much, we continue to pray that over time we will one day all be able to live without the need for charity.
I look forward to seeing you all on my return.
Father Owen