Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church

Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Musicam; Eminentissimum Joseph Ciskanic Venit!

Ok, I stole the announcement idea from papal elections and the Latin is not on point, but it translates to: I announce to you a great joy: We have Music; The Most Eminent Joseph Ciskanic is coming!

Joseph is currently working at St. Patrick’s, and will finish out the school year there. He will start here July 1st, so until then we will try to maintain our high standards of music with organists and cantors at Sunday Masses. Thank you to all who serve in our music ministry so generously. There may be an occasion where we have to recite the psalm, but I am excited that we were able to so capably fill David’s position so quickly!

A congratulations to all of our newly Confirmed Catholics this past Friday and Saturday. In this Sacrament, our young men and women have been anointed with the Holy Spirit who gives them special strength to spread and defend the Faith. The very word “Christian” means “anointed” and derives from Christ Himself whom God anointed with the Holy Spirit. What a privilege and responsibility to bear the very name of Christ.

I look forward to great things from these young men and women! A thanks to our own Bishop Loverde and Archbishop Broglio who were the celebrants of the three Confirmation Masses! A special thank you to our catechists, aides, teachers, parents and our Youth Ministry Team of Tatiana and Catie who give of themselves so generously to teach and instill a love of our Lord and to all those working behind the scenes to support our beautiful liturgies and receptions, from our sacristans, ushers, lectors, parking lot assistants, to the parish life committee. Our volunteers are a tremendous blessing. May God bless you

pax,

Father John Mosimann

I recall one convert saying in OCIA classes, “Grace is God giving us what we don’t deserve. Mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve.” I like the simplicity of that definition. The Feast of Divine Mercy is about letting God love you.

The Diary of St. Faustina is infused at every entry with the Lord asking her to invite souls to draw near to His mercy. “Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet (699). My mercy is greater than your sins, and those of the entire world (1485).”

With the help of quotes from St. Faustina, here are 3 steps to letting God love you a little more each day:

1. Ask for His mercy:

“Souls that make an appeal to My mercy delight Me. To such souls I grant even more graces than they ask. I cannot punish even the greatest sinner if he makes an appeal to My compassion (1146).”

2. Be merciful to others:

“I demand from you deeds of mercy which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to your neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to excuse yourself from it…. (742)”

3. Trust in His mercy:

“The graces of My mercy are drawn by means of one vessel only, and that is – trust. The more a soul trusts, the more it will receive (1578).”

Let God love you more today than yesterday. Every day.

Also, it is with sadness, but trust in the Lord that today we bid adieu to David Uschold. I am so grateful to the professionalism, artistry, wisdom and talent that he brought to his service as Director of Music. As parishioners have likely figured out, the relationship between pastor and music director is one of the most critical relationships to parish life. I have been blessed to work with him since 2017! David has earned all of the accolades that can be expressed and more! Please read his beautiful note in today’s bulletin, and keep him in your prayers of thanksgiving.

pax,

Father John Mosimann

 

 

Happy Easter! Christ is risen, just as He said! Behold, I make all things new!

Easter is the great feast of Christ making all things new through His suffering, death, and resurrection! There is an amazing second century homily for Holy Saturday, that I hope all Catholics have read, at least once! It so beautifully describes the silence of Holy Saturday, which today gives way to the glorious triumph of the resurrection. I share with you these words from the end of said homily:

“I slept on the cross and a sword pierced my side, for you, who slept in paradise and brought forth Eve from your side. My side healed the pain of your side; my sleep will release you from your sleep in Hades; my sword has checked the sword which was turned against you.

But arise, let us go hence. The enemy brought you out of the land of paradise; I will reinstate you, no longer in paradise, but on the throne of heaven. I denied you the tree of life, which was a figure, but now I myself am united to you, I who am life. I posted the cherubim to guard you as they would slaves; now I make the cherubim worship you as they would God.

The cherubim throne has been prepared, the bearers are ready and waiting, the bridal chamber is in order, the food is provided, the everlasting houses and rooms are in readiness; the treasures of good things have been opened; the kingdom of heaven has been prepared before the ages.”

Want to read the rest? Here is a shortened link to the Vatican website tinyurl.com/4yc5jkzj

Everything is found in this feast, where Christ triumphs over death, sin, disease, and fear. I wish you a blessed day with your family!

Peace and love,

Father John Mosimann