May 19, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

When I was a pastor, the confirmation director asked that every student be interviewed by a priest in order to be confirmed. She would want the priests to have the students name the commandments, beatitudes, etc. I told her that for the first time meeting a priest, I wanted it to be a positive experience. So, we asked the students about their life and then asked them to think which gift of the Holy Spirit they needed most, given their particular circumstance, and then we prayed for that gift.

On this Pentecost, I invite you to do the same. As a reminder, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are:

Wisdom: Wisdom is a gift that allows us to understand things from God's point of view.

Understanding: Allows us grasp, at least in a limited way, the very essence of the truths of the Faith--The teachings make more sense to us.

Counsel: This gift allows us to judge how best to act in accordance with God’s will.

Fortitude/Courage: Gives us the capacity to stand up for good against evil and be convicted to take a stand when the occasion arises.

Knowledge: Allows us to understand the meaning and purpose God has for us and to live up to this meaning. It differs from wisdom in that it is an action.

Piety: The willingness to worship and to serve God. Piety takes that willingness beyond a sense of duty, so that we desire to worship God and to serve Him out of love.

Fear of the Lord: Helps us to understand the greatness and awesomeness of the Lord-- everything we are is due to the wonder, love, grace, and perfection of God.

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer

May 12, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

These weekends I miss seeing all of you at or after Mass. The month of May is the busy season for the celebration of confirmation. Most weekends I have two confirmations Masses on Saturday and two on Sunday.

A few people have asked about what is involved with the confirmation Mass. Generally, I spend 2-3 hours reading the letters the students write me. Most of the time they inspre me by sharing what the Lord has done in their life over the past two years, which I incorporate into the homily. Sometimes, they express depression, suicidal ideation, a lack of faith (usually due to the death of a family member or what they are taught in public school). In these cases, I take a picture of the letter and ask that the priest meet with the family to ensure they get the proper help and/or have their doubts clarified. My thought is that if a young adult tells the Church they are thinking of suicide and we don’t respond, it reinforces the idea that their life does not have value.

For a 5:00 p.m. Mass, I usually leave between 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. so that my MC can meet with the servers, we can set up the books, clarify any doubts and start on time. After the Mass, we have time for pictures, followed by a meal with the clergy (and sometimes the team). I am usually home at 9:30 or 10:00 p.m. I am consistently inspired by these celebrations, but if I am slow to respond to your email or call, please be patient. I look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks.

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer

May 5, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Shortly after I arrived at St. Edward’s Tom Waszak, our school principal shared with me that he had been discerning for many months about his future and felt that the Lord was calling him to serve in a different capacity. I am grateful for Mr. Waszak’s leadership over these years and wish him well in his new ministry. After reviewing a number of excellent candidates, I am delighted to share with you that Mrs. Suzanne Edwards will be joining us as our principal.

Mrs. Edwards served as the Principal at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Elementary School in Walnut Creek, California, for nine years. During that time, she also served the Roman Catholic Bishop Welfare Corporation in Oakland, California, in two roles. As Preschool Director for the Department of Catholic Schools, Mrs. Edwards had the responsibility of overseeing Diocesan preschools and helping to grow new preschools. As the Principal Representative for Technology, she helped to implement new technologies in Diocesan schools.

From 2016-2023, Mrs. Edwards worked at Dulwich College International in Shanghai-Pudong, China, a large, top-ranked International Baccalaureate school that serves students from preschool through high school. At Dulwich, she served in various positions, most recently as Head of Learning Support for the middle school and high school.

Last year, Mrs. Edwards was appointed Principal of the Lower School at St. Serra Catholic School in Santa Margarita .

Mrs. Edwards is an alumnus of Santa Margarita Catholic High School. She has an Administrative Credential and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She has a Master’s Degree in the Art of Teaching Leadership from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California.

Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Edwards to our parish community.

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer