From the Pastor’s Desk: January 31, 2021

The message of Christ we hear in the Gospel this Sunday comes to us with power to set us free and to transform our life. Today, Jesus teaches us with authority- He speaks the Word of God as no one had spoken it before. Jesus had authority because of His intimate relationship with His Father in Heaven, the One who’s Will He so faithfully carried out. Those who listened to His words were “astonished” and “amazed” because Jesus was saying and doing something new – He was revealing the very presence of God.

This week we celebrate National Catholic Schools Week - January 31 to February 6, 2021. This celebration week was established in 1974 to recognize Catholic education as a great gift to the Church and the nation. The theme for 2021: “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” It encompasses several concepts that are at the heart of Catholic Education. First, schools are communities- small families in their own right, but also members of the larger community of home, church, city, and nation. Faith, Excellence, and Service are three measures by which any Catholic school can and should be judged. These priorities are what make Catholic schools stand out from other education institutions.

One student shared: “What I love about my Catholic school, is that we learn to follow the teachings of Jesus every day and we are able to learn about our religion. I am also thankful that we can say the word God in school. I appreciate the opportunity to attend Mass and receive the Eucharist during the week and on holy days with my classmates. We learn and practice good morals and manners so there are no bullies to worry about. I don’t have to listen to anyone using bad language around me. I also like the teachers because they are nice and they understand me. I love going to school every day because of them. I feel safe. Everyone gets along and we are all friends. I also like that we can say the Pledge of Allegiance, and we can say ‘Merry Christmas’ to each other instead of ‘Happy Holidays.’ I like it when my school puts on a Christmas play or concert. My school is a real community of students, teachers, parents and parishes that work together to keep the teachings of Jesus in my life. I am very happy to be a part of this community.”

For us at St. Luke Parish, we are proud and extremely blessed to support Catholic Education through the mission of St. Luke Child Care Center and Annunciation Catholic School. It is with greatest joy that together with Fr. Xaviour and the entire community of St. Luke Parish, I extend words of prayer, support and encouragement to Mrs. Amy Roberts– the Director of the Child Care Center, and Mr. Steve Eiswert- the Principal of ACS for their exemplary leadership, dedication and support. My words of gratitude go to teachers for their love, passion, and commitment in which they inspire and teach students, as well as the support staff who often- unnoticed- make their mission and success possible. I want to thank students for building such an integral part of “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” I thank parents for choosing to educate your children in the values of the Catholic Education. Please know how grateful I am for your decision and that parishioners of St. Luke Parish offer their sacrifices and commitment to continual success of Catholic Education. You are blessing to us and we are blessed to have Catholic schools in our parish!

It is with great joy that I share with you that by the decree of Bishop Estévez, Fr. Xaviour was re-appointed as Parochial Vicar at St. Luke Parish for the next three years. Please join me to congratulate Fr. Xaviour as he continues his faithful service in our parish.

Please plan to participate in the Virtual Open House at Annunciation Catholic School to consider the gift of Catholic Education as an option for your child.

I wish you a blessed week!

With prayers,
Fr. Andy