Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church

Life in the church is not free from discouraging sin and corruption. Ughhhhhhh. And it is not new (see Judas). It is also not new for the disciples who had to remain faithful and return, even when all fled or were confused.

For several Sundays now, we have been moving through the sixth chapter of John’s gospel, where He commands that we must eat His body and drink His blood to have life eternal. And when it is hard we look at him and say, “to whom else can we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

This month, I was wondering if folks remember why each Mass on all first Fridays is offered “in reparation for the sins of the clergy.” So I searched my email archives. Back in 2018, on the feast of the Assumption, Bishop Burbidge emailed us priests, and directly asked us to do reparation for the sins of priests.

First, I ask every priest to offer a Mass each month for the victims and in reparation for the sins of the clergy. It is fitting that this be an announced parish Mass so that the faithful may participate, although it may also be offered privately. Second, every Friday please offer some mortification (e.g. fasting, abstinence, Stations of the Cross, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, etc.) for

the same intention. Third, in your daily Rosary please include the intention that Mary, Mother of the Clergy, will help us to respond properly to the crisis before us.

As today we celebrate the triumphant Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven, let us seek her continued maternal consolation. Through her intercession, may God bless you and all those you serve.

This week we will again celebrate the triumphant feast of the Assumption. A great feast where we look to heaven to see one of our own, who is only human, the Blessed Virgin Mary taken up into the Lord’s glory. She is our human nature’s sole boast!

Also six years ago, a mother came to me to tell me this story from Mass on the Assumption. As her family got to the front for communion, her 4 year old son’s jaw dropped, and his eyes fixed at the crucifix behind the altar. They could barely get him back to their seats where he asked them, “why is Jesus singing?” Startled, they asked questions.

Jesus had a huge smile, and was singing a “God song.” When did Jesus on the cross start singing? “When daddy lifted up the wine.” I don’t often get called daddy by my spiritual children, but awesome! What son won’t sing for his mother on her birthday?

Join Jesus in singing the wonder of the BVM the week on her feast. There will be lots of Masses! Become now what we are: the spotless bride of Christ. This spotlessness can only be imputed though profound repentance and humility. Jesus meek and humble of Heart, make my heart like unto thine.

pax,

Father John Mosimann

I have been known to joke, when a seminarian arrives, that he is our summertime indentured servant. It is awkwardly funny because the element of truth is that they are sent to work. A part of their formation to the holy priesthood is to be configured to Our Lord’s serving heart. “The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus,” said St. John Vianney, today’s saint of the day!

But this summer, we were blessed with the ministry and service of Deacon Tim Banach. Wow. This may be the easiest seminarian review I have ever given. My review for the diocese will be something like, “ordain this man to the priesthood ASAP!!!” He has served with generosity, flexibility, and preached with enthusiasm, clarity and precision. I have been asked if I could make my homilies shorter like his!! Fill in your cliche about old tigers and new stripes.

So thank you Deacon Tim! We wish you well, and thank you for your service to the people of Fredericksburg! If parishioners are reading this before the 10:30 or 12:30 Masses, then thank him after Mass. If you are reading it later in the day, then say a prayer for him, as he is on his way back to seminary. We are blessed, that he will be back in the parish at Christmastime and Holy Week!!

I will also point out the Deacon Dick Delio, one of our parish permanent deacons, is moving to Charlottesville soon! We are sad to see him go, but know that the Lord will bless the next phase of his life. HIs last Sunday Mass served will be the 10:30 am Mass in two weeks (August 18).

Finally, say a prayer for Deacon Alberto! In September, he will be the only deacon in the parish! So more work for him! We do have two men in formation, and another four discerning if the Lord may be calling them to the ministry of the permanent diaconate.

A good deacon is a great help. We have been blessed. Thanks to each of our good deacons, they are a great help to parish.

pax,

Father John Mosimann