St. Luke the Evangelist, Livingston County

https://media.ascensionpress.com/video/the-bible-in-10-minutes-feat-fr-mike-schmitz/

This is excellent!!!
Listen to/watch Fr. Mike Schmitz as he summarizes the Bible in 10 minutes. Those 73 books in the Bible aren't separate: they add up to tell one whole story of salvation. Enjoy!

The Bible in 10 Minutes (feat. Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Ascension Press Media The Bible is the Word of God. But… what exactly is the story? If you only had 10 minutes to share it… what would you say?

July 13 & 14, 2024 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Called in baptism to be disciples, let us offer our prayers to God in the confidence that we will be heard.

Prayers of the Faithful
1. For our Church, that as we go out into the world as disciples, we may bring reconciliation and healing to all those in need … we pray to the Lord.

2. For leaders of nations, that they may receive challenge and criticism willingly, open to improving themselves and their leadership … we pray to the Lord.

3. For those who suffer in the summer’s heat, for those who endure storms, wildfires, and floods, and for all who respond to their needs with generous hearts … we pray to the Lord.

4. That young people respond to the call of Christ to be sent out doing good through vocations to the priesthood and religious life … let us pray to the Lord.

5. That through the celebration of the Eucharistic Revival this week, we may all grow in the love of Christ present in the Eucharist, renewed in spirit as we carry the presence of Christ wherever we go … we pray to the Lord.

6. For those who have died; may the Lord’s perpetual light shine upon them and bring them everlasting joy … we pray to the Lord.

7. For those intentions closest to our minds and hearts, … let us pray to the Lord.

Gracious God, you shower your grace upon us each and every day, whether we are conscious of it or not. Help us each day to live our lives generously, willingly passing on your grace to the people in our life as we humbly express our needs through your Son, Jesus Christ.

JULY 6 & 7, 2024 FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, and so we call to mind our needs and look to God to answer our prayers.

GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

1. For the Church, that we may recognize the prophetic voices of our own time and heed the lessons they give to put our faith into practice … we pray to the Lord.

2. For leaders in this country and around the globe, that they may acknowledge their own inadequacies and look to God for strength and wisdom … we pray to the Lord.

3. That those who struggle with a lack of faith will find what they need to carry on … we pray to the Lord.

4. For all who travel this summer, that they may find rest and refreshment and return safely home … we pray to the Lord.

5. That young people hear God’s call to become prophets of Christ through vocations to the priesthood and religious life … we pray to the Lord.

6. That our parish community will be a welcome place for all who seek to know God … we pray to the Lord.

7. For those who have died, that they may rejoice in God’s eternal peace and happiness … we pray to the Lord.

8. For the special intentions we hold dear to our hearts … We pray to the Lord.

O God, we listen for your voice, to lead us along the right path. Teach us to recognize it in whatever way it may be expressed, so that we may follow it faithfully. Grant this and all our prayers through our teacher and guide, Jesus Christ.

Today, July 3rd, is the feast day of St. Thomas the Apostle, one of the 12 original disciples of Jesus, and is widely remembered for his doubt of Christ's Resurrection. Upon seeing and touching the wounds on Christ's body, Thomas was convinced exclaiming, "My Lord and My God!" He went on to become a missionary, traveling outside of the Roman Empire, heading east and eventually settling in India where he preached the Good News. Being a skilled builder, Thomas was invited by the king to construct a palace. Thomas distributed the payment from the project to the poor which angered the king who then had Thomas thrown in prison. Thomas' continued preaching of the Gospel caused disruption and anger amongst the establishment and resulted in him being killed by a spear - similar to that which touched Jesus. Let us pray: we have all had some questions and doubts, but like Thomas, may we move forward in faith, embracing our mission to build the Kingdom of God.

June 29 & 30, 2024 THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

We know that God listens to our prayers and so with the faith of Jairus and of the woman who reached out to touch the cloak of Jesus, we reach out to God with our needs and the needs of those around the world.

GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

1. For the Church, that we may bring comfort, life, and joy to those who mourn, to those who are suffering and the those who are anxious … we pray to the Lord.

2. That leaders of all countries may work to bring justice and peace to their lands … we pray to the Lord.

3. For our country as we celebrate Independence Day this week, that we live the Christian ideals on which it was founded and remember our dependence on God … we pray to the Lord.

4. For those suffering from chronic illness or illnesses that are difficult to treat, and for all those who care for them … we pray to the Lord.

5. For Mark Alan Leunig, and Jonathan & Nathan Troll, baptized this week, may they always walk in the light of Christ … we pray to the Lord.

6. For Fr. Daniel L. White as welcome him to St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, that we may support and celebrate his gift of service to us … we pray to the Lord.

7. For St. Luke’s Parish family, that we may be conscious of our calling to be people of faith … we pray to the Lord.

8. For those who have died: that they may rejoice in God's love … we pray to the Lord.

9. For the special intentions we hold dear to our heart … we pray to the Lord.

All powerful God, we look to you in our time of need and trust you to keep us in your loving care. Listen to our prayers that we make through your Son and our Lord, Jesus Christ.

June 22 & 23, 2024 Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

We turn now to the God who stilled the waves and calmed the sea, confident that the storms in our lives are no match for the Lord.

General Intercessions
1. For the Church, that we may place our trust in God when we are buffeted by storms that leave us feeling powerless and defeated … we pray to the Lord.

2. For government officials across the world, may God open their hearts and minds to his will for all people to be treated with basic human dignity … we pray to the Lord

3. For those who have lost family, homes, or possessions in storms, tornadoes and other natural disasters; and for those whose lives are in turmoil, who feel that their lives are beset by a never-ending storm, that they may find safety and comfort in God’s soothing care … we pray to the Lord.

4. For those who graduate this week, may they be filled with hope and strengthened to follow their dreams and keep the faith … we pray to the Lord.

5. For our parish family, may the Holy Spirit give us the grace to receive Christ’s help in our struggles … we pray to the Lord.

6. For those who have died; may they rest in the loving embrace of the Father in heaven …we pray to the Lord.

7. For all the intentions we hold silently in our hearts this day … we pray to the Lord.

God of all consolation, you are our refuge from the storm, our protection from danger, our comfort in fear. We place our hope in you. Grant the prayers we make through the one who stilled the seas, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

FAREWELL MESSAGE

Dear cherished Parishioners,
With a heart filled with mixed emotions, I write this farewell message to express my deep gratitude and affection, as I move to another Parish to continue the priestly ministry. It is with a sense of both sadness and excitement that I bid farewell to the beloved parish of St. Luke the Evangelist which has been my home for the past three years.

When I came to this parish of St. Luke the Evangelist in June 2021, I didn’t know what to expect. But from the very first Mass, I knew I would be welcomed into these Parish families. So many of you greeted me with a big smile and warm wishes and I felt welcome.

As I reflect upon my time here, I cannot help but be overwhelmed by the countless blessings and graces that God has bestowed upon me. Throughout my time here, your prayers have been a source of immense strength and support. The knowledge that I was lifted up in prayer by this community has sustained me through both joys and challenges of my ministry.

I am particularly grateful for the trust you place in me during the most intimate moments of your lives. It has been an honor and a privilege to celebrate the Sacraments with you, to witness the baptism of your children and grandchildren, to bless your marriages and to accompany you in times of grief and loss. These sacred moments have deepened my own faith and have enriched my faith in the profound love that God has for each of us.

As I move to another parish, I carry with me the memories and experiences I have shared with all of you. You have left an indelible mark on my heart, and I will forever cherish the relationship we have formed and the moments we have shared.

I am very grateful to you all and may God bless you for your love, care and kindness towards me, and remember “Great things happen when God mixes with us.”

Fr. Sylvester Bioh
Parochial Administrator

June 15 & 16, 2024 Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

With God’s grace we work to build up the kingdom of God in our world. Therefore, we turn now to God with our needs and the needs of our sisters and brothers.

Prayers of the Faithful

1. For the Church, that we may continue to sow the seeds of peace and justice, of love and kindness, and grow the kingdom of God in the world … we pray to the Lord.

2. For the leaders of nations, that their actions will show dedication to the cause of true and lasting peace … we pray to the Lord.

3. For Hudson Craig Moses, baptized this weekend, may he always walk in the light of Christ … we pray to the Lord.

4. For our graduates, that they may learn their true vocation and be given the grace to follow it … we pray to the Lord.

5. For fathers, grandfathers, godfathers and all those who have been like fathers to us in our lives; for the endless love and care they give us; that they know of our respect, appreciation, and love for them … we pray to the Lord.

6. for all of us, that we may nurture the seed of faith planted within us so that we may bear lasting fruit … we pray to the Lord.

7. For those who have died; may they rest in the loving embrace of the Father in heaven … we pray to the Lord.

8. For all the intentions we hold in our hearts today…, let us pray to the Lord.

God of all, you gift us with the seed of faith and entrust us to sow it and nurture it. Hear the prayers we make and grant them according to your will, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

JUNE 8 & 9, 2024 TENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

As sisters and brothers in Christ, we join together to ask God to hear our needs and the needs of the world.

GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

1. For the Church, that with the help of the Holy Spirit, we may better discern God’s will so that we may follow it wholeheartedly and sincerely, making the kingdom increasingly present here on earth … we pray to the Lord.

2. For people of every nation, that they may find constructive and creative ways to settle disagreements and choose to refrain from anger or hurtful criticism … we pray to the Lord.

3. For immigrants, refugees, and travelers; for those who have no home, or whose home is unsafe, unhealthy, or unstable, that their difficulties may be overcome and their dreams and aspirations realized … we pray to the Lord.

4. For unity among Christians, that all who do God's will as Jesus commanded in today's Gospel may recognize that we are all members of Christ's family … we pray to the Lord.

5. For those who have died: that they may know eternal peace and joy in the kingdom of heaven … we pray to the Lord.

6. For the special intentions we hold dear to our hearts … we pray to the Lord.

God or mercy and redemption, you show us the way to live. Guide us to show mercy to our sisters and brother and redeem them by our forgiveness. Grant this and all our prayers, through the one who showed us the way, your son and our Lord, Jesus Christ.

June 1 & 2, 2024 The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

As the body of Christ, we express our needs and those of our sisters and brothers and call upon the name of the Lord.

General Intercessions

1. For the Church, that we may be nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ, and that the reception of the Eucharist may lead us to manifest ever more strongly the presence of Christ to others … We pray to the Lord.

2. For all elected officials in government, may their leadership bring peace to our world and justice to all those in need … We pray to the Lord.

3. For those who regularly go hungry and thirsty, that the nations and peoples of the world work together to feed them and meet all their basic needs … We pray to the Lord.

4. For all who grow, harvest, and process the grain and grapes that are made into the bread and wine, that they may be blessed in their work … We pray to the Lord.

5. That the nourishment we receive from the Eucharist today may energize us as we reach out to those who need shelter, clothing, or nourishment themselves … We pray to the Lord.

6. For those who have died, may they rest in the loving embrace of God the Father … We pray to the Lord.

7. For the intentions closest to our minds and hearts … We pray to the Lord.

Bountiful God, you have blessed us with the fruits of creation for us to share and delight in. You blessed us with your Son, who sacrificed his Body and Blood for our redemption. Bless us now with your attention to our prayers, which we make in the name of Jesus Christ our Risen Lord.

Today, June 1st, we celebrate the feast day of St. Justin Martyr, also known as Justin the Philosopher. Justin converted to Christianity at the age of 30after reading the Scriptures and witnessing the heroism and faith of the martyrs. He used his philosophical and oratorical skills to publicly debate with pagans and defend his new faith. He became one of the first great Christian apologists and later opened a school of public debate in Rome, Italy. Of course, this high profile Christianity, along with his strict adherence to the faith brought him to the attention of the authorities, and he was beheaded in 165, dying as a martyr. He is the patron saint of apologists, philosophers, and lecturers. Let us pray that, like St. Justin, we apply ourselves to studying the scriptures, reading the lives of the saints, and defending our faith - publicly and privately - so that we may grow stronger in the Truth and more like Christ each day.

Today, May 31, we celebrate Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin which commemorates Mary's visit to her cousin, Elizabeth, which we read about in the Gospel of Luke 1:39-45, This painting (by Jen Norton- available through the Sacred Art Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ). " depicts Mary traveling toward Elizabeth in the hill country of Jerusalem. Elizabeth is pregnant with St. John the Baptist, although in her 'sunset years' and Mary comes, bringing the light of dawn and carrying the ark of the New Covenant." When Elizabeth, animated by the Holy Spirit, heard Mary's greeting, she exclaimed, "‬Most Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believe what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."
Let us pray that, like Our Blessed Mother, we go out willingly and without delay to bring the living Gospel, Jesus Christ, to all who need to hear His message and receive His love.

Today, May 30th, we celebrate the feast of St. Joan of Arc, who was born to a peasant family in Champagne, France in the early 15th century. From a young age she heard the voices of St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret speaking to her. One day in 1426, when she was only about 13 years old, in a blaze of light she received a vision in which the saints told her to go to the King of France and help him reconquer his kingdom from the invading forces of England and Burgundy. Though she did not know how to ride or fight, Joan was able to overcome opposition and convince members of the court and of the Church to provide her a small army. Wearing white armor and carrying her own special banner which bore the names of "Jesus" and "Mary" along with a symbol of the Holy Spirit, Joan charged into battle in front of her troops. Wounded by an arrow in her chest, she still won the battle! And due to her leadership and trust in God, Joan was able to raise the siege of Orleans in 1429. She and her army went on to win a series of battles. Because of her efforts, the king was able to enter Rheims and he was crowned with Joan at his side. Joan's popularity did not last; she was regarded with suspicion and jealousy by the court, the Church, and the army. Eventually, she was captured by the forces of Burgundy in May of 1430. When her own king and army did nothing to save her, she was sold to the English, imprisoned for a time and then put on trial. Bishop Peter Cauchon of Beauvais presided over her trial. His hope was that in being harsh with Joan, the English would help him become archbishop. Joan was condemned to death on counts of heresy, witchcraft, and adultery. On May 30, 1431, she was burned at the stake in Rouen, France. She was only 19 years old. Her case was retried thirty years after her death and she was exonerated, though she was not canonized until 1920. She is the patroness of France, captives, soldiers, and those ridiculed for their piety. Let us pray that we might face our daily battles and hardships with the courage that infused St. Joan of Arc.

Spring cleaning, and smiling, even though they were almost stuck; Max, Jeff, and Hunter helped Fr. Hoan with clearing out some furniture and boxes from the attic. Good help is hard to find but we are always looking!

May 29 & 30, 2021 The Most Holy Trinity

Marked by the Holy Spirit as children of God, we call to our Father, Abba, with our needs and the needs of our sisters and brothers.

GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

1. For the Church, that we may proclaim the Good News in word and action, making disciples of all nations … we pray to the Lord.

2. For the leaders of our county, that they may lead this nation to embrace peace, justice, kindness, and generosity for the benefit of all its people … we pray to the Lord.

3. That families everywhere will be renewed in spirit and love for each other … we pray to the Lord.

4. For Avik Sebastian Bhowmick, baptized this weekend, may he always walk in the light of Christ … we pray to the Lord.

5. For those who have died defending our country, that they and their families may find comfort in God’s loving arms and that the sacrifice they made will never be forgotten … we pray to the Lord.

6. For all of us who are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, that we may bear witness to our loving and forgiving God, who is with us always … we pray to the Lord.

7. For those who have died; may they come to enjoy the fullness of life and love in heaven … we pray to the Lord.

8. For those intentions closest to our minds and hearts ....; we pray to the Lord.

God our Father, your Son was made one of us, and your Spirit dwells in us. Hear the prayers of your children whose needs you already know, and grant them in your holy name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

One last look at the church in all red splendor with which we decorated for Pentecost. This weekend, the liturgical color will be white as we celebrate The Most Holy Trinity. Regardless of the color of the decorations, we pray that the Holy Spirit is VERY present!

May 18 & 19, 2024 Pentecost Sunday

Placing our trust in the Holy spirit, who is the Advocate whom Jesus promised, let us address our needs through the Holy Spirit to our Father.

GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

1. That God’s holy Church be renewed by the Holy Spirit, and so continue the work of renewing the face of the earth … we pray to the Lord.

2. For peace in the world, and a new spirit of cooperation and mutual support among nations … we pray to the Lord.

3. For those whose spirit is weakened by depression, grief, or illness, that they may find the hope they need to help them through difficult times … we pray to the Lord.

4. For Lilly Rose Savino, baptized this weekend, may she always walk in the light of Christ … we pray to the Lord.

5. That we may recognize the gifts of the Holy Spirit in ourselves and each other, and that we may encourage and use those gifts to extend peace, mercy, and love to those most in need … we pray to the Lord.

6. For those who have died; may they rest in the loving embrace of the Father in heaven … we pray to the Lord.

7. For those intentions closest to our minds and hearts this day ……. we pray to the Lord.

God of eternal glory, now as always, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. Grant the prayers we make and open our eyes to the presence of the Holy Spirit, renewing our lives and our world, through your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May 11 & 12, 2024 Seventh Sunday of Easter

We lift up our hearts in prayer, knowing that God cares about our needs, for God is love.
General Intercessions
1. For God’s holy Church, that it may continue to grow in unity by breaking down barriers that divide us, so that we may be one in Christ … we pray to the Lord.

2. For those who hold positions of leadership that they may be guided by wisdom and compassion in making decisions and choosing people to implement them … we pray to the Lord.

3. For our mothers, living and deceased, who gave us life and love and in so doing modeled the love God has for us … we pray to the Lord.

4. For those who are troubled and all who are sick or suffering, that knowing that God remains in them may be of consolation during difficult times … we pray to the Lord.

5. For those who recently have celebrated the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion, that they may be living signs of God’s love and grace … we pray to the Lord.

6. For our community, that in our love of God and love of neighbor, we may recognize that we remain in God and God in us … we pray to the Lord.

7. For those who have died; may they rest in the loving embrace of God the Father … we pray to the Lord.

8. For all the intentions we hold silently in our hearts today … we pray to the Lord.

God our Father, consecrate us in your word, for your word is truth. Keep us one, as you and the Son and Holy Spirit are one. And with love grant the prayers we make, for you are love, through our risen and ascended Lord.

Look at the happy faces of our first communicants! With joy, we welcome these four children to the Lord's Table. Graham celebrated the sacrament at St. Patrick Church where Fr. Hoan presided over the Mass. Alexandra, Will, and David celebrated at St. Mary's with Fr. Sly officiating. Let us pray that our newest communicants always feel connected to the Lord, aware of the love, light, and warmth He brings to our lives when we follow Him.

May 4 & 5, 2024 Sixth Sunday of Easter

Out of love for one another, we call to mind the needs of others – of all whom we love and all whom we are called to love – as we seek God’s bountiful grace.

General Intercessions
1. For the Church, that we may be a sign of God’s love to all, so that through our works of kindness and mercy we may demonstrate the way we love one another … we pray to the Lord.

2. That hatred, violence, and division in the world be overcome by love, peace, and cooperation for all … we pray to the Lord.

3. For the gift of friendship, which Jesus gave his disciples, that we may pass it on to those we love and treasure it always … we pray to the Lord.

4. For the children receiving their First Communion this weekend, that they will continue to receive Jesus into their hearts each Sunday, listen to His voice, and remain close to Him throughout their lives … we pray to the Lord.

5. For all gathered this day, may each of us be grateful for the gift of the Eucharist and experience with faith and love this encounter with our Lord Jesus in Holy Communion … we pray to the Lord.

6. For those who have died; that they may enjoy the loving embrace of the Lord for all time … we pray to the Lord.

7. For the special intentions we hold dear to our hearts this day ….. we pray to the Lord.

Loving God, St. John wrote that you are love, as so we know that you are present in the love we give and the love we share. For love of your children, we ask that you grant our needs, inn the name of him who showed us the extent of your love, your Son, Jesus Christ, our risen Savior.

“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”

~ Saint Maximilian Kolbe

This beautiful floral display surrounding Mary is found at St. Lucy Church where the Rosary will be prayed at 3:30pm before the 4:00pm Saturday Mass during this month of May.

May! It’s the month we honor Blessed Mary as the Mother of Jesus and our Heavenly Mother. Historians aren’t certain why May was chosen to honor Mary, but many believe that May being the month when spring is in full bloom has a lot to do with it. During this month, spring–gardens everywhere are coming into bloom: flowers bursting forth, and trees are filling their branches with leaves. This new beginning and new birth in nature reminds us of the life Mary gave to Jesus. Let us pray that amidst the blooms, the warmth and light from the sun, and the example of our Blessed Mother, that we may feel renewed hope and inspiration.

Mary is all around our parish. This photo of Mary is from one of the gardens outside St. Mary Church in Geneseo.