Pastor's Corner
September 20, 2020
Today’s Gospel passage could easily be misunderstood. In fact, my youngest sister said on the way home from church one Sunday after hearing this story, “The moral of the story is the hard working get cheated.” Not hard to see how her young mind drew that conclusion when the same pay was given to those who only worked an hour as to those who worked the whole day! “That’s not fair!” Yes, you see the story has nothing to do with fairness or redistribution of wealth, much less best business practices. It has to do with an insanely merciful God who wants to give the fullness of salvation to everyone who accepts it, regardless of when in life it is accepted.
A “day’s wage” was what one needed to put food on the table that night for an average family. The vineyard owner wanted to assure the dignity of the dayworker who had the obligation to provide for his wife and babies. To go home with only a fraction of the day’s wage would mean unfed mouths for the day. A decent man would find that a most heavy burden and sign of failure. The vineyard owner in his generosity, kindness, mercy and sense of true justice was not going to allow that if he could help it. So, he paid them all a day’s wage which is what they needed.
Almighty God wants all of us to be reconciled to him and to one another in the Kingdom. The vineyard is open to us. God wants us to enter into the work of the Kingdom. My AAA card has how many years I have been a member stamped on it. Our heavenly passport does not record the date we accepted Christ on it. So a full day in the vineyard is not drudgery or injustice, it is a graced reality. If we are graced to recognize this call to life in Christ early in life, we have a longer time to enjoy working, living, loving in the vineyard.
Some fear moving into union with Christ and his Church because they have been outside for so long. That is both irrational and counterproductive. In eternity, however, we are all equal sharers in the glories of the redeemed. We will all receive the “full day’s wage” which admits us to the bridal feast of the Lamb. “God loves me. It is true. What grace, what joy.” (St. Leonard Murialdo)
St. José Sánchez del Río and Blessed Anacleto González Flores, 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.”

Our Mission Catholic Faith Community committed to moving forward always in service to the Kingdom of God: attentive to the Word, to Sacrament, to Service, and to Faith Formation.
	Archdiocese of Los Angeles

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 Playground)
Saturday 2:00 – 3:00PM

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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