The Parish Council of Ministries
Religious Education Programs
First Sacraments
Confirmation
Baptism
Marriage
Notre Dame Schools
Day Care
RCIA
Adult Education
Soup Kitchen
Liturgical Music
Funerals
Al-Anon & A.A. Services
Welcome Brunch
Religious Articles Store
Softball Team
Welcome Committee
The Parish Council of Ministries
The Council of Ministries continues the more than twenty year tradition of parish
involvement in the operation of our parish community. Our present Council operates with
various committees that represent the variety of activities held within the parish and the
ministries offered. This would include committees on Religious Education, Catholic Schools,
Liturgy, Social Justice, Development and Finance. The monthly Council meeting are open
to all parish members and you are always welcomed to be involved.
Religious Education Programs
Our Religious Education program conducts programs of study, worship and involvement for
all students in our parish. Students in Pre-School through Grade 8 are welcomed to our
Sunday morning program.
Sunday sessions are offered at 8:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and again at 11:30 a.m. Registration for
each session is required in advance. Since space is limited at each session, those who apply
first receive first preference in their assignment to class times.
High School Students are also expected to attend programs of study and involvement in
our parish. A regular schedule of sessions for high school students is presented each year
and parents are asked to asure the cooperation of their students.
Parents are reminded that it is a serious obligation in Faith to assure the religious
formation and education of one's children. We wish to support you in this vital obligation
through out programs.
The First Sacraments Program
This program serves those families who hava a child preparing for First Reconciliation and
First Eucharist. To be enrolled in this program a student must have already completed at
least the PRIOR YEAR of religious education in an approved program of study.
All students, regardless of the school they attend, are required to registr and participate in
the parish program of preparation for these sacramrnts. This includes those attending
Catholic Schools.
Parents are required to attend at least three educational seminars presented through our
Religious Formation Program in preparation for their child's receiving of Confession and / or
Holy Communion. All families, including the students, are also required to attend prayer
experiences provided by the parish.
Registration for this Program is held each September
The Confirmation Program
Our parish offers the program of preparation for Confirmation each year. It is a two year
program of study in the sense that tudents are required to be in an approved program at
least one year immediately prior to the year of intensive preparation known as the
"Confirmation Year".
This program involves the student in education, prayer and ministry as indicative of their
desire to be fully-initiated into the Church Community.
Parents, too, are involved in this process through three parental gatherings which help to
foster and awareness of the meaning of this Sacrament and the meaning of adult life in the
church.
The Bishop of the Diocese is the ordinary celebrant of the Sacrament of Confirmation held
each Fall in the Church.
Registration for this program is held each September
The Sacrament of Baptism
It is a joy for the entire Church Community to celebrate the gift of new life in the Sacrament
of Baptism. Indeed, it is the desire and hope of the Church that all should be welcomed into
the family of God in the most meaningful manner possible.
For this reason, the Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated in our parish within the weekend
liturgy.
Baptism is celebrated on the First Saturday of each month during the 5:30 p.m. Mass, it is
also celebrated on the third Sunday of the month during the 11:30 a.m. Liturgy.
All those presenting children for Baptism are required to be properly prepared. This is
accomplished by participation in the Pre-Baptismal Classes offered at the parish.
Godparents should also attend if they reside within 50 miles.
Please make your reservation for class well in advance.
The Sacrament of Marriage
The Church desires to support you in your hopes for a wonderful and sacred marriage
celebration. To this end we have prepared guidelines which will answer many questions
and help to focus your first meeting with the priest. Please contact the Church for these
guidelines prior to planning an appointment with the priest.
Very often our church is booked on dates more than one year in advance. Thus, discussions
with the church prior to making any firm date--or other commitments is highly
recommended. No date for marriage can be guaranteed until all necessary paper work is
completed. This is the Policy of the Diocese of Scranton.
Since Marriage is much more than a social occasion--it is a Sacrament, we ask that you be
most mindful of the special nature of this event in your planning. care should be given to
reflect the spiritual nature of one's marriage and marriage day.
Notre Dame Schools
The Church of Saint Luke, in cooperation with other area Catholic parishes, sponsors Notre
Dame Catholic Schools. Included in this offering are a Montessori Pre-School,
Kindergarten, Elementary School and a Junior-Senior High School. These programs are
fully accredited through the Diocese of Scranton, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and
the Middle States Association of Schools.
Tuition is paid directly to the schools, financial assistance is offered through the parish as
well as the school.
Please contact the Principals for further information.
Notre Dame Elementary School
Sister Mary Alice Kane, Principal. . . . . . .421-3651
Notre Dame Junior-Senior High School
Mr. Jeff Lyons, Principal . . . . . . . . . . . . . .421-0466
Day Care at Saint Luke's
Our Church is proud to sponsor one of the foremost programs of Day Care in our County.
The Center is operated daily in the Father Barrett Center. Services are offered weekdays
from 6:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. by a highly qualified staff under the supervision of a highly
dedicated staff.
Students are accepted in our Center from the age of two months through school ages. A full
"After School Program" is also offered. Please visit the center or contact the Director for a
tour and information.
Linda Spalluto, Acting Director
After School Care
Programs are offered each day in our Day Care Center. Elementary school students
accepted. Please contact Linda Spalluto at 421-9097.
The RCIA--The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
This program is intended for those who wish to come into full communion with the Catholic
Faith. It is also a program intended for those who have not received the Sacrament of
Confirmation and are not adults. Those also who have been away from the Church may
gain from this process of learning, praying and sharing.
The program usually begins each September and continues through Easter--when
candidates are accepted into the Church during the Great Easter Vigil Mass.
For further information, please contact our church offices.
RCIA Sponsor Program
Candidates who wish to enter into the Church are often in need of a caring individual or
family who wish to assist them. If you would like to consider helping a candidate by
attending Mass with them, sharing with them in their preparation or just supporting them
with prayer, please contact the parish office.
Adult Education Sessions
During the course of the year our Church offers a variety of programs for adults. This
process of adult education is essential if we are to expand our understanding of the Faith we
share.
Programs are offered weekdays both in the morning and in the evening to assist all in
attending.
Topics include the Sacraments, Church History, Scripture study and more. Watch our
bulletin for announcements. Sessions are always offered during Lent and Advent. Please
try to join us at least once a year!
SOUP KITCHEN
In a continuing effort to serve our community, St. Luke's has operated a
Soup Kitchen for the past 10 years which provides a free meal each
Saturday in the Joseph Jacques Family Center at
1:00pm .This ministry is staffed by parishioners and is open to anyone in
need.
LITURGICAL MUSIC
Among the most vital of our responsibilities as a community of Faith is sharing in worship
with one another. Our Sunday celebration--the Mass, is best celebrated when we all
participate. Our Sunday celebrations are enhanced by your singing and serving as a Cantor
or by volunteering if you play an instrument to help in our liturgy. Call our office to
volunteer.
Paul Graham, Director of Music
OUR CHURCH CHOIR
Our Church Choir is composed of more than 25 members, men and women who seek to
make a contribution to the life of our church. Our Choir serves at special parish functions
and traditional holyday services such as Christmas and Easter.
Our Choir also serves at Mass on a regular basis throughout the year. Choir practice is held
on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. from September through May.
Michael Yasenchock, Director of Choir
Funeral Services
Among the most difficult times in one's life are those which involve the death of a loved one.
At these moments the Church wishes to be of assistance and support.
Funerals are best planned with the Church in advance. We encourage you as an individual
or a family unit to visit the Church and begin the process of planning a funeral service most
appropriate to your needs and desires.
Such planning would involve selection of the style for one's funeral--in church or at a
funeral home; a mass or service of the word, a viewing in the church and music selections as
well as planning for a luncheon after the service.
St. Luke's offers to all its members in good standing a free luncheon following the funeral
mass.
At our parish there is no charge made for our funeral services. We are most hopeful that
you have planned in your estate in advance for a proper gift to the church in your memory.
At the time of a death, please contact the Church. Do not make any arrangements with a
funeral director regarding a day or time for a service without having spoken to the Pastor or
his representative.
Al-Anon and A.A. Services
Our church welcomes many groups to help those in need. For those adversly affected by
alcohol we host an AL-Anon Group each Friday evening of the year. This group meets at 7
p.m. in the Fr. Barrett Center.
Services for those who wish to join A.A. are also available.
Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 424-8532.
The Welcome Brunch
The "Welcome Brunch" is an opportunity for us to meet and officially give welcome to those
who join our parish community. About four Sundays a year we host new members with a
great brunch following the 11:30 a.m. Liturgy.
New members and the entire family--children too, are welcomed. The brunch, of course, is
offered free to all.
Please Watch the bulletin for the next Welcome Brunch
Religious Articles and Gifts
Our Church has available in the lower level of the Barrett Center a full array of religious
articles for your purchase and gift giving. Our shop maintains a selection of bibles, books,
rosary beads, medals and gifts. The shop is open during normal business hours weekdays.
Church Softball Team
Our Church joins with other religious communities each Spring in the Monroe County
Church Softball League. Please watch for the announcements about our team each Spring
in the bulletin. We welcome any member to join us.
The Welcome Committee
Our Church desires to extend a special sign of welcome to all who enter the Church--both
members and guests. To this end we have established a group known as the "Greeters".
They greet persons entering the church with a "hello and welcome". They are also available
should someone need assistance or ask a questions.
