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Dear Parishioners,
On Sunday, June 6th, we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi, the Latin word for Body and Blood of Christ. As Catholics, Holy Eucha rist is essential to our spiritual well-being and part and parcel of being Catholic. Last year, on the Feast of Corpus Christi, we began celebrating mass on the trailer bed in the parking lot and I remember as Fr. Alex and I distributed Holy Communion to the Holy Faithful, there were tears of joy as people finally received Jesus after months of lockdown. The Bishops of New Jersey have decided to bring back the obligations for all Catholics to attend weekend mass in person on this beautiful feast. Those who are immune-compromised or ill are naturally excused. We began our outdoor mass last Saturday, May 22nd and we were thrilled not to have to wear masks although we did observe social distancing. Last Tuesday, May 25th, Bishop Sweeney in collaboration with Governor Murphy eliminated the use of masks in the church and eliminated the need to social distance. For those of us who are vaccinated, we live our lives with joy but also a sense of care for the other person. For those who are not vaccinated, we encourage you to continue to wear your masks when in church and to observe social distance. At this point in our fight against p andemic, let us pray that all of us will realize the importance of being vaccinated and do so as quickly as possible. For those who are still uncomfortable even though vaccinated, the decision to continue to wear a mask is a personal one.
Each pastor receives permission from the Bishop to celebrate Confirmation from Holy Saturday until Pentecost. I was thrilled to confirm Harrison Villamaria who has taken the name St. John the Evangelist at the 6 pm Youth Mass on Sunday, the 23rd.
Congratulations to Harrison’s parents, Edward and June and to his brother, Edward, his sponsor. I confirmed Alison Schobel, who took the name Mary. Congratulations to her parents, Todd and Diana and to her sponsor and cousin, Erica. We have now completed our CCD and Confirmation formation for this present academic year. During the coming weeks, Maureen, Nina and I will assess the present year and plan for the coming September classes. If any parents have comments or suggestions, please email Maureen or me within the next week. A big thanks to Maureen, our catechists, assistants, Nina, Jodi G. and all who have helped in our CCD and Confirmation program this past year.
Since my appointment here as pastor, I have become close to many parishioners. It is always a joy to become part of a parishioner’s family and celebrate special life moments. Last Friday, I baptized Mattie Rose Falk at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Naples, Florida. Congratulations to her dad, Andrew and his mother, Jessica, who live in Atlanta, Georgia. Mattie Rose’s grandparents are Jay and Judy Falk, our devoted St. Luke parishioners who have lived in Tewksbury for many years and winter in Florida. Congratulations to the Godparents, Matt and Callie. I returned from Florida late Saturday night in time for the Sunday masses after having had a wonderful visit with the Falk family; fun loving and of strong Catholic faith.
Pentecost completes the season of Easter. On Monday the 24th, we began the season of Ordinary Time. However, for this weekend of May 30th, we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity and as I mentioned, June 6th, Corpus Christi. The Feast of the Most Holy Trinity helps us to recognize the trinitarian form of God; the Father who created us, the Son who redeems us and the Holy Spirit who empowers us.
As we gather this weekend in celebration of Memorial Day, we remember all of the men and women in the Armed Forces. Those who are in active duty, those who are retired, and those who are ill. We remember the deceased members of the Armed Forces and as Americans, we give God thanks that these honorable men and women protect our country and support the weak and vulnerable in many parts of the world that do not enjoy the gifts of democracy that we are privileged to have in our beloved America. Happy Memorial Day and God bless America!
Fr. Owen