Fr. Bob's 5th Anniversary at St. Luke's

This past Thursday (July 1) marked my fifth anniversary here at St. Luke’s. As I look back I see so many positive developments: a nearly full parish school, mission outreach to Maine and Jamaica, active parish council with lots of active committees, ample stewardship opportunities for people to take ownership of their faith. By now I have had a chance to minister to a majority of our families through baptisms, funerals, hospital calls, home visits, First Communions, Confirmations. And so as I look back I say, “Thanks!” to the many ways you have welcomed me and responded so positively.

Life being what it is there are at times things that concern me. Engaging families after baptisms and First Communion to practice their faith on a regular basis is perhaps my greatest concern. Despite letters, visits, phone calls, homilies, many of our efforts have fallen on deaf ears. I do not see any increase in our mass attendance. As a leader I do not like to sugar coat things. A massive evangelization effort is needed in our Church today. St. Luke’s is not alone in this regard. I ask each of you to be an evangelizer. Encourage your neighbors to attend mass. Speak up when sporting events happen on Sunday mornings. It is all of our
responsibility to see that our parish continues to grow.

Fr. Bob Hawkins