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Dear Parishioners
Moms and Dads of CCD children, I gave each CCD student, a little prayer card of their guardian angel. Please help them to know and love this prayer, it will certainly sustain them through their lives.
We had our first Antioch follow-up last Sunday. We had a very a spirited group of young people and I was very proud of their interaction and open discussion.
Last Sunday, our diocese with Bishop Sweeney and in coordination with the Order of Malta, we ran a beautiful Rosary Walk including a procession with the Blessed Sacrament. We walked along Madison Avenue from St. Paul inside the Walls to St. Thomas More Convent Station in procession. It was inspiring to see many cars passing in either direction slowed, their occupants blessed themselves and were obviously moved by the experience. Our objective was to have this prayer experience throughout our nation as together we strive to promote peace in the hearts of every person and a sense of dignity for all.
I am delighted to tell you that we gifted our old altar to our diocesan cemetery, Calvary in Totowa. A big thanks to Mike Wozniak who transported the altar last Wednesday into the care of Fr. Pete Wells. It is nice to know that this altar will be used for Mass in the cemetery mausoleum.
On Tuesday, October 18th, we celebrate the feast of our patron, St. Luke. We consider St. Luke as the glorious physician and mentee of St. Paul. In the gospel of the tradition of St. Luke, we hear mention of minorities, women being called in equality to men and of Christ’s compassion to those who are vulnerable. While I treasure each of our ministries, it is no secret that Special Needs has a special place in my heart. As I watch our Special Needs community at our altar, I see our love for Christ, and I am reminded that we are all vulnerable and all loved by God. I am proud to lead this parish as we strive to equality and recognition for all. This weekend as you know, we will celebrate our feast day and with great joy we consider 40 years of foundation here in Long Valley. We call to mind the days before the church was built, daily masses being celebrated at Carl Lane and weekend Mass in the local school. Many years of joyful sacrifice have brought us to where we are today. As we welcome Bishop Sweeney this weekend to dedicate our new altar and bless our revitalized church, I thank all who have been builders of faith here these past 40 years. Much appreciation goes out to Fr. Doody, our founding pastor who built the church and to Fr. Mike who built the parish center and facilities and put us on a firm footing. Thank you to Deacon Ray and all of the wonderful deacons, who have served in this parish, building our community and assisting the pastor in many ministries. I am happy to have Fr. Alex concelebrate also. Fr. Alex is actually the only vicar who served at our parish, and I am very grateful for his help with my move to St. Luke and particularly during COVID. We are blessed to have Fr. Hubert here in residence. His sense of holiness, his strong intellect and caring heart is appreciated and loved by all. Thanks to our loyal and dedicated staff who are the first face and voice of our parish, for the hard work of evangelization and outreach that has taken place and continues to take place here at our beloved St. Luke. Thanks to all of you, my beloved parishioners for your sacrifice in revitalizing our church and for the commitment we all make together to evangelize, to educate, to provide support for the poor and to truly be Christ’s light visible here and beyond our parish boundaries. Happy Feast Day and God bless you!
Fr. Owen