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Dear Parishioners,
We gather this weekend of the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary time as we begin this month of February. During these drab winter weeks, our hearts look forward to the Spring which will begin new life to nature.
Here at St. Luke, we have finished Bereavement Group sessions. On Monday, January 30th, we completed our 8th session and through prayer, open dialogue, tears, and laughter empowered our bereaved parishioners and friends to acknowledge their grief and begin to live their lives differently and yet with a sense of purpose. These last several months have been a time to bond and grow, a time to understand that death is a part of life and that we who are Catholic, strive to live lives full of hope and love. A big thanks to my Bereavement Team of Mike, Mike and MaryAnn for their help and compassion these months past. My Bereavement Team will continue to meet as needs be to continue the bonding that they have enjoyed so much. Please keep our bereaved in your thoughts and prayers as we continue to empower them to live their lives in hope.
I always look forward to our Special Needs Masses which take place the first weekend of each month. This weekend again I welcome our Special Needs Community to come around the altar during the act of consecration. This community is made up of those who depend on our support, their parents, and caretakers. It is a very daunting task to take care of someone 24/7 who has a special need. I so admire both the parents and caretakers who every day and every night look out for those who are in their care unconditionally. Our parents and caretakers receive unwavering support from our Special Needs Leadership Team and on the first weekend of the month following the 11 am Mass, we offer many activities and on Monday evenings, we offer our beloved Special Needs families an opportunity where they can engage in social activities, make friends, and simply enjoy activities that engage them. This takes a lot of effort. We are grateful for the young volunteers who assist us. We are blessed with a parish community who support us and who provide the loving welcoming environment where love can grow. Every year, we have a major fundraiser that supports the costs of day trips, snacks, and equipment necessary for this community. This year, through the grace of God, we look forward to the Wines of the World event on this coming Saturday, February 11. During these two years of COVID, we have missed this wonderful cocktail party event where people make new friends and support a common interest. As in the past, this fundraiser, in addition to those expenses mentioned above, also supports the expenses for taking one or two special needs pilgrims and caretakers to Lourdes. We thank you for your continued support of this fundraiser.
On Saturday morning with the assistance of Fr. Hubert, Fr. Alex, and several Malta priests, I welcome the Order of Malta to a morning of retreat here at St. Luke. During this morning of reflection, I will make a presentation on Lourdes followed by prayer and discussion, priests will be available for confession and a noon day Mass will close the experience. I welcome the Order of Malta to our parish.
Fr. Owen