Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church

Dear Folks,

Memorial Day is upon us, which means the summer vacation period is beginning. A word of reminder to pray tomorrow for all who have given their lives to serve and protect the freedom that we so greatly enjoy. And don’t forget their families, and loved ones who still carry the burden of their loss. All of the freedoms that we enjoy would not be possible without the sacrifice of those who have given their lives in defense of our liberty.

I also want everybody to pray, to really pray, and not just promise vague thoughts. The last 2 weeks have brought unspeakable horrors and mass shootings. When Our Lady appeared to the children in Fatima, it was to warn them and the world of the errors, violence, and death that were coming. Her request: that we pray the rosary. I am asking you to start praying for an end to the errors, violence and death of our age. Please pray a rosary for this. Better yet, pray one every day. Watch 30 minutes less of news or scrolling Facebook and pray.

Also, I remember so vividly the day that the shootings at Columbine happened. I was a new priest in my first parish. My mind was blank, and horrified, and I had no idea what to do, like everyone, I looked to the pastor: Fr. Avella. He had all of the children come over to the church, and he spoke to the children in such a gentle and gracious way, that deeply impressed me. His message: something bad has happened, and someone has hurt children. Some of your parents are coming to take you home, because they want you close, so that they can protect you. Know that we love you, and we are doing everything that we can to keep you safe. And then Fr. Avella led us in prayer. I was encouraged and strengthened by his compassion and faith, and it helped form my heart for the day when I would become pastor.

Memorial Day. Yes, we remember in prayer those who have laid down their lives to protect us. May the Lord reward their generous sacrifice.

pax et bonum,

Thanks soooooo mucho!!!

I type this the day after my 25th Anniversary Mass  and party around the parish. Wow: to me this is where parish life is so unparalleled: families being families, enjoying a beautiful evening together, children running around having fun, mariachi band serenading! I once remember asking my parents why they loved Disney World, since they weren’t so much into riding rides: seeing us happy filled them with more joy than any ride could ever give.

Yesterday was amazing and another great moment of the faithful showering love upon priests…. Mass was late and long (a Fr. Mosimann tradition). My family was all there. My brother had his flight back from TX cancelled, so he and his wife drove through the night without stopping to arrive just as the homily was ending. He even noted that he got up to speak, the got a longer applause than I did! Then I stood outside for 4.5 hours, greeting folks, getting hugs, and thanking the Lord.

Being a priest is a great life. Words can not capture how grateful I am to the Lord for the mercy and love in this parish family.

Speaking of our parish family, Fr. Folmar is going to have to move to Annandale. On June 30, per the Bishop’s appointment Fr. Folmar will begin his new assignment to St. Michael’s parish!

I have greatly appreciated his presence and gracious spirit in the rectory. He is filled with so much joy! The entire parish has benefited from his ability to see joy in every day life!

Fr. Robert Renner will be ordained on June 4th and coming to replace him, thank you for welcoming him.

Priest moves always present a moment of sadness and necessity. As we close out the Easter season, we recall Jesus leaving so that He could send us the Spirit in power and might on Pentecost Sunday! He loves and sanctifies us in millions of ways every day from Baptism to the grave. The coming and going of priests is a concrete reminder to all of the faithful that we must love Jesus first, not the men who serve Him.

pax et bonum (peace and goodness),

Fr. John Mosimann