Year of the Priest August 16

Here is one of my favorite reflections on the priesthood. It is written by the famous theologian Karl Rahner. It really blends so beautifully the divine and human natures of the priesthood. The priest attempts to be an earthenware vessel of God’s grace and presence. Sometimes he is a fragile vessel in need of forgiveness and support; other times he is vessel that gets people on track with the grandeur of God.

“The priest is not an angel sent from heaven. He is a man chosen from among men, a member of the Church, a Christian. Remaining man and Christian, he begins to speak to you the Word of God. This word is not his own. No, he comes to you because God has told him to proclaim His Word. Perhaps he adulterates it. Perhaps he falters and stammers. Accept him as the
messenger of Christ. Let your hearts and minds swell with the grace of God so as to hear in his human words – in his fumbling, miserable, colorless and often repetitious words-- the holy, blessed and powerful Word that brings God Himself and His eternal life into our midst. Pray for him. Carry him so that he may sustain others by bringing to them the majesty of God’s love revealed in Christ Jesus.” Karl Rahner

Fr. Bob Hawkins

Year of the Priest - Aug 9 2009

We have now entered the “Year of the Priest”. Throughout the year I will offer some reflections on priestly ministry in today’s Church. Several years back a survey was taken of pastors to see what kinds of activities occupied their time. One pastor wrote:

“The pastor teaches, though he himself must solicit his own classes and inquire after absentee pupils. He heals, although without medicine or scalpel. He is sometimes a legal advocate, often a social worker, something of an editor, and a bit of a philosopher or poet. He must alternate as an entertainer, salesperson, decorative piece for public functions and, through it all, he is expected to be a scholar. He visits the sick, officiates at marriages, buries the dead, consoles the sorrowful, admonishes sinners and tries to remain calm and cordial when criticized for not doing his duty. He plans programs, appoints committees, spends considerable time listening to problems and complaints. In between time, he does maintenance on equipment that should be replaced, prepares a homily and preaches it each weekend to the already converted and to critics of his insights and oratory then, on Monday, he smiles and remains silent when some jovial wag remarks, “what I wouldn’t do for your “cushy” job…one day a week. Ha!”

The parish priest is called to be “Jack of All Trades, Master of None.” It is a life that is never boring and often exhilarating. For me the secret is to get people to step forward to share the many ministries of the Church. “Many hands make light work.”
Fr. Bob Hawkins

Fr. Collins - on his association with St. Luke's parish

Dear Parishioners of St. Luke’s Parish,
When I was ordained to the priesthood in the chapel of the American College of the Immaculate
Conception in Louvain, Belgium, on June 28, 1959, I could hardly imagine that one day, in what then seemed to be a far distant future, I would celebrate the golden jubilee of my ordination. Even less could I imagine the journey on which fifty years of ministerial priesthood would lead me.

The one constant in my ministerial life, at least since 1972, has been my association with St. Luke’s. I always wanted to be a parish priest. You, the parishioners of St. Luke’s, have provided me with a base parish from which I could minister throughout the world. For providing me with a base and some stability in a peripatetic and largely academic life, along with so much personal support and so many memories during these fifty years, I want to thank each and every one of you.

As I look back to June 28, 2009, I want to thank all who participated in the Liturgy of Thanksgiving that I was privileged to celebrate in your midst on that day. I want to thank Fr. Bob, who “made” it happen, Fr. Luke, who is just forty-nine years behind me in priestly ministry, and Ann Marie, who put so much time and effort into the preparations. The liturgy was special. Steve Kirby and David Lauria, together with the members of the adult and contemporary choirs, made it so, as did the readers, Eucharistic ministers, and acolytes, to all of whom I am very grateful. The “simple” reception that followed the liturgy was attended not only by members of my family but also a good number of people who have been my friends for seventy years. All of them have spoken about the beautiful liturgy and the great reception. The reception could not have happened without a generous contribution of time and effort from the organizers, those who prepared the hall and food, those who served the food, and those who “cleaned up”. To all of you who made the reception happen I can only say, “Thanks so much.” Finally, I want to thank so many of you – including many who could not be present on the day of the liturgy – who expressed your support, congratulations, and best wishes in a card or note.
Thanks to all of you for so much.
Fr. Ray

HEALTH CARE REFORM MUST RESPECT HUMAN LIFE

An important part of the health care reform being considered in Washington is the effect any legislation may have on the taking of innocent human life through abortion.

Bishop William Murphy, Chairman of the Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, sent a letter to Congress saying, “The USCCB (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops) looks forward to working with you to reform health care successfully in a manner that offers accessible, affordable and quality health care that protects and respects the life and dignity of all people from conception until natural death.” Abortion must not be included as part of a national health care benefit. No health care reform plan should compel us or others to pay for the destruction of human life, whether through government funding or mandatory coverage of abortion.” Bishop Murphy argued that any legislation should reflect longstanding policies “on abortion funding, mandates and conscience protections because they represent sound morality, wise policy and political reality.”

Underlining Bishop Murphy’s concern, 19 House Democrats sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi stating “we cannot support any health care reform proposal unless it explicitly excludes abortion from the scope of any government-defined or subsidized health insurance plan.” The Diocese of Providence requests that we contact both our Senators and our Congressman with the following message: “A fair and just health care reform bill must exclude mandated coverage for abortion, and uphold longstanding laws that restrict abortion funding and protect conscience rights.” It’s easy to do! Just call and politely leave the above message with the staff members who answer the phone. Make sure to give your name and address so they know you are a constituent!

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
(202) 224-2921 – Washington
(401) 453-5294 – Local office

Senator Jack Reed
(202) 224-4642 – Washington
(401) 943-3100 – Local office

Representative Patrick Kennedy
(202) 225-4911 – Washington
(401) 729-5600 – Local office

E-mails also can be sent to your legislators by visiting: nchla.org/action.asp

Abundant Blessings July 12, 2009

In reflecting on the events of a few weekends ago I see how fortunate we are as a parish. On the same day we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Fr. Ray Collins and the first anniversary of Fr. Luke. We have the wisdom and the knowledge of a veteran priest and the zeal and dedication of a newly ordained priest. How many parishes can claim that? I am reminded so often of the words of Jesus, “To whom much is given much is expected.” There is abundant talent here in this parish. More talent than I have ever witnessed in any of my other parishes. It is my prayer that we continue to use these talents to be a model parish. I say it over and over again that we are called to be wise and responsible stewards of the many gifts of God. Happy summer everyone. May the quieter pace of summer give us time to dream dreams and have visions.
Fr. Bob Hawkins

Year of the Priest -June 26, 2009

This past week began the “Year of the Priest.” So often the church gives us opportunities to look at key realities that make us Catholics. Almost 34 years ago I was ordained a priest by Bishop Gelineau. Since then I ministered in very diverse settings; inner city Central Falls and East Providence, the Catholic Center at URI, Brussels, Belgium as the pastor of an English-speaking community, St. Kevin’s in Warwick and now the suburban parish of St. Luke’s. It has been quite an experience being with people at key moments in their faith journey. Several times in the upcoming year I will reflect with you about key dimensions of a priest’s life. For me, the priest is called to be a person of communion with God and His people. My vocation is to build up the
Body of Christ. I do this by calling out the gifts of the parish community. Each person has so much to offer. To create an atmosphere where these gifts can be freely expressed goes to the heart of what I am about as a priest.
Fr. Bob Hawkins

Fr. Ray Collins 50th anniversary of priesthood

Next weekend we will gather at the 11:30 Mass to celebrate the 50th priesthood anniversary for Father Ray Collins. Fr. Ray has been coming to St. Luke’s since Fr. Oscar Ferland was pastor. All during his Louvain and Washington years, he would celebrate liturgy with us here at St. Luke’s. Many of you know that he was my New Testament professor in Louvain. For 2-1/2 years he was also the rector of the American College. Fr. Ray has always made bridges between the world of academic theology and parish ministry. He has taught me the value of applying theology to contemporary events. He always encouraged us to read newspapers, periodicals, and current theology. As busy as I can get, I never neglect to read. Fr. Ray has been a good friend to me and to so many others. He is a man of faith, service, and commitment to the Gospel. I am sure our celebration will bring joy to his heart.

Fr. Bob Hawkins

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

Outdoor painting planned at St. Luke’s

This summer we will be engaging in a gigantic painting project here at the St. Luke’s campus. We hope to paint the pre-school, the rectory and the church. It is a good time to be doing this because contractors are looking for work in this slow economy. The total price for all three structures is $29,000. So far generous parishioners have contributed approximately $7,000 to the project. If you would like to give to this worthy project, please contact the rectory. Thank you!

Fr. Bob

Update on Fr. Collins & First Communion

Many parishioners have asked about Father Ray Collins. I'm pleased to report he is doing well after his second hip replacement surgery in March. Following the operation and a rehabilitation period, he is completing his recovery at home. I saw him Monday evening at our Pastoral Studies dinner. He is making steady progress and should be back with us at the end of May.

This weekend we congratulate all our First Communion children. May the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ, feed you throughout your lives. It is my prayer that you are brought often to the table of the Lord by your parents. May all of our lives be truly Eucharistic as we thank your God for his many blessings. A big thank you to Mrs. Pat Grattan, Mrs. Patti Thompson, and all our teachers who prepared the children for this important moment in their lives.

Fr. Bob Hawkins

MUSTARD SEED MISSION TRIP 2009 by Fr. Luke - April 25, 2009

- What a memorable and rewarding experience it was!!

“I tell you, whenever you did this for the least of my people, you did it for me.” Matthew 25:40

In the spirit of this verse from Matthew’s Gospel, I am honored to share with you a short reflection about our Mission Trip to Jamaica. As most of you know last week Monday to Sunday, sixteen of us worked in Blessed Assurance, Montego Bay with the Mustard Seed Communities, helping to care for children with mild to severe physical and mental disabilities. The number of kids in Blessed Assurance tripled since last year which gave us plenty of opportunities to feed, bathe, change the diapers or just interact with those beautiful children.

We had a chance to do some heavy labor as well. In the severe heat, up to 90F, we were putting a cement sidewalk that connects dorms with a community building, digging a trench around the property and doing some outdoor painting.

The whole week in Jamaica was an eye-opening experience for all of us. I am sure that everybody came away with a broader perspective of the world and the kind of needs out there. I am also sure that all of us came back with that sense of joy that is part of serving in the name of Jesus and a renewed commitment to living a life of service. It was actually harder to leave than it was to be there.

Thank you all for your prayers and support!

Fr. Luke

Major feasts bring out talents - April 19, 2009

Major feasts bring out the many talents in a community. Our light shines the brightest when it matters the most. I am very grateful for so many people who come forward to offer their time and talent to make this past Holy Week such a great experience. Perhaps the current economic downturn added a special dimension to this year’s observation. So many people today are experiencing the cross with foreclosures, job loss, diminished 401ks, and the other stresses of life. Yet as we come together to pray we sense the power of our God to call us beyond our darkness, and isolation. There was a deep sense of community evident here during this past week. People seemed to pray with greater fervor, people were friendlier at the doors of the church and vocal in their words of affirmation.

I am grateful to the environment committee, the choir, our liturgical ministers, our greeters and to so many who give of themselves for our benefit. We enter now into the Easter season where we celebrate First Communion and Confirmation. May these sacramental moments lead us to be a community that evangelizes and brings people closer to Christ. I pray that our young children not only celebrate First Communion, but many regular communion besides. I pray that our Confirmation students be guided by the Holy Spirit to practice their faith on a regular basis. During the Easter season may a vibrant spirit be brought to all we do.

Fr. Bob Hawkins

Where have all the flowers (people) gone? - March 22

Over the past few months I have heard about some great mission givers from different parts of the country. They come with high recommendations from their talks in various parishes. However, I have decided not to invite them here to St. Luke’s. It seems for whatever reason we get poor turn outs for our missions. Certainly the response to Father Joe Paquette (an excellent speaker) was lukewarm at best. Maybe we are over scheduled here in this community. Maybe the winter cold keeps people away. Maybe we already have enough on our plates. I have also noticed some poorly attended weekend liturgies, even in Lent! A number of years ago there was a song “Where have All the Flowers Gone?” Sometimes I think of that song when I wonder where have the people gone. Are we so busy here in Barrington that we have crowded God out of our lives? Perhaps a few “View from the Pew” will get us thinking.
Thank you.
Fr. Bob

Keeping both oars in the water for Lent 2009 - Feb 22, 2009

The season of Lent is quickly approaching with its call for conversion. This call comes at a difficult time in our nation’s history. People are out of work, losing their homes, seeing their 401 accounts become 201 accounts. Times like these throw us back into the arms of our loving God. Often I have used the image of the need to row a boat with two oars. If we only use one oar we go around in circles. The two oars of the Christian life are prayer and service. During this season we will provide many opportunities to strengthen both of these dimensions. Listed below is the menu of activities offered here at St. Luke’s.

• Daily Mass at 7 and 12:05
• Stations of the Cross after Friday 12:05 Mass
• Parish Mission with Father Joseph Paquette on March 2, 3, and 4. The Sacrament of
• Reconciliation will be March 3 as part of the Mission
• In-pew solicitation for the Catholic Charity Fund Appeal. Our goal is $173,000.
• Immediate preparation for the Mustard Seed Missionary Trip to Jamaica.
• Rice Bowl collection on Palm Sunday, April 4 and 5.
• Please pray for our three RCIA candidates and catechumens who prepare for the
• Easter Sacraments.

Let’s keep both oars in the water this Lent.

Fr. Bob Hawkins

Catholic Charities 2009 starts Feb 21/22

Bishop Tobin has requested that parishes take up the Catholic Charity Fund collection during the season of Lent. One of the major dimensions of the Lenten season is almsgiving. This weekend you will notice a special handout in our bulletin. Our in-pew solicitation will occur at all the masses on February 21/22. Our parish goal remains at $173,000. All of you are aware of the severe economic downturn. It will take a massive effort on all of us to reach this lofty goal. But I trust in the unbelievable generosity of the people of St. Luke’s. I know you will not let me or the poor in our Diocese down.

Fr. Bob Hawkins

Accountability - February 8, 2009

Accountability is a word we hear a lot about these days. It is important to be responsible if one is committed to effective leadership. Once a month we have a building and maintenance collection. Here are some current projects that your contributions are making possible: filling cracks and striping the parking lot (spring), fixing the church sign, painting the exterior of the church (this May), repairing the floor and the pews in church, updating the school building to meet the fire code. I would like to thank Bruce Morris and our finance committee for their excellent stewardship.

This past Sunday there was a whirl of activity here at church. Many people came out to seek Mary’s intercession as the Icon of Our Lady of Guadalupe visited our parish. This coincided with Greg Albanese’s presentation to our Confirmation class. He spoke to the consistent Gospel of Life. Topics such as chastity, abortion, Lenten penalty, stem cell research were presented. Mary is always present to us as one who brings us closer to the vision of her Son. A big thank to our pro-life committee, Father Luke and Diane Comerford who led our efforts.

Fr. Bob Hawkins

Post Holiday Winter Pondering - Jan 11, 2009 (posted belatedly)

When I think of the Christmas season two images come to mind: a funnel and a bowl. If Christmas is a funnel the feast occurs; the carols are sung, gifts exchanged, meals eaten, but the meaning quickly fades. Like a fluid in a funnel it does not hang around a long time. If Christmas is a bowl the spirit of the season settles and is contained. Not only that, the bowl gets filled and even runs over. This is my prayer as we enter the cold months of winter. May the meaning of Christmas so fill our lives that it affects everything we do.

Presently I am on my annual January vacation. When I was a child I hated the month of January. It meant going back to school! Now it is one of my favorite months as it gives me time to travel, rest and connect with friends.

Thanks to one and all who contributed so much to the spirit of Christmas here at St. Luke’s. I appreciateall your cards, gifts and prayers.

Fr. Bob Hawkins

Faithful Citizenship

I am writing early on Tuesday morning after a wonderful presentation last evening by Father Bernie Healey at our Men's Fellowship gathering. Fr. healey spoke of his ministry as the lobbyist for the Diocese of Providence. Perhaps more importantly, he spoke of the U.S. Catholic Bishop's document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. This document is critical for all of us as we go to the polls this Tuesday.

The document highlights the importance of human dignity and the right to life, "the most fundamental human good and the condition for all the others". Issues that involve direct attacks on life itself, such as abortion or euthanasia or unjust war, therefore should be the first concern of Catholic voters. Our duty to protect innocent human life, they wrote, "has a special claim on our consciences and our actions".

Our Catholic Bishops remind us of the length and breadth of our moral responsibility:

"Catholic teaching about the dignity of life calls us to oppose torture, unjust war, and the use of the death penalty; to present genocide and attacks against noncombatants; to oppose racism; and to overcome poverty and suffering."

As election day approaches, may we take our civic and moral duties seriously. May God bless our country as we strive to be a beacon of God's light and justice in the world.

Fr. Bob Hawkins - November 2, 2008

Stewardship

This weekend, we will hear short testimonies from fellow parishioners on how they live stewardship in their lives. The purpose of these short witness talks is to prepare us for the ministry fair next week. Stewardship is not complicated. It simply means we look into our lives to examine the gifts that God has given each one of us. Once found, those gifts are meant to be shared with others. Some share by reading at mass, others by decorating the altar, still others by becoming a part of a ministry or a committee. Please take the time to look over the inserts this weekend, "Discerning Gifts" and the "Ministry List". I invite you to come downstairs next weekend. As a result o last year's event, 83 new people became involved here at St. Luke's.

Saturday is the feast of St. Luke and so the 5 p.m. mass this weekend will highlight all the good work of our school as we celebrate our 50th year. Thank you to all who contributed to our annual fund. Envelopes will remain in the pews for the whole month of October.

I just returned from the Great Day of Service. Over 300 people were involved in work at 45 sites. It is so impressive to see so many people come forward to volunteer their time for others. St. Luke's aims to be an active supporter of Beyond Our Walls here in town.

Fr. Bob Hawkins - October 19, 2008

Feast of the Cross: Life from Death

I will not be presiding here at liturgies this weekend because I am witnessing my oldest niece’s wedding at St. Agnes Church in Jefferson, New Hampshire. My good friend, Father John Lavin, recently retired, will be here to take my place. This weekend we celebrate the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross which reminds us of the central symbol of our faith. Because of Christ, profound love of the cross is the sign of our salvation and the cause of our joy. The crucifixion demonstrates that God loves us more than life itself. And the triumph of Jesus’ cross becomes the triumph of our crosses as well.

Sheila Cassidy is an American nurse who was jailed and tortured in Chile. Out of that experience, she wrote the following reflection:

“I believe, no pain is lost. No tear unmarked, no cry of anguish dies unheard, lost in the hail of gunfire or blanked out by the padded cell. I believe that pain and prayer are somehow saved, processed, stored, used in the Divine Economy. The bloodshed in Salvador will irrigate the heart of some financier a million miles away. The terror, pain, despair, swamped by lava, flood or earthquake will be caught up like mist and fall again, a gentle rain on arid hearts or souls despairing in the back streets of Brooklyn.”

This weekend we ponder on how our God brings life out of what seems like death. In all of our lives there are daily crosses and resurrections. Let us be there for one another as we bear our crosses and participate in the working out of salvation in our world.

Fr. Bob Hawkins - September 13, 2008