St. Luke Parish is 30 and still growing strong!
Several summers ago one of the more popular attractions on the boardwalk was a computer that, when given your birth date, would print out several of the headlines and items of interest that appeared in the paper that particular year. For instance, in my birth year of March of 1944, (wow! Is that a long time ago!), there appeared the head line, “Dr. Hilda Thelander becomes the first woman physician in the medical corps of the U.S. navy.” Also, the price of a new Ford was $975.00, and “Going My Way” was the most popular movie. It is good to reminisce and to look over your shoulder and revisit some of the highlights that affected your life and made impressions. It seems to put things in perspective.
I speak a lot about my family and those who have become a part of my extended family. These people have had and continue to have a significant influence in my life. I view them, whether they are alive or not, as part of the story that I am writing each day. Communities are built around those kinds of images; the past, the present and most importantly, the future.
St Luke Parish has begun to reflect on its history, its roots. From the moment the vision began with Bishop Rodimer creating another parish in Washington Township, to the spade that went into the ground tilling the soil for a sacred structure that would call people together to celebrate faith and community, to the present moment, we have been a people on the move. Watching the growth that has taken place these past 30 years reminds me of a family that looks at their children and grandchildren – savoring with gratitude the uniqueness and love that has been shared with them. This is our experience as well. Our parish has grown measurably over the years that I am here. Our ages have broadened and we are very much an “alive” parish as we witness the infant, the toddler, the teenager, the young adult, young parents, middle age and senior age feeling welcomed in their “home away from home.”
The parish family is the mainstay of our church experience today. It is the pivotal experience that allows people of all ages to, not reminisce, but live their experience of Jesus, faith and church in an atmosphere that breathes warmth. That is why we have grown and that is why we will continue to grow and to be able to welcome all who wish to commit themselves to this parish and to leave impressions of their lives in Time, Talent and Treasure.
We are a parish preparing for the future! We have made great strides in building up our Religious Education Program (some 1100 strong), and our Catholic Pre-school. Our Youth Ministry stands ready to offer our young adults the foundation for the future through Antioch and other youth ministry experiences. Our Post-college ministry is by far an incredible way to stay in touch with the next generation of Catholics. We now have a new mass times that will provide more options for your schedule. All of this focuses on the future and how will we leave it for the generations to come. This truly is the telling of a story. How will we tell the story of our faith and community as we experience it today? Ever so lovingly the groundwork is being formed for the family to grow for the next generation. As with the commitment and working hands and hearts of those who committed themselves to make St. Luke Parish a reality, so must we continue to create the St. Luke Parish for the future.
This year we celebrate our 30th Anniversary as a parish. Plans are already on the way to celebrate who we are and where we are going. I want to direct your attention to our wonderful staff and extended staff, our three deacons, that serve this community of St. Luke each day. They are the backbone of making our parish a place of welcome. We have much to do in making sure that the story of faith that we share here at St. Luke is kept alive and fresh and that we do whatever it takes to make our time here in this parish a memorable and lasting experience. I want our children, when they look back on these days as an adult, to remember it as a time of wonderful excitement and that church was a great place to be.
God Bless,
Father Mike, Pastor
The Third Edition of the English Version of the Roman Missal
New translations (new wording) was introduced at the end of 2011 into the mass as part of the church’s ongoing study of its liturgy. While the wording of the prayers that the priest prays is different and noticeable, so too are some changes that affect the people and their responses. Some of the changes also affect the parts of the mass that we regularly sing. To view some of the changes to the “peoples” responses, click here for a copy of the pew card.
The Rationale
The new Roman Missal is set up for the most part as previous editions however the main changes are to the wording of the prayers and Eucharistic Prayers. The words have been reworked to help us be more attuned to the liturgy we are celebrating. In other words, the English Language version of the Roman Missal is trying to be truer to the Latin text which the church used for centuries. You will see that the wording has definitely changed and has taken on a new poetical framework and theological perspective.
How it was Done
The process of changing the translations of the Roman Missal is something that is ever ongoing. The first was issued right after Vatican II in the mid 1960’s and the second edition was published in 1973. This most recent rewording was commissioned over ten years ago by Pope John Paul II. A panel of bishops and other representatives from every English speaking country provided input for the new Roman Missal. Our own Bishop Serratelli was the United States representative for the final years of the project.
The New Roman Missal
Implementation of this third edition of The Roman Missal is considered a rather historic moment in our Church history. To view some of the changes to the “peoples” responses click here for a copy of the pew card. With some practice, I believe the new wording will be very easy to pick up.
JUST A THOUGHT….
Scripture tells us that more will be asked of those to whom more has been given. What are we doing with our time, talents, and treasures? We must use our talents for the benefit of our brothers and sisters. The only thing God will ask of us one day is how well we used the gifts and Blessings that He gave us. Just a thought…
To contact Fr. Mike please email him at frmichaeldrury@gmail.com
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