St Luke's parishioners making good news June 13, 2009

I’m writing on June 4 after my weekly reading of the Barrington Times. I enjoy seeing the many ways our parishioners are involved in the community. This week three out of the four obituaries were of people buried here in our church. I recognized the young athletes who won state titles in boys’ golf and girls’ lacrosse. But what moved me the most was the editorial “CYO teams, thanks for the good news.” It spoke of our relationship with a poor parish we competed against in the New England CYO Basketball Tournament. The parish is St. Anne’s in Manchester, New Hampshire. Two weeks ago
we had a car wash and Dribble-a-thon to assist this parish. Many of the players were refugees from Somalia and Kenya. These young people have survived unspeakable horrors and have been welcomed by this Catholic community of faith.

I’m so moved by this story because here at St. Luke’s we are concerned about the whole person. Besides providing a vehicle for young people to be involved with sports, we also want their souls and social conscience to be nurtured. I enjoy seeing our athletes being involved in our worship life. When our coaches practice their faith it gives such a powerful witness to our young people. Sports indeed can be an integral part of our evangelical efforts. Thanks especially to Peter Clements and John Duffy and all those engaged with the religious, social, emotional and physical welfare of our young
people.

Fr. Bob Hawkins