Dear parishioners,

I had scheduled a Mass of Reparation on Monday evening (today) in response to the clergy abuse crisis.  I did that in response to Bishop Vasquez’ request that all parishes in the diocese do that.  The bishop will offer his Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Tuesday evening at 6:30.  However, for a number of reasons I find that I must postpone the Mass here until a later date.  

Prayer is foundational to how we are called to respond to the current situation in the church.  I encourage all to pray for our church.  I encourage all as well to continue to make your voices heard through writing to the bishop and through whatever other means that may be available to you.  

As for me, right now I am going to go on retreat for some days beginning on Tuesday.  Those days will be followed with some more days of vacation.  As Jesus teaches us in the gospels, in the midst of our lives in the context of this world it is necessary, at least once in a while, to take time apart. That is what I will be doing. I will return on October 19 in order to be present for Masses on October 20&21 and the men’s Welcome Renewal Retreat weekend.

I encourage everyone in the parish, especially in these times, to consider participation in opportunities such as the Welcome Renewal Retreats.  These retreats and other opportunities that we offer here for spiritual growth are yet other ways to take “time apart.”

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Samuel Hose