Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church

Dear Folks,

As today is the feast of Christ the King, expect to holler “Viva!” at Mass as the response whenever I say, “Viva Christo Rey!” And if you are at another Mass, but see me in the parking lot, don’t be afraid to give a shout out for the King of the Universe!

The Kingship of Jesus Christ is not a political slogan to be adopted and formed to our grasping for earthly power. It is precisely the opposite, a submission of our minds and hearts to the divine wisdom of the Lord incarnate! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Ignorance of Jesus is ignorance of everything necessary.

Why do I so often exhort you to take an hour of adoration every week? Because even attending Mass every week without a life of prayer is like going to your own wedding and not knowing the person you are marrying. Having a real, enduring, and profound prayer life means embracing the difficult struggle of prayer.

I leave the rest of this week’s column to St. Alphonsus Ligori:

“Jesus Christ finds means to console a soul that remains with a recollected spirit before the Most Blessed Sacrament, far beyond what the world can do with all its feasts and pastimes. Oh, how sweet a joy it is to remain with faith and tender devotion before an altar, and converse familiarly with Jesus Christ, who is there for the express purpose of listening to and graciously hearing those who pray to him; to ask his pardon for the displeasures which we have caused him; to represent our wants to him, as a friend does to a friend in whom he places all his confidence; to ask him for his graces, for his love, and for his kingdom; but above all, oh, what a heaven it is there to remain making acts of love towards that Lord who is on the very altar praying to the Eternal Father for us, and is there burning with love for us. Indeed that love it is which detains him there, thus hidden and unknown, and where he is even despised by ungrateful souls! But why should we say more? “Taste and see.”

I am so excited that the adoration chapel construction is shaping up! It will be a while before we get the chapel fully decorated, because the sacred furnishings are on order and not expected to be ready until early next year.

But first, we gotta get through Advent which starts next Sunday. This means the return of the Advent Candlelight Masses at 7pm Sunday night Mass. The dates for this are: November 30, December 7, 14, 21, and 28! We will turn down the lights and add more candles and get into the advent (and Christmas) mood!

pax,

Father John Mosimann

Dear Folks,

This past week was the first ever ‘Diocesan W eek of Service’ to highlight and encourage every parish and school in the diocese to serve our brothers and sisters in need. For our part, over 100 bags have arrived filled to the brim with Thanksgiving meal ingredients along with $25 gift cards for turkeys! The Knights of Columbus generously donated more turkeys and brand new coats for those in need! Furthermore, the whole parish/school donated 300+ coats and they are still arriving at the office! I am sure you will read about more diocesan wide events in the Catholic Herald soon!

This Veteran’s Day we hosted the 2nd Annual Mass & Luncheon for Veterans and their families. It falls on the feast of St. Martin of Tours (who was himself a Roman Soldier)! It was a lovely affair complete with music, a visit from the color guard and a lunch of pulled pork and homemade beans, with plenty of dessert! Thank you to the Morton’s, Lara Traylor and Ann Skinner and the many volunteers who generously served our seniors and veterans!

“Triumph of the Heart “

We have arranged a parish screening of the theatrical released movie: “Triumph of the Heart” which came out this fall. Come on Friday, December 5th to HCA for a parish screening at 7pm. There is more info in the bulletin here, so check that out. No tickets are being sold, but if anyone wants to contribute to offset the cost, such would not be refused! BYOP: bring your own popcorn, and snack, but please avoid Cracker Jacks and peanuts!!

pax,

Father John Mosimann

Dear Folks,

Two important diocesan initiatives for us:

1. Diocesan Week of Service begins TODAY! November 9-16th. We join the diocese in putting Love in Actionnthrough Service in Community.Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by the Spiritual and Corporal W orks of Mercy, our parish and ministriesare joining together to bring Christ to our neighbors by serving individuals and families who are most in need—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. From feeding the hungry and visiting the sick, to comforting the sorrowful and praying for the living and the dead, this week calls each of us to live our faith in concrete and compassionate ways.

See Bishop Burbidge’s’ message on our website!

You can be a part of the week of service at St. Mary’s in three ways! 1.Participate in the Coat Drive by donating a new or gently used coat (new mittens/hats too). 2. Feed the hungry and donate to our Thanksgiving Food Drive, (maroon bags are in the narthex and/or donate turkey (W al-Mart gift card) 3. Adopt-a Senior and visit those in area assisted living facilities/homes (program will be launched on 11/16).

All churches in the diocese will be praying together a special prayer after all Masses this week. The prayer is also included on page 14 of the bulletin. I invite you to also pray it as a family in your homes.

2. One of the diocesan long-term initiatives has been to explore the interest in a vocational school. This would be something distinct from the diocesan high schools. The vocational school, would be focused on preparation for work in the trades and of benefit to many young folks who are considering such as an alternative to the common college-bound path. The initial survey from the diocese regarding priorities showed that 94% of respondents enthusiastically supported this idea!

Now the diocese is looking for more input on the best location and model of a vocational program. It could be a post-secondary program, an independent school, or a vocational center of excellence. I believe that there are many families in our parish and region that could benefit from this type of opportunity. There is hope that we will have 200 respondents per parish, and remember that our parish is much bigger than your average bear!

Please consider filling out the survey for the good of our part of the diocese, and for the good of the young men and women who would ultimately benefit from a vocational education that will set them on a path of dignified and fulfilling work!

The survey is available in English or Spanish, here is the link and there is a QR code in the bulletin as well.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CTEVOTECH

pax,

Father John Mosimann