The Installation of Our Pastor
The Installation of Our Pastor
On Sunday, September 7th at 11:00 AM, we will gather as a parish family for a moment of profound grace and ecclesial joy: the Installation Mass of our new pastor, Fr. John Schneier. The Mass will be celebrated by Fr. John Brockland, representing the Archbishop of St. Louis, and will formally mark Fr. Schneier’s mission to shepherd All Saints Parish as our spiritual father and leader. Though Fr. Schneier has already been faithfully serving our community since his arrival, this liturgy is more than symbolic, it is a visible and sacramental expression of the Church’s structure, order, and apostolic mission. It is a moment that calls each of us to renewed unity, commitment, and prayer.
What Is a Pastor?
The word pastor comes from the Latin pastor, meaning shepherd. In the Gospels, Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and lays down His life for them (John 10). A Catholic pastor is more than an administrator, he is a man configured to Christ in the sacrament of Holy Orders and entrusted with the care of souls. The Code of Canon Law tells us: “The pastor is the proper shepherd of the parish entrusted to him... under the authority of the diocesan bishop, he carries out the duties of teaching, sanctifying, and governing.” (Can. 519) He is to lead the faithful in worship, preach the Gospel with truth and love, celebrate the sacraments, and care for the spiritual and temporal needs of the parish.
The Rite of Installation
During the Installation Mass, the celebrant (in this case, Fr. Brockland) will formally present Fr. Schneier to the community. He may be led to key locations in the church such as the altar, the ambo, and the presider’s chair, symbolizing his responsibilities to celebrate the Eucharist, proclaim the Word, and govern the parish in charity. It is a deeply moving ritual that reflects the continuity of the Church’s life across generations. The parish community, in turn, is asked to receive their new pastor with love, obedience, and prayer.
Why This Matters
In an age when leadership can feel impersonal or divided, the Catholic vision of the pastor is refreshingly incarnational and relational. He walks with us. He hears our confessions, baptizes our children, anoints our sick, preaches the truth, and prays for our souls. He rejoices with us and suffers with us. As Pope Francis said in his first Chrism Mass as pope: “This I ask you: be shepherds, with the ‘odor of the sheep,’ make it real, as shepherds among your flock, fishers of men.” Fr. Schneier brings to our parish a love for the Eucharist, a heart for vocations, and a priestly presence rooted in prayer and joy. We are grateful to God for calling him to serve here.
You’re Invited
Please make every effort to join us for this beautiful celebration and pray for Fr. Schneier as he formally begins this mission entrusted to him by the Church.
● Sunday, September 7th
● 11:00 AM
● All Saints Catholic Church
May this day mark not only a beginning for Fr. Schneier but also a renewal for our whole parish, a fresh “yes” to Christ and His Church under the leadership of a faithful shepherd.
St. John Vianney, patron of parish priests, ora pro nobis.
All Saints, ora pro nobis.
● Also, remember to sign up for:
○ Cenacle - we meet every Sunday after the 9am Mass!
○ Children’s Liturgy of the Word - every 9am Mass!
○ Endow - starts September 16th (for women 18 and older)
Thank you for reading! If there is anything you would like to learn more about or have me write
about please feel free to email me at meslert@allsaints-stpeters.org for future bulletin columns!