We minister best when we are in touch, FEBRUARY 24, 2007

There is a powerful story told about Damien the Leper who brought the Gospel from Belgium to the Hawaiian Islands. In his early days as a missionary he would often say, “you lepers” as he addressed the infirmed. Then one day as he was bathing he noticed no feeling in his legs. He realized he too had contracted leprosy and so from then on always said, “we lepers.” He now could better identify with their pain and situation. Dealing now with the loss of my mother I know I will now be even more sensitive to those who grieve significant losses in their lives. We minister best when we are in touch with our own wounds and losses. I give thanks to God for having a mother filled with wisdom, integrity, warmth, humor and above all faith. My family is indeed blessed. Please remember my dad in your prayers. His care of my mother
in her long battle with Alzheimer’s has been nothing short of heroic.

Fr. Bob Hawkins- FEBRUARY 24, 2007

We begin our Lenten journey - FEBRUARY 18, 2007

This week we begin our Lenten journey toward Easter. Here at St. Luke’s we try to promote ample opportunities to grow in our faith. Each Lent we add a 12:05 p.m. Mass Monday through Friday. On Fridays after Mass we pray together the Stations of the Cross. This Lent we will provide a Lenten booklet entitled, “From Darkness to Light” by Father Joseph Creedon. He will be a Mission retreat speaker from February 27 to March 1. His topic is “Faith Comes Alive – Revisiting Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist and Forgiveness.” All the sessions will begin at 7 p.m. and on Thursday evening there will be the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

I am asking all of you to keep in your prayers our search committee for a principal at St. Luke’s School. This will be going on throughout the Lenten season. During Lent I will also be giving a mission at Immaculate Conception Church in Cranston.

Lent is an old English word that means Spring. In Lent we take a fresh look at our faith in the hopes that it can better shape our lives. Let us pray for one another as we journey out of darkness into the Lord’s light.

Fr. Bob Hawkins - FEBRUARY 18, 2007

Lenten Mission at St. Luke's Feb 27, 28 & Mar. 1 will feature Fr. Joseph Creedon from Christ the King

Presently I am on vacation in Florida with my father. When I return he will be coming with me to spend time close to my mother in the nursing home. I am looking forward to some quiet time before the busy season of Lent. Put aside February 27 and 28 and March 1 for our Lenten Mission. Fr. Joseph Creedon will be here as our speaker and he will not disappoint you.

A big thank you to Mike Sever and our marketing committee who did such a great job on the open house. The Mass went off perfectly as a packed church saw our school at its best. Please keep our principal search process in your prayers. Looking forward to seeing you all back here next weekend.

Fr. Bob Hawkins - February 3, 2007