News Blog

MOYC Dodge Ball Night is Saturday, May 19. Get your ticket on-line by clicking here!

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.

The St. Luke Christian Social Action Commission invites you to hear the voices of the hungry and those who serve them, exploring what is needed to end hunger, on Saturday, March 3, from 9 AM until 6:30 PM at the Christian Theological Seminary.

Morning sessions feature keynote speaker Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister & President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Indy Hunger Network panelists Cindy Hubert (Gleaners), Pat Jerrell (St Vincent de Paul), R Zimmerman (SNAP), Kent Hatcher (DOE), Jennifer Vigran (Second Helpings), Douglas Hairston (Mayor's Office), Orion Bell (CICOA) and Barb Morris (Meals on Wheels). Ambassador Tony Hall (Alliance to End Hunger) and Rev. David Beckmann (Winner of 2011 World Food Prize and President of Bread for the World) will also be presenting. Following afternoon break-out workshop sessions and closing worship with singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomer, the CTS bookstore will host a closing reception and book signing with Rev. Beckman.
For more information on the conference day, you may visit the Indiana Bread for the World website.

New legislation in the State of Indiana (1) establishes a personal income tax deduction for a parent who sends a child to a private school or home-schools the child, and (2) expands the school scholarship credit against personal and corporate income taxes.

The new deduction is equal to $1,000 per dependent child for whom “unreimbursed education expenditures” are made. The term “unreimbursed education expenditures” includes any expenditures made in connection with enrollment, attendance or participation of the taxpayer’s dependent child in a private elementary or high school education program (including a home school).  It includes expenditures for tuition, fees, computer software, textbooks, workbooks, curricula, school supplies (other than personal computers) and other written materials used primarily for academic instruction or for academic tutoring, or both.

The deduction applies to taxable years beginning in 2011 and thereafter. School families will need our school code (C435) for your tax forms. More information is available here. However, we suggest, as always, that you  seek the advice of a tax professional when preparing your return.

St. Luke Finance Council

This week (January 9-14), the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates National Vocation Awareness Week. We ask you to join us in prayer for those considering a vocation in becoming a deacon, priest, religious sister, married or single person. We offer the following prayer that can be said through the week of vocation awareness:
 
God of Love, You call us to live in your love through the grace of our baptism.  Bless us with the courage to carry out the mission of Jesus. Grant us open and generous hearts to see the needs of others and to respond with compassion. May the Church be blest with women and men who are dedicated to you through marriage, the single life, the diaconate, priesthood, and the consecrated life. It is in Christ and through Christ that we offer ourselves to you now and forever. Amen.

The Prayer Chain is made up of parish members who pray for those in need of prayer as requested. Prayers may be offered as intentions in daily prayer, intentions in daily or weekly Mass, when praying the Rosary, in visiting the Adoration Chapel, in the offering of extra works of mercy, or any prayerful activity that individual members of the group desire. Click here if you would like to join this important ministry!

Christmas Eve, December 24

4:00 PM      Vigil Mass

4:15 PM      Vigil Mass in South Gym

7:00 PM      Vigil Mass

Midnight     Mass at midnight preceded at 11:30 PM by musical prelude

Christmas, December 25

10:00 AM    Christmas Day Mass

Last week, we made a plea for additional help to deliver Thanksgiving Baskets. There was such a generous outpouring of spirit that we have received more than enough help to deliver our 130 Thanksgiving Baskets!

On behalf of the Christian Social Action Commission, thank you for your help during this holiday season!

This weekend, November 5th and 6th, is First Sunday Sharing at St. Luke. As usual, we will be collecting non-perishable food and men's clothing to help the homeless of our city. Volunteers help distribute these items to the Beggars for the Poor and the Saint Vincent de Paul food pantry at neighboring St. Thomas Aquinas Parish.

But we will also have a special collection of baby wipes for the children at our parish partner, Holy Family Shelter.  Each year Holy Family Shelter serves more than 300 homeless families, including more than 600 homeless children. The Shelter, located at 30 East Palmer, serves married couples with or without children, single parents with children, and single pregnant women.

Please bring boxes of baby wipes to the narthex this weekend to help this marvelous ministry.

In the weeks and months ahead, you will be hearing much more about Holy Family Shelter and its ministries, and our children and adults will have the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of projects and programs at the Shelter as we continue to develop our parish partnership with this vital Catholic Charities agency

Thank you and God bless!

25,00 high school youth will be coming to Indianapolis November 17-19, 2011, to participate in the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) at the Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium.

We are asking for your help by volunteering to keep our youth safe and shower them with Hoosier Hospitality. Our shifts are two to four hours in length in a variety of areas.

More information and sign-up is located at www.archindy.org. Click on the Called to Glory icon and then again on the Volunteer tab. If you have questions, contact Mary Barnstead, Youth Minister. Thank you on behalf of the Archdiocese and spirit-filled youth from around the nation.
 

Christians everywhere will celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4 by having their pets blessed in the spirit of this patron saint of animals and ecology.

St. Luke is no exception to this traditional practice. On Tuesday, October 4, Msgr. Schaedel will have a blessing for the animals and pets at 5:00 PM. People --- and pets --- should gather at the Circle off Holliday Drive East, near the main entrance to the church.

In 1979, Pope John Paul II proclaimed St. Francis of Assisi the patron saint of animals and ecology because of his love and respect for all creatures.

An example of a blessing used on this day is as follows: “Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”  

St. Luke is in the process of implementing a new tool to help our members find and organize our many community and ministerial activities. Called "Community Opportunities Just a Click Away!", this feature will help you find opportunities to serve and be in fellowship with other members of St. Luke ... and beyond.

What will you find here?

Right now, we are starting small. The Mothers of Young Children (MOYC) is our first group to be using this new part of our web site. More will soon follow so that we will have on-line availability to learn more and join:

• Service opportunities around St. Luke itself
• Christian Social Action in our neighboring community, city, and beyond
• Social and support groups

The Lunch Bunch will host a luncheon and presentation on "Planning for Long Term Care" for all parishioners 65 and older. Lunch will begin at 11:30 AM on Saturday, September 17 in the Fr. Courtney Reception Room. Our guest speaker is Barb Markwith, LCSW, the Director of Social Services at Hooverwood Jewish Home. A $10 fee per person will be collected with reservations to cover the cost of lunch, provided by Maggiano's Little Italy. For more information or to join us, please contact Shannon Schmidt at (317) 259-4373 ext 218.

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


 

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

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.

We will be publishing a Pictorial Directory for our parish this fall in celebration of our 50th Anniversary. We need you to be part of our family album on this historic occasion.

This can be done by signing up after the Masses the weekend of April 30 / May 1 or by clicking here to sign up on-line. By participating in the directory, you will receive a free directory and your choice of an 8x10 photo or nine (9) wallet size photos.

We need everyone to participate ... please be part of our family album!

Looking for a Vacation Bible School that is truly Catholic, virtue-based and fun for kids from age 3 years old to grade 4?

Look no more ....

Your Kids grab onto some "Zeal for Souls" then work to "Win the World for Jesus" as they learn to be missionaries for the Church today.   Your Kids go on an expedition with each day's missionary saint to the world and then discover ways to serve in new K4J Territory today through fun games, activities, crafts, and the global "Win the World" Catholic Medical Mission.  After kids meet the missionaries on the Medical Missions DVD, they work to fill surgical gloves with new toothbrushes and spare change that these Catholic medical workers can bring to serve the poor around the world. 

Older students (5^th grade and up) serve as Leaders for the younger children.  They act as role models and leaders.  This peer-to-peer leadership program is exciting and enriching for all age groups involved.

Check out our web page for more information and to register.

The St. Luke Catholic Church community is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and unimaginable suffering of the victims of the earthquake, tsunamis, and continuing aftershocks that have devastated northern Japan. While the images of the destruction can leave us feeling helpless, there are ways we can unite in support of those affected by this tragedy:

* Join in prayer for the victims and their families.

* Pray for all of the Japanese people. Whether near the epicenter or far, the entire country has been affected by these natural disasters and will need time to heal, recover and rebuild.

* Contribute to the emergency response and recovery effort through Catholic Relief Services (CRS). CRS, the official overseas humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic community, is working closely with Caritas International to provide emergency relief and assist with the recovery effort. The mission of CRS and Caritas International is to alleviate suffering and provide assistance to people in need without regard to race, religion, or nationality.

Contributions can be made online by going to www.crs.org and selecting "Help Japan through Catholic Relief Services," by phoning (800) 736-3467, or by sending a check or money order to: Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090. 

Lent is just around the corner. The bulletin of March 6 will have a special Lenten Calendar insert. You can see it on-line just as you can view any of our bulletin publications.

Please make special note of the times for the liturgies on Ash Wednesday. They are 8:15 AM, 12:00 Noon, and 5:30 PM.

In the body of Christ, there exists a wonderful variety of ministries, which are especially evident when we gather around the altar to worship God. [Book of Blessings, 1858]

Be a part of our new greeter ministry here at St. Luke! We are dedicated to welcoming parishioners and visitors to weekend Masses!

Greeter training sessions will be Saturday, March 5, at 9 AM, and Sunday, March 6, at 10 AM. Please plan on attending one of these sessions if you are interested in this ministry. For more information, contact Lynn Sheplock.

Friday, February 11 at 5:30 PM - Blue and Gold Banquet

Saturday, February 12 at 9 AM - Saturday Morning Breakfast (Fr. Courtney Room)

Saturday, February 12, at 10 AM - Confessions

Sunday, February 13, at 10 AM - Bible Study 2011

Sunday, February 13, at 7:30 PM - Christ Renews His Parish 8

• Installation of a 5-ton (American Standard/Trane) air handling unit complete with 25kw of electric heat in the Music Office/storage room unit
• Installation of an (American Standard/Trane) 5-ton condensing unit outside Art Room on a A/C Pad
• Installation of a high quality condensate pump and piping to pump water (from the dehumidifiers) from condensate pump to sump pit located in the electrical room
• Installation of a Honeywell Vision Pro Thermostat with Dehumidification control and ductwork to spread out dehumidified air into each space, including diffusers (2'x2' lay-in diffusers) and return air grilles