Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church

Dear Folks,

Thank you for your gracious support of the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal. We hit our annual goal with more than $400k pledged to supporting so many excellent causes, of which the first in my mind is the training of future priests. I know that some folks are still sending in pledges, as we always like as many families as possible to participate. Thank you for your generosity!

Do you ever read the accounts in the scriptures and wonder why we don’t regularly see such miraculous happenings? I usually think of two possible reasons: God doesn’t want it or we don’t want it. Why would God not want such miraculous events to be an everyday occurrence? Miracles are given to bolster our faith. When God intervenes in the natural order it is done for our benefit, so that we might believe in His Son. Consistently in the Scriptures, miracles lead to professions of faith in Christ as the Messiah. Our Lord also says to “Doubting Thomas” after the resurrection, “Blessed are those who believe and do not see.” This is because it is more difficult to believe without being an eyewitness. One possibility is that we don’t regularly see miracles because God is blessing us and strengthening our faith in this mature way.

The other possibility is that God is desiring but we are not open to the gifts He wants to give us. God never shoves his love down our throat, and if he is ignored and left on the fringes, He will not do parlor tricks to get our attention. The recipients of the miracles in the Gospel are really striving to know Him. They are opening holes in roofs to be lowered down in front of Him, pressing through crowds just to touch the hem of His garment. What can we do? Ask for miracles, long for them, and seek God with more fervor. That longing, striving, and overcoming difficulty is a great expression of faith. However, it runs counter to our immediate gratification culture, and we are tempted to give up. Know that God is with you, and never give up. His love endures forever.

And know that miracles do happen. I know a priest who after anointing someone in an airport got a letter from the cop on the scene who said, “I don’t know what you did, but I know that guy was dead before you did it, and then he came back to life.” I know of people who have been healed of illness. But most of all I know of many souls brought back to God by the forgiveness of their sins. I certainly long for more miracles, but unfortunately I can’t say why they don’t happen in specific cases. I just hope that our faith is sufficient that the Lord can work in, through, and for each of us as He truly desires.

pax,

Father Mosimann

Prayers and Squares Ministry is pleased to announce we will again be accepting quilt requests for those parishioners with serious illnesses.

Due to health concerns quilts will not be available at the church.  The Legion of Mary will be saying the prayers and a member of the Ministry will be tying the knots.  The fully tied quilt representing the prayers will be cleaned and sealed in a plastic bag before taking it to the office for pick-up.

Request forms are available at the parish office or requested from Dian Epp at dbepp65@outlook.com.

Dear Folks,

Are you truly happy? It seems that very few of us have used the copious time the pandemic granted to accomplish the things we hoped we might. I am curious, because I heard of a priest who asked his 6th graders this question, and they replied that “it is not possible to be perfectly happy…” with one exception. Only one child made reference to Christ, and responded with a resounding “ yes.”’ What would make you happy? If your answer to that is anything other than one word, you need to reexamine.

I like technology, and computers, and Blu-Ray, and games, and skiing, and golf, and I never cease to be amazed that I can always fill up my Amazon Wish List. No matter how many things come off of it and into my little hands, there is always more going up. Gifts are great, and a lovely expression of our affection for one another. But, I really want to be truly happy and the only wish list that really matters has only one word on it: “Jesus.”

Speaking of gifts, these next couple Saturdays, we will have several more weekends of First Holy Communions. I remember with joy the excitement my special day, and even where I sat in the church for the Mass (3rd row on the left side of main aisle). I also remember how many of my friends were talking about how much money they would get. However, as the 7th of 8 children, I knew that I would not rake in as much cash as my friends were bragging about. But that did make me think about what I really wanted, and I remember a pious thought that all that really matters is Jesus.

My prayer this week for our children is that they will truly be happy and that they will know that happiness in the person of Jesus Christ, whom they can receive at any Catholic Mass every single day. Money and gifts will come and go, but Jesus is forever. Please join me this week in praying for our First Communicants.

pax,

Fr. John Mosimann

Are you an adult who was never confirmed? We are hosting classes for you! Receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a profound way – THIS Pentecost! Attend a four- class series taught by Fr. Sina, beginning Thursday, April 29th 7pm-8pm and continuing May 6, 13, 20. Classes are being held at the Courtyard Meeting Room. To register, contact Deacon Alberto at deaconalberto1@gmail.com before April 28th. The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on Sunday, May 23 at 7pm Mass~ The Feast of Pentecost.

What adults are eligible for confirmation?

Those adults who:

• are baptized into the Roman Catholic church (those baptized in another Christian church are eligible for confirmation through the Rite of Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church, and are not the subject of these guidelines)

• have celebrated their First Communion

• are not presently barred from the sacraments (most commonly for reasons relating to an irregular marriage situation)

• are capable of renewing their baptismal promises

Generally, this guideline refers to persons who are baptized Catholics who have received some catechesis within the Catholic Christian community. These are active adult Catholics who for some reason did not receive Confirmation at the usual age. Proof of their baptism comes in the form of a copy of their baptismal certificate obtained from their parish of baptism.

If you have any questions, please reach out!