Fr. Mark’s Corner
“Bear fruit or die” seems to be the order of the
day as we contemplate the meaning of today’s gospel message. The warning is reminiscent of the preaching of John the
Baptist and his fierce warnings to repent and be saved. While much detail is left out, we know it is the gardener (Jesus)
that steps in to save the day. Jesus comes to us in our sinfulness (deadness) and pleads for mercy (just one more year).
But, even Jesus,
knows that the “time” is near. During our journey this Lenten season have you spent time
repenting of your “deadness” allowing the Lord to fertilize your heart with grace and forgiveness? Are you bearing
forth much fruit? How do you know? How does the community benefit from your presence in the garden? What should the community
do if you are not bearing fruit?
Spiritual Reflection: The way serving others
cultivates repentance and conversion in me is…
Together In Mission
Thank you for your continued
generosity. For those who have not yet made a pledge I would encourage you to do so. For those who made pledges in the past
but have not yet received your TIM mailing, it will be re-sent this week. If you have already received
your pledge mailing
you may receive another in the future; but, please disregard if you have already made your pledge for
2010. 2010 Goal: $64,456.40 Pledged: $23,991.86 Paid: $10,849.86
Finances (in general)
St. Luke has suffered extreme financial losses, as have many parishes, in the past few years and our savings have been decimated
by deficit spending over the past 10 to 15 years. As I get more of a handle of the problems we face, I will be publishing
a financial
report explaining where I see the “state of the parish” financially and where we need to go in
the future. Each month I will publish in the bulletin a major expense report vs. our ordinary income so that parishioners
will have an idea of the cash flow and what items actually cost us as a parish. I will also be directing my parish council
next fall to work with the parish finance council to work with me in a visioning process for the overall pastoral plan for
the next five years and the financing that will be needed to keep St. Luke viable and to maintain our beautiful facilities,
make repairs, and fund staffing and ministries. May God bless you for your generosity, care and concern for the parish of
St. Luke and so many other charities.
-
RE-SET
YOUR CLOCKS NEXT WEEKEND
Daylight Savings Time arrives next weekend. Move your clocks forward 1 hour Saturday
night.
-
LENTEN PENANCE SERVICE
Save the date! The parish Lenten Penance Service will be on Monday, March 23, at 7:00 P.M. in the church. Come
and let the God of mercy and compassion cleanse you as
we approach the cross this Lent. Extra priests will be available.
-
FIESTA PRESALE TODAY!
Fiesta is right around
the corner! Fiesta Presale is being offered today (Sunday) after the 8 & 10 A.M. Masses. Ride tickets, Grand Prize tickets
& 50/50 Cash Raffle Tickets will be available for purchase.
-
Nominations for Candidates for St. Luke Parish Pastoral Council: The nomination process for
five new members of the Pastoral COuncil will take place during all Masses next weekend. A representative from the Council
will speak at each Mass on the role and responsibilities of being a council member.
-
FIESTA INFORMATION/NEEDS
-Fiesta Captains:
Sin-up worksheets are available in the Parish Office.
-Captains are NEEDED for Game booths. If interested, contact
the Parish Office.
--
LENTEN REGULATIONS OF FAST & ABSTINENCE
Fasting is observed on Ash Wednesday & Good
Friday by all Catholics who are 18 to 59 years of age. Abstinence from meat is observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and
all the Fridays of Lent by all Catholics 14 years of age and older.
-
THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS: are held in the church at 7:00 P.M. every Friday of Lent. Come
walk with Christ to reflect on his passion and death this Lenten Season. The first service begins Feb. 19.
-
COME TO THE LENTEN
FISH DINNERS!
The Knights of Columbus are serving their 22nd annual Lenten Fish Dinners during the Fridays of
Lent, except on Good Friday. (Last dinner: 3/26). Dinners are served from 5:30-7:00 P.M. The menu includes: Choice of Baked
or Deep-Fried Fish, Baked Potato, Vegetable, Coleslaw, Salad, Roll & Butter; Dessert, Coffee or Punch. Donation: Children
14 & under ~ $6, Adults ~ $9, and Senior Citizens 65 & older ~ $8. Please accompany Christ by coming to the
Stations of the Cross in the church immediately following the dinner.
-
FIESTA 2010 ~ APRIL 23, 24 & 25!
Fiesta Raffle Tickets for Fiesta
2010 have been mailed out! Early Bird Raffles begin next Sunday (March 14) for those who sell all their raffle tickets early.
Early Bird Prize: $100 in cash. (Early Bird ticket stubs can be found at the end of your book of tickets.) Also, donations
are currently being accepted for our Country Boutique Booth, Glass Booth as well as coffee, cream & sugar for the Cake
Booth. Thanks for your support!
-
EGG
SHELL COLLECTION CONTINUES
The collection of empty egg shells for our annual Fiesta is an ongoing project ~
a year-round project! The Confetti Egg Booth is a very popular booth, and the supplies quickly run out in the course of the
Fiesta weekend. For information on how to empty the eggs, please visit our parish website and you may bring eggshells to the Parish Office. -
MSGR. JOHN J. BIRCH CHALICE
If any St. Luke parishioner would like to
take the Msgr. John J. Birch chalice home for a
week and pray for vocations, please call the Parish Office at (626) 291-5900.
-
HOSPITALITY CORNER
The Hospitality Corner is available today. Parents
of St. Luke Kindergarten Class are your host for today. Please join them for some coffee and doughnuts, punch & fellowship
after the 8 & 10 A.M. Masses. We thank the Parish Pastoral Council for hosting Hospitality last Sunday.
--
THE FIESTA SUPER RAFFLE IS BACK!
With 1 in 500 odds why not at least
try? Winner will receive up to $5,000 in cash!!! Tickets are $20 each - only 500 tickets will be sold! Great odds of winning
- buy one soon! They make great “Stocking Stuffers.” Tickets are available in the Parish Office. For more information,
call (626) 291-5900 or visit our website @ www.stluketemplecity.org. Winning ticket will be drawn at the Fiesta on Sunday, April 25, 7 P.M. Winner need not be present. -
