Reflections with Fr. Mark
Dear Parishioners,

Our reading declares today, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will pass by.”  I believe we often miss the tender presence of God in our encounter in nature.  I prefer nature over buildings!  

Pope Francis wrote in  Laudato Si , “The entire material universe speaks of God’s love, his boundless affection for us.  Soil, water, mountains: everything is, as it were, a caress of God.”  

In my travels around the world, and even in the Holy Land, I cannot but imagine Jesus walking in those beautiful lands in an unspoiled time.  It is, as it always has been, a cathedral of God’s presence.

How do you experience the “caress” of God?

Blessings,

Fr. Mark
Friendly Reminders for this Weekend

Welcome back! Though the doors of our church have been closed,  our Church never closed.  We are blessed and so grateful to welcome our parish family back into our pews nonetheless.
 
  • Reservations are required to attend the 8:30 and 10:30 am Masses. Please call the Pastoral Office before 3:00 pm on Fridays each week. These are the only weekend Masses offered at this time. Virtual Mass will continue to be offered on Sunday mornings. No admittance without a reservation. 

  • While on church property, please remember to maintain physical distance from others.

  • The seating setup in the church also maintains physically distancing, unless you live under same roof.

  • Masks/Face Coverings are required out of respect for ALL those attending.

  • Arrive early: Doors open 30 minutes prior to the service and will be closed and locked when Mass begins. Late arrivals will not be admitted.

  • Church entry will be from the main doors on Cloverly Avenue. Attendees will be checked in, have their temperature taken, and ushered to their seat. Hand sanitizer will be available. Please know that pews will be sanitized after each service.
 
  • A collection will not be taken during the Mass. We thank you for remembering St. Luke in your financial tithing during this very difficult time for all of us. Offerings can be mailed or dropped off at the Pastoral Office (can leave in the office mailbox) or contributed online.

  • During Mass, we will not have a physical sign of peace. Singing will not take place and missalettes or songbooks will not be available in the pews for surface safety.

  • The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is extended indefinitely. People who are 65 or older, have a weakened immune system, or have a chronic medical condition are encouraged to stay home, especially since we are experiencing a spike in virus infections. If you are sick, you MUST remain at home. Please do not place yourself or others in danger of illness and death.  

  • ‘Drive-thru’ Communion Reception Line: For those who prefer not to come to public mass at this time, there will be a “drive thru” communion line offered each Sunday from Noon to 12:20 pm. Please line up going south on Cloverly Avenue by car and turn into the church parking lot. PLEASE DO NOT PARK. We will stand and distribute communion to people in the car in the hand. Please wear a mask as we approach your car. Drive off safely through exit on Broadway. 

  • 'Drive-thru' Confessions: Beginning Saturday, June 13, we will have “Drive-thru” Confessions at 1:00 pm. Please wear a mask and drive through the church parking lot where you will be directed through the back alley to approach one of the priests who will hear your brief confession from outside the passenger side of the car. If there are multiple people in the car, the passenger(s) may exit and stand at a safe distance and we will come to them after hearing the driver’s confession. This is not a prolonged counseling moment: we want anybody who wants a brief confession following these months of lockdown to have the opportunity, so please be prepared and expedient. Please drive out safely the rear gate onto Live Oak Avenue.

  • There are no other sacraments that are being scheduled or performed at this time.

As we continue to evaluate our current situation, we will re-evaluate all procedures and schedules and adapt to what current safety protocols or Archdiocesan directives are in place. Thank you for your patience, prayers and understanding.
- Remember the father's in your life -
Please send in all requests by Wednesday, June 17.