December 31, 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The day before I wrote this article the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a new document regarding blessings of people in same sex relationships (or other non-sacramental unions) that has raised a number of questions.  The US bishops’ conference has issued the following statement:

“The Declaration issued today by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) articulated a distinction between liturgical (sacramental) blessings, and pastoral blessings, which may be given to persons who desire God’s loving grace in their lives. The Church’s teaching on marriage has not changed, and this declaration affirms that, while also making an effort to accompany people through the imparting of pastoral blessings because each of us needs God’s healing love and mercy in our lives.” 

This is not a liturgical blessing or ceremony.  From what I have read so far (I have not finished the document) it seems analogous to when people come up to a priest after Mass asking for a blessing.  We don’t know that person’s state of life, but pray that the Lord help them. 

Tomorrow, New Year’s Day, is not a Holy Day of Obligation in our area.  The bishops of the region have dispensed us from the obligation to attend Mass.  However, you are invited and encouraged to come and celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and ask her intercession as we begin the new year.  It is also the World Day of Prayer for Peace.  Please take some time to pray for peace in the world, but especially peace in your heart and your home.  When we are peaceful, we can help others (and eventually society) to be peaceful.  Have a Happy New Year! 

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer

December 24, 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Advent and Christmas this weekend, we recall how much God loves us that He gave us His only Son to be our savior. The Jewish people were expecting the Messiah to be a strong, wealthy, military leader that would free them from the power of the Romans. But Jesus comes as a little baby, born of a poor couple, with no power or connections. Why? If He came as one who is powerful, we would respect him, but also fear him. On the other hand, coming as a poor child, there is nothing to fear, and we are drawn into relationship with him. That is why He came: So that we would enter into a relationship with him so as to experience His love, healing, joy, peace and hope.

Our parish has many opportunities to feel this love of God in our lives. I invite you to look through the rest of the bulletin and prayerfully consider trying one or two of these groups or ministries as a way to learn more about the Lord or to find fulfillment in serving him (and our neighbor).

The most important thing to remember is that God loves you so much that He came down from Heaven to fill your hearts with the sense of being loved, cared for and cherished. St. Edward Parish/San Felipe de Jesus Chapel is here to help you receive these gifts. I hope you will allow us to help you feel God’s love for you each day. Have a Blessed Christmas!

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer

December 17, 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The other day in my prayer, I was filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve here at this parish. The warmth and friendliness that you have shown me has been heartwarming. In prayer I remembered that shortly after I arrived, we had the beautiful Hispanic Heritage Month Mass and dinner with the mariachis from St. Anne Catholic School as well as the cultural dances in the hall. The Memorial Mass at the beginning of November was a time of great healing for many; I was honored to learn about your loved ones who died this past year. The joyfulness and participation of everyone at Thanksgiving Mass was a great blessing. Celebrating Mass with the school is a great joy and am impressed with their singing participation. Added to that have been a number of meetings with a variety of groups doing wonderful things. Thank you to all who have made these events and gatherings so successful.

Many of you have shared with me your prayerful discernment these past weeks about what you are giving to God in the Sunday collection—you are very prayerful people! I am deeply grateful to all of you who spent time in prayer over these weeks as well as for your ongoing generosity.

Please invite family members and friends to join you at Mass this Christmas. This may be an opportunity for God’s grace to touch them and bring them into closer relationship to Him. Again, know how grateful I am to be able to be with you these months!

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer