St. Luke Mosaic Inlay Located in the main lobby of the Cenacle Learning Center
The winged bull (or ox), recognized as the animal of sacrifice, was applied to St. Luke because his Gospel emphasizes the atonement made by Christ's sacrifice of himself on the Cross. The bull (ox) is also synonymous with service and strength, which reminds us as Christians that we should be prepared to sacrifice ourselves in following Christ.
The mosaic for our new building’s entryway is commissioned through The Bethany Group, who worked with the parish when we renovated the Church in 2003. The focus for the piece was inspired from the images carved on the ambo in our Church and Chapel, both of which were carved at the hands of the late John Heckler, a long time parishioner who gave of his time and talent to adorn our worship space.
We are so grateful to have this beautiful work of art set the tone for the entire building and new property, with the gospel image of St. Luke, the Bull or Ox, as the first thing people will see.
As all of the rooms in the new building are named after specific gospel passages from the gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, also attributed to St. Luke, it is most appropriate to welcome parishioners and guests with this reminder of evangelization.
The Catholic Community of St. Luke the Evangelist is a Stewardship Parish. This means that the basic philosophy of the parish community embraces the scriptural teaching that God is the true giver of all things. Because God is so generous, and since human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, we are called to be like God—to be generous with all that God has given to us. Sacred Scripture teaches us that of all that God has given us, we are called to joyfully return a minimum of 10% back to God’s Kingdom of our time, our talent, and our treasure.
John Heckler The late John Heckler was one of our parishioners who understood this teaching and joyfully returned to God a generous portion of his gifts through the sharing of his wood work. Almost all of the wooden altar furniture and sacred art that is in the present church of St. Luke’s was designed and crafted by Mr. John Heckler.