As we begin 2025, we begin a Jubilee Year for St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church and San Felipe de Jesus Chapel. It was 75 years ago, in 1950, that the photo on the front page of this bulletin was taken. It shows the groundbreaking ceremony for the church that is now San Felipe de Jesus Chapel. At the time, it was called St. Edward Catholic Church and it established a Catholic presence in Dana Point which has continued for 75 years.
Throughout this year, we will be celebrating our 75th Anniversary with various events to show our gratitude and joy for the blessings that God has bestowed upon us since we began. We will also be celebrating the longevity of many of our parishioners, especially those who have been here for more than 40 years.
As we recognize and celebrate our anniversary, we renew our commitment to spreading the Good News throughout Dana Point and the surrounding area. This starts with sharing the Word with our children and grandchildren. That’s the only way we can truly protect them from a very confused culture. If they come to mass each week, that’s a start. If they attend Catholic school, that’s even better. If they are in our Faith Formation programs, that’s great as well. All of these things are very helpful. However, the single most important thing that we can do for our children and grandchildren is to teach them by modeling Christian behavior for them and by helping them to form a relationship with Jesus. My son is now 31. Of all the things that I love about him, I am proudest that he attends mass nearly every week. He attends because he wants to, not because of me. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, he has a relationship with Jesus Christ.
We have been baptized with fire and the Holy Spirit. May the power of our Baptism help us to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to our families and to others. May we constantly demonstrate the fiery, spirit-filled passion for the faith that we see in John the Baptist. As we begin our next 75 years as the Catholic presence in Dana Point, let us commit ourselves to teaching, inspiring, guiding and motivating God’s children in that faith.
Comments