30th Sunday in Ordinary Time – October 29th, 2023
Once again, it may be time to share this story with all of you. This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody
and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it,
but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but No-
body realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could
have.
I am looking for some additional help in marriage preparation here at St Luke’s. This is one of those areas that is not always consistent
in how much time is needed. I remember not long ago that we went a few years without a wedding here at St Luke’s. During that time,
there was nothing going on for those working with the wedding preparation program. Currently I now have 4 couples who are in the
process. This makes it much busier. We currently have 2 mentor couples to work with our couples in formation. Again, if there are no
weddings, there is no problem. However, with 4 wedding couples, it gets a little harder to get everyone through in a timely fashion. It is
hard to say from year to year how many weddings we will have. I would feel more comfortable if we had at least one more mentor cou-
ple to work with our engaged couples. There is some training that is involved. I do have a couple of people in mind that I am thinking of
asking. This is a role that we want the right couple for.
I am also looking for someone (or possibly two people to work together) to work with me as a Wedding Coordinator. It can be reward-
ing to help walk through the process with couples, helping them plan the liturgy and touching base with them along the way. I have
asked Laurie Klaverkamp to put something together, kind of like a job description. I am more than willing to talk to anyone who may
have some interest in this wonderful ministry or the Mentor Couple ministry. I am sure Laurie would be open to fielding questions her-
self too. We do have a couple of people we may be approaching, however, if you are feeling called to this ministry, even if you have a few
questions, contact me. It never hurts to ask questions. Again, we would need someone who could commit to the role and be a t the
weddings that come up, run the rehearsals with me, and help direct the wedding party, etc. It is hard to say here what all is involved,
but again, it really depends on how many weddings are on the books at the time.
Again, these two roles can go from busy to nothing from year to year. If you are interested in helping couples prepare for a Happy and
Holy Marriage, maybe this is the role for you. If I approach and ask you about one of these roles, please bring it to your prayer and see if
maybe the Lord is calling you to this.
I would like to thank all who helped with the Holiday Sale last weekend. I am always impressed with the amount of stuff that comes in;
the hall was full. There are always things left, but I know many things found a new life in a new home.
May the Lord be with all of you as we move into the events of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas (yes, I know the Christmas stuff
will be starting soon if not already). Holy Days of All Saints and All Souls are this coming week. December will be bringin g the events
of Advent, I have about 20 penance services on my calendar already. As busy as things can get, let’s keep remembering to keep the Lord
in the front of our minds and make sure we are making time for Him. After all, that is what Christmas is really about.
Blessings,
Father Backer