There’s a Time to Read - 1 Hesitations 3:16

Dear Parishioners,

Last week I was taking some time off for a vacation. While relaxing, I had the opportunity to do some reading. I read two good books that I recommend: “Sinner: The Catholic Guy’s Funny, Feeble Attempt to Be a Faithful Catholic” by Lino Rulli and “Catholics Next Door: Adventures in Imperfect Living” by Greg and Jennifer Willits. I found both fun, educational, and inspiring.

Lino has a way of being brutally honest about his imperfections and sinful nature, thus the title. This is not a book of piety, but of refreshingly honest personal introspection. It is another version of Augustine’s Confessions, but done in a much easier and conversational way of writing. Lino, however, is no St. Augustine. He readily admits that. He knows he is still work in progress. This book is intended for the young adult. It is relatively short; I read it in one evening.

Greg and Jennifer’s book is also very contemporary, funny, and also very revealing of their successes failings as parents. While they recommend it for all, I think it is best suited for parents or parents-to-be. It is not a how-to book, but an back and forth dialogue about a Catholic couple who struggle to live their lives as Catholic parents. Their book is full of anecdotes, confessions of failed attempts as a couple and parents, heart-warming testimonies of the faith, and creative ways to live out one’s Catholic faith in a culture set against being a Catholic family. At times they lifted up my hope and other times I found myself praying for Greg and Jennifer and their family. The truth is that being a Catholic family is hard. Greg and Jennifer are honest with the successes and failures. I know them a bit from our shared podcasting expereiences and can attest that they are not faking their way through this book.

If you are looking for additional Catholic reading that is funny yet strives for faithfulness, I recommend these books. Of course, I hope you are reading Matthew Kelly’s “Rediscovering Catholicism” which, through generous donations, have been made available for free the last two weeks after Mass.

By the way, if you were wondering why you couldn’t find the book of Hesitations referenced in the title of this article, it’s because you need to read another important book more... your Bible... there is no book of Hesitations! Enjoy!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Christ is Risen!

Dear Friends,

Happy Easter! I hope you and your family are together enjoying a wonderful day celebrating our Lord’s resurrection. As Catholic Christians, Easter is actually a season. Even more so, Easter is our point of reference for our entire life, for we believe that since Jesus died and rose again, we too, can overcome our deaths in our life and ultimately rise with him. Christ’s resurrection has opened the gates of heaven for those who believe.

Easter is also a time when we recognize that we can be forgiven for our sins. It is a time when we also recognize that we have sinned against other people and need to seek out forgiveness. As a church, we wish to express our heartfelt sorrow for any wrongdoing we may have done. As the pastor, I too, wish to ask for forgiveness if I have hurt you in any way. The Catholic Church is your home. It is here that you should be able to find healing through Christ.

If you’ve been away for some time, please consider returning back home to your family of faith. Each year at this time, we begin a process called “Welcome Home Catholics.” It’s a process, whereby people who have been away for awhile are reintroduced to the church, her sacraments, and most especially, can have answered any questions they have without criticism or judgment. We simply want to welcome you home for Easter.

So, may the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ bring you deep and everlasting joy!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor