James: Pearls for Wise Living Bible Study

Looking for an anchor to hold you steady through the storms of life? Want the secret to finding joy in the midst of trials? Interested in learning to recognize the source of discord and the way to peace? James, one of the most practical books of the Bible, is a collection of teachings on issues faced by ordinary Christians in everyday life.

In James: Pearls for Wise Living, Jeff Cavins shows how the teachings of James speak to those of us who feel torn between the competing demands of this world and our faith. Meant to help a fledgling Church live out its faith in the face of persecution and a worldview opposed to the gospel, the book of James will help you discover wisdom you can apply to the present.

When: Beginning Saturday, July 13th at 7:00am and meeting every Saturday for eight weeks.

Where: St. Luke's Meeting Room

For more information, contact Randy Gomez at 515-822-8354 or rjgomez1@yahoo.com.

To register, visit: https://bit.ly/4bPmYTq

Pater et Filius Father/Son Program

We are excited to begin a new Father/Son program called Pater et Filius for the 2024/2025 School Year. This is replacing the Conquest program and is designed for boys K-8 with their fathers.

The goal of this program will be to expand upon the Education in Virtue series administered through the school/parish and is an opportunity to explore the Virtues and Saints while cultivating Father/Son fellowship through outings and activities.  

Learn more and register here today!

Note: Registration closes on July 31st.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a method of religious formation for children 0-12 years of age. This year we will have level 1 CGS (ages 3-6). CGS is based upon the belief that the child has a unique relationship with God that is fostered in a prepared environment, called an atrium, with developmentally appropriate materials and a prepared adult, the catechist. CGS is deeply rooted in the Bible, Church liturgy, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori.

Click here to learn more and register.

Living Like the Saints

During the month of July, we are guided by Sts. Louie and Zelie Martin as we Pray, Learn, and Serve!



The Martin’s were a devout Catholic Couple from France. They were married on July 12, 1858 which is also their feast day!

They are the first married couple to be canonized together which occurred on, on October 18, 2015 by Pope Francis.

You may know them as the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux – enjoy this short film from Ascension Press here:

https://media.ascensionpress.com/video/sts-louis-and-zelie-martin-animated-short-film/

We invite you to pray St. Louis’ favorite bible verse, daily as a family:

“Do not be afraid Abraham,

I am your shield, your very great reward.”

Genesis 15:1

To learn more about Sts. Louie and Zelie and to view the Living Like the Saints July Handout, click here.

Now Open- 2024 Religious Education Registration

We are excited to announce that we have two options for Religious Education this year!

· Traditional RE classes or for confirmation classes - Register here

· Family Faith RE K-8 program - limited spots - Register here

Note: Our parish celebrates First Communion in second grade. In order to celebrate First Communion, the second grader must have consistent attendance in the first and second year of RE class and have celebrated first Reconciliation

Family Faith Formation!

At the Parish: Parents attend a monthly workshop, where they learn through teaching, discussion, and activities.

At Home: Parents teach their children with clearly designed lessons and activities that involve the whole family.

In Community: Families come together for enjoyable events, such as picnics, feast day celebrations, and activities.

Contact Mary Jo Schechinger at maryjo.schechinger@slte.org with questions or click here for more information

Fireworks on the Hill

St. Luke’s will have Fireworks on the Hill again this year. July 14th at 8pm we will be setting out to watch the Ankeny fireworks that begin at 9pm. Bring your lawn chair, blankets, and coolers and enjoy the show. The facilities will be open to use the restrooms.

Lights will go off at 8:50pm.

St. Luke's & OLIH Iowa Cubs Faith & Family Day

Join St. Luke's and OLIH on July 28th at 1:08PM for Faith & Family Day at the Iowa Cubs game! The deadline to request tickets is July 20th. Tickets are $9 each and payment can be submitted to St. Luke's Venmo @StLuketheEvangelist or by check (please make checks out to St. Luke's). Checks can be dropped off at either church.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Please contact Ellyn Cottingham (ellyn.cottingham@gmail.com) or Melissa Stewart (melissalynnstone@gmail.com) with questions. 

Oxtoberfest Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Are you a business owner, or know a business owner that is looking for a great way to advertise/grow a business? Do you know that the St. Luke's family is made up of over 850 families that love to support the businesses of their fellow parishioners?

If this sounds appealing to you, here is the perfect opportunity to grow your business and support the Church that you love; the St. Luke's Oxtoberfest Committee is currently accepting sponsorship donations for our upcoming Oxtoberfest Parish Fundraiser!

To learn more and take advantage of these sponsorship opportunities, click here or contact Nick Rahe in the parish office at nick.rahe@slte.org.

Thank you for your generous support of St. Luke's!

St. Martin de Porres Sign Display

The included picture is the banner signed by St. Luke’s parishioners proudly displayed at the St. Martin de Porres parish in Ghana. God Bless our Sister Parish Relationship!

Our Lady's Little Learners Preschool

Do you know Ankeny has a Catholic Preschool? St. Luke's partner preschool is Our Lady’s Little Learners (OLLL) – many of our students continue on to be Longhorns! OLLL is a fully licensed preschool that prepares your child for kindergarten in an environment of God’s love. We still have a few openings this fall in our classes:  3-year-old, 4-year-old and transitional kindergarten (T-K). If you are interested in enrolling for the 2024-2025 school year, please contact the OLLL director, Kathy Bovee, at kathy@olih.org, 515-784-0124 or stop in to OLIH to chat in person. If you are looking forward to 2025-2026, it is never too early to be put on a mailing list to receive a reminder for next January’s registration; OLIH and St. Luke's families have priority when registering. The OLLL director, Kathy Bovee, will be at Masses on the weekend of July 20^th. Stop by afterwards to chat, pick up a pamphlet or share your email.

OLIH Rummage Sale

Start saving the ‘good stuff’ —plans are underway for the annual OLIH Rummage Sale, July 25-27.

Want to help with sorting, displaying unloading, cleaning up? Give us a call, 515-964-3038. Find a place to help out and sign up online.

Items can be dropped off July 21 & 22. Here is a list of items NOT accepted.

Christ Our Life Catholic Conference Save the Date

You Are Invited!

Please join us September 28-29th at Wells Fargo Arena for a weekend of faith sharing, faith building and praise as we listen and learn from world-class speakers, renowned Catholic exhibitors and most importantly, share the sacraments.

Tickets are available now at:

https://givebutter.com/COL2024