Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church

Dear Folks,

You may notice that I always sign my bulletin note or emails with Pax at the end. It is a little odd and a little humbling to see other folks pick up and use this greeting in emails as has happened in parishes where I have served. Also, last week it was the header above my bulletin note. So where does it come from?

The phrase “Pax et Bonum!” was used by St. Francis of Assisi as his common greeting to those he met during the course of the day. It can be translated as “Peace and Goodness.” This is a rich theological phrase whose depths are not just reduced to “peace, bro.” God is the Summum Bonum—the supreme good. Or in the words of Our Lord, “No one is good but God alone” (Mk 10:18). Such a greeting is really wishing abundant blessings upon the person encountered.

The depths of this phrase struck me in 2000 when I was leading a group of pilgrims to World Youth day in Rome. I had never had a devotion to St. Francis prior to this trip. The St. Francis that was presented to me growing up in the 70’s seemed to be a wimpy projection of a number of secular values of that era. However, when I  talked in the same cobbled streets where St. Francis walked in Assisi, heard his words, and prayed at his tomb, I encountered a very different saint. This man loved God with  is whole heart, mind, and soul holding nothing back. Because he had forsaken riches to serve the Lord, he was able to wondrously recognize the providence of God in all of his created works. Hence we know him as the lover of animals.

So when I sign my email with Pax, I do this as an abbreviated nod of the head to St. Francis. Sometimes I will use other language variants of Pax (Latin) such as Paix (French), Pace (Italian), Pax (Spanish), and Shalom (Hebrew).

Pax (et Bonum!),

Fr. Mosimann

Dear Folks,

I share with you the sad news that David Mathers, our Director of Sacred Music, will be resigning in February 2017 in order to take the same position at St. Bernadette’s. David has very generously served this parish for more than nine years and seen great growth in the music ministry. This change will provide him a much shorter commute to work and an opportunity to continue to collaborate with Fr. Rooney.

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Taizé prayer gathering in the church and it was a unique opportunity for me to sit back in the pews and simply listen, pray and reflect on his service to the parish. The quality of the music made immediately clear the love and preparation that he and all of the musicians and choir put into their service to the parish. Thank you David.

We are able to announce this in an early timeframe, because of the unique nature of this transition. David will be with us through the fall, Christmas, and Choir pilgrimage. He will help me in forming a search committee to find a new music director. If it proves mutually beneficial to both Saint Mary and St. Bernadette’s, the transition to a new music director could happen at a date earlier than February. This would not preclude his participation in the Choir pilgrimage. I have had to hire music directors three times in the past, and being able to do so while maintaining the continuity here will be a great assistance.

When the appropriate time comes, you will of course be given opportunity to express your gratitude to David with a farewell reception. One of the smiles that came to my face was considering the final season farewell tours of Cal Ripken and other professional athletes. Ample warning of this transition affords us ample time to plan and express our gratitude.

Again, thank you David for your service. Your love of the Liturgy, Christ, and His Church shines through everything you do. I join the parish in praying for God’s blessing on your next chapter in serving the Lord.

pax et bonum

Fr. Mosimann