May 12, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

These weekends I miss seeing all of you at or after Mass. The month of May is the busy season for the celebration of confirmation. Most weekends I have two confirmations Masses on Saturday and two on Sunday.

A few people have asked about what is involved with the confirmation Mass. Generally, I spend 2-3 hours reading the letters the students write me. Most of the time they inspre me by sharing what the Lord has done in their life over the past two years, which I incorporate into the homily. Sometimes, they express depression, suicidal ideation, a lack of faith (usually due to the death of a family member or what they are taught in public school). In these cases, I take a picture of the letter and ask that the priest meet with the family to ensure they get the proper help and/or have their doubts clarified. My thought is that if a young adult tells the Church they are thinking of suicide and we don’t respond, it reinforces the idea that their life does not have value.

For a 5:00 p.m. Mass, I usually leave between 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. so that my MC can meet with the servers, we can set up the books, clarify any doubts and start on time. After the Mass, we have time for pictures, followed by a meal with the clergy (and sometimes the team). I am usually home at 9:30 or 10:00 p.m. I am consistently inspired by these celebrations, but if I am slow to respond to your email or call, please be patient. I look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks.

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer

May 5, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Shortly after I arrived at St. Edward’s Tom Waszak, our school principal shared with me that he had been discerning for many months about his future and felt that the Lord was calling him to serve in a different capacity. I am grateful for Mr. Waszak’s leadership over these years and wish him well in his new ministry. After reviewing a number of excellent candidates, I am delighted to share with you that Mrs. Suzanne Edwards will be joining us as our principal.

Mrs. Edwards served as the Principal at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Elementary School in Walnut Creek, California, for nine years. During that time, she also served the Roman Catholic Bishop Welfare Corporation in Oakland, California, in two roles. As Preschool Director for the Department of Catholic Schools, Mrs. Edwards had the responsibility of overseeing Diocesan preschools and helping to grow new preschools. As the Principal Representative for Technology, she helped to implement new technologies in Diocesan schools.

From 2016-2023, Mrs. Edwards worked at Dulwich College International in Shanghai-Pudong, China, a large, top-ranked International Baccalaureate school that serves students from preschool through high school. At Dulwich, she served in various positions, most recently as Head of Learning Support for the middle school and high school.

Last year, Mrs. Edwards was appointed Principal of the Lower School at St. Serra Catholic School in Santa Margarita .

Mrs. Edwards is an alumnus of Santa Margarita Catholic High School. She has an Administrative Credential and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She has a Master’s Degree in the Art of Teaching Leadership from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California.

Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Edwards to our parish community.

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer

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