March 24, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we begin Holy Week, I invite you to fully enter into this time by attending our liturgies so that the Lord may fill you with the many blessings waiting for those who journey with Him. This weekend we celebrate the Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem and then quickly find the rejoicing of the crowds turning somber as we hear of the Lord’s passion, crying out in the Psalm, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.”

Thursday evening, we are allowed to be present at the Last Supper when the Lord gives us the great gift of His very Body and Blood. After the Last Supper, he asked the Apostles to “stay awake and pray” as He experienced the agony in the Garden. The Apostles fell asleep, but we are invited to remain with Jesus in prayer offering a small consolation to Him who has so frequently consoled us.

On Friday, we stand at the foot of the Cross with the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. John. The Lord freely chooses to suffer and die so that He can pay the punishment for our sins. I encourage you not to work or go to school that day. Not playing video games or binging Netflix, but to quietly and reflectively stand at the foot of the cross and experience the sadness, helplessness and despair of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she watches her son brutally killed.

Holy Saturday we have the greatest Mass of the Year. Moving from the darkness of Friday’s death, led by the light of the paschal candle (just as God guided the Israelites by a pillar of fire to the promised land) into the Church to hear the good news of the Resurrection. Filled with Easter joy we see the fruits of the resurrection’s promise of eternal life manifested in those who will be baptized that night.

I look forward to seeing you throughout this week.

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer

March 17, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This weekend we begin the immediate preparation for the most important days for us as Christians. Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday are the cornerstones of our faith. Yes, Christmas is important, but if Jesus had not died and risen from the dead, Jesus would have just been part of a long line of prophets.

Next weekend we celebrate Palm Sunday with Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. The people will be laying palm branches down in front of him and shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David!” and “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (the Holy, Holy, Holy that we sing at Mass has its origins in this part of the bible).

However, in just a few days, the same people who were thrilled that Jesus was in Jerusalem will be shouting, “Crucify him, Crucify him!”. It might be easy for us to stand back and criticize their lack of faith or the way in which they easily are manipulated. However, it is a call for us to reflect on our own lives. How boldly do we proclaim our faith? Do we share with others that we are Catholic? Do we invite others to join us for Mass or a bible study or to join us in serving the less fortunate? Do we, with love, clearly articulate the teachings of the Church and why it is that we believe what we believe? Do we model keeping the sabbath holy? Do we offer to pray with people when they tell us they are having a difficult time? This week, let us remain faithful to Christ, to proclaim our faith and invite others to come to know the love of Christ.

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer

March 10, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As you heard last weekend at Mass, Bishop Vann has appointed Fr. Mike Rizzo as the administrator of our parish, effective July 1st. Fr. Rizzo currently is serving at Corpus Christi Church as administrator pro-tem. As recently as a week and a half ago, I spoke with parishioners from there who told me how happy they are with Fr. Mike’s ministry as he has brought a lot of life to that community and that he is an excellent preacher.

Fr. Mike is a late vocation, having served as a corporate attorney and been in senior leadership for US Bank and other companies. He was married and his son presently lives with his wife in San Clemente. Before his wife’s death, he was discerning a call to the permanent diaconate, but after her death, he felt called to the priesthood and was ordained in 2020.

Fr. Mike’s first assignment was at my home parish, and I consistently heard good things about him. When my mom was sick, he would regularly go visit her to hear her confession and she spoke about how kind and empathetic he was to her. When I would visit my mom, I would frequently stop by the church to pray and would regularly see Fr. Mike out on the playground with the school kids. Between his administrative skills as well as his priestly zeal, I think he will be an excellent addition to our parish. Fr. Mike will be spending these months caring for the people of Corpus Christi and I will continue to be with you until July. Please keep Fr. Mike in your prayers during this time of transition.

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer