Thank you for the warm and encouraging acceptance of the news that I have been appointed by Archbishop Cordileone as the new permanent pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary. This will be official on November 1, 2018, the Solemnity of All Saints. As many know, this was not the original plan. I was supposed to move on to St. Isabella Church in San Rafael on January 1, 2019. However, clearly man proposes, but God disposes (Homo proponit, sed Deus disponit). Since this news came to me as a surprise, I pray that I may (even more so) fully cooperate with God’s Will, living in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I am very, very, very, very, very happy to be your pastor. Please, please, please, please, please pray for me. I will remember you at every Mass during my Thanksgiving after Holy Communion. I hope and pray that our vision be that of our Lord and our Lady. Here are just a few thoughts:
1. We are all called to live holy lives. This is the universal call to holiness mandated by the Church in its teachings and in the Sacred Scripture (cf. Lumen Gentium, 40. 1964; Leviticus 11:44-45; 1 Peter 1:16). As the people of God, faithful to the Lord, we are called to build up His Body, the Church. We received this mandate at Baptism. Jesus is the Priest, the Prophet, the King. a.) Through baptism we are all commissioned to be holy and lead others to holiness, especially through the Sacraments. b.) We are all called to be prophets by teaching in season and out of season the unchanged and unchangeable doctrines of Jesus Christ. Parents are the primarily teachers of their children in the ways of faith. By preaching and living our Christian Faith, in a real sense we are all prophets. c.) We are all called to advance the reign of Christ the King, by being good shepherds of souls. Jesus calls us to love one another. Let us be a community where all feel welcome and we are men and women of service.
2. We have many important ministries at IHM. Our school has my full support. I want it to always be first rate academically and first rate in handing on the Faith. I encourage your full and generous support in advancing the mission of our school. Hardly a day goes by when I don’t hear our school praised by its many alumni. I also fully support our Religious Education Program. I want it to be first rate in every way. In the same vein I want our youth fully connected to their Church. All that we can do to win the young to Christ has my full encouragement and support.
3. Let us not forget those, who are elderly and many times confined to their homes; or are residents in the many nursing facilities in our community. These are more often than not the faithful Catholics, who have prayed with us for many years, supported the parish through their sacrifices of time, talent, and treasure; but can no longer make it to Mass. We must not let them down now that they are weak and vulnerable. I have just re-hired Mr. Patrick Lobo to co-ordinate this ministry and to serve as sacristan and take on a few other duties. He can’t wait to get on the job. Your extra financial support will make funds available to ensure that this apostolate is on a firm foundation and that it bears abundant fruit. Yes, I know that there are many other matters that must receive our attention. Let not the tasks intimidate us. Confident in the Lord, we courageously march forward shoulder to shoulder in our holy vocation to be the Light of the World. Each one of you is important is this regard. Let us stand together in Christ, loving one another. May our parish be known by its love. Let kindness reign. No matter what we do, we know that in the end “All is grace.”
God bless you! Mary love you! Yours in the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Fr. Mark G. Mazza
Here is a little prayer to say from time to time: V. Nos cum prole pia! R. Benedicat Virgo Maria! V. Mother with your Blessed Son! R. Bless us each and every one!