A Glass Overflowing

Dear Parishioners,

Last week we said goodbye to Fr. Patrick who was offering us sacramental assistance. In his brief time, I think it is safe to say that we all fell in love with him. Unfortunately, due to immigration issues, we were not able to keep him. Please offer your prayers for him and for his journey in priestly ministry. We have been very blessed by all the priests who have come from Nigeria. God speed, Fr. Patrick!!

Fr. Patrick’s departure means that Fr. Fister, who is serving us half-time, and I will do our best to serve you as we can. Unfortunately, that means our response time to some things may take longer, as the demands of ministry do not decrease simply because we are less one priest. Clearly, we are feeling the pain of the priest shortage. But, instead of seeing the glass half empty, I want to encourage us all to recognize the glass which is not just half full, but overflowing with his loving grace. God is blessing us. Yes, and he will bestow on us even more for our faithfulness during difficult situations.

This is a time for us all to more deeply reflect how God is calling each of us to offer our stewardship to our faith community. I ask you again to look into your heart and see where you can offer your gifts, especially in terms of time and talent. When asked to help in an area, please recog- nize the need, evaluate your own gifts, and don’t sell your- self short. God may very well be calling you to serve.

I love being a priest. I love being your pastor. Thank you all for your love and encouragement. I am so fortunate to be part of such a wonderful community. I look forward to the days and years ahead. God is busy doing something in our midst. Do you see it? It is wonderful to be sure!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Archdiocesan Capital Campaign

Dear Parishioners,

Some time ago each registered parish household was sent a letter from Archbishop Vlazny that detailed the upcoming “Sharing our Faith, Shaping our Future” capital campaign. In the coming weeks you will hear of and read about the all-parish, all-parishioner capital effort that is moving forward. Our parish and missions are grouped with about 25 other parishes in the southern portion of the Archdiocese of Portland. Our first phase of the effort will be preparation of materials and recruitment of volunteers. So parishioners may not see visible activity. All the activity at this point is behind the scenes.

There are four major goals which our Archbishop has dis- cerned are in need of such an undertaking: Seminary Education, Priests Retirement, Faith Formation, and particular needs of each church based on needs expressed by each parish. As the weeks go forward, these four areas will be reflected upon more deeply for you and expressed in our bulletin, a video presented at Mass, as well as a reflection during Mass.

At this time, it is very important for us to pray for guidance in what God may be calling each of us to do on behalf of this undertaking. Again, we will be describing the details of the capital campaign in the future weeks, but our need for prayerful discernment as good stewards begins now.

This week’s Gospel challenges us to reflect in our own lives how we are being called to be good stewards with all the things we have been given, and in particular how money plays a role in our lives. We are told by Jesus, we cannot both serve God and mammon (wealth).

Each week, as we move forward, please look to our “Capital Campaign Corner” for the latest and most up-to-date information about this important activity within our parish and archdiocese. Please pray for its success as well as the ministry activities that our Archbishop desires to foster in our Churches.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

New Beginnings

Dear Parishioners,

Our New Priest

This past week we said goodbye to Fr. Paschal. He was a real gift to our community and we wish him all the best in his new assignment at St. Philip Benizi Church. With the departure of Fr. Paschal, we were looking at a situation without a replacement. As providence would have it, a priest from Fr. Paschal’s diocese became free of his other duties while working in Salem and is joining us. So, we welcome Fr. Patrick Nwokeogu (pronounced Woe-kay-oh-goo) to our community of faith. I am sure you will give him our typical warm welcome and come to love him, as he is a very friendly man.

If you are a Techie-type, you can find him active on Facebook. Prior to coming to us, he completed a year of chaplaincy education (aka. Clinical Pastoral Education) in Salem. His love has been for hospital work which will be a great fit for us with all the sick visits that are needed. He’s been a priest for 14 years and a pastor several times. Being here in the United States only two years, however, is a serious cultural shift. So. we will be learning while on the job here. I am proud to say that we are a good place for a new or foreign priests to “learn the ropes.”

Parish Picnic

On a different note, I want to thank the Knights of Columbus for their work to do the heavy lifting...cooking for last week’s Parish Picnic. It is a good feeling to know that the men of our parish can come together to serve their parish community. Thank you also to those who helped out with games, set up, and take down. Thank God the weather was very cooperative. From what I understand this year’s picnic was a little scaled down from previous years. Personally, the games are good and other activities are fun, but I just thoroughly enjoyed just being with all of you. In my Listening Sessions when I arrived a year ago, I heard many times from parishioners that they would simply like to have more opportunities to get together for fun and fellowship. I think that was a mis- sion accomplished this last weekend. Thank you all!!!!

Beginning of School and Ministries

Our parish school began last week and others are about to begin. Our various ministries are also gearing up for the season. If you have grade school aged children, please make an effort to enroll them in our Children’s Faith Formation Program. For teens, our middle school, high school, and confirmation programs are getting ready to begin too. With our new liturgy schedule, we will be able to offer Adult Faith Formation classes as well. Beginning Sept. 12th, I will be starting a monthly presentation called, Catholicism 101. The first topic will be about Catholicism and Sci- ence. Keep your eyes peeled to the bulletin for information about all these potential faith formation opportunities coming your way.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor