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Dear Friends in Christ,
Serving in the Northeast Seattle Catholic Community
brings me near St. Luke Parish in Shoreline, where
I grew up in a family of five boys and two girls. We
were part of the post-war baby boom, as were many
Catholics. Many of the families we knew at the parish
had at least five children. We knew several with 8 or
more, most of which attended the parish school. When I started at St.
Luke in 1960, there were 748 students in the school. My first-grade class
numbered 60, taught by a young Dominican Nun who was just out of
college. My sibs and I received most of our sacraments at St. Luke, where
I also presided at my first Mass after being ordained a priest in 1981. My
most recent experience at St. Luke’s was this past July 24th, when the
family gathered to celebrate our beloved mother’s funeral Mass. For that
reason, and many others, St. Luke’s holds a special place in my heart.
This Friday, October 18, is the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, whose
gospel we will hear in the lectionary cycle C readings that begin Dec. 1, the
first Sunday of Advent. Luke’s gospel is a powerful and brilliant literary
work. It highlights Jesus’ concern for the poor, his healing ministry to
the sick, and the important role that women played in his ministry. That
ministry continues in Luke’s second book, the Acts of the Apostle, which
describes the formation of the church of Jesus.
Luke’s gospel then highlights some important ministries in our family of
parishes. Our St. Vincent de Paul Society gives valuable assistance to
the poor in North Seattle. Please consider offering financial support for
this work or joining one of our conferences. The Camillus Ministry offers
pastoral care to Children’s Medical Center families, while other parish
volunteers bring communion to homebound people. We could use more
volunteers in this area as well. Finally, last weekend, the Phoebe Circle
at OLL reminded us of the ministry and pastoral leadership of so many
women in our parishes. Thanks to Beth Schweiger, Chris Covey, and
Anne Rademacher for their fine reflections at all our Masses last weekend.
St. Luke…pray for us!
Blessings of peace,
Fr. William Heric, Pastor
