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