Pastor’s Letter: July 7, 2024

Pastor’s Letter: July 7, 2024

5 Jul 2024 | Posted by: chadmin

Dear St. Philomena Parishioners,

God’s blessing and peace be upon you all! It is with true joy that I begin my time of ministry as pastor and spiritual father for you! Being longtime friends and brothers with Fr. David, I have often visited St. Philomena over the past 18 years. For me, St.  Philomena has been a place of refreshment for days off and a hub of priestly brotherhood.  As most of you know, these last two years St. Philomena has been my home base during my work and travel for the Eucharistic Revival. Recently I was finishing up my last trip and was stuck at airports with multiple delays. At one point I texted Fr. David, “I’m just yearning to get home.” Home. Even in the midst of being tired and a little frustrated, that text message was a joyful gift. The place I wanted to be…the place I was yearning to be…is right here with all of you!

I have moved many times as a priest, having served our Diocese in small towns and rural areas, along with larger parishes and urban settings in Urbana, Bloomington, Rock Island, and downtown Peoria. With a few more assignments in campus ministry at our Newman Centers and the special assignment for the Eucharistic Revival, I certainly have been on the move during these past 21 years. In my prayer for some time, what I have been hoping for the most is a place to stay and truly call home. I am thrilled St. Philomena will be my home now moving forward!

I am honored and humbled that Bishop Lou and Fr. David believe I will be a good next pastor for St. Philomena. Please pray for me, that I will be a faithful pastor and spiritual father who will truly help us continue growing closer together in Christ. I am thankful to have had so many good models of spiritual fatherhood among our Peoria priests. To me a good father is one who provides what is needed, protects with care, and leads the family to the best life possible. This is the kind of father that I will strive to be for you. It is a true joy for my heart to help souls grow and draw deeper in longing for life with God in Heaven. Please pray for me that I will always be a good father.

Times of change are always hard, and I know many are grieving that Fr. David is moving to a new parish. Having moved so many times, I certainly know the grief of missing people we love. Fr David has done tremendous work for the Lord and His people here, and I am thankful for such a firm foundation for us to continue to grow from. Fr. David is my brother and one of my best priest friends, and it brings me joy to know he has been so well loved here. I know he will continue to help me, and as he said, we will continue to be united with him at the altar during Mass. I can think of two great spiritual gifts we can give him: Of course, one is our prayers for his new beginning and for the people there at Epiphany Parish in Normal. Another…to continue to give our best here together, to respond to Our Lord’s graces, and to live our life in Christ more and more faithfully.

From the day I found out I would become pastor for our Parish, I have been reading books on St. Philomena and getting to know our good patroness through prayer.  She truly is an amazing saint of faithfulness, holiness, and courage! Through the intercession of St. Philomena, I am asking the Lord’s blessing on each member of our Parish Family. As we move forward, know that I am already thankful for the blessings of the months and years ahead!

In Christ,

Fr. Luke