Pastoral Council Nominations

Are you interested in an “inside view” of all of the ministries St. Luke has to offer?  Do you have some creative ideas to help St. Luke expand its ministry to all of our parish members as well as our local community?  The Pastoral Council is a consultative body to the pastor responsible for recommending policy, developing goals, and coordinating the policy and goals of parish ministries and activities, and we are looking for new members to serve a 3-year term.  Please consider nominating yourself or another eligible parishioner for consideration.  You must be at least 18 years of age and a practicing Catholic at St. Luke Catholic Church.  Please forward any questions or nominations including name, phone number and email address to Pastoral Council Chair, Jeanine David Goldner at jdgoldner@comcast.net or to Nominations committee member Maribeth Cloud at mbcloud4@yahoo.com .  The nomination period closes May 9, 2012.

Dear Parishioners,

Wow!  Does time “fly?”  The month of September is already halfway over.  Our first-ever “Jubilee Jam” is less than a week away!  As you know, this first-ever parish festival is to help us kick off our 50th anniversary celebration as Saint Luke Parish.  Our liturgical kick-off of the same is the Saturday evening Mass at 5:30.

I am looking forward to it.  My previous assignment was in the Italian Parish of Indianapolis where we had the largest and most successful (financially) parish festival in the archdiocese—the Italian Street Festival.  It was lots of fun and a great community builder.  There is information in other parts of today’s bulletin indicating how you can help.

Parishes should not have to depend on festivals, raffles, or even the good old Catholic standby—Bingo—to survive.  This “first ever” festival is not for survival (thank God!); it is to celebrate our fifty years as the community of Saint Luke Parish.

A few folks have lamented to me that they cannot volunteer because of age or physical limitations.  Yes, you can!  You are on the Prayer Committee.  Pray for good weather for next Saturday and for the success of the Jubilee Jam.  And if it does rain, don’t blame me.  I am in sales, not management.

In any case, let’s all get behind our “Jubilee Jam” on September 24.  I hope to see you and your family there.  I will be hosting a “special event”.  It’s a fun version of “Catholic Jeopardy,” very similar to the television program of the same name.  I will be conducting a couple sessions in the Fr. Courtney Room just off the Narthex.  It should be lots of fun.

Other than that, I will be assisting the Indiana State Board of Health by making frequent visits to the food and drink booths.  I will try to sample as much food and drink as I can so as to insure the safety and good health of all those who attend our “Jubilee Jam”.  I am always ready to help out in such a way.

From time to time people ask me about our coming “associate pastor.”  Well, I am not sure when he is coming or who he is.  In fact, all that I know that he will be a “he.”  I am hoping he will arrive sometime before Thanksgiving.  As you know, one of our former pastors, Father Steve Giannini, is the Vicar for Clergy.  It’s up to him to make this happen.  He tries to avoid me whenever I see him.

However, Father Giannini was here this week for a funeral and I pinned him down.  I chased him across the football field and tackled him at about the 20-yard line.  When he got his breath, he told me that he is not even sure himself about when and who on the new associate.  I believe him.  Too bad he had to risk a cracked rib just to tell me that much.

In the meantime, I am very grateful for the assistance of Father Jeff Godecker.  Father Jeff is most generous with his time even thought his plate is full in his ministry at the Butler University Newman Center.  You see Father Godecker most often on Saturday evenings.  If you want to know my Saturday comings and goings, it basically coincides with the Notre Dame home football schedule.

Speaking of Notre Dame, how quickly our moods can change.  I went to a wedding reception last Saturday night.  When I got home before ten o’clock, I was in a good mood.  I turned on the television to catch the last half of the Notre Dame—Michigan game.  When I saw the score I was even in a better mood.

By the end of the game and the resulting loss for the Fighting Irish, I was so upset I could not sleep.  (I know this sounds stupid, but when you don’t have a wife and kids of your own, you have to settle for getting upset over basically dumb things.)

To top it off, the next morning at the 7:30 Mass, some guy had the nerve to wear a Michigan sweatshirt.  I’m not sure, but I think that statue of Our Lady in church was weeping at the sight.  I thought about refusing him Communion, but I think there is some Canon Law about not refusing people the Sacred Host except for very grave reasons.  (Unfortunately, these Italians that write up Canon Law don’t even know Our Lady’s University even exists.)  O, well.

I had a chance to greet our Sunday Morning Religious Education students, their catechists, and some of their parents last Sunday morning.  I am anxious to see them often and regularly during their sessions between the last two Sunday Masses.

Time is such a precious commodity when it comes to religious education.  Compared to the students in Catholic School, we get precious little time with these wonderful youngsters to share the treasure of our Catholic Faith.  Parents, please keep them regular in their attendance and on time.  Thanks for making this a priority.

One last thing—an appeal for help:  Please close the doors.  All too often, the church doors are left standing wide open after Masses and even before Masses.  If you see an open door, and no one else is coming or going, please close it.  I know we deserve and like the very best at Saint Luke, but air conditioning or heating the parking lot is simply cost prohibitive.

Of one thing I am convinced; of one thing I am certain:  Providence never fails!

Faithfully yours in Providence that so far has not failed us,

Rev. Joseph F. Schaedel

Dear Parishioners,

The excitement is building—our first-ever “Jubilee Jam” is less than two weeks away!  As you know, this first-ever parish festival is to help us kick off our 50th Anniversary celebration as Saint Luke Parish.  Our liturgical kick-off of the same is the Saturday evening Mass at 5:30.

At this writing, we are still in need of volunteers to help in all sorts of ways.  There is information in other parts of today’s bulletin indicating how you can help.  As I’ve mentioned before in this letter, over the years lots of parishes did away with parish festivals in favor of an approach that more reflects the notion of Christian Stewardship.

Parishes should not have to depend on festivals, raffles, or even the good old Catholic standby—Bingo—to survive.  (That’s not the purpose of this festival either.)  Our parishes and schools need to be supported by our Catholic people who realize that one of our serious obligations is to be good stewards of what God have given us while we are on earth.

On the other hand, such social activities make it less likely for some people to volunteer and certainly less likely to get to know their fellow parishioners.  Every once and a while I’ll hear some tinge of a theme that goes something like “Saint Luke is not a friendly parish.”  To my way of thinking, these people must have a screw loose.

One cannot sit by and do nothing, expecting the whole world (or parish) to come to them.  We need to get involved, do our part, and meet new people.  And, yes, a few people you might meet will be screwballs.  That’s life.  If you ever end up at a church where all the people are “normal,” it’s probably not a Catholic Church.

In any case, let’s all get behind our “Jubilee Jam” on September 24.  I hope to see you and your family there.  I will be hosting a “special event” which should be lots of fun.  Let’s just say for now that if you watch Channel 13 (NBC) weeknights at 7:30, you might have a “heads up.”

Do you know someone who is interested in the Catholic Church?  The R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) begins here this Tuesday, September 13.  Wouldn’t it be great if you were God’s instrument to bring someone to the fullness of Faith in the Catholic Church?  There is also more detail in today’s bulletin.

Keep in mind also that the R.C.I.A. is actually for folks in more than one category:  Most people who come to  R.C.I.A. are curious about the Catholic Church; they want to know more; they will consider joining the Church at the Easter Vigil.

Other people are welcome to come to R.C.I.A. who are already baptized practicing Catholics who simply want to know more about their Faith.  R.C.I.A. is also a good refresher for baptized practicing Catholics who have not yet been confirmed.  And, of course, we also welcome any Catholics who have been lax in the practice of their religion.  They are those who need “more practice!”  All are welcome.

This weekend we observe the ten-year anniversary of the infamous “September 11th” or “9-11.”  Our Liturgies will be a bit more somber; the liturgical color will be purple as we recall this horrendous event.  We will pray for those who lost their lives in the tragedies of that day ten years ago.  We will pray for their families and for an end to violence.

Remember how upset we all were?  Remember how we resolved to turn to God in prayer from that day forward?  In the aftermath of that terrible tragedy, everyone was supposedly falling to their knees to thank God for their blessings and ask for an end to terrorism and fear.  That fervor was never sustained.  Did people pray more?  That is impossible to measure.  I sure hope so.

Shortly after the “9-11” attacks, Father Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R., published a little book entitled, “The Cross at Ground Zero.”  How could this have happened?  Why did God allow such evil?  And then, the daunting thought—Where will God be when I need Him?  Father Benedict writes: 

“Christians present our belief about Christ to the world in many different ways.  They focus on Him as the Incarnate Word, the Savior and Redeemer, the Prince of Peace, the great King of the world to come.  All these ways are valid enough.  For me, Jesus Christ is the God Who suffers.  He is the God who is here with us in our sufferings.  We must see Him in the sufferings of others, of all the world.  We must come to His aid as He suffers in all who are broken by sorrow.”

“That is why His cross must be seen at the World Trade Center.  Even if the mysterious steel cross had never been found there, the invisible cross bringing His suffering presence was there.  In suffering humanity Jesus remains on the cross until the end of the world.  This is the answer of Christ.  It should be the answer that Christians give to all the world.”  (The Cross at Ground Zero, Our Sunday Visitor Press, 2001, pp. 109-110)

Father Benedict says it well.  I know of no other answer.  Of one thing I am convinced; of one thing I am certain:  Providence never fails!

Faithfully yours in Providence that so far has not failed us,

Rev. Joseph F. Schaedel

Dear Parishioners,

Well, here we go again.  Another page on the calendar has turned.  We are into the month of September.  This weekend is Labor Day Weekend.

Labor Day has been celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States since the 1880s.  The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community.

I would also strongly suggest that we as Catholics don’t forget God on Labor Day.  Labor is a privilege.  When we work, we give glory to God Who alone gives us talents and abilities needed to build up the Kingdom of God.

As is our schedule for civil holidays, we have one Mass on Labor Day, Monday, September 5, at 9:00 a.m.  Please try to attend.  Keep also in your prayers those who are looking for suitable work.  Ask Saint Joseph, the patron of workers, to pray with us and for us.

Do you know someone who is interested in the Catholic Church?  The R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) begins here next Tuesday, September 6.  Wouldn’t it be great if you were God’s instrument to bring someone to the fullness of Faith in the Catholic Church?  There is also more detail in today’s bulletin.

Keep in mind also that the R.C.I.A. is actually for folks in more than one category:  Most people who come to the R.C.I.A. are curious about the Catholic Church; they want to know more; they will consider joining the Church at the Easter Vigil.

Other people are welcome to come to R.C.I.A. who are already baptized practicing Catholics who simply want to know more about their Faith.  R.C.I.A. is also a good refresher for baptized practicing Catholics who have not yet been confirmed.  And, of course, we also welcome any Catholics who have been lax in the practice of their religion.  They are those who need “more practice!”  All are welcome.

I went to the Jimmy Buffet Concert the other night.  To my mind, it was great!  I’ve been a Buffet fan for years.  It also seems as if a good number of parishioners are too.  I hoped I would not be recognized in my Parrothead biretta and grass cassock, but they found me.

I must admit that a couple of Buffet’s songs are in poor taste, but for the most part they are about simple things like cheeseburgers, sailing, volcanoes, fish fins, or a pencil thin mustache.  Just being at the Verizon Wireless Music Center is an experience in itself—over 24,000 people singing, carrying on, mostly just having fun.

What’s this got to do with Church?  Well, I noticed that one reviewer in a newspaper gave the concert a very poor review.  I just wonder if he was at a different concert.  I could not disagree more.

It’s been on my mind lately that all too often we base our opinions about the Church on what somebody has written.  All it takes these days is a printing press or your own web page on the internet—instantly, you’re an expert!  I don’t think so.  Be careful of what you read about our Church today.  We know that our own parish is vibrant, our own archdiocese is growing.

Now, if we all depended on some of these so-called experts, sociologists, and theologians we would think that the Church is in big trouble.  I don’t think so.  Watch what you read in all of these supposedly Catholic journals or web pages that abound today.  But above all, come alive—participate fully in the life of your Church and your parish—then judge for yourself.

That’s the connection between what I want to say this week about the Church and the Jimmy Buffet Concert.  O, other than the fact that Jimmy himself was once an altar boy.  I wonder if any of our own servers will be famous someday.  Who knows!

Let me again mention our Saint Luke Fiftieth Year Celebration!  The kickoff to our Golden Jubilee Celebration as a parish is Saturday, September 24.  From noon on that day we will have our first-ever “Jubilee Jam Parish Festival.”  That evening, the 5:30 p.m. Mass will be our first liturgical celebration to kick off an entire year of festivities.  I encourage everyone to get on board in whatever way you can to make our “Jubilee Jam Festival” a grand success.

Next Sunday is September 11, Patriot Day.  It’s the tenth anniversary of the horrible attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City on our country.  Our weekend Masses will include special prayers for our country and for the victims of these terrorist attacks.

Remember ten years ago?  I sure do, it was the day my dad was buried.  But on that day people predicted that our whole country would forever fall to our knees in prayer asking God for mercy.  Churches would be full.  Healthy patriotism would rise.  Didn’t happen.  Keep this in mind as we prepare for next weekend’s civil and spiritual observances of “9-11.”

Of one thing I am convinced; of one thing I am certain:  Providence never fails!

Faithfully yours in Providence that so far has not failed us,

Rev. Joseph F. Schaedel

Dear Parishioners,

It seems as if each day I discover something new and exciting about Saint Luke Parish.  It kind of started out with the mold in the crawl space under the rectory and the civilization of ants in the rectory family room.  But I assure you, it’s gone uphill from there.

One day this week I went on the front porch to retrieve the morning paper and the first word that jumped into my mind was “Duck!”  (No, it was not an attempted drive-by shooting by disgruntled parishioners.)  It was a whole bunch of ducks in the rectory front yard.  I had seen one or two previously in the parking lot, but this was the whole extended family.

Perhaps seeing this wildlife is something common in Meridian Hills and on Holliday Drive.  But we sure did not see much wildlife around my previous rectory at the Cathedral, 14th and Meridian, downtown.  The “wildlife” around there is something not particularly suitable to describing in a church bulletin.

I also have seen a bunch of these ducks near Cathedral High School and Fatima Retreat House.  Both of these places are in Saint Matthew Parish.  Perhaps now that I am at Saint Luke these ducks are changing parishes.  Probably not, they would turn out to be just a bunch of quacks.  And yes, I know this whole paragraph is one big fowl joke.  But this is all one more new adventure for the new pastor Saint Luke—the ducks.

Let me again mention our Saint Luke Fiftieth Year Celebration!  The kickoff to our Golden Jubilee Celebration as a parish is Saturday, September 24.  From noon to 10:00 p.m. that day we will have our first-ever “Jubilee Jam Parish Festival.”  That evening, the 5:30 p.m. Mass will be our first liturgical celebration to kick off an entire year of festivities.  I encourage everyone to get on board in whatever way you can to make our “Jubilee Jam Festival” a grand success.

The educational enterprise here in our parish is in full swing.  Saint Luke Catholic School is up and running.  Much to my delight, at this writing, our enrollment is over 600—the largest number of pupils we have ever had in the history of Saint Luke School!

Religious education at all levels including adult education and the RCIA will soon be up and running as well.  There is information about this elsewhere in today’s bulletin including the ongoing need for volunteers.

Speaking of education, we are about to embark on some education concerning the Mass.  The words we say and hear at every Mass are about to change.  Mass will remain the same, but the sound will be different.  The words are English translations of texts first composed in Latin.

The revised translation pertains to the book we previously called the Sacramentary.  This is the “red book” the priest uses at the chair and at the altar.  The new translation of the Latin into English pertains to the words we speak or sing at every Mass and to the prayers that the priest recites alone from the Sacramentary.

Even the title of the Sacramentary will have a “new translation;” we will now refer to it as The Roman Missal.  Gee, that’s what we used to all it when I as a kid.  It’s true:  “what goes around comes around.”

Why is this changing?  Well, the liturgists have some very fine explanations.  But let me translate those for you and cut to the chase:  The 1970 translation we use now is not all that great.  It’s also not all that accurate in terms of the real meaning of the original Latin.  Over 40 years later, we know we can do better.  No need to point the finger at anybody.  (The original translators are probably mostly at the Heavenly Banquet Table in heaven anyhow.)

We will have lots more to say about this from the pulpit and in this bulletin.  Our parish musicians will also help us with the sung parts of the Mass.  Several of the sung or recited responses at every Mass will be slightly reworded.  But, overall, I’m not worried.  I’ve come to the conclusion that if a person can read, he or she will just do fine.  I’ve observed that most people at Saint Luke can read (except those who park in my parking spot).

Most of the changes will affect my part, the priest’s part.  I will need to practice.  I’ve been saying these words basically the same way since I was ordained nearly 30 years ago.  But, for example, remember not all that long ago when the lector or the priest concluded the readings by saying, “This is the Word of the Lord.”  Or “This is the Gospel of the Lord.”  It changed to be more accurate and match what we say at Holy Communion (“The Body of Christ” or “The Blood of Christ”) to “The Word of the Lord” and “The Gospel of the Lord.”  We survived.

I did have more of a challenge when Pope John Paul II died and Pope Benedict XVI was elected.  I was so in the habit of saying, “for our pope, John Paul II.”  It took me a few weeks to adjust.  The same thing recently happened when we began to include our Auxiliary Bishop Christopher Coyne along with Archbishop Daniel Buechlein in the Eucharistic Prayer.

I do suppose that if Jesus Christ decides to change his name, I will have to hang it up.  But that’s not likely.  More on these Mass changes later.  We will be fine.

Of one thing I am convinced; of one thing I am certain:  Providence never fails!

Faithfully yours in Providence that so far has not failed us,

Rev. Joseph F. Schaedel

Letter from Msgr. Schaedel for bulletin of August 21, 2011)

Dear Parishioners,

A gentleman stopped me after Mass one day last week and said, “It seems now as if you are a real ‘Saint Luker.’”  By the term, “Saint Luker,” I think he means one who belongs to Saint Luke, loves Saint Luke, and feels at home at Saint Luke.  He is right.

I had occasion to talk to one of my predecessors, Father Steve Giannini, last week.  He again mentioned how much he enjoyed his time at Saint Luke.  He always said so.  Now I understand better what he is talking about.

I am feeling very much at home here at Saint Luke.  Naturally, I’m a native of Indianapolis (really Beech Grove); I’ve spent most of my priesthood here in the city; and I already knew many people.  The city is familiar to me.  So, moving up the North side was not as traumatic as it might be for some.  Those I had not met have made me feel very much at home.

I’m still living out of boxes and suitcases at the rectory.  There was some major work to be done in what we would call the “family room” as well as the suite of three rooms (bedroom, bathroom, study) for our associate pastor, when he comes.  Once this is all finished I can move things where they need to be and get the rectory in order.  I am hoping this will be sometime before our parish centennial in 2061.

For now, we are preparing for our Saint Luke Fiftieth Year Celebration!  Next month we will begin a year-long observance of this 50-year milestone in our history.  The kickoff to our Golden Jubilee Celebration as a parish is Saturday, September 24.  From noon on that day we will have our first-ever “Jubilee Jam Parish Festival.”  That evening, the 5:30 p.m. Mass will be our first liturgical celebration to kick off an entire year of festivities.

Let me encourage everyone to get on board in whatever way you can to make our “Jubilee Jam Festival” a grand success.  There is information about this event each week here in the parish bulletin.  This is the first time Saint Luke has sponsored a “parish festival.’

This time of year our thoughts often turn to the educational enterprise.  Most schools are back in session.  I still don’t know why we can’t wait until after Labor Day.  We are more or less at the mercy of State legislators and others who mandate regulations for accredited private and public schools.

I told someone last month that I thought people who designed school calendars that open school in early or mid August should be shot.  I’ve revised that; rather than a firing squad perhaps a simple psychiatric examination might do.  (I think they are nuts.)  I guess I’m of the “it worked for us” frame of mind.  Anyhow, this time of year brings education to mind.

Saint Luke Catholic School reopened Wednesday.  Much to my delight, at this writing, our enrollment is over 600—the largest number of pupils we have ever had in the history of Saint Luke School!  Nothing makes me happier or prouder than to be Saint Luke’s pastor at this moment in time.

We could even have more students, but wisely the School Commission limits the number of pupils per classroom.  Some classes are “full” while a very few others have some slots.  Nothing would make me happier than to have all of our children in Saint Luke Catholic School.  (Although I realize there are good reasons why children attend other schools.  And, at least at this time, we don’t have space anyhow.)

I would like to bring to everyone’s attention the topic of religious education.  Once again, our Director of Religious Education, Diane Schafer, will conduct our “Inquiry Class” or RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program.  It begins after Labor Day.  (At least they have some sense.)  There is more information in the bulletin.

In the old days, instructions for persons interested in the Faith were instructed “one on one” by a priest.  It would be common to hear one of us priests refer to this or that person as “my convert.”  This referred to a person we had instructed and brought into the Church.  Now we priests are not the only ones who might say “my convert.”

Wouldn’t it be great if you were the person who enabled another person to embrace the beautiful gift of our Catholic Faith?  Do you know anyone who would like to know more about the Church?  Tell them about these sessions.  Better yet, come with them.

I want to point out that these classes are designed for several categories of folks:

Unbaptized adults who wish to learn more about the Catholic Faith with the possibility of becoming members of the Church.
Baptized Christians from other denominations who want like to learn more about the Catholic Church with the possibility of joining.
Baptized Catholics who would like to receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation, but for some reason, have not done so.
Baptized Catholics who have been away from the practice of their Catholic Faith or others who are practicing their Faith but who want to simply know more about it.

Of one thing I am convinced; of one thing I am certain:  Providence never fails!

Faithfully yours in Providence that so far has not failed us,

Rev. Msgr. Joseph F. Schaedel, Pastor

Dear Parishioners,

Well, August is here!  And with it comes the bustle of activity that accompanies the end of the summer months and the opening of school.  Our Saint Luke School Office (recently beautifully renovated—take a look) opened this week.  Those of you who know me and my background know that I think the parish school is about the most important ministry we provide after the seven sacraments.

I suspect the kids and the teachers are not as excited about the opening of our school as I am.  I look forward to meeting the teachers, students, and their families.  I’ve known our principal, Mr. Steve Weber, for years.  We worked together long before he came to Saint Luke.  I am delighted to find him here at the helm of an excellent “Blue Ribbon” Catholic School.

Personally, I think it’s nuts to begin school as early as most of us do.  However, we are more or less at the mercy of State regulations that require us to have so many days and so forth.  When many of us were kids, we began school the day after Labor Day and we did not turn out so badly.  Even when I was principal at a couple schools, we did not open the school office until August 15; then we began school around Labor Day.

August has many wonderful feast days.  Next Monday, August 15, is the Feast of the Assumption.  This is our celebration of our firm belief that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of her life.  The pure and spotless body that bore the Christ Child is not allowed to corrupt in the earth.

This year, the Feast of the Assumption, is one of those holydays that is not a holyday of obligation.  This is true of holydays that fall either on a Saturday or a Monday.  (It’s never true at Christmas or on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, but it is applicable for other holydays.)

I admit that this is confusing.  How can a day be a day “of obligation” one year and not the next?  Keep in mind that holydays of obligation vary from country to country.  Ours in the U.S. are different from those in Canada or in Italy.

I think most of it is because of the lack of priests in certain areas.  For example, more than one of our priests is responsible for three or four parishes on a regular basis.  It would be difficult if not nearly impossible to provide the correct number of Masses for a holyday adjacent to a regular weekend schedule.  Toss in a funeral and a wedding and it become more than just difficult.

What about parishes who offer a Sunday evening Mass?  Is this Mass for Sunday or would it “count” for the Monday holyday?  Even the computer tracking system in heaven would have difficulty charting this one.  All I know that that we can’t offer a “two for one deal.”

Our Saint Luke Mass schedule for Monday, August 15, will remain the same:  one Mass at 5:30 p.m.  However that Mass will be a “High Mass” (i.e. with music) and will be in the main church so that more folks can attend to honor Our Lady on her feast day.

As you know, when I became pastor of Saint Luke Parish I kept several archdiocesan positions I’ve filled for a number of years:  Vicar for Religious, Director of the Mission Office and Society for the Propagation of the Faith and the Holy Childhood Association, chaplain for Legatus (an organization of Catholic CEO’s and their spouses).

Another “job” I’ve kept is an association with the Italian Heritage Society of Indiana.  I inherited this one when I was pastor at Holy Rosary Parish, the Italian Parish of Indianapolis, La Chiesa Del Santo Rosario.

As part of that, next Sunday, August 14, I have the privilege of celebrating the Mass at “Our Lady’s Chapel in the Meadow.”  This annual Mass is arranged each year by the Italian Heritage Society and the Indiana National Guard.

This is a beautiful little chapel dedicated to Mary at Camp Atterbury near Edinburgh.  Thousands of Italian soldiers were incarcerated there after capture in North Africa during World War II.  During the summer of 1943, these prisoners built and decorated this chapel.  They did so using building materials provided to them by the camp commander and assisted by their captors.  (Don’t tell the American Civil Liberties Union; once they recover from fainting, they will try to dig up the graves of these American soldiers so they can prosecute them.)

Everyone is welcome to attend the Mass and event next Sunday.  It begins at 11:00 a.m.  If you decide to go, take I-65 South to the Edinburgh exit.  Then go West on Indiana 252 through Edinburgh.  Cross U.S. 31 into Camp Atterbury.  Turn North at Hospital Road; it’s about three (3) miles.  Then follow the signs.

Again, I say thank you!  The transition to Saint Luke becomes easier every day.  I do feel “at home.”  And I look forward to meeting many more of you once summer is over and school begins.

Of one thing I am convinced; of one thing I am certain:  Providence never fails!

Faithfully yours in Providence that so far has not failed us,

Rev. Msgr. Joseph F. Schaedel, Pastor


 

Believe it or not…it is time to begin registering for Sunday Morning Religious Education (SMRE).  We have two programs.  The first program is for any preschooler age 3 – 5.  We have two classrooms; one for 3 year olds and one for 4 and 5 year olds. These classes meet during the 9:00 AM Mass.   

Our second program is for students in kindergarten through 8th grade.  This is for children who are registered members of the parish and do not attend a Catholic grade school.  These sessions are held on Sunday mornings from 10:10 AM to 11:20 AM.

How do I register?  Go online to www.stluke.org and click on Religious Education and go to Sunday Religious.  There are two options:  preschool – 7th and 8th grade Confirmation.  Please choose the appropriate bar.  If you have a 5th grader and an 8th grader…you will register one, under preschool-7 and then the 8th grader registered under the 8th grade Confirmation bar.  If you have any questions please give Diane Schafer a call at 259-4373 or email her at dschafer@stluke.org.


 

Dear Parishioners,

Again, I say thank you!  I really enjoyed the informal receptions for the new pastor after the Masses last weekend.  Thanks for those who came and a special thanks to those who arranged them.

One thing that will help me put names with faces will be our parish pictorial directory.  The publication of the directory will be among the many things planned for the Saint Luke Golden Anniversary celebration throughout the year.  I hope you are looking forward to it.  I am.

Let me remind you that next Sunday, July 31, the 7:30 a.m. Mass returns to being a “Low Mass” or “Quiet Mass.”

A couple weeks ago I preached about gossip and related topics.  We can always protect ourselves by prefacing about any statement with “I heard.”  Or “Somebody said.”  Then if the statement turns out to be totally false, we are protected.  Yeah, right.  Well, let me write this week about a couple things “I heard.”  One makes me happy; one distresses me.

“Saint Luke is so friendly.”  This came to me from more than one person, but one is a gentleman who is a former resident of Indianapolis.  He now lives out of State, but plans to move back and wants to find a residence in Saint Luke Parish.  Although I did not recognize him at first, he is actually one of my former teachers.  (He also did not recognize me, which I don’t totally understand since I’ve not changed a bit in forty years.)

This man, and a few others, has remarked to me that they find “us” at Saint Luke to be friendly and welcoming.  This has also been my experience since coming to the parish.  I am sure there are a few folks who would claim to have had the opposite experience over the years.  I regret that.  Yet it makes a pastor feel good to hear people say that his parish is a welcoming Faith Community.  It’s a tribute to you and to my predecessors.

Saint Luke has “a reputation.”  This statement—or one like it—has also come to me from a number of sources.  In each case, the implication is that Saint Luke has a “bad reputation” in the archdiocese or among the clergy.

One of the first times I heard this one was a couple weeks before I came as your new pastor.  I was here for a Funeral Mass.  As I was getting into my car in the parking lot, a car stopped in front of me.  A couple (I presume Saint Luke parishioners) got out of their car to speak to me.  They thanked me profusely for “coming to Saint Luke.”  “Thank you, monsignor, for taking Saint Luke on.”

“Taking Saint Luke on?”  The more they talked, the more I felt like they were thanking me for volunteering for some dangerous mission like leading the troops into Iraq.  I felt as if I was the only priest in the archdiocese brave enough, strong enough, or maybe stupid enough to dive head on into this hopeless situation!  If I lived through it, I would get a Purple Heart to match my purple monsignor’s cassock.

Does Saint Luke have a reputation?  Well, I guess every parish has a reputation of some sort or another among the clergy.  But the implication that somehow Saint Luke has a “bad reputation” is way off the mark.  It’s simply not true.

I spent seventeen years as Vicar General of the Archdiocese.  I came to know just about all of our 151 parishes fairly well.  Each one is different; each one has its own challenges.  Yes, it’s probably true that each parish has its own personality.”  Yes, Saint Luke is made up of all kinds of people many of whom have leadership roles in business or considerable resources.

But Saint Luke Parish does not have a “bad reputation” among the clergy or anybody else.  If you hear such things, it’s a product of misinformed (yet rather interesting) gossip.  Since my assignment as pastor was announced, I’ve heard from just about every living former pastor or former associate pastor of Saint Luke.  In so many words, each one told me that Saint Luke is “great parish;” I will like it here.  So far, I think they are right.

More ridiculous is the implication that I was forced to come to Saint Luke under pain of mortal sin by the archbishop.  Or that I was given the choice of being pastor of Saint Luke or bishop of a concentration camp in China.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.

I’ve told many of you:  I finally got “the cruise I signed on for.”  In discerning for the priesthood and all through the seminary, I just wanted to be like my role models.  Most of those role models were parish priests at my home parish, Holy Name in Beech Grove.  I always pictured myself as pastor of a large parish with a school.

Now, 29 years later, I’m on the right “ship.”  I enjoyed my years being associate pastor, high school teacher and administrator, and a chancery official.  But make no mistake:  Saint Luke is the place for me now.  I hope you will agree.

Of one thing I am convinced; of one thing I am certain:  Providence never fails!

Faithfully yours in Providence that so far has not failed us,

Rev. Msgr. Joseph F. Schaedel, Pastor

July 24, 2011

Dear Parishioners,

Again, I say thank you!  Thank you all for making me so welcome at Saint Luke.  I am still unpacking box after box in the rectory.  We did some minor renovations to the “pastor’s suite” but I was able to move in last Friday, July 15.  As some of you know, we are trying to correct some chronic “moisture problems” at the rectory and that is coming along also.

I guess this whole general area must have been at one time a flood plain, swamp, or bottom of an ocean.  I know that the parish property and many of our neighbors battle flooding when we have major rain.  The crawl space under the rectory demands constant attention in terms of getting rid of unwanted moisture.  Given all the hot air that now comes from the “pastor’s suite,” we should be correcting things soon.

Since coming to Saint Luke I’ve not been short on greetings, generosity, affirmation, and advice on what to do or not do.  Before I arrived I received a couple letters in the mail telling me what I should or should not do.  Both also contained a list of shortcomings of some of my predecessors.  The authors of both letters are so humble; they did not even sign their names.

I think there are two schools of thought about coming in as the new pastor in a parish.  One thought is that the new pastor should wait and watch.  He should not make any changes in the first year.  I think this is wise.

A pastor-friend of mine on the Southside comes from the opposite way of thinking.  He says he always makes it a point to make some changes in the first twenty-four hours.  He says that this way people know there is a “new sheriff in town.”  This can be wise too, but I don’t have a gun.

It seems to be that the middle ground might be the best approach.  If some changes are necessary, wanted, or warranted, why take so long to make them?  On the other hand, we all know that sometimes out in the Old West, that “new sheriff in town” got shot during the first few days of his not so glorious reign.

I have had a chance to meet many of you after Mass, when you stop by the parish office, or at Hot Dog Night on Wednesdays.  I look forward to chatting with many more of you this weekend after each Mass when a sort of formal “welcome of the new pastor” is planned.

I have begun meeting individually with each member of the parish staff.  When school begins next month, I hope to get to know our teachers and other staff members.  My only agenda so far is to meet each one, get to know them personally a bit better, and listen to their thoughts about their work at Saint Luke.

I know that I have introduced some changes into the way we celebrate Mass at Saint Luke.  I am affirmed yet at times amused when people say, “Monsignor, I like the way you ‘say Mass.’”  Thanks for the compliment.  Yet, I must admit that I don’t know any other way to “say Mass.”  Years ago, I was taught as a seminarian at Saint Meinrad how to offer Mass.

We were instructed to faithfully follow the instructions of the Church in the Sacramentary and follow the rubrics.  Mass is not “our show.”  That’s about all I do.  I think most priests do the same.  I will say that I use many of the options that are available to anyone:  the bells, the use of incense, and the like.  These are legitimate options.

In any case, I feel that the Mass must be offered according to the mind of the Church.  Mass must be offered with attention, reverence, and devotion.  It is one and the same Sacrifice of Calvary; it is the Real Presence of Christ:  Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.  All the options and reverence in the world would not be enough if we really believe this.

Sheriff Schaedel is making one change.  In previous years, I guess the Sunday 7:30 a.m. Mass was a so-called “quiet Mass.”  When I was a kid, we called a recited Mass a “Low Mass.”  (i.e. no singing)  After many requests, much thought and prayer, we will return to this on Sunday, July 31.  The 7:30 a.m. Mass will be a “Low Mass.”  I hesitate to say “quiet Mass,” since I do not intend to remain quiet.  We will have a homily.

The decision months ago to have music at the 7:30 a.m. Sunday Mass was made for good reasons.  My decision to return to the Low Mass at 7:30 on Sunday is also made for good reasons.  For one thing, many people have requested it.  Second and quite frankly, it will be easier on me while I am alone here.  When we get an associate pastor we can revisit the decision.

Of one thing I am convinced; of one thing I am certain:  Providence never fails!

Faithfully yours in Providence that so far has not failed us,

Rev. Msgr. Joseph F. Schaedel, Pastor

July 17, 2011

Dear Parishioners,

Thank you!  Thank you all for making me so welcome and at home at Saint Luke.  I arrived Wednesday afternoon, July 6.  I’m still unpacking.  But in the meantime, everyone has greeted me so warmly and made me feel welcome.  This includes our staff, hundreds of parishioners, and literally every one I’ve met along the way.

I did not spend my first weekend introducing myself from the pulpit.  It seems to me that the Mass and the homily are precious times to communicate the Word of God.  I don’t think it’s appropriate to use that time to talk about myself.  Mass is “not about me,” or even you.  I can do that via my weekly bulletin letter.

Transitions are often not easy.  I spent thirteen very happy years as pastor of our downtown Holy Rosary Parish, La Chiesa Del Santo Rosario, the Italian Parish of Indianapolis.  It’s one of only two “national parishes” in the city.  By “national parish,” I mean that it has no street boundaries but that it was originally formed for the needs of a certain ethnic group.  In Holy Rosary’s case, it was the Italians.

I loved Holy Rosary.  And I will miss Holy Rosary.  But, at the same time, I also am very excited now to be at Saint Luke.  I also spent seventeen years as the Vicar General of the Archdiocese.  In this capacity, I got to know many parishes and many people throughout the archdiocese.  And so, I am already familiar with Saint Luke and many Saint Luke parishioners.

There is no other parish I’d rather be assigned to.  Saint Luke’s is great.  Although, it will be different.  Holy Rosary had about 300 families and no parish school of its own.  We had only three Masses on the weekend; one of them was in the Extraordinary Form (Traditional Latin Mass).  I had a full-time associate; I was actually a part-time pastor since I was also the Vicar General.

I was used to about 700 people attending Mass each weekend at three Masses combined.  Now, I have about 700 people at one Mass!  We will have 600 in our school.  For the time being, we will not have an associate pastor.  At this writing, I do not know exactly when –probably sometime this Fall.  And I have no clue who he might be.  In the meantime, Father Jeff Godecker, the chaplain at Butler University will be helping me here.  Father Jeff was formerly pastor at Immaculate Heart Parish.  He resides at Christ the King Rectory.

At request, here is something about me:  I am from Beech Grove.  I’m the oldest of three children.  My sister Jan (Chris) Marten lives in Carmel and has three children.  My brother, John, lives in Sarasota, Florida.  Both of my parents are deceased.  Mother was one of thirteen; dad was one of sixteen.  So, I have plenty of aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Mother worked at Ayres Department Store downtown; dad was a biochemist at Eli Lilly.

I attended Holy Name School, Bishop Chartrand (now Roncalli) High School, and Marian University.  I also got a Master’s in Education from Butler University, a Master’s in Educational Administration from Ball State, and a master’s in Divinity from Saint Meinrad Seminary.  But I probably know about as much now as I did when I was a sophomore in high school.

Before heading to the seminary at age 30, I did several things:  I was a part-time radio disc jockey from senior year in high school up until the time I was ordained a deacon.  I taught elementary school at Holy Name in Beech Grove and then served as principal at Saint Roch School for six years.

Here is a bit of trivia:  I the first lay person to ever serve as a full-time elementary school principal in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis!  I went to Saint Meinrad Seminary in the Fall of 1978 and was ordained a priest on May 22, 1982, at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral downtown.

Before Saint Luke, I’ve served full-time or part-time in five parishes:  Saint Gabriel, Connersville; Saint Michael and Saint Monica, Indianapolis; Saint Malachy in Brownsburg, and then at Holy Rosary.

Simultaneous with parish ministry, I also spent twelve happy years at Cardinal Ritter High School.  I taught algebra and theology for five years, served as assistant principal for four years, then as the school’s first president for three years.  In 1994 I was appointed Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the archdiocese.  I concluded that tour of duty in early March when our new Auxiliary Bishop Christopher Coyne became Vicar General by virtue of being auxiliary bishop.

The archbishop graciously granted me a three-month sabbatical in Rome.  I loved it!  I was in Rome with 29 other priests; we lived literally in the shadow of Saint Peter’s Square.  I was there for Lent, Holy Week, Easter, and the beatification of Blessed John Paul II on May 1.

And, now, by the Providence of God, here I am at Saint Luke.  I look forward to “talking with you” each week via my letter in this parish bulletin.  The most important part of each one will be the ending.  I’ll repeat it each week, because it is something that I have come to believe with all of my heart, mind and soul:

Of one thing I am convinced; of one thing I am certain:  Providence never fails!

Faithfully yours in Providence that so far has not failed us,

Rev. Msgr. Joseph F. Schaedel, Pastor


 

Many of us have known the stress of moving, of leaving a familiar place and encountering the newness of another home. Rather than having a welcome reception this weekend, it was thought it would be better to give Msgr. Schaedel some time to unpack and get settled in his new parish, office, and home. Thus, we have scheduled his welcome reception after all the Masses the weekend of July 23/24.


 

For those who were unable to have their pictures taken, LifeTouch  Photography has graciously added two more days of photo sessions on Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25.  This will allow 60 more families to participate in our directory.

Just like before, you may go on line to our website at www.stluke.org  and click on the link or you may call Mary Ann Atkins or Ronni Miller in the Parish Office.

Please don't delay.   This WILL BE the last chance to have your pictures taken and there are only 60 openings.

The Christian Social Action Commission‚s Care for Creation Committee has as its purpose to promote the environmental restoration of God's creation in the operation of the church, stewardship of parishioners, and awareness and outreach to the community.

What better way to take the next steps than by attending the free Earth Day Indiana Festival at the White River State Park, west of the Indiana Statehouse on Washington St. in downtown Indianapolis, on Saturday, April 23 from 11 am to 4 pm.  This outdoor festival takes place under large tents, so come prepared to learn and have a good time, rain or shine.  The scenic park is surrounded by museums, the White River, and the Indianapolis Zoo.

Environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable living will be covered.  The Festival combines more than 140 environmental and conservation exhibits with live music, special activities for kids, good food and family fun.  The festival has grown each year to become one of the most successful Earth Day events in the country with recent attendance estimated to have reached 30,000 people.  Care for Creation is growing.  The faith community will be well represented by the Hoosier Interfaith Power and Light organization following their successful launch in March with solid support from the Catholic community in Indiana.

Check their web site:  http://www.earthdayindiana.org/index.html for details.

The Christian Social Action Commission‚s Care for Creation Committee has as its purpose to promote the environmental restoration of God's creation in the operation of the church, stewardship of parishioners, and awareness and outreach to the community.

What better way to take the next steps than by attending the free Earth Day Indiana Festival at the White River State Park, west of the Indiana Statehouse on Washington St. in downtown Indianapolis, on Saturday, April 23 from 11 am to 4 pm.  This outdoor festival takes place under large tents, so come prepared to learn and have a good time, rain or shine.  The scenic park is surrounded by museums, the White River, and the Indianapolis Zoo.

Environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable living will be covered.  The Festival combines more than 140 environmental and conservation exhibits with live music, special activities for kids, good food and family fun.  The festival has grown each year to become one of the most successful Earth Day events in the country with recent attendance estimated to have reached 30,000 people.  Care for Creation is growing.  The faith community will be well represented by the Hoosier Interfaith Power and Light organization following their successful launch in March with solid support from the Catholic community in Indiana.

Check their web site:  http://www.earthdayindiana.org/index.html for details.