From the Pastor's Desk:
August 11, 2019

From the Pastor’s Desk:                                                                                                           
August 11, 2019
 
     It is surprising how many of us live in fear: fear of illness, fear of losing our loved ones, fear of our own death, fear of today, fear of tomorrow. Today Jesus assures us: “Do not fear! Do not give up your hope! Have faith!” Even when we go through difficult days, we should never give up our faith and hope; we should always stay alert to the Lord and to trust in His loving presence in our lives, “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.”
 
     This week students and teachers of Annunciation Catholic School will return back to their classrooms after summer vacations to begin the new school year- 2019-2020. I welcome Ms. Victoria Farrington, the Principal, teachers who joined the faculty team of Annunciation Catholic School, new families and students, and many of you who are a part of this great school into the new academic year. May this new school year be a time of spiritual, academic, and personal growth in the faith of Jesus Christ and truly teach us to come ever closer in our relationship with the Father and one another through the gift of His Son Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
 
     This year is a very special one for Annunciation Catholic School. After 10 months of construction, on Tuesday, August 13 ^th, Bishop Estévez will preside over the dedication celebration of the new gym! This momentous event marks in a very special way the history of ACS and provides a unique addition to their excellence in Catholic Education. I congratulate Ms. Farrington for her achievement and everyone who, by sacrificial dedication, extended support of the completion of this amazing project. I want to offer thanks to our St. Luke parishioners, as well as those from St. Catherine and Sacred Heart parishes, and many, many generous benefactors who made this project possible. Please feel invited to visit this state-of-the-art gym.
 
     On Thursday, August 15 ^th, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – A Holy Day Of Obligation. On this special day, as one of the most important feasts of Our Lady, we reflect upon the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. We believe that when her earthly life was finished, Mary was taken up, body and soul, into heavenly glory, where the Lord exalted her as Queen of Heaven (CCC # 966). Let us take a moment during this day to offer prayers and seek intercessions through Mary, the Mother of God. Please see the bulletin for the Mass schedule.
 
     As we return to our daily routines, let us pray to grow stronger together in confidence, trust, and faith in God- who loves and tenderly cares for each and every one of us.
 
Have a blessed week.
With prayers,
Fr. Andy