Tuesday, February 28, 2006

"Thank You"

Dear Parishioners,

Thank you to all who gave of their time to the 24th Italian Dinner and all the festivities surrounding it. A big thank you needs to go to Becky Pettit and her chairpersons. Without them, it simply couldn't have happened. The Italian Dinner has traditionally been our moment to show what is great about St. Anthony's: the people! Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Heck, with a plate of linguini and the fixin's, who could frown? From a pastor's point of view, I just love the Italian Dinner. It not only warms my heart, but my tummy too. Each year I am amazed at the turn out of people who spend their time to make the event what it is. Service is at the heart of the Gospel, and so too with the Italian Dinner. To observe everyone working together is truly inspirational. I am so proud of all of you who served in what ever capacity you could whether out in the public eye or behind the scenes. You inspire me!

I'd like to especially thank those who continued their tradition of helping out in the roles they have become so accustomed to whether that was in serving, cleaning, setting up, taking down, doing the accounting, cooking, food preparation, sign making, etc. You are our faithful veterans. Thank you also to those who were new to the whole thing. There was a wonderful outpouring of new faces who heard the call and responded. Thank you to all who donated the fruits of their talents to the Bazaar. It's amazing to see all the hand-crafted items that were created with love. The addition of our own home-spun entertainment was truly a delight! The religious gift store peaked many people's interest too. There was even talk about having an enhanced store throughout the year.


So, the clean up is done, people are massaging their feet and backs, and Becky and her chairpersons need to rest. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I love St. Anthony's and all that happens here. As I have said before, this is truly the crown jewel of the archdiocese. Today is a day to lift our heads in celebration. We did it. The Italian Dinner has once again brought out the best in us all. Thank you!

Now, we have meatballs to sell.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Sunday, February 12, 2006

"Technology, Da Vinci, & Meatballs"

Dear Parishioners,

What's New on the Web?
For some time now, I've been recording my homilies and posting them on my web page as well as making them available as a free subscription through the iTunes Music Store. Additionally, I've been working monthly on the above liturgical calendar which I've named the Liturgical Calendar Live!© I've made it so that your web browser will check the day and thendisplay the saint of the day or other memorial or feast of the Church. It's geared for our Archdiocese which means that it doesn't show other local celebrations, just universal ones and those specific for our region. I've also set out to create a simple web page which offers a popouri of news items that specifically merge faith with technology or in some way connect these two together. That web site is called "Geek is Good. God is Better", or http://www.geekisgood.org for the more internet saavy.

Jesus, Mary, and Da Vinci
The book, "The Da Vinci Code," will soon be coming out in the theater and I think it's important for Catholics to be informed as to what is true, false, or some shade of grey within the book. Consequently, I've been preparing three different presentations for our adult education ministry entitled, "Jesus, Mary, and Da Vinci." Hysteria should not be our reaction, but rather education. In the past when controversial movies or books have been released, I have noticed that the Church's reaction has simply caused the story to become even more popular. Moderation may be more of what we need. If you are planning on going to the movie or read the book, I would urge you to read one of the many books which offer correction to the shoddy research done by the author, Dan Brown. I highly recommend The Da Vinci Hoax by Carl Olson and Sandra Miesel. There are also some helpful links on geekisgood.org as well as a large set links on our web site, www.stanthonysforestgrove.org

Italian Dinner
Finally, our 24th Annual Italian Dinner is approaching very soon. I encourage you to plan on coming to the parish or swinging by our drive-thru for the latest in pasta and meatballs. Mmm. They make my mouth water as I write this. Anyhow, there are many opportunities to volunteer. Our web site, once again, has many of these listed out. Tickets are available through our web site or you can just come to the office any Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. We will also be offering wine from Shafer Vineyard Cellar Wines an, of course, our wonderful Bazaar of homemade baked goods and crafts. This is truly a labor of love by so many at our parish. Please come and enjoy the food and fellowship.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor