April 28, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On Wednesday we begin the month of May (the time keeps going by more and more quickly). This month is dedicated to the Blessed Mother and in particular, on May 13, 1917 the Blessed Mother appeared to three children (Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta) in Fatima, Portugal. She appeared brighter than the sun, wearing a mantle trimmed in gold and holding a rosary. Remember this was during the time of First World War and she encouraged the praying of the rosary to bring an end to the war. Mary also encourage devotion to the Blessed Trinity when she appeared. The Blessed Mother would continue to make apparitions, with the last being October 13th of that year. Her statement that day was, “I am the Lady of the Rosary, I have come to warn the faithful to amend their lives and ask for pardon for their sins. They must not offend Our Lord any more, for He is already too grievously offended by the sins of men. People must say the Rosary. Let them continue saying it everyday. I would like a chapel built here in my honor. The war will end soon.”

During this time with war in the Holy Land, Ukraine, Sudan and many other places around the world as well as the divisions within our country and even families, this would be an excellent time to start praying the rosary for peace each day. If you don’t have time, consider praying it while you drive to work or listening to it when you take a walk. May our Lady’s intercession help us to have peace in our hearts, our homes and our world.

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer

April 21, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last Sunday a few people asked about the lack of water in the lower part of our baptismal font. We had the water drained in order to prepare for a 3:00 p.m. Mass I celebrated for JSerra High School. Through the wonderful ministry of the sisters, staff, faculty, and students, more than 35 students went through RCIA and received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist and one additional student who had been baptized in another faith became Catholic and received her sacraments. This is a model for Catholic High schools everywhere; the joy and beauty of the faith permeate the culture and are helping many to receive their sacraments.

Yesterday, we also celebrated the sacrament of confirmation for 79 of our young men and women. I am grateful for all those who have helped these students at their Sunday sessions, the retreat, the service projects as well as those who have been praying for our youth. Fr. Aristotle and Mason have been working on our high school youth nights and I am delighted that the number of young people attending has increased 5-fold since October.

This weekend is also Good Shepherd Sunday in which we pray for vocations to the priesthood. Please ask the Lord to give those He is calling to this wonderful life the courage to respond and follow Him.

Lastly, you should have received a few postcards to give to friends or neighbors inviting them to join you for Mass here at St. Edward’s. Your personal invitation may be just what a person is waiting for to rebuild their relationship with the Lord.

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer

April 14, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

During this Easter season, my prayer has been one of remembering with gratitude the many blessings received during Lent and Holy Week. I am grateful for all the liturgical minsters, music ministries, our clergy and staff as well as all who helped with the Soup and Stations, our English and Spanish Lenten mission experiences, our morning of enrichment, all the celebrations of Holy Week and Easter. Countless people spent hours and hours preparing such inspiring celebrations for us. Please know of my deep gratitude.

I am also grateful to all who invited a friend, family member or neighbor to our celebrations. I had the privilege of meeting many newcomers as well as a few that had been away from our parish, and I was edified by the desire of a good number who plan to continue to join us each week at Mass.

I was touched by the number of children and youth that attended the Holy Week services. Seeing some of the kids falling asleep on the floor of Knight Hall on Holy Thursday during adoration reminded me of the Lord’s injunction, “Let the children come to me” and I imagine he was delighted that they were in His presence. By the way, I don’t notice any noise from the kids at Mass, so always bring your children to Mass! You are all very good at taking your children outside or walking them in the back if they get fussy. I would much rather have a church filled with children than a parish that is not showing signs of new life!

Our Easter season continues through Pentecost (May 19th), and I pray that the Lord continues to fill you with Easter joy.

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer