The official crest for Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish was designed to be a strong and deliberate emblem signifying the ways that Saint Luke himself—author of Scripture, doctor, historian, and artist—was called to serve God. May we, as members of the parish that bears his name, look to him for guidance as we ask God to work in our lives using the gifts He has given to each of us!
The four Gospel authors are traditionally represented by a different winged figure each: Matthew by a man, Mark by a lion, John by an eagle, and Luke by an ox. In addition to its inherent strength, nobility, and heart, THE OX was the apex sacrifice offered to God in the Old Testament. Luke’s Gospel begins with the duties of Zechariah in the temple... representing Christ’s sacrifice as well as his priesthood. The ox signifies that Christians should be prepared to sacrifice themselves in following Jesus.
The ox is WINGED because Christ commanded us to spread the Good News of the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Since Luke’s strength, courage, and power come from Jesus, He is here in the CIRCLE that represents the Eucharist, as well as Luke’s saintly halo. The circle, with no beginning or end, is the ultimate symbol of unity, as we join together to form this new parish family.
Finally, the SHIELD of Faith represents the Armor of God, our protection.