From Our Pastor

From Our Pastor

Dear Folks,

Snow, ice, sleet, and more ice! And maybe more this weekend too?

As I type this, our parish parking lot is an ice rink. I have to give a shoutout to Fr. Dansereau—he’s been out there shoveling and breaking up the ice with an iron digging bar!All but one of the priests joined him in the effort (and that one has a finicky back… so he gets mercy!).

Thanks to all who helped pull off the “bonus Saturday evening Mass at HCA” with just a few hours’ notice, and who got the word out. Attendance last Saturday evening rivaled Christmas Eve—both at the church and the school!

Let me take a moment to give a refresher on the moral obligation of Mass attendance:

First, here is the official text from the Catechism, “The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.”

Second, notice that it all flows from Sunday Mass being the “foundation and confirmation” of all we do. If we truly believe and live this, then everything else falls into place. When we can’t attend Mass due to a serious reason, we miss it—we long for it.

Third, does a snowstorm qualify for “unless excused for a serious reason.” I’m actually grateful that the Church doesn’t try to define every situation, because local circumstances vary. Put simply: if it is dangerous for you to travel to Mass, then neither God nor I, your pastor, want you to endanger your life. That qualifies as a serious reason. However, if you somehow manage to get out to Starbucks or the movie theater… well, sorry: unexcused absence.

Fourth: “illness and care of infants” are specifically mentioned! These are clearly high on the list of legitimate reasons to miss Mass.

Fifth, it also says: “or dispensed by their own pastor.” That’s right—I can legitimately lift the Sunday obligation for you. So my opinion on what constitutes a serious reason actually carries canonical weight!

Sixth, imagine you can’t visit your mom or dad on Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. What do you do? You call to say you’re sorry, and to tell them you love them. So what about the Lord’s Day (Sunday)? If you can’t be there in person, do you do the same with God?

If you can’t make it to Mass due to a serious reason, talk to Him: watch the Mass livestream, pray the Rosary, read the Sunday readings —or do all of these! Just let Jesus know: “I’m thinking of You, I miss You, and I love You.”

pax,

Father John Mosimann

February 1, 2026
Parking Lot Condition

Parking Lot Condition

The parking lot has been plowed, but there are still icy and slushy areas that refreeze at night.  Please use caution in the church parking lot this weekend, and wear appropriate shoes for the parking lot conditions.