Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family. A model family. Intercessors. Redeemer.

Which leeds me briefly to contemplate role models. Sometimes folks look at Saints and say, “I can’t measure up.” To that I say, “Well as a child I couldn’t measure up to Elvin Hayes, but that didn’t stop me from learning and emulating his fall away jumper.” [Okay Boomer, who is Elvin Hayes? A basketball player in the 70s for the Bullets — now Wizards]. I practiced his trademark shot over and over at the park, and got pretty good at it. And failing to measure up to super-stars doesn’t stop people from auditioning for American Idol.

Not only are our heavenly role models happy to see us succeed, they will give us their own strength if we ask. Can you imagine any athlete or pop star doing that?
I remind you of words said by the Blessed Mother to Saint Juan Diego, “do not fear any illness or vexation, am I not here who am your mother?”

So strive to make your families holy like the Holy Family. Don’t fret about where you fall short. Give even your failures to Jesus, Mary and Joseph. This will make you happy forever.

Also reminder: the parish offices will be closed this week, and reopen on Monday January 4th. I am glad to be able to give our staff a well deserved break. They have worked continuously throughout the pandemic to keep our parish operating! Thanks so mucho!

pax et bonum (peace and all goodness),

Fr. John Mosimann

‘Twas the Sunday before Christmas and all through the parish, not a soul was stirring, not even the man who changes the candles…. Ok, wait, he is always working.

As I say every year: carefully pick your Christmas Mass! The Christmas Eve Masses are always crazy packed, but what will the pandemic bring? How many folks will come? Will folks be able to find the Expo Center?

The only question I can seemingly answer is: yes, folks will find the Expo Center, because we are Easter Expo Center experts!

So what can I tell you about which Masses will be crowded? Probably all of the Christmas Eve Masses. There seems to be the most ‘buzz’ around the 2pm and 4pm Masses. Yes, we need volunteer help, especially ushering. No, I don’t know which Masses might be packed. Please be patient. 2020 has taught us many things, including that things are not always how we like them.

My personal guess, is that the ‘least full’ Mass is likely to be the 7am on Christmas Day. Remember that the obligation to attend Mass this Christmas has been dispensed by the Bishop, as is permitted by church law. For those who will attend, plan accordingly, we are working hard to provide opportunities for you to be able to worship this Christmas.

And yes, we are requiring all folks to wear masks to Christmas Mass. This is in accord with the new directives from the governor, and a small sacrifice we can freely offer to be able to pray with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

pax et bonum (peace and all goodness),

Fr Mosimann