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Welcome!
Pastor's Corner
August 9, 2020
Jesus walks upon the water in today’s Gospel passage and tells the apostles, “It is I,” which clearly identifies him as revealing the God of Israel and being in special relationship to him. The apostles took off early the night before in the boat and during the “fourth watch,” 3:00 to 6:00 AM, they are still struggling against the wind. Jesus, who has been in prayer all night, catches up to them walking on the water. The apostles are described as having “little faith” as they panic at the sight of him, imagining him to be a ghost. Peter once again speaks for the group and gives the odd response to Jesus’ identifying himself, “If it is really you, bid me to come to you upon the water.” It seems that as a disciple, an apprentice, of Jesus, Peter wants to do what Jesus does. He is doing fine until he realizes what he is doing and “becomes afraid.” Fear sinks many good intentions and efforts, doesn’t it? Be not afraid appears very often in the Bible.
Many great personages in history showed this fearlessness. Christopher Columbus who dared to head west to get to the East because he believed the earth was round not flat comes to mind. Harriet Tubman who led so many enslaved persons to freedom on her underground railroad certainly fits this description. The Knights of Columbus who ran racially integrated centers for soldiers during WWI—”All are welcomed. Everything is free.” The beatified Catholics whom I have been invoking in this column, showed great courage in the face of various totalitarian regimes during the last century. The men and women who respond to emergency calls in our fire, police and emergency medical departments refuse to let fear deter them from duty. I know him in whom I trust, said St. Paul. Because of this personal relationship with the Risen Christ, he made his missionary journeys and faced shipwreck, beatings, ostracizing, and finally beheading. The Spirit given us is strong, loving, and wise as that same St. Paul wrote.
Our status as missionary disciples, given us in baptism, affirmed in confirmation, and nourished by the Eucharist, graces us with courage and strength. Therefore, we can live our life in accord with the Gospel and in the great Tradition of our faith. St. Leonard Murialdo was described by St. Pope Paul VI as “extraordinary in the ordinary.” His great sanctity was shown primarily in everyday realties rather than extraordinary feats of daring or brilliance. He fearlessly began new ministries and continued to accept more boys into the Artigianelli school even when finances were deplorable simply because they needed a friend, brother, and father, which he was to them and exhorted us CSJs to also be.
Blessed Giovanni Fausti, and Blessed Nicholas Charnetskyi, pray for us.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Leo
Fr. Leo A. Dechant, CSJ, D.Min
Pastor
Sub Tuum Praesidium: “We turn to you for protection, Holy Mother of God. Listen to our prayers and help us in our needs. Save us from every danger, glorious and blessed Virgin.”
The prayer to St. Michael the Archangel: “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.”
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Our Mission |
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The Sunday Mass obligation has been dispensed indefinitely. Currently everything must be celebrated outside—usually in front of the hall; sometimes in front of Our Lady’s Chapel. The number of Masses has been reduced—see the Mass Schedule below.
Obviously, only the hardy ought to attend in the heat and wind of Quartz Hill. Hats may be worn by ALL.
Outdoor Masses
Saturday (Vigil Masses)
3:30 PM
(Spanish) 6:30 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM, 9:30 AM
Monday – Saturday
7:00 AM
Holy Days
TBA
Sacrament of Reconciliation
(In the Church)
Saturday 2:00 – 3:00PM
Monday and Friday 7:00 – 8:00 PM
(In Our Lady's Chapel)
Tuesday and Wednesday 11:00 – 12 noon
Our Lady's Chapel
Our Lady’s Chapel is accessible 24/7 for personal prayer—call the office for the new code to the side door for entry after business hours. We can again celebrate weddings, funerals, quinceañeras and baptisms with some new limitations. Contact a priest for details. Phone conversations with Fr. Leo or Fr. Jonathan instead of appointments for child baptism arrangements. Preparation now at home with materials from office.
Mass at St.Elizabeth Mission (SEM)
No Masses until restrictions are further lifted
Address
13845 Johnson Road, Lake Hughes, CA 93532
Office Hours
Closed For Lunch Every Weekday
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Monday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Emergency phone, call office and dial 1
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Remember the fact that we can make Spiritual Communions when the sacrament is not available. Use these or your own words: “Lord, I am not able to receive you now sacramentally. Enter into my heart. I embrace you as already there and unite myself to you. Never let me be separated from you.”
Remember that when the sacrament of penance is not available, one should present one’s sorrow directly to God and say a good Act of Contrition. Sins, including mortal ones, are forgiven. When opportunity arises, mention the latter in your next confession just to keep yourself honest. A very simple Act of Contrition that is found in the Rite of Penance is: “Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
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