January 14, 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A few people asked me about the job openings that we advertised in the bulletin. As you know, in November we had a reduction in force, with the elimination of a couple of positions in order to be financially solvent. Since then, two additional staff members left us and so we are hiring to replace those two people. The eliminated positions remain eliminated. I appreciate you asking as well as your interest in the financial health of our parish.

Some of you saw my Instagram or Facebook posts about the FOCUS ministries SEEK 24 conference. 20,000+ college students from throughout the county attended this year’s event with excellent speakers, beautiful liturgies and fellowship. We had more than 100 students from our diocese attend and I was blessed to have dinner with them and listen to their stories of faith. We are fortunate that we have FOCUS missionaries at CSUF and UCI as well as a full time priest on each of these campuses.

Some of my reflections about the week were: There was a palpable joyfulness throughout the week, even though many were walking back and forth in 20-30 degree weather; the students were very polite and friendly (even in the morning); that without being told they would all kneel in the stands of the arena or on the main floor (which would not be comfortable) during the Mass and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; hundreds, if not thousands went to confession (and the ones I heard were very well prepared and thoughtful); a desire for traditional and clear teaching on morality and doctrine; a deep love of the Blessed Mother. I left with a great sense of gratitude for this ministry and a sense of hope for the future of the Church.

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer

January 7, 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This Advent and Christmas season have been filled with many blessings. I am grateful for:

All those who attended and/or made hot chocolate for the Noche Guadalupana at the Cathedral. It was wonderful to see thousands of people there to ask the Blessed Mother’s intercession.

Rick Delafield and the members of our choir for the beautiful Noel Night concert. If you missed it, I would recommend trying to come next year. They were also amazing at our Christmas Masses (it was quite a workout for them, and they sounded wonderful throughout all the Masses).

Diane Marshall and the St. Edward School Choir for their beautiful addition to the Noel Night.

So many of you that came to our Advent penance service and the ushers who coordinated

people efficiently into the correct lines for confession. As we are all members of the mystical Body of Christ, when you are in grace, it helps our entire community to be in grace.

Gerry Holbert and those who helped make the Church look so beautiful and festive. I have been touched watching so many children go touch the animals or even try to give baby Jesus a hug.

All our liturgical ministers, many of whom were here for multiple Masses.

Our staff members who went above and beyond in so many ways during these weeks.

The many cards, notes, gifts, meals, baked goods, wine, and bourbon that you so kindly sent to all of us priests.

All who brought friends with you to Mass on Sunday or Christmas. A few of your guests told me that they are planning to start coming regularly to Mass here at St. Edward’s (thanks be to God!).

The Lord has blessed me through all of you—thank you for everything!

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer

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