January 21, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am grateful to all who helped organize the Mass with Fr. Claude as well as the luncheon and panel discussion last weekend. I found the insights very helpful and heard many positive comments.

Tomorrow you are invited to the Diocesan Mass in prayerful support of the unborn and their mothers at Christ Cathedral. The US Bishops offer this reflection/prayer for us:

“Intention: May every human life be protected in law and welcome in love. Pray: Our Father, 3 Hail Mary’s, Glory Be. Reflect: The Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ended the nearly fifty-year nationwide reign of abortion on-demand that was ushered in by Roe v. Wade in 1973. In this monumental legal victory, the Supreme Court rightly concluded that there is nothing in the Constitution’s text, history, American legal tradition, or the Court’s precedents that prevents the government from protecting preborn children in the womb from the violence of abortion. Dobbs returned the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives at the federal and state levels. And as we have seen, continuing work is needed to protect children, women, and families from the tragedy of abortion. We must continue advocating for pro-life laws and policies, especially at the state and local levels. Abortion is legal in more states than not, with many working to expand and enshrine abortion protections. In addition to our efforts to protect human life in law, we must also help women facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies, offering them the compassionate support they need to lovingly welcome the gift of their children. We must do whatever we can in every sphere to ensure the flourishing of both mothers and their children throughout life’s journey.”

If you cannot attend the Mass, I hope you pray for the support of women in crisis pregnancies as well as the protection of all human life.

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer

January 14, 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A few people asked me about the job openings that we advertised in the bulletin. As you know, in November we had a reduction in force, with the elimination of a couple of positions in order to be financially solvent. Since then, two additional staff members left us and so we are hiring to replace those two people. The eliminated positions remain eliminated. I appreciate you asking as well as your interest in the financial health of our parish.

Some of you saw my Instagram or Facebook posts about the FOCUS ministries SEEK 24 conference. 20,000+ college students from throughout the county attended this year’s event with excellent speakers, beautiful liturgies and fellowship. We had more than 100 students from our diocese attend and I was blessed to have dinner with them and listen to their stories of faith. We are fortunate that we have FOCUS missionaries at CSUF and UCI as well as a full time priest on each of these campuses.

Some of my reflections about the week were: There was a palpable joyfulness throughout the week, even though many were walking back and forth in 20-30 degree weather; the students were very polite and friendly (even in the morning); that without being told they would all kneel in the stands of the arena or on the main floor (which would not be comfortable) during the Mass and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; hundreds, if not thousands went to confession (and the ones I heard were very well prepared and thoughtful); a desire for traditional and clear teaching on morality and doctrine; a deep love of the Blessed Mother. I left with a great sense of gratitude for this ministry and a sense of hope for the future of the Church.

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer

January 7, 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This Advent and Christmas season have been filled with many blessings. I am grateful for:

All those who attended and/or made hot chocolate for the Noche Guadalupana at the Cathedral. It was wonderful to see thousands of people there to ask the Blessed Mother’s intercession.

Rick Delafield and the members of our choir for the beautiful Noel Night concert. If you missed it, I would recommend trying to come next year. They were also amazing at our Christmas Masses (it was quite a workout for them, and they sounded wonderful throughout all the Masses).

Diane Marshall and the St. Edward School Choir for their beautiful addition to the Noel Night.

So many of you that came to our Advent penance service and the ushers who coordinated

people efficiently into the correct lines for confession. As we are all members of the mystical Body of Christ, when you are in grace, it helps our entire community to be in grace.

Gerry Holbert and those who helped make the Church look so beautiful and festive. I have been touched watching so many children go touch the animals or even try to give baby Jesus a hug.

All our liturgical ministers, many of whom were here for multiple Masses.

Our staff members who went above and beyond in so many ways during these weeks.

The many cards, notes, gifts, meals, baked goods, wine, and bourbon that you so kindly sent to all of us priests.

All who brought friends with you to Mass on Sunday or Christmas. A few of your guests told me that they are planning to start coming regularly to Mass here at St. Edward’s (thanks be to God!).

The Lord has blessed me through all of you—thank you for everything!

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer