The creativity and generosity of our Saint Luke family continue to amaze me.  Each of us are dealing with the many stresses as more concerns about the coronavirus emerge every day.  Yet so many have stepped forward as we pray and care for one another.  Twenty four members of the pastoral council, finance committee and staff met in a teleconference Monday night to help forge our response to the needs of our people.  Here is a summary of what is happening:

We have set as a priority our outreach of those who are least able to deal with the isolation and vulnerability of this corona crisis.  We have already made contact with over 150 of our most vulnerable and often senior parishioners by phone, offering an ear to talk, a phone number to call, and an opportunity for someone to shop for them. These are people in their own homes, senior housing, or at places like the Highlands, or the Willows.  We have found that a call goes a long way in helping them to feel connected and less alone. Please join our effort by calling those whom you know, your neighbors or those who may live alone; help us further reduce social isolation.  

Please note: in the future, if you find that you cannot or should not leave your home to get groceries/prescriptions, please call Julie Basque at Pastoralassociate@stlukes-parish.org to have her arrange for a shopper. We have a wonderful group of volunteers led by parishioner Jim Coffey who offer this for us. 

Also if you feel that you can make a donation such as a Stop and Shop or Walmart card for those in need in the parish, please contact Nan at nanfford@gmail.com.  

You are invited to pray with our Holy Father and Catholics throughout the world on Friday, March 27th at 1:00 pm EDT (6:00 pm in Rome).  You can participate via the internet at www.vaticannews.va which will be streaming this special prayer led by the Holy Father, who will grant to all participants the Plenary Indulgence before imparting the Urbi et Orbi Blessing.

After making my youtube debut yesterday with a short video for the Feast of the Annunciation, (Click here to see it),  I am going to make a valiant attempt to stream a live Mass designed especially for families this Sunday, March 29 at 9:00.  There are many wonderful celebrations of Mass online but there are not many that provide the intimacy that people need in their confinement.  Celebrating from the dining room table of my grandparents' inner city apartment in Worcester, I hope we engage our younger families for this 5th Sunday of Lent. Now I am very new at this and hope you can join us by clicking here.

It seems very likely at this time that severe restrictions will still be in place.  Thanks to the hard work of our parish team and the generous support of our Westborough Community Access Cable we are planning to broadcast the Holy Week services. While it will not be a live service, it will be available in a timely manner and also on demand.  We will be giving more updates soon.

The Coronavirus has put us all under duress in so many ways.  Besides our health concerns, many are struggling with loss of jobs and income.  Our Saint Luke parish is in the same situation.  Most financial support for sustaining parish life and staff comes through Sunday collections.  Without us gathering for Mass, that support is dramatically curtailed.  We want to thank so many of you who continue to support the life of our parish by giving electronically or by mailing your donations.  The safest and most helpful way to give your financial support is through electronic giving.  To provide that support, visit our WeShare giving website by clicking here.

We know that God is with us in this journey.  Let us continue to pray and work together.  

Christ’s peace and blessings,

Monsignor Mike

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