from desk of Father John Moser
Archbishop Michael Jackels has notified me that on July 14, 2020 I will be transferred from my current assignment as pastor of the four parishes comprising "Holy Family of the Bluffs Catholic community". I am being reassigned as pastor of a different pastorate. I regret that because of the corona virus shutdown this news cannot be announced by me at the weekend Masses. Due to the pandemic or epidemic we are limited to communicating via the bulletin, on our website, through inserts to the bulletin, and on the HFB Facebook page.
I can share where I am being transferred to after this weekend; therefore, after April 20 I will post a note or blog onto our website and Facebook page to share this information. In addition, I will tell the name of the priest who is coming to become the pastor of Holy Family of the Bluffs Catholic community in July 2020.
I have considered it a great blessing from God to have been assigned here and to minister and serve the Lord with the wonderful people of these four parishes. Reflecting upon my years in HFB, I want to express that "I am sorry" for those times I have not been as kind and pastoral as I should have been. Furthermore, I apologize to any parishioners who are feeling hurt by what I have said or done during these nine years. Let us pray for one another during the corona virus pandemic and during this transition of pastors. Sincerely yours in Christ, Father John Moser
Parking lot "Penance Services" with General Absolution
Because of Governor's "Stay-at-home" declaration these penance services are being postponed.
This Sunday, April 19, is "Divine Mercy Sunday". I thought a great way to celebrate God's mercy and love on this "Divine Mercy Sunday" in 2020 would be to offer everyone an opportunity for an outdoor Communal Penance Service with General Absolution. We will maintain social distancing and encounter the profound mercy of the Lord in this sacrament. Pope Francis has given us special permission for the use of this form of the Sacrament of Penance because of the corona virus pandemic; we can classify this worldwide epidemic as an "emergency" situation and thus Pope Francis is permitting this form of celebrating the Sacrament of Penance.
Hope you can join us. Take a moment to inform your families and neighbors of this sacramental celebration. Come to either service on this Saturday or Sunday. Please arrive at the parking lot 15 minutes early so that we can begin the Penance Service on time. Parishioners will be there to direct you where and how to park. Kindly remain in your vehicle and crack your windows slightly in order to hear. I will guide you through the service and offer general absolution of your sins. This Penance Service will be only about 25 to 30 minutes in length. Note: if you are living in mortal sin, you will need to go to regular confession within the next year.
What is God asking of us on this "Divine Mercy Sunday"? 1 - greater trust in his divine mercy, kindness and love. 2 - persevering in prayer for our sisters and brothers as well as for ourselves. 3 - practicing daily the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. From the Book of Lamentations 3:23 we are told, "[God's mercies] are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness."
I am praying for you and look forward to this celebration of God's mercy on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday morning. Although we cannot gather as a faith community for Mass in church this weekend, through these "Penance Services" we will be gathering as a community to ask forgiveness of our sins and to pray for one another. Have mercy on us, O Lord!
Because of Governor's "Stay-at-home" declaration these penance services are being postponed.