New Years & Christmas Time

Dear Parishioners,

The new year is us upon us, and it is still the Christmas season. We are still celebrating the amazing gift of Christ come in the flesh, the Incarnation. Often people take down their Christmas decorations soon after Christmas day, yet the Christmas season does not end until the celebration of the Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord, January 9th, 2012. That means there are 16 days of Christmas. The traditional 12 days were intended to mark the period from Christmas to Epiphany (traditionally Jan. 5th), however Epiphany is a movable feast here in the U.S. and as such is placed on the Sunday following January 6th, thus making it 16 days this year. So, you will notice our Christmas decorations in the Church will continue, and I encourage you to do the same in your homes. Pragmatism, however, may dictate taking some decorations down such as the Christmas tree. I know that mine is already getting very dry and is ready to find a new place out of the house.

The date for today's solemnity, Mary, Mother of God, concludes the octave or eight days of Christmas. We have a long tradition of celebrating large feasts with special devotion for eight days. Today, we have simplified the number of these feasts and focus on the biggest ones: Christmas and Easter. Our Jewish heritage did this same thing by extending the celebrations of their liturgical year, the "Feast of Tabernacles" and "Dedication of the Temple" are two fine examples. Constantine followed this tradition by celebrating the consecration of basilicas for eight days. This approach of emphasizing eight days helps us to meditate more, amidst all our distractions, on the mysteries being celebrated.

Whatever your plans during this Christmas season, let us all remember with devotion the reality that God emptied himself in his Son to become one like us. This gift is wondrous indeed. May you spend time pondering on this great gift to us. May the mystery of God's love in this season be poured into your heart to begin a new year full of faith and hope.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Merry Christmas!

Dear Parishioners,

Merry Christmas! It is my prayer that the amazing love of God who gave his only begotten Son to us will rest upon your hearts. By this, may your Christmas be full of the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Among the many things that have blessed us is the presence of our new Coordinator of Youth Ministry, the addition of many new Catholics during the Easter Vigil, a hugely successful Spring Clean-up Day, the creation of a new liturgical Environment Committee, the beginning of a new Grounds Maintenance Committee, and so many other moments where the community came together to help those in need. Again, looking back, I consider it a true privilege to be your pastor.

I now begin to look forward to the, yet to be seen, miraculous happenings of God in our midst as has been the case this past year. Thank you to all who have been part of the incredible things that have been part of the life of St. Anne.

If there is anything I can do, anything that I need to apologize for, anything where I have fallen short, or any way that I can help, please let me know. Let us then pray for each other now that Christmas is upon us. May the remembrance and celebration of the birth of our Savior bring you joy and peace.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Much Ado About Something

Dear Parishioners

New Roman Missal

Well, we did it! We successfully transitioned to the new Roman Missal. Yes, there were goofs and gaffs, and they will continue. But, overall, I think everyone did pretty good with their parts. Please continue to offer up a pray for us priests for whom the bulk of changes effects. Also, please give us an indulgence of patience when we make mistakes too. It will take some time to imprint the new translation in our hearts and minds to the point that we don’t have to be glued to the book.

Immaculate Conception

This coming Thursday is the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Please make an effort to mark your calendars so that you may not miss this important celebration of the Church. I goofed up the time for the morning Mass on our published liturgy schedule. The times should read: 8:30 AM, 12:05 PM, and 7 PM. The morning Mass will include our school children while the evening Mass will be bilingual.

Adoration Chapel

As you should already know, we changed the entrance code to the Adoration Chapel due to some serious security breaches. I implore you not to give out the new code to anyone you do not know. If you are one the persons who enjoy dropping in at the chapel at your convenience and do not have a scheduled adoration time, you must first come to the office during office hours to get the new code. In addition, for those using the chapel after hours, if you have the habit of using the restroom just prior to your time in adoration, please let the current adorer know that you are there and will be right back. It should be considered suspicious activity if someone opens the outside door of the adoration chapel and does not come in to the chapel soon if not immediately. Thank you all for your understanding. Having a 24-7 Adoration Chapel is certainly a gift to us all. Let us all do our part to make sure we can maintain its existence by maintaining security protocols.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

New Roman Missal Preparation

Dear Parishioners,

This month we begin in earnest to learn and practice parts of the new Roman Missal so that by the first weekend of Advent (Nov. 26/27) we will officially implement the entire Roman Missal at all our Masses and Churches.

With the new translation coming to our communities, we priest feel that it is a fantastic opportunity to teach the faithful about the Mass. We will take the time normally reserved for the homily to teach about the theology and praxis (think liturgical gestures and behaviors), the new actual new responses and other changes due to the new Roman Missal, and allow the music groups to teach the musical arrangements using the new translation. The U.S. Bishops have allowed parishes to begin implementing the musical settings beginning in September which means if you travel around the country, various parishes will be at different stages of learning and implementation. No worries.

For our part, you should notice that the new music books are already in place (a month earlier than normal) and a laminated pew card with the common responses in the new translation will be in the pews as well to help you. When Advent comes, the missalettes will be changed out, and we should be ready to go.

I highly recommend that if you want to learn more about the new Roman Missal that you go to my web site, mysteriesofthemass.com, on your computer to listen to talks and discussions from Fr. Jeremy Driscoll, O.S.B., a monk and priest of Mount Angel Abbey and a member of the Vox Clara Committee who was instrumental in the actual job of translating the texts from the Latin.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Challenges To Religious Freedom

Dear Parishioners,

Today, I want to make sure that you are aware of some of the current issues facing the Church which threaten, as never before, our liberty to practice our faith. I have had many vital conversations with parishioners on these topics, and I feel that it would be good to write to you about them in this forum. Furthermore, this month where we are being called to respect life it is a good time to raise your awareness of the encroaching challenges to our faith and belief in the respect and dignity of the human person from natural conception to natural death. The issues are many, but I would like to bring to your attention just a few of them. These unprecedented attacks on our ability to live out our mission of the corporal works of mercy and the sacredness of our Sacraments are ones that we must send to prayer and act on as God calls each one of us.

One issue surrounds medical ethics and government funding. Today, there are serious attempts at legislation to force Catholic health care systems and hospitals to offer services and procedures that we believe to be immoral and in direct violation of our faith including contraception and steriliization. The debate pits current government will against the religious liberty of Churches to practice their faith. Another unprecedented issue has come from the Department of Justice itself in its increasing attacks on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), calling it an act of bigotry instead of the protection of a unique, essential relationship and institution, one that has been given to us by God and which is unalterable by us. The Sacrament of Marriage predates all human laws and has always been defined as between one man and one woman. A third issue challenging the Church has gone to the Supreme Court. This issue is about the Church’s right to choose who can serve and/or work in their name without government interference. This one would seem like a no-brainer, but it is also being attacked by the Dept. of Justice. At risk here is our ability to hire people who share our faith in positions where living out that faith is a prerequisite. Finally, another issue concerns Catholic Relief Services, one of the largest and most effective relief agencies in the world. Herein, the Dept. of State is trying to require CRS and other agencies to provide reproductive services as part of their efforts in international relief and development programs, something that need not be part of relief efforts in order to be effective. I argue that CRS has done more to help people than any other institution and such a requirement is unnecessary for the efficacy of CRS’s efforts to help those in need.

It seems to me that we live in a time, today, when secularism is, ironically, the new religion to the exclusion to other religions. Is it too bold to say that the ideology of secularism is threatening the very substructure of our founding fathers and that there may be a movement towards the repression of other faiths in preference to that of the evermore secularized State? This reminds me of the old political ideology of Erastianism which asserts the supremacy of the State over the Church even in ecclesial matters.

As a nation, we are proud of our pluralism and freedom. Yet, might these issues demonstrate attempts to remove pluralism and subjugate as not only irrelevant, but erroneously label them as dangerous, the religious institutions that have been the backbone of our families, culture, and country? I wonder if our previously well understood sense of religious liberty may be changing into a “secular priority” over that of the 91% of our people who hold to a faith in God (cf. 2004 BBC Poll). I leave that for your own reflection.

Archbishop Timothy Dolan, the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recently wrote a letter to the bishops outlining these issues at hand. I highly recommend you read it. Read it by clicking here or go to our office for a hard copy.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

More on the New Roman Missal

Dear Parishioners,

This past week, Fr. Dominic and I joined the rest of the priests of the Archdiocese for our annual Priest Convocation in Newport. While there we had the opportunity to, once again, listen to Fr. Jeremy Driscoll, O.S.B. a priest and monk of Mount Angel Abbey. Fr. Jeremy is part of the Vox Clara Committee who was directly involved in the new translation of the Roman Missal, also known as the Sacramentary. This is the big red book that the priest uses to proclaim the prayers of the Mass. In his talk, Fr. Jeremy discussed the basic principles of the translation and walked through thethird Eucharistic Prayer as well as answered questions from the priests.

It is important that we all study and become familiar with the Sacred Liturgy of the Mass and the upcoming new translation. As such, I will be offering another Catholicism 101 on the new Roman Missal which will take place this month on the 23rd between the Sunday Masses. In addition, we are putting special inserts about the new missal and the translation for your further study.

If you would like to listen to Fr. Jeremy's talks, you can go to www.mysteriesofthemass,com or subscribe via iTunes by searching for my last name or "mysteries of the mass" in the search bar. Also, I will make available some CD for check out at the office.

I am very excited about this upcoming change. It will be like hearing the Mass anew yet old. I also ask for your prayers for all us priests who will bear the greatest burden of making sure we offer the Mass in this new translation in a way that maintains its beauty and dignity. Please forgive us when we mess up because the previous wording is so ingrained in our memories. Until then, may the Lord be with you...

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Getting Involved In Your Faith

Dear Parishioners,

We are well underway for the school year. As such, it is a time to ask, as a family or individual how you are going to grow in your faith. Well, we here at St. Anne’s have a myriad of opportunities in which to learn and grow in your faith.

Children’s Faith Formation, formerly known as Religious Education or CCD, meets almost every Sunday between the two Masses. It is open to children from grades K through 5th grade. Faith Formation speaks more directly to the mission than previous titles. It is not enough just to have intellectual knowledge of the faith. It is also important to have that faith living in one’s heart. If your child is in second grade, this is the time to enroll them in preparation classes for First Reconciliation and First Communion. Those classes will begin meeting in October every other Wednesday in the evening. See the “Faith Formation” section of our bulletin or talk to Terry Knouff for more information.

Youth Ministry is intended for our young people grades 6th through 12th. Our Middle School students meet each Wednesday evening while the High Schoolers meet each Sunday evening. If your teen is a sophomore, then this is the time to make sure that they sign up for preparation classes for Confirmation. They will be meeting between the Masses on Sundays like last year. See the “Youth News” section of our bulletin or talk to Natalie Scott for more information.

If you have a child who is almost seven years of age and has not received any Sacraments or has only received baptism, we have special classes for them which will help integrate them into their peer community while also helping them grow in the special areas they need in order to receive the sacraments they need. Depending on their age (described above), seek out either Terry or Natalie.

If you know a family who has been away or is unaware of these wonderful offerings for their children, please make an effort to let them know about what they are missing. It seems that every year there is someone who approaches us near the end of the school year who realizes that they had forgotten to enroll their children in sacramental preparation. Who knows? You may be the one who can remind them and help them before it is too late in the year.

For our adult parishioners, keep your eyes peeled to the bulletin and listen to the pulpit announcements for some amazing opportunities this year which include Catholicism 101, The Great Adventure Bible Study, the ACTS Retreats, a Mission with John Michael Talbot, and much more. Maybe consider giving your time to a ministry such as Faith Formation or youth Ministry. If you speak Spanish, seek out Esperanza Robles, our Coordinator of Hispanic Ministry, who is always open to having more people to get involved.

Finally, if you are an adult who desires to join the Catholic Faith or are a Catholic in need of any of the Sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation, or Eucharist, please seek out Terry who can help you connect with a wonderful group of other adults who are journeying in the same way.

St. Anne’s is a wonderful place where many things are ongoing. It certainly isn’t stagnant nor boring. Take a moment and ponder on how God is calling you and your family to grow in the Faith. Hopefully, some of these things mentioned will give you inspiration to make some decisions, if you haven’t already, to get involved.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

New Roman Missal

Dear Parishioners,

I hope that your summer plans and events have been life-giving a re-creating of your body and soul. While our local temperatures have been lower than normal, I cannot complain that we haven’t hit any triple digit temperatures.

In the past several weeks, we have been making plans to prepare for the new Roman Missal. The Roman Missal is the big red book that the priest uses to celebrate Mass. This is different than the Lectionary, another big red book which contains the Scripture readings for Mass. With the new Roman Missal coming, it is important to prepare for its implementation. So, I’ve met with our priests and discussed plans with our Liturgy Committee about how to go about teaching everyone what, why, and how we will bring these changes to our community.

In October, I will offer a workshop that will describe, in depth, the rationale for the new Missal as well as offer many examples of the changes so people can get a good sense of how it will differ from what we hear today at Mass. The changes are not just for our area nor just for the United States. The changes are for all English-speaking countries. Please keep your eye peeled to the bulletin as well as announcements at Mass for locations, dates, and times.

In addition to this workshop, all our churches during November will pause from the normal preaching of the homily in order to allow for catechesis to take place on the changes as well as overall education about the Mass. In order to maintain continuity, each of the priests will be scheduled at the same location during the first three weeks of November. Here’s the schedule:

1st weekend of November: Reasons and philosophy for a new translation of the English Roman Missal and teaching of a musical setting for the Mass Parts.

2nd weekend in November: Catechesis on the Opening Rites and the Liturgy of the Word

3rd weekend in November: Catechesis on the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the Concluding Rites.

4th weekend in November: Total implementation of the new Roman Missal as directed by the Church.

I realize that any change is difficult for so many. That is why I am writing today, over two months in advance of this process. In my own preparation for this change, I have found that the Mass is more alive and the texts are more articulate of the mysteries we celebrate. I believe it will be a renewal for me, personally, and I hope that the same will be true for you.

If you have any questions or comments for me, please don’t hesitate to approach me and ask.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

New Sign Coming

In the continuing process to improve our physical plant, you will soon see a change in our signage in front of the Church. Instead of the multiple signs that are dispersed facing 10th

St., we will be replacing them with one sign which we hope will be more attractive and easy at read. As you read this, Jean Robertson, a parishioner at St. Patrick of the Forest in Cave Junction, is currently creating this sign, and we hope to have it in place at the end of the month. It will depend on her own work load a well as the time it takes to paint the sign and prepare it with UV coatings for long lasting wear against the sun. Her work with the new sign for St. Patrick’s was wonderful, and I am sure will see the same quality with our new sign.

Recently, we have seen many people give of their time and talent to some project or another to improve the Church grounds. Many are still doing so without any fanfare or great notice. I want to thank those people (you know who you are) for their generosity. St. Anne, indeed all three of our Churches, are in constant need of maintenance, and I am so proud whenever I see someone involved in the upkeep of our Church. Thank you all!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Archbishop's Pilgrimage to Holy Land

Have you ever wanted to walk where Jesus walked? Have you ever wanted to celebrate Mass in the holiest sites of the Bible? Ever wanted to sail the Sea of Galilee? Ever wanted to visit the sites where the Rosary finds its origins? In March of 2012, Archbishop Vlazny is inviting the faithful to join him on a pilgrimage to Israel where, for twelve days, he and his fellow pilgrims will come to experience the Holy Land.

Described by Bargil Pixner as the Fifth Gospel, the Holy Land certainly breathes holiness and proclaims the Good News of Christ's Gospel.

Pentecost Tours has been contracted to guide the pilgrims through these amazing sites. Leaving from Portland on March 4 and returning March 15th, pilgrims will experience Lent unlike any other. Many St. Anne's parishioners are already signed up. Fr. Bill Holtzinger and Fr. Mike Walker will be going.

For more information, click this link to download the pamphlet with registration form. The cost of the trip includes airfare, lodging, nine full breakfasts and ten dinners. An initial deposit will be required. Total balance must be paid no later than December 4th, 2011.

Fr. Bill recently went in 2007 and has created a podcast which will allow you to

listen in and learn as the pilgrimage leader guides listeners through the significance of the various sites. Click here to listen and subscribe to the Pilgrim Cast.

Church Clean-up Day

Dear Parishioners,

Thank you! Thank you all who gave of their time, talent, and treasure this Saturday during our parish’s “Spring Cleaning Day.” Yes, it is technically Summer, but it was originally thought up for Springtime and was later moved. Anyhoo, those details are not important. What is important is that we take pride in our faith community and subsequent campus where we worship, gather, learn, and commune with God and each other.

When people come to a new church or office, they make a quick assessment by the way things are kept up. Are the bathrooms clean? Are the sidewalks clear of debris? Is it clear where to park or where offices are located? Is the grass or shrubbery in good manicured order? Are books and other items where they should be? Is there useless clutter? Is the sanctuary and other liturgical goods in good repair and well organized? These are all good ways to determine the level of care that parishioners have for their faith. We may not always succeed in all of these areas, but it was heartening to see those who came out giving selflessly with a joy in their heart. Our campus is big, but many hands made light work.

So, I can only say thank you. Thank you all for the love you showed and the work you offered. Our Church and campus look so much better. Thank you!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

New Tabernacle

Dear Parishioners,

I want to extend my thanks to Rex Titus for his saintly efforts to make sure our Adoration Chapel has people staffing the many hours needed to keep it going. I say saintly, because often he personally fills in the time when people either don’t show or cannot fulfill their time slot. I would like to encourage all adorers to make a double effort to cover your committed time slot when they know they will be gone for whatever reason. I also want to encourage adorers to be faith- ful to the full hour for which they have committed. But, given human nature and the demands on our lives, sometimes things happen and it becomes almost impossible to fill time slots. So, I’ve had several meetings with Rex and others to devise a plan that should ease this stress and make managing the adoration chapel a simple task.

In time, a tabernacle will be placed in the chapel which will be big enough to encompass the entire monstrance. It will have doors that are easily opened and closed, thus reposing and exposing the Blessed Sacrament. I’ve asked Dick Zahniser to build the tabernacle and Patti Sorge to write icons on the doors, once completed, that adorers will see when the doors are open. The image seen in this letter is a sample image I found on the internet which gives a basic sense of what it will look like. Keep in mind, it is not exactly the same, but the basic shape is very similar and the idea of icons on the doors also gives a sense of what it may look like.

I believe this solution to be a win-win for all involved. But, we want to make sure it is done well. So, please be patient as neither construction or iconography can be rushed. Please pray for all involved so that the final solution is one that encourages more to come to the chapel, reduces the stress when there are no substitutes to be found, and eases the responsibility of the person in charge of managing the Adoration Chapel. If you wish to donate to the costs of this project, you are welcome to come to the office and make a gift which will be given towards the construction of this tabernacle.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Summer Preparations

Dear Parishioners,

No doubt about two things: School is out and summer weather has finally arrived. Praise God! I hope you have some wonderful plans to go on vacation. I, too, have been making my own plans for camping and my annual trek to the Oregon Star Party. What plans do you have? Are going on a trip somewhere? Maybe you have a special stay-cation planned (that is a vacation without traveling afar). I would be very curious to hear about you adventures when you return. Such sharing enlivens each other’s spirits and reminds us of the beauty of God’s creation. During your vacation I hope you make plans to remember your faith. That means finding the nearest Catholic Church while traveling and making every effort to keep Sunday holy by going to Mass. Last year folks brought back bulletins from the variety of parishes they visited which, in turn, helped us do some updating of our own bulletin. It also gave us some ideas for ministries and other activities. So, please share your experiences.

While you are gone, be mindful that our bills still come in, and we are dependent on your financial stewardship throughout the year whether on vacation or not. One way to make sure that your financial commitment to St. Anne’s is constant is to sign up for automatic electronic payments through what banks call ACH (Automatic Clearing House). Contact Alan Crews for more information. That is how I make sure my commitment is met. Other people have made plans to mail their envelopes while away or even turned them in early before they left.

I pray that all your travels are joy-filled and safe. I pray that God will recreate in you a new heart and refreshed mind. I pray that you enjoy the weather, but don’t get sunburned (I recommend SPS 50 for anyone who is curious). And don’t forget to share your experiences with those you love.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Job Openings

Dear Parishioners,

This week, Julie, our Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (CYM), approached me and discerned that she needed to leave and pursue other opportunities in her life. She will be missed by us all. She has been an enthusiastic presence in our parish which was a delight for us all. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors back home. She has agreed to stay on until August or until we find her replacement, which ever comes first. I ask that you keep her in your prayers as she strikes out in a new direction.

In the meantime, I have posted ads for a new CYM on our web site as well as other local and national locations. Please pray that in the course of our search, we will be able to find the right person for our community. I am not worried, but hope-filled that we will reap the fruits of being faithful as we were when we hired Julie. If you know of someone interested in this position, please direct them to our web site for full details. It is very late in the year to be seeking out a new CYM. Many candidates have already taken their perspective jobs. I am also not going to rush this process if it means just filling the position. We need to have the right person more than we need to have a warm body doing the work.

As you also may know, our school has two position openings as well. One is that of a Pre-K teacher and the other is for a teacher for our 3/4 grade class. Information about these openings has been on our web site for a month. Those searches are well underway.

This season of year is always a time for change and renewal. May God be with us and our former employees moving on. May we all be open to His promptings and follow our Lord where ever He leads us.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Dog Name Update

I have been receiving all kinds of wonderful ideas to name my new dog. Recently, I've been swayed towards Pedro, as I found him on the feast of St. Peter Chanel (Pedro is Peter is Spanish). In order to have a little geeky fun with this, I've created an online survey where persons can vote on the most acceptable/popular ideas given to me. Click the following link to vote: What name should I give to my new dog?

New Life

Dear Parishioners,

Easter Cleaning

After Easter Sunday, I took the rest of the week off to be with family. Before I left, I took the opportunity to do some spring cleaning. I highly recommend this as a another way to celebrate Easter.

Take a look around your house and ask yourself, what things have I either not worn, not read, or not used in the past year. Then proceed to gather those items up and either have a garage sale, gift them to someone who could use them, or give them to our local St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store. Believe me the feeling is wonderful. It is a way to remind us that Christ can take those old things, the baggage or sins in our lives, and transform or remove them altogether. Easter is a time to be reminded that because of Christ’s resurrection, we can be set free from the stuff that holds us down. We have the gift to live in the Spirit and let go. Try it. You won't regret it.

New Dog

Also while on vacation, I went to most every animal shelter from Medford to Portland in search of a new house companion. I had my list of requirements, and I found just the right one! He’s a three year old white poodle. He was in a Riverside County animal shelter prior to being moved to the Albany area where I found him. He was pretty disheveled having been neutered and then later attacked by a dog in the same shelter. He’s very calm, affectionate, and loves everyone. The one thing is that he has no name. At this writing, I’m calling him Benny (think Gentle Ben, St. Benedict, Bennie Beaver, and Pope Benedict). I’m open to all kinds of name ideas, so feel free tell me your ideas, or email me, or pass along a note through the office. In time, I will settle on a name. Thank you all for your prayers and support in this regard. It is nice to have a companion around the house again.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Confessions & Holy Week

Reconciliation

This coming week we will be offering extra opportunities to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation. One will be a communal celebration at St. Patrick’s on Tuesday at 7:00 PM followed by another at St. Anne’s on Thursday at 7:00 PM. We will offer our last opportunity for individual confessions on Fri- day from Noon to 2:00 PM at St. Anne. Please make use of this awesome gift given to the Church by Christ. It can change your whole life.

Holy Week

Next week begins Holy Week. The first of those celebrations is held at the cathedral in Portland, the Chrism Mass where all the priests join in renewing their priestly ministry and the holy oils are blessed. If you’ve never been to this celebration, it is a must see and participate event! What follows is our Holy Thursday Mass where we commemorate the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist. The oils previously blessed by the Archbishop will be presented, members of the parish will have their feet washed, and a solemn process of the Blessed Sacrament will take place with adoration to follow. On Good Friday, I and Fr. Dominic will be participating in an ecumenical stations of the cross service at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. After the stations, I have been invited to preach a sermon. All are welcome. Later that night, we will offer our own Good Friday Service with the passion narrative proclaimed followed by veneration of the cross and communion. It all culminates with Holy Saturday where our Elect will be plunged into the baptismal waters, many by immersion. Those who had been previously baptized in another Christian tradition will declare their profession of faith in the Catholic Tradition and join the Elect to be confirmed and receive the Eucharist for the first time.

Please note the times for all our Easter Masses, and invite a friend or neighbor to come home for Easter to simply join you for the celebration. After the 11:00 AM Mass, we will be offer- ing an Easter egg hunt for the children.

All these events are for the glory of God and our own journey of faith. May God who suffered and died for us all raise us up with all those who have gone before us.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Prayers & Passion

Dear Parishioners,

Just over a week ago, I had to put down my dog, Gracie. She was 17 years old and definitely showing signs that the end was near. For the last 11 years, she was my companion in my priestly journey. She was the quintessential “parish dog.” She loved everyone, young and old. She especially loved all you who snuck her treats when I wasn’t watching! Thank you all for your kindness to me. I must admit that her passing was much more emotional than I expected. I want to especially thank Dr. Jean Manhart who served as my Veterinarian, and who gave Gracie and me the best of care and guidance. Many of you who are or have been pet owners shared your suffering with me in the days that followed. Again, thank you.

At risk of sounding trite, the days ahead are new territory for me, as I’ve not really known what priestly ministry is like without Gracie. I’ve suffered the loss of my dad, brother, and many friends, each a unique loss with unique pain. I know the pain I experienced losing Gracie is nothing compared to the pain that so many of you who have lost your spouse or close friend have experienced. It is through my own pain that I have a greater appreciation of how difficult it must be for you.

One thing I can say with conviction is that we must not run from our own crosses of suffering and death. We must go headlong into these difficult places with Jesus by our side. For it is by living through and not avoiding our own suffering that we can be raised to new life in Jesus. This is the fabric of being a Christian. I believe it with my whole heart and have my own personal history which testifies that it is true.

In the coming weeks, we will celebrate the Passion of the Lord on Palm Sunday. Just a few short days after that, we begin the holy three days of the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday’s Easter Vigil). These liturgies emphasize the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Please make every effort to come and reflect on the last days of Christ’s life. Please embrace your suffering in your own life, and know that Jesus walked that path before you. Join your suffering to his. Do not avoid that which will ultimately make you whole again. May these final weeks of Lent bring you an openness to the grace that God wants you to have.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Prayers and Help for Victims

Dear Parishioners,

The last two weeks have revealed unimaginable suffering in Japan in wake of the massive quake and resulting tsunami and nuclear crisis. Locally, we share in the suffering with the people on our own west coast who have felt the impact from the tsunami.

At this writing, I would recommend seeking out Catholic Relief Services as an effective way to help out the victims in Japan. CRS has mobilized resources and is offering opportunities for people to help financially. If you would like to make a donation to CRS for victim relief in Japan, click this link where an online donation can be made. CRS commits to “stand with [the people of Japan] in the months and years to come.” The American Red Cross (redcrossbayarea.org or redcross.org) is also working to help victims in Japan and locally.

Also very important are your prayers and fasting, prayers for those who are still suffering and have died, fasting as a way to be stand in solidarity with the people of Japan and locally. May God comfort all the victims of this tragedy and give strength and endurance to those who are on-site rendering assistance.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Arcbishop Dolan Defends Marriage

Dear Parishioners,

Today, I stand with Archbishop Dolan and his defense of marriage against the constant attacks that have come against this age-old, common sense, divinely inspired institution. Instead of speaking my mind, I give to Archbishop Dolan of New York my attention and invite everyone to read his very cogent and very much needed response to a recent decision by our nation's president. The Archbishop writes:

"The announcement on February 23 that the President has instructed the Department of Justice to stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is an alarming and grave injustice. Marriage, the union of one man and one woman as husband and wife, is a singular and irreplaceable institution. Only a man and a woman are capable of the “two-in-one-flesh” union of husband and wife. Only a man and a woman have the ability to bring children into the world. Along with that ability comes responsibility, which society historically reinforces with laws that bind mothers and fathers to each other and their children. This family unit represents the most basic and vital cell of any society, protecting the right of children to know and be known by, to love and be loved by, their mother and father. Thus, marriage represents the bedrock of the common good of society, its very foundation and future."

Read the rest of his outcry by clicking this link to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' web site.

Two Things

Dear Parishioners,

Last week I offered two different presentation. The first was on the new Roman Missal. The second was on Pope John Paul’s Theology of the Body. I’d like to offer a couple thoughts about those topics.

First, the new Roman Missal. Maybe you are aware, but then maybe not. So, it is important to know that the prayers and texts we use during Mass (not including the scripture readings) are going to be changing a bit. In 2001, the Church published a document, Liturgiam Authenticam, which spelled out new guidelines for translating liturgical texts. One of those guidelines called for a more literal translation from the original Latin. As it turns out, our English translation of our Sacramentary is not a literal, but a more more loose translation, specifically called a “dynamic equivalence” translation, from the Latin original. Other major language groups are more literal, and therefore are in the great need, as we are, to have our liturgical books revised. Another issue is that many smaller language groups use our English translation to derive their own. So, by the time they have their books translated, there is a real potential of being quite removed from the original Latin. So, a new translation has been created after much discussion and debate, and we will begin using that new translation at the beginning of this coming Advent. You can learn what is changing by visiting the U.S. Bishop’s web site (www.usccb.org/romanmissal). In addition, I will hold a repeat reflection (date TBA) about the new missal. You can also visit one of my web sites (www.mysteriesofthemass.com) and listen to Fr. Jeremy Driscoll, OSB who was one of the translators. Finally, in the weeks just prior to the change, we will be taking out special time in our homilies to explain, review, practice, and learn the new parts that you will need to say.

Secondly, I want to thank all the adults, parishioners, and parents who supported our five week journey through the Theology of the Body series during our Youth Ministry nights. We spent five weeks in a row, yes even including Superbowl Sunday, learning and discussing the meaning of our bodies in light of Pope John Paul’s catechetical program of sex and marriage. A week prior to that, I offered an adult crash course so that parents, engaged couples, and anyone else could learn the basics for their own lives. I pray that the things we talked about will be seminal points of reference for all who attended these important workshops. Your support and prayers made the entire experience a huge success. If you want to learn more on your own, visit www.christopherwest.com and you can order a variety of media right from the web site.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Dear Parishioners,

I want to thank you for your kindness and warm welcome given to Fr. Dominic. His first full week has come and gone. He has been exposed to many of the things that go on here, and is a lot! As you have seen, he is a very kind and gentle man whose love for the Lord is infectious. We are grateful to have him in our midst. Thank you also for all your assistance in the various ways you have helped him adjust to our community and culture. Please keep him in your prayers.

There is much for him to assimilate. Thank you to all who have helped him with transportation. He is currently preparing to get his driver’s permit and license. Soon, we hope, he will have a car with which he will be able to get himself to the various Churches, homes, etc. as part of his duties. Again, thank you all for your warm welcome. He has been deeply moved. Soon, expect him to offer some reflections here in the bulletin about his life, his time in ministry, and his experiences here.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Theology of the Body

The Church & Sex

Now, there’s a title, eh? Did that get your attention? Just as it should, the Church and sex dwell in the deepest part of our being. God desires that we live in harmony, joy, and fulfillment. Our participation in the Church and fully living as sexual beings can give us these things. If that claim sounds outrageous or simply foreign, then you may want to learn about what has become to be called, the Theology of the Body.

The Theology of the Body, was a catechetical program pro- claimed by Pope John Paul II during his first 129 Wednesday audiences between 1979 and 1984. Believe it or not, by the time he completed this catechetical program, he had written and spoken about two-thirds of all that had been said about sex and marriage to date.

Parents & Teens

This Sunday (Jan. 16), at 6:00 PM in the Kelly Youth Center, I will be offer- ing a two hour workshop on the Theology of the Body for adults. All adults are invited, but most importantly, I want to urge the parents of our teens to attend, because the following week we will begin a five week series of youth nights covering the Theology of the Body.

Parents need to understand what the Church teaches and what we, as a youth program, will be doing for their teens. This program for teens will not be offered every year, so that makes it all the more important to also involve your teens. It is the ideal time to learn and ask questions that will equip parents for the questions that are so often difficult to understand and answer.

What Will Be Discussed?

The workshops focus on the teachings of Pope John Paul II and include discussions about current issues surrounding marriage, contraception, topics that OBGYN’s don’t discuss, and even how what Pope Benedict XVI calls a “dictatorship of relativism” effects our ability to make moral choices today.

The five week youth component will begin on January 23rd and continue into late February. Each night will begin at 6:30 PM and conclude at 8:30 PM. The teens will meet, as usual, in the Kelly Youth Center. A Parental Consent/Youth Conduct Agreement is necessary for a teen to be present due to the mature nature of the topics. These forms are available at our office and on our web site. If your teen has never attended any of our youth nights, no problem. This is the perfect time to connect if only for these five youth nights.

Come and extend your understanding of our Catholic faith.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Baptism: What Is It? What Controversies Surround It?

Dear Parishioners,

Happy New Year once again! With each day, we will be receiving roughly one more minute a day longer of sunshine. With each day becoming longer, the nighttime is shortened and pushed away. So too does Christ, our light, our hope, our faith bring light to our hearts. Last week we celebrated Epiphany, a celebration of Christ’s manifestation to the Magi and the whole world. This weekend, we wrap up the Christmas season with the Baptism of the Lord.

Did Christ need to be baptized? No. He needed no forgiveness of sins nor repentance since he was sinless. However, he did so to show us the way. We are to follow him as was St. Paul (1 Cor. 11:1). We need baptism. But, this Sacrament is often misunderstood.

Baptism forgives the one being baptized of original sin as well as any personal sin, makes the person a “new creature” in Christ, incorporates the person into the Church, the Body of Christ, creates a bond between all Christians, and is sealed with an indelible (think permanent) mark (think character) that the person belongs to Christ. All this commits the person to a life dedicated to living a life different than those of the world. This event is not repeatable and is the first step towards full communion with the Church which is completed in reception of the Eucharist and Confirmation.

Baptism is also a source of controversy. One such controversy is that of infant baptism. For some, baptism is some- thing that follows one’s commitment to Christ. For adults this is true. But, for infants it is not possible for them to make a personal assent. So, the parents and godparents make such commitments for them. Even then, baptism is one of the most radical Sacraments in that in infant baptism, the child receives all these gifts (charisms) without any merit or personal choice on their own. In fact, such baptisms demonstrate the incredible radicalness of God’s free grace.

Also controversial is the Church’s claim that baptism is neces- sary for salvation. This theological statement is not something the Church made up, for indeed Christ himself affirmed this where he said that we must be born again of water and spirit (see John 3:5). This is the normative way we receive baptism. Yet, the Church also recognizes other unusual forms which include a baptism of blood (martyrdom) or desire (someone who is a catechumen or desires baptism but dies prior to receiving it).

For further reflection, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 1217-1284. If you have an unbaptized child who has not reached the age of seven years old, simple classes are required for the parents and godparents. If the person to be baptized is seven years or older, they have the right to take in-depth classes and receive not only baptism, but first Eucharist, and Confirmation. These classes are part of what we call the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults/Teens/ Children also called the RCIA, RCIT, and RCIC respectively. Please seek out Terry Knouff, our Coordinator of Faith Forma- tion if you or a family member is seeking out the Sacrament of Baptism.

Blessings,

Fr. Williams Holtzinger

Pastor

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

Dear Parishioners,

Thank You

Merry Christmas! Yes! It is still the season of Christmas and will be until the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord (Jan. 9). So, you don’t have to be in a rush to take down those beautiful lights and decorations until then. In the meantime, I want to express my gratefulness to the small army of volunteers who worked so hard to make our Church so beautiful for our Christmas celebrations. Thank you all! It is a wonderful sign of involvement and life in our parish. As part of a wonderful outreach to the needy, I want to thank Julie Mercier, Phil Hunkler, and their small army of volunteers who put together and organized the Christmas Basket program. It is humbling to see the variety of parishioners, young and older, who came forward to help make it happen. Thank you all! These activities are a wonderful sign of involvement and life in our parish. I am so proud of you all.

New Year

So, now is the time for many to make some resolutions for the new year. What will yours be? Might I suggest one? Might it be a plan for renewal in your faith and community in faith? And if so, might I further suggest reflecting seriously about how you can work in a time for prayer, spiritual reading, and a balance between work and recreation? Giving your time and talent to the good of the community will not only bring you joy, but can seriously impact the welfare of others.

May this new year bring you an increase in faith and love. May you find and experience a renewal in your relationship with our Lord. May you find an abiding peace and have a blessed new year.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor