From the Pastor’s Desk: August 4, 2019
As we enter the month of August, it reminds us the month of August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. With her example, commitment, and dedication, she will continue to lead us to the “good news” contained in today's scriptures.
The words of the psalmists set an important tone for us today, “If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” In our modern, sophisticated, and successful society, such words as “vanity” or “foolishness” certainly do not help to express our confidence, nor define our personal accomplishments. However, for us Catholics who listen and practice the teachings of Christianity, such words present a tremendous opportunity to reflect on our personal lives in relationship to the Gospel. We work very hard, even in spite of the economic meltdown and daily challenges for what we think is important to us. With our busy schedules and all the possessions we have, and the many more we desire to have, it is extremely easy to lose sight of the true focus of what is the essence of our lives – Jesus Christ. Let us discover through the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Savior, the ultimate treasure of our lives– her Jesus, who alone, can satisfy the thirst in our hearts. Jesus, and Jesus alone, can fill the void in our lives.
It with great joy that we, as the community of St. Luke Parish, will write another page of history. On Saturday, August 3
rd, after the 5:00 pm Mass, we will celebrate the Groundbreaking of the Bell Tower/Gift Shop. This project that was a vision and a part of the original plan for the church becomes a reality because of our love, support and generosity. Two years ago, we introduced the Stained Glass Windows project that allowed us to allocate the entire proceeds to support the Bell Tower/Gift Shop project. In addition, our Finance Council approved to use additional funds from our savings account to complete the project without additional financial liabilities and burden on the part of the parish. The new bells will make the joyful ringing in the new bell tower— calling all to gather for worship at our beloved St. Luke Catholic Church.
The Bell Tower is a structure about 50 feet high with digital carillon provided by
Verdin. This most sophisticated digital recording technology has captured the sounds of cast bronze bells, enabling any church or community to add the warm aut hentic tones of real bells—including the Westminister chime and hour strike, liturgical bells, and seasonal music favorites. Verdin’s electronic bells set an uncompromised standard for fidelity: most people think they’re hearing real cast bronze bells. The Gift Shop is about a 450 square feet area that will provide greater convenience to serve our parishioners and community to purchase religious articles, sacramental and seasonal gifts, as well as religious and inspirational items for many of life’s celebrations. With gratitude and thanksgiving, let us offer our praise to God as we begin yet another project in our parish.
In addition, we will do some work on the plaza opposite the Bell Tower/Gift Shop with some enhanced landscaping and lighting.
I wish you a blessed week!
With prayers,
Fr. Andy