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

December 31, 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The day before I wrote this article the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a new document regarding blessings of people in same sex relationships (or other non-sacramental unions) that has raised a number of questions.  The US bishops’ conference has issued the following statement:

“The Declaration issued today by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) articulated a distinction between liturgical (sacramental) blessings, and pastoral blessings, which may be given to persons who desire God’s loving grace in their lives. The Church’s teaching on marriage has not changed, and this declaration affirms that, while also making an effort to accompany people through the imparting of pastoral blessings because each of us needs God’s healing love and mercy in our lives.” 

This is not a liturgical blessing or ceremony.  From what I have read so far (I have not finished the document) it seems analogous to when people come up to a priest after Mass asking for a blessing.  We don’t know that person’s state of life, but pray that the Lord help them. 

Tomorrow, New Year’s Day, is not a Holy Day of Obligation in our area.  The bishops of the region have dispensed us from the obligation to attend Mass.  However, you are invited and encouraged to come and celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and ask her intercession as we begin the new year.  It is also the World Day of Prayer for Peace.  Please take some time to pray for peace in the world, but especially peace in your heart and your home.  When we are peaceful, we can help others (and eventually society) to be peaceful.  Have a Happy New Year! 

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer

December 24, 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Advent and Christmas this weekend, we recall how much God loves us that He gave us His only Son to be our savior. The Jewish people were expecting the Messiah to be a strong, wealthy, military leader that would free them from the power of the Romans. But Jesus comes as a little baby, born of a poor couple, with no power or connections. Why? If He came as one who is powerful, we would respect him, but also fear him. On the other hand, coming as a poor child, there is nothing to fear, and we are drawn into relationship with him. That is why He came: So that we would enter into a relationship with him so as to experience His love, healing, joy, peace and hope.

Our parish has many opportunities to feel this love of God in our lives. I invite you to look through the rest of the bulletin and prayerfully consider trying one or two of these groups or ministries as a way to learn more about the Lord or to find fulfillment in serving him (and our neighbor).

The most important thing to remember is that God loves you so much that He came down from Heaven to fill your hearts with the sense of being loved, cared for and cherished. St. Edward Parish/San Felipe de Jesus Chapel is here to help you receive these gifts. I hope you will allow us to help you feel God’s love for you each day. Have a Blessed Christmas!

In Christ,

Bishop Tim Freyer