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Intention Card
Stewards of God's Goodness --- Sharing Justice and Love for 50 Years
This is being written shortly after our September 24th kickoff festivities for our 50-year celebration of Saint Luke Parish. We had our first-ever parish festival, The Jubilee Jam. Despite some rain, it was a smashing success. The Mass that evening was awesome. The church was packed, the music excellent, and some priests and religious who served in past years at Saint Luke were present. I’m writing because it’s that time of year again—Stewardship time. Or, as I say often in my bulletin letter, Stewardship in Action!
The theme chosen for this year’s Stewardship message is “Stewards of God’s Goodness…Sharing Justice and Love for 50 Years.” Think about it. This is precisely what Saint Luke Parish has been doing since 1961.
But make no mistake: all of this is “of God.” I mean that all of the good things that happen and have happened at 75th and Illinois Streets is God’s work and is only accomplished through God’s grace. Many of our parishioners who were here in 1961 to get things rolling have now gone to their eternal reward.
One day the same will true for each one of us. We are only temporary stewards of God’s gifts for however long we are around. Justice and Love are of God. What we do to share Justice and Love is up to us. It’s called Stewardship.
I’ve now been pastor of Saint Luke for just over three months. From the moment I set foot on the property back in July I have been in awe at the activity, commitment, and goodness of Saint Luke parishioners. We have about 100 ministries touching all aspects of our Faith life.
At the same time, we are part of a larger Church—the archdiocesan Church and the Universal Church throughout the world. Christ Our Hope: Compassion in Community is the name for our annual archdiocesan appeal.
We must do our part in educating seminarians studying for the priesthood, preparing new permanent deacons, caring for retired clergy. The less fortunate among us may not live in Meridian Hills, but they are ours. We must reach out to them through Catholic Charities. You get the picture.
All members of our parish, along with about 80,000 households throughout the archdiocese, are invited to make Stewardship commitments this Fall. Our goal is not so much a financial goal as a participation goal. I would love to see every single member of our parish respond, even if their response is “Nothing from me until they get rid of this pastor!” Please let us hear from you.
Faithfully in the Providence that so far has not failed us,
Msgr. Joseph Schaedel, Pastor