First Friday Mass attendance at St. Luke Parish in Long Valley has doubled during the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, thanks to an influx of visitors from near and far who have intentionally made more time for God in their busy lives.
These Catholics are visiting St. Luke’s, nestled in the Long Valley neighborhood of Washington Township, because the Paterson Diocese has designated it as one of five holy sites for local Catholics to visit in this Jubilee year, which the Universal Church is celebrating.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney invites the faithful to walk, pray, and share fellowship with him and other believers during a pilgrimage and visit to St. Luke’s on Sunday, June 29, the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul. They can join a 5 p.m. pilgrimage, followed by a 6 p.m. Mass with Bishop Sweeney, outdoors, weather permitting, or in the church, which has a new roof thanks to the generosity of parishioners.
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The event will end with a fellowship meal at St. Luke’s, organized by the Long Valley Knights of Columbus, Council 10419.
“St. Luke’s is a wonderful community of people worshiping our loving God in the beautiful countryside — surrounded by stables, open fields with running horses, and farms that attract many visitors. All of this creates a peaceful environment that people truly appreciate,” said Father Michael Szwarc, the pastor of the parish at 265 West Mill Rd. “Visiting St. Luke’s will be like a pilgrimage to Rome. You can receive a special blessing and grow in faith this holy year.”
The faithful can pray, worship, and appreciate the sacred beauty of St. Luke’s, situated in the western part of the diocese. They also can receive a plenary indulgence for themselves or their loved ones — a special blessing the Church grants for this holy year. For more information, visit: https://files.ecatholic.com/5303/documents/2025/1/a%20word%20about%20indulgences.pdf?t=1738348924000
The St. Luke’s Jubilee celebration on June 29 will be the third of five one-day pilgrimages the diocese has undertaken to each holy site during the holy year. The others are as follows:
- Saturday, July 25, the Feast of St. James: St. James the Greater, 75 River Rd. (CR 521) in Montague (north). 9 a.m. pilgrimage; 10 a.m. Mass with Bishop Sweeney, followed by light refreshments.
- Aug. 17, the Feast of St. Bernard: St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, 22 St. Bernard Rd., Mount Hope, Rockaway Township (center). 9:30 a.m. pilgrimage; 10:30 a.m. Mass with Bishop Sweeney, followed by a barbeque.
Previous one-day pilgrimages with Bishop Sweeney were held at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson (east) and the Shrine of St. Joseph in the Stirling neighborhood of Long Hill Township (south).
All of these holy sites are available throughout the Jubilee year for visits by the faithful, who can attend their services during the week.
At St. Luke’s, the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament begins after 9 a.m. Mass on First Fridays and continues until noon. At 11 a.m., Deacon Bill DeVizio leads a time of adoration with reflections, concluding with Benediction at noon. Father Szwarc hears confessions after the Mass from many worshippers.
“People are happy to visit St. Luke’s. It’s beautiful to see them make the extra effort to come to a different church as pilgrims of hope. They are making time for God in their busy lives — and, if they fulfill the usual conditions, may receive a plenary indulgence,” Father Szwarc said.
Because each of the three holy sites will provide food for their pilgrimages, please register here.
