Dear Parishioners, As we gather on the Second Sunday of Lent, we are blessed in the many gifts that the Lord has showered upon us. We are grateful for our beautiful families, our homes, and the beautiful parish of St. Luke that we cherish. It is such a privilege to be able to sacrifice for others who have so little. During the season of Lent, please become familiar with the good works of the Little Sisters of the Poor of Totowa which we highlight each week in the bulletin. I encourage parents to have a conversation with their children from K-10th grade. By now, every child and young person has the list of items Maureen and I would like them to donate. As I have mentioned, and will continue to mention, that our children and young people should take on board this responsibility themselves, go to the supermarket with mom or dad so they can understand the mission of the sisters and then feel the joy in supporting their mission. On Friday, February 24th, our staff with Barbara and Phil from the Hands of St. Luke made a road trip to Paterson and had the privilege of touring the Diocesan Food Pantry which we support. The place was a beehive of activity. Sister Maureen and Fiorella imparted the story of the many families who our Food Pantry helps to support. The Food Pantry is open 6 days a week and serves more than 200 families a day. Sister Maureen mentioned that one day she saw a lady lining up at 5:30 am in below freezing temperatures so that she would be first on line for the 9 am opening. When sister questioned her about the long wait in the cold, the lady replied, “It’s bad to be cold, but worse to be hungry.” My dear parishioners that really says it all. Doesn’t it? I was delighted to host a retreat for the extraordinary ministers, lectors, ushers, musicians, and TLC ministries. It was good to be together, to pray and to call to mind that each of us serves God and our community; how working together we can see the difference we make and feel God’s presence in the hands, hearts, and voices as we joyfully serve our community. Thanks to everybody who came. A big thank you to Karen who provided the coffee and snacks and to Rhonda, Lyn and Jeanne who tidied up afterwards. Immediately following the retreat, I was delighted to host eight couples for a Pre Cana session. What a blessing to see so many young people who are seeking a sacramental marriage and are aware of God’s presence in their relationship. We keep our young couples preparing for marriage in prayer. Thanks to Tony Amaral and his team who worked so hard in preparing our Antioch leadership kids for a spirit-filled weekend. From last Friday until Sunday, our leadership group with the adults welcomed young people from St. Luke, St. Lawrence and Notre Dame in Cedar Knolls. The Antioch retreat was hosted by St. Lawrence parish. I hope that we will see many of our Antioch teams here at St. Luke for Sunday 6 pm Mass as we continue to grow our Antioch family and as our kids continue to grow in their relationship with Christ. Last Sunday I was proud to present Patrick Castenie to the Bishop as a candidate for Baptism here at St. Luke Parish on Holy Saturday. I celebrated the marriage of Patrick and Ewe (Polish version of Eve) 14 years ago and had the privilege to celebrate the baptisms of both of their children. Ewe’s family and I planted the seed in Patrick several years ago and how thrilled we are now that he has said yes. He is excited to become a fully fledged Catholic and has accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. In the giving of faith to adults, it is always very important to be patient, let the seed of God grow.