Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church

Dear Folks,

This weekend, we have the joy of announcing the winners of our Volunteer of the Year Awards, nominated by you—our parish family. It’s a small way to shine a light on the big hearts that quietly serve our parish behind the scenes.

St. Mary’s could not accomplish all that it does without so many amazing volunteers. I often think that a big part of my vocation is to encourage each of you to use your gifts to serve the Lord. If I can help point you in the right direction, then I can get out of the way and wonder at the marvelous works of the Lord.

`Please take a moment to read the announcement here in the bulletin. One of the award winners gave me a big hug after the announcements at the leadership dinner! It seems he was surprised that someone had noticed. Noticing and being grateful are essential to a healthy spiritual life—for each of us, and for the parish as a whole.

Conversely, be vigilant in rooting out any sense of entitlement that could stir envy or bitterness in your soul! To all who made nominations, and to all who were nominated: thank you. Every year, I’m grateful for how the nomination process brings someone into focus who has been quietly serving with great, often hidden, generosity.

There’s no shortage of work to do in any parish, and it can be a challenge to serve the needs of 6,700 families (yes, you read that number right!). But St. Mary’s thrives when all of her children are giving of their time, talent, and treasure. These V olunteers of the Year winners all give heroically.

And a bonus shout-out to Margaret Ford, who was honored with a “Lifetime Achievement Award”! Since she was previously honored many years ago with a Volunteer of the Year Award and continued serving in many ways, she was eligible, per the rules, for this special recognition. Thank you, Margaret!

This year, we announced a new award, “The Pastor’s Above and Beyond Award”, given to Mike Hamann. Why? Because his work as general contractor went beyond and above industry standards! His children have graduated from HCA, but he is truly leaving the school much better than he found it. Thank you, Mike, Margaret, and all of our honorees!

We were thrilled with an impromptu drop-in from a visiting Bishop! God is good!

pax,

Father John Mosimann

Dear Folks,

Who do you say that I am? The words our Lord asked His beloved apostles. This is our parish theme for the 2025-2026 year.

First, consider Jesus asking this of His Apostles in Matthew 16. The answer that He is “the Christ, the Son of the living God” is a gift to Peter. If you don’t wrestle with understanding God made man, then you are likely reducing His authority, omnipotence, and omniscience!

Second, ask this question of the Church: Who do you say that the Church is? It is the bride of Christ. The Church is only one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic, because Jesus is first.

Third, ask this of the pope, “who is this American Leo XIV?” I failed at being a prophet, erroneously saying we wouldn’t have an American pope in my lifetime! He is the visible head of the Church, a Chicagoan, and White Sox fan!

Fourth, ask it of each other: “who is Fr. Mosimann? … who is my spouse? …who is my neighbor? …who are you?” It is by grace and conforming our lives to Jesus Christ, that we can become ever more transparent icons of Jesus! Each of us should decrease, so that He can increase!

Finally, ask it of the least, the vulnerable, and the poor: “whatsoever you do to the least, you do unto Jesus.”

Mother Theresa rode this thought to the pearly gates!

The poster for the theme this year (on the cover today) is meant to be a little bit of a puzzle, and a riddle. Can you find Jesus in the Church, the saints, the pope, your pastor, the young and the elderly, and in your own home?

In the coming weeks we will explore the work of ministry at St. Mary and how you might seek to find ways to become who you are, children of God who make present and visible His love.

pax (et bonum),

Father John Mosimann

Dear Folks,

Great news! On the very day I’m writing this, we received permission from the county to occupy the new spaces in our Holy Cross Academy expansion! I think I will enjoy this Labor Day more than any in recent memory, as I rest from the constant work that goes into construction projects!

One family reported to me, “While in the chapel this evening with my children, I overheard one say to another… ‘Doesn’t the new chapel make you want to be more holy?’ ‘Yes!’” Mission accomplished.

It is my hope that the added spaces and resources we’ve provided for our parish children inspire in all a deeper desire to be Saints, Scholars, and Leaders. Remember: when we work and study, we are using our God-given gifts. And God does not give gifts without a purpose.

Work has inherent dignity—something often forgotten in our modern world. God Himself labored and earned His food by the sweat of His brow when Jesus worked among us. Have you ever wondered what His neighbors— His customers—might now be saying in heaven? “Yes, Jesus built my desk!”

Please join us at the parish picnic, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the new cafeteria, see the memorial brick wall, and win prizes in a scavenger hunt throughout the new spaces! See the bulletin for details.

Another parishioner, upon seeing the memorial brick wall, called it a “wonderful representation of the history of Catholic education in Fredericksburg. ” She even sent a photo to her parents of the brick commemorating their contribution to the 1997 construction of the school!

This Labor Day, I pray that you find peace in your labors—that you not be enslaved by the demands of the modern workweek, and that your work always be prioritized behind your faith and family. Our worth is not determined by job titles, but by love.

pax et bonum,

Father John Mosimann