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From the Pastor's Desk: November 6, 2022
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From the Pastor’s Desk: November 6, 2022
As we near the end of the liturgical year, in today’s Gospel we hear Jesus’ own words about resurrection. Although resurrection is not only central to the life of Jesus but also to all Christians, it continues to be discussed over the centuries. In his letters, Paul preaches at length about the significance of resurrection, for example, 1st Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 15. Over the years many struggled and continue to be misunderstood about resurrection. So, what is our belief about resurrection? How does this central element of our faith influence our lives? How is our life different from those who do not believe in resurrection? How is ours different because of that promise? We are called to proclaim the paschal mystery– suffering, death and ultimately a new life in the Risen Lord.
During the week of November 6th – 11th, we celebrate National Vocations Awareness Week. This special time is designed to help promote vocation awareness and to encourage young people to ask the question: "To what vocation in life is God calling me?" To promote the culture of vocations is to encourage our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends to be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and invite them to think and to pray about it. Research has shown the significant role community encouragement plays in the discerning process. "Over and over again when asked, newly ordained priests and newly professed men and women religious, credit the encouragement of family members, coworkers, friends and clergy, as being a significant factor in their pursuing a vocation." Parents, please pray for vocations!
On Friday, November 11th, our nation celebrates Veterans Day. This day calls for prayers for those who have served our country in the Armed Services. “On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month of the year 1918, an armistice was signed, ending the "war to end all wars." November 11 was set aside as Armistice Day in the United States to remember the sacrifices that men and women made during the war in order to ensure a lasting peace. In 1938, Congress voted Armistice Day as a legal holiday, but World War II began the following year. Armistice Day was still observed after the end of the Second World War. In 1953 townspeople in Emporia, Kansas called the holiday Veterans Day in gratitude to the veterans in their town. Soon after, Congress passed a bill renaming the national holiday to “Veterans Day.”
Today we expressed our gratitude and bow our heads in respect for some many men and women who served our country in the three-fold purpose of Veterans' Day: remembering those who fought and died, celebrating all veterans, and promoting an enduring peace.
Next weekend, November 11th – 13th is the Annual St. Luke Festival. As we enter the final week before the Festival, please make sure to sign up to serve at the Festival, to buy pre-sale ride tickets and raffle tickets that offer great and exciting prizes in order to express your support for the success of the Festival.
Since the Festival is getting bigger and better, please be aware of some aspects of housekeeping for the Festival weekend. There will be no parking on the church’s property. Additional parking will be like in the past years on the lot of Old Jennings Rd. and Blanding Blvd. There will be plenty of handicap parking but no mobile transportation (golf cars). Please, I ask for your patience, cooperation and understanding to follow the direction and instruction of the traffic officers to be safe and to help assure the success of this wonderful event.
Please, extend an invitation to everyone you know to experience the joy of our community during the Festival. I hope to see you all there.
Have a blessed week!
With prayers,
Fr. Andy
