Fr. Bill's Personal Pages Blog

Proclaim The Good News Of Life

2012-01-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

This weekend, specifically this Sunday, we observe the 38th anniversary of a tragic Supreme Court decision in our country to legalize abortion. Since then, nothing has done more to polarize our country and be the cause of death for the most poor and vulnerable. Nothing has done more to dehumanize men and women and uproot the sacred trust that every child should have in their parent. More children have died in our country through abortion than the sum of all of our wars. This is an atrocity that must end.

Let us be clear, all human life is sacred. Even in the milieu in which we live, the alleged right to have an abortion is outweighed by the right for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for the unborn child. No argument of defect or quality of life for the child is effective. No argument regarding the potential tragic context of conception (ie.rape) outweighs this inalienable right for the newly created child. Our Scriptures and Sacred Tradition are clear and unambiguous. We express and promote a preferential option for the poor and strive to seek out the most vulnerable. Nobody is more poor or vulnerable than a newly conceived baby in the womb.

Until the day that this law is changed and even after that hopeful day, we as Catholics must do what we can to support women and men, who find themselves in situations wherein an abortion is something they seriously consider, to choose life for their child. We need to support all agencies and churches who seek out to help those whose lives have been damaged by abortion in one way or another. We need to teach and support our teens as well as engaged couples about the grace and joy of natural family planning as well as the heroic decisions surrounding adoption. It is not enough to simply say no to abortion. We need to be people who lift up and change our culture to create support structures that will imbue the value of every human life from natural conception to natural death.

Our world is graced with so many amazing people who have changed our world due to the choice of adoption rather than abortion. One popular example is that of the Denver Broncos quarterback, Tim Tebow. Within our own community are amazing people who are with us because of the choice for life. I can even testify that I have met people who are the result of miracles, for they survived either being aborted or the attempt to be aborted. Each one of these persons have gone to do great things for the Church and humanity as a whole. In their presence, I am speechless yet grateful to God for their presence in our midst. Who knows who has not been allowed to change our world because they never got the chance? But, even then, the argument of human accomplishment as the value of embryonic or adult human life is not as strong as the value that every human life is given no matter what their situation or condition because they are a creation of God.

This Sunday (Jan 22, 2012), we have the opportunity, as we do every year, to let our feet do our talking. Join our fellow Christians and people of good will who want to end abortion in our country. Join us at 1PM for the annual March for Life, which begins in front of the Court House here in Grants Pass. Pray for an end to abortion. Pray that our country will turn back to God and recognize the preciousness of life in every person. And until that day comes, let us continue in hope loving each other and proclaiming the Good News of Life.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

New Years & Christmas Time

2011-12-31T15:00:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-24T15:01:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

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

2011-10-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-09T15:20:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-03T13:40:00.001-07:00

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

2011-06-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-05T14:40:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-08T15:50:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-03T18:16:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-25T16:00:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-12T11:13:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-18T21:15:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-01-08T17:30:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-01-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

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

Merry Christmas! Good News!

2010-12-24T13:09:00.000-08:00

Dear Parishioners,

Merry Christmas! This week's edition of the bulletin is what I like to call our “Good News Bulletin.” In it you will not only find the common informational items, but also a special reflection from each of our staff members. Describing the good news that has happened in this past year at our Church.

In my purview, I note many things. Financially, I look back and thank God for helping the parish and the school end the fiscal year (ended June 30th) in the black. I am further thankful that we expect that to occur again this fiscal year. Donations are up, not tracking with the economy, which I hope is a reflection of our greater effort at special accounting, communication and transparency. At risk of counting the sheep, I have noticed a renewal of younger families attending Mass. I am very excited to see an increase of volunteers and the resurrection of our Liturgy Committee and a creation of a new Environment Committee who is responsible for the amazing decorations in the Church for Christmastime. I am thankful for the assistance of Frs. Fister and Ezurike, who have done much to help lift our spirits and encourage our faith. When Fr. Paschal was reas- signed, I noticed a deeper care and responsibility for our homebound and sick, relieving me of some of the stress and time that this important ministry requires. Hiring Julie Mercier as our new Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry was also a highlight after months of searching and interviews.

There are many other signs of renewal coming in 2011. I plan on continuing our Catholicism 101 series into the new year. Soon you will find information about our Welcome Home Catholics program which has seen much success in years past. I have hope to see our new parochial vicar, Fr. Dominic, arrive in late January.

In all, there is much for which to be thankful. Ultimately, I give our Lord all the praise and glory. I am thankful to the Father for sending his Son to us whose beginnings in a stable should move us all. I thank God for giving us wisdom and inspiration to follow more faithfully as stewards. May God bless you and your family. May this “Good News Bulletin” inspire you and remind you that God is definitely at work in our midst.

Merry Christmas!

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe

2010-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today is the third Sunday in Advent as well as a feast of Mary that dates back before all other major apparitions of her (ex. Lourdes and Fatima). She is the mother and patroness of all the Americas: South and North America. She is the patroness of the unborn. She is our advocate and protector. She is our mother and helper on our life’s

journey.

In 1531, a newly converted Christian, a man we call today Juan Diego, was on his way to Mass when he was visited by an apparition of a girl who was no more than 14. She was dressed in the indigenous clothing of the Aztecs and identified herself as “the perpetual and perfect Virgin Mary, holy mother of the True God through whom e

verything lives, the Creator and

Master of Heaven and Earth.”

Among many things she told Juan, she asked Juan to go and tell his bishop to build a temple on sight of her appearance. As proof, he was asked to climb a hill whereby he would collect a bunch of roses (which were out of season) and show them to his bishop, Juan de Zumarraga. Juan did as she asked and upon unwrapping his tilma or cloak, he revealed an image of Mary as she appeared to Juan. The religious authorities were astounded and were convinced. Today, Juan Diego’s tilma still miraculously exists and is placed behind the altar in the Basilica of Guadalupe. The image has withstood the test of time beyond expectation and explanation.

This event galvanized the two warring peoples, the Spaniards and Aztecs, and brought them together under one Catholic faith with an intense devotion to Our Blessed Lady. Today, Our Lady of Guadalupe is the sign of the nation of Mexico, but she has also become a sign of unity for us all. Today, she brings both our Anglo and Hispanic cultures together under one faith at Mass, echoing the call in John 17, where Jesus prays that we all be one.

Do we dare listen to such a challenge? Do we dare come together under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe? And the answer is yes! It is God’s desire and it should be ours too. That means that we are to make efforts to come together and try to talk with each other. It means sharing liturgies and languages. I means sharing spaces and hearts. It means celebrating the Eucharist together. I am so proud of our parish that has embraced both cultures and languages. We will continue to have English and Spanish Masses, but there have been times when we have come together and celebrate as one. Let that be your prayer today. Pray for patience and conversion of heart. Pray to Our Lady of Guadalupe that she will always keep us in her vision and pray to our Savior for us.

Thanks be to God for all He has done. Praise be to God for the miracle of the image of Our Lady. She is our symbol of unity. May she never forget us. May she keep us in her prayers. Finally, I invite you to come again to Church this Sunday (Dec. 12) at 5:30 PM for a bilingual Mass in her honor. Celebrate Mary and all she has done for the Church.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Making A Commitment to God Through the Church

2010-11-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Parishioners,

Bazaar 2010

I want to thank Jeanette Shibler and all the people who put on last weekend's Bazaar. I am always amazed at the variety of crafts that the Bazaar Committee as well as parishioners create. I don't know any financials, but from seeing the number of people and the amount of cars in our parking lot, it was most certainly a friend raiser, something that is akin to our outreach as a parish.

Offertory Program Challenges Us To Participate In The Church

Thank you all for your generosity in time, talent, treasure, and tradition to St. Anne's. This past year we ended in the black due to two factors: budget cuts and your financial commitments. This year we aim to do finish in a stable position again due to the same two factors, but this time our budget cuts were much more significant which impacted employment and office hours. Once again, I come before you to ask you to discern how you can make a commitment for 2011. That's only two months away. Yet, we need to ask you all to consider what you can do to participate in the life of the Church.

In today's Scripture from Paul (2 Thes. 3:7-12), we are encouraged to imitate Paul who did not get a hand out but worked in "toil and drudgery" so as not to create a burden for the rest of the community. It is a serious challenge to us all to consider our general orientation towards the Church. Do I give to God's Church or am I merely a taker who keeps busy minding other's business all the while being disorderly myself (vs. 11)? Paul challenges us all to participate in the life of the Church. We have all been given talents and abilities that are to be shared in gratitude for all that God has given us.

Time, talent, treasure, and tradition are what I am asking you to think about. In the context of this process, time and talent involve giving your skills to the activities and lifestyle of the parish. I think about all those who worked for the past year to make the Bazaar happen. That took some serious time and talent! Treasure is a financial commitment that we are being asked to commit to in a weekly way as we come to Mass. Tradition is the wealth of our lived experience which we are called to pass on to those around us and, in particular, those who are younger.

This week you will receive a brochure in the mail which will give a reflection about the need to give in response to God's love for us, a detailed outline of our current budget, and a sample of the cards that will be handed out next week during the homily time. Please read through this brochure and, with your family, pray about how you are being called to respond.

May God bless you this week,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

May Their Souls Rest In Peace

2010-11-07T06:00:00.001-08:00

Dear Parishioners,

During the Month of November, the Church asks us to remember all those who have died. It is common for parishes to pay special attention to those who have died in their own communities in the past year. As such, we offer you the list of our own parishioners who have died since last November, and ask you to consider offering your own prayers during this month. May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

“MAY THEIR SOULS REST IN PEACE”

Orlando Vigil, Richard Fuehrer, Mildred Watt, Gustave Rossknecht II, Mary Lentine, Edward Splean, Ole Blen- nov, Elnora Beaumont, Jeo Horak, Paul Bitting, Jr.. Vir- ginia Newman, Kathryn Wells, Robert Graves, Shirley Hendren, Albert Lampert, Cosmo (Corky) Ungaro, Mary Warner, Charlotta Schumacher, Leatonio Ponali, Rita Prive, Heather Horban, Verna O’Leary, Robin Hopson, Rose Marie Dister, John Rose, Lester Lanoux, John Gallo, John Winschel, Rex Linde, Franz Stossel, Higinia Logan, Hans Donath, Paul Litty, Ralph Johnson, Beverly Bish, Eleanor Rose, Margaret Willis, Idamae Sullivan, Mary Jane Armstrong, Thomas Graham, Peter Meier, Thomas Glennon, John Dark, and Michelle Linde.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Vote With An Informed Conscience

2010-10-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

It is that time again to do our part in the process of democracy: vote. Today like no other time, we are pressed to make an effort to vote. Here in Oregon, voting by mail couldn't be easier. Hopefully, you have all received your Voter's Pamphlet in the mail from which you can begin to understand some of the issues. It is a time for us all to remember that our nation was founded on "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Some, however, have pursued one's own well-being over that of others, especially the most vulnerable. As such, we need to keep the needs of the poor in the forefront of our hearts and minds.

The voting season has also marked an increase in mailings to my office from various political action committees or candidates. The Church does not endorse any persons or parties, but she certainly can make a stand about issues. Each of these mailings try to convince me of their particular issue or candidate. Some literature has even come across my desk as either "The Catholic Vote" or "The Pro-Life Vote," often failing to do both in a full way. So, what are we to do? I point you to the bishop's document called "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" which outlines the ethical and moral principals by which we are to consider when participating in our political process. The bishop's outline four major themes. They are as follows:

1. Human Life: The right to life of every human person from conception to natural death, must be protected.
2. Family Life: Marriage between a man and woman is not just a sacred good but a social good that government needs to recognize, encourage and protect.
3. Social Justice: The Catholic consistent life ethic “extends from the vulnerable inside the womb to the vulnerable outside the womb.”
4. Global Solidarity: Natural resources are God-given and “we are all responsible for protecting them.”

The bishop's go on to warn us about two tendencies:

"The first is a moral equivalence that makes no ethical distinctions between different kinds of issues involving human life and dignity. The direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life from the moment of conception until natural death is always wrong and is not just one issue among many. It must always be opposed.

"The second is the misuse of these necessary moral distinctions as a way of dismissing or ignoring other serious threats to human life and dignity. Racism and other unjust discrimination, the use of the death penalty, resorting to unjust war, the use of torture,4 war crimes, the failure to respond to those who are suffering from hunger or a lack of health care, or an unjust immigration policy are all serious moral issues that challenge our consciences and require us to act. These are not optional concerns which can be dismissed.

I urge you to read this document in its entirety as well as the Archbishop's Oct. 6th reflection on voting. Here are links related to these writings:

http://www.faithfulcitizenship.org http://www.catholicsentinel.org

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

New Roman Missal Discussed (Updated Oct. 19, 2010)

2010-10-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

Last weekend I mentioned at Mass that I was gone the previous week for the annual Priest Convocation where all the priests serving the Archdiocese came for further education, fellowship, and more. Fr. Jeremy Driscoll, O.S.B. was our keynote speaker. He is part of the Vox Clara group who is assisting the Church in translating the Latin texts for our upcoming new edition of the Roman Missal (think, that big red book the priest uses at Mass). If you were at any of the Masses at which I presided, you will remember that I mentioned that I would put Fr. Jeremy’s talks online. Since my original bulletin letter for this weekend, I have published all his talks which are about an hour-and-a-half long each. Due to their lengths, each talk spans two CD's. I have made three copies of each which are available at the office for check out and return. However, the easiest way to listen to them is on my podcast, The Mysteries of the Mass, which can be found at www.mysteriesofthemass.com. This web site hosts many other talks on the Mass which can also be accessed and subscribed to via iTunes.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Archdiocese Capital Campaign

2010-10-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

This month, we will be hearing more about the Archbishop’s Capital Campaign. In the coming weeks, we will be showing a video about the campaign during Mass. Hopefully, it will bring to your attention the various needs that are trying to be met and encourage you to participate in whatever way you can.

I would like to highlight one aspect of the campaign and that is the funding of an endowment for seminary education. When I was a seminarian, I was very aware that the Archdiocese paid for my schooling, room, and board. That truly helped me focus on my studies and discernment. Imagine also having to worry about whether or not I could afford it. Today, that cost is $40,000/yr per seminarian.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

The fund that has historically paid for these costs will be completely empty at the end of this year. It is Archbishop Vlazny’s desire to create a way to create a permanent and protected financial source to help pay for our seminarians’ education.

We all want good priests. Mount Angel Seminary, one of the main schools our men attend, is a fantastic institution which offers our men a top notch theological education and formation for priestly vocations. If this was the only part of the campaign, I’d still participate as we most definitely need more priests. Please bring this need to prayer. Ask how you can help participate in this campaign. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me or Alan Crews, our Business Manager, about it.

Respect Life October

2010-10-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

The month of October is Respect Life month. As such we are called to draw our attention and prayer to the issues that attack the dignity of life and pray for an increase in the respect for life at all stages. These include abortion, assisted suicide, capital punishment, human cloning, contraception, embryo/fetal stem cell research, euthanasia, sex trafficking, war, poverty, immigration, suicide, and end-of-life issues.

Today, we are a beacon of light striving for the transformation of our culture of death to become a culture of life. I am very proud of our Church. For all of our struggles with personalities, our teachings uphold the high standard of care with a special preference for the poor. We have ordered some prayer cards with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on them. She is not only the patron of the Americas, but also the patroness of the unborn. Why is she the patroness of the unborn? Well, if one looks carefully at the image, it becomes clear that she is pregnant. In horrible circumstances, she still chose to bear the weight of potential shame and ridicule for the sake of the life of her child, Jesus. No other image carries this significance. Because of her fiat, we have salvation.

I urge you to educate yourself on these issues. They are many for sure. But don’t let their number scare you. Take one at a time and reflect on how you may be called to ministry in any of these areas. In order to learn more, go to the U.S. Bishop’s website’s Pro-Life Activities page where you can view, download, and print various materials covering many of the issues: http://www.usccb.org/profile/programs/rlp/2010/ All of the materials are also available in Spanish.

May God protect our weak and vulnerable and help us to be- come agents for changing the landscape of our culture that is so bent on death. May we all be willing to stand for the dignity of life and put into practice the teachings of our amazing Church.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

A Glass Overflowing

2010-09-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

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

With Fr. Paschal's Leaving Comes Questions

2010-08-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

Last week while on vacation I received news that our expected new parochial Vicar, Fr. Dominic, has yet to go his embassy to complete whatever is needed to travel to the U. S. At this point the Archdiocese feels that he won’t be here anytime soon. The Archbishop was willing to allow Fr. Paschal to stay with us for an extended period of time, but not more than two months. That time will run out at the end of this month. So, Fr. Paschal will move and go to Redland at the end of August. No priest will be coming to take his place. That means we will have me (full time) and Fr. Fister (half time) for our three parishes.

How does this effect our churches? Luckily, our new liturgy schedule will allow us two to cover all the Masses on the week- end. However, we will need to be prepared to have a communion service once in a while if no priest is available. Our weekday schedule, however will be having regular communion services, likely on Monday and Tuesday. Pastoral ministry such as communion visits or anointing will not be as readily available since I will be the only priest at the parish on a daily basis. We may have to seek out the Vicariate priests if the funeral schedule gets too busy to accommodate. Simply put, less priests means less availability compared to what the community has been accustomed.

It is unknown when Fr. Dominic will arrive. But, until he does, we must all work together to fill in gaps or help others know that there is a priest shortage and we can’t be everywhere all the time. We will simply have to think smarter not harder.

Fr. Paschal has been a wonderful blessing to us all. We have been very blessed to have had so many priests serve our community. It is truly a blessing that it has taken this long for us to also feel the impact.

What can you do? I believer that praying for more vocations is a real constructive thing to do. We need to promote the priesthood in our families. Being patient with me, Father, and the other priests you know who regularly cope with the demands that can’t always be met. And finally, be open to the Holy Spirit who may be calling you to help out in a ministry to which you’ve been reticent to involve yourself. We need to work together now more than ever... and that is a blessing for the life of any community.

God is good and his plans are for greatness. I look forward to this next chapter of our faith adventure. No fear. Just great expectations.

Thank you all for your stewardship and thank you for all your prayerful support for our priests.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Immigration: What Does The Church Teach

2010-08-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

At this time, immigration is in the forefront of the media due to recent actions in Arizona. Many of us are concerned for the well being of all involved and people of good will differ on how to deal with the issue. The Church has not been silent about the need for a just solution to the issues surrounding immigration. However, most people have no idea what the Church has been saying. For details of the Church’s teaching on social justice in this regard, I point you to the U.S. Bishop’s web site.

In 2003, the U.S. Bishops issued a pastoral letter entitled, Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope (http://www.nccbuscc.org/mrs/stranger.shtml), whereby they articulated five principles that govern how the Church responds to public policy proposals relating to immigration. The principles are philosophical and theological responses taken from the Gospel teachings and the teachings of Popes. All five principles need to be held in balance, not one over the other, not one at the expense of another.

1. Persons have the right to find opportunities in their homeland
2. Persons have the right to migrate to support themselves and their families
3. Sovereign nations have a right to control their borders
4. Refugees and asylum seekers should be afforded protection
5. The human rights and the human dignity of undocumented migrants should be respected

For more information, the bishops have created an additional web site: justiceforimmigrants.org/ I also highly recommend an informative article by Bishop John C. Webster which can be found online: http://www.justiceforimmigrants.org/documents/wester-interview.pdf

As a country, this issue will not be going away anytime soon. As long as there is such contrast in poverty and wealth between borders as there is between the U.S. and Mexico, as long as there is a market for drugs here and supply south of our borders, and as long as our immigration process remains broken and our borders insecure, people will be arguing about how to solve this issue. And these are only a few of the issues amongst many in this complex situation.

Finally, please keep all those involved in your prayers. Remember to keep charity in your heart and try to see all the sides of the issues. Remember that people of good will may disagree, but we are called to put on the mind of Christ and reflect the Gospel at all times.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Liturgy Schedule Change

2010-07-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

As you all know, I’ve been trying to discern how we can free our Children’s Faith Formation (formerly called children’s religious ed.) from taking place at the same time as Mass as well as trying to accommodate a Sunday Mass in Cave Junction. After a rather difficult discernment which included input from the Archbishop, discussions with Esperanza, our Hispanic Minister, reflections from all the councils, advice from many parts of the parish, and His- panic ministers outside of the parish, I’ve come to a difficult conclusion. It is clear that there is no perfect solution, but in order to attempt to meet these two main concerns as well as a myriad of others that were brought forward during my discernment with all these groups, it became clear that several things would have to shift.

So below is the new liturgy schedule which takes effect on Labor day Weekend (Sept. 4/5). It frees Children’s Faith Formation from competing with Mass, allows St. Patrick of the Forest to have a Sunday Mass, creates time for adult faith formation classes between the two Masses on Sun- day as well as after the last Mass on Saturday, relieves traffic flow between the Masses on Sunday at St. Anne, and offers the greatest flexibility for scheduling priests and priest substitutes. Yes, there are issues that are intro- duced, but I believe that the benefits outweigh the costs.

I beg your patience as any change is a difficult thing. In- deed, I ask you pray for the Hispanic community, as their Mass time is potentially most disruptive to many of their well established routines. Many have communicated this very thing. However, when talking to many Hispanic Minis- ters, they had a consensus that an evening Mass was a very doable time, indeed potentially better than an early morning Mass. Clearly, some of our Spanish speakers will be unable to come to a Saturday evening Mass due to work, but I hope that many who haven’t come in the past will find the new, later time to be more accommodating. I am aware that this will be difficult, but instead of looking at the glass half empty, I encourage everyone to look at it half full. Imagine now the new possibilities that are before us. God bless you all!!

The new schedule should be announced at all the Masses this weekend. Again, this schedule does not take effect until Labor Day weekend. So, we have two months to pre- pare and adjust our own personal calendars to suit. The new schedule can be found below.

Blessings,
Fr. Bill
Pastor

St. Anne, Grants Pass
Saturday
4:00 PM Confessions
5:30 PM Mass
7:00 PM Mass(Spanish)

Sunday:
8:00 AM
11:00 AM

St. Patrick of the Forest, Cave Junction
Sunday:
10:30 AM Confessions
11:00 AM Mass

Our Lady of the River, Rogue River
Sunday:
8:30 AM Mass

Summertime and Stewardship

2010-06-27T22:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

The sunshine has finally arrived, school is out, and vacation time is upon us! Yea! As stewards, it is important to remind us all about our faith-filled response to our time, talent, treasure, and tradition.

Time
Summer is a time for nurturing our wellbeing. Spend time in prayer. Go camping. Read that book you’ve been wanting to get to. Go for a day trip. Whatever it is that energizes you which you haven’t been able to do, take out time to make it happen. In addition, ponder on how you can give of your time to a ministry that you’ve wanted to be part of. Volunteer somewhere that could use the extra help while people are on vacations. Even our adoration chapel needs extra people to fill in the gaps that always occur due to summer trips.

Talent
Where is your talent? Do you sing? Do you like teens or young children? Do you find joy in visiting the sick? Is gardening or landscaping your thing? Seek out people who are involved in a ministry you like. For example, our choirs are always in need of extra voices. Why not try volunteering your time with a particular group? During summer, some choirs practice just prior to Mass. As you may already know, we are in need to help fill in the gap while John Robles in on sick leave. Maybe you could help with your fix-it skills?

Treasure
As you go camping or traveling, please remember that St. Anne’s still has responsibilities to pay our bills. Consider how you can maintain your financial commitment to your community of faith. One such method is our automatic giving program via what the banks call ACH. See Alan Crews, our business manager, for more information. Now you can leave for vacation and not worry about you financial commitment to the Church.

In the coming year, we will be starting our part of the Archdiocesan Capital Campaign. This is in addition to our ongoing Parish Offertory Program, Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal, and other required special collections. More information about the capital campaign will be forthcoming, but it is important to begin thinking about your own financial commitments and the variety of opportunities to give. Nobody likes surprises. So, please know that between September and January, our parish will be joining the other parishes of the Archdiocese in a process to replenish needed funds at the Archdiocesan level.

Tradition
Recreation is important to our mind, body, and spirit. Please take time to plan some time to do something fun that will help you be created anew. Remember the trips you once found so moving and foundational to your own youth? Don’t forget the traditions you’ve been given, and share them with your family. Maybe create new ones. Consider a special evening out with the family or family meal in the backyard. Begin a movie night or invite neighbors over for an evening barbecue. Plan an early morning or late evening walk together. Get out the bicycles and go for a ride. Visit friends from the past. Share or create new traditions for your family.

Summertime is a wonderful time to be recreated, to share your gifts, and to thank God for all that he has given us. May this summer be safe and full of joy and adventure as you live out your faith as a steward of the gifts God has given you!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Goodbye & Best Wishes!

2010-06-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

Next weekend, we say goodbye to several people on staff. Fr. Paschal will be officially assigned to St. Philip Benizi Church in Redland near Oregon City. Hans will be finishing his tenure and moving to Mount Angel Seminary to begin studies for the priesthood. Jeanette and Mark will be officially leaving as payed staff due to budget constraints. All four of these people are wonderful and faithful servants who have completed their tenures with a spirit of service and grace.

Next weekend, June 27th, after the 11 AM Mass, I invite you to join the me and the rest of the community in saying goodbye and best wishes on the next chapter of these amazing people’s lives. They will be greatly missed. I am very thankful for their service to St. Anne’s and pray for each of them in the respective new steps. Again, I invite you to come and share in thanking them for their faithful work to St. Anne’s. Well done, good and faithful servants!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Vocations & Liturgy Schedule

2010-06-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

Vocations

This weekend Archbishop Vlazny ordained six men to the priesthood. This is wonderful news. They are Ysrael Bien, Henry Guillen-Vega, Raul Marquez, Robert Wolf, Mark Kissner, and Joseph Nguyen. Please keep them in your prayers.
Here is Southern Oregon, we have a history of receiving newly ordained priests. As of this writing, Fr. Paschal’s replacement is still in Uganda. I have no idea if and when he will arrive. Needless to say, while this is a large ordination class, we still are behind in our ability to staff parishes with enough priests. I have spoken to the Archbishop about our concern about replacing Fr. Paschal to which he sympathized and promised to work with Fr. Brennan, the vicar of clergy, who is in charge of priest placements to continue to problem solve this issue. I trust it will all fall together as it needs to be. Please note that Parochial Vicars (think assistant priests) don’t remain so for very long before they become pastors. In years past, these men would be Parochial Vicars for many years, learning the skills necessary to shepherd a parish. On your part, please keep vocations to the priesthood high on your list of intentions. Parents, you need to encourage your sons to consider this vocation. Without priests, we have no Eucharist. But, I am no alarmist. I believe that God is raising up more and more men to this noble and heroic vocation. May our parish be fertile ground to encourage vocations.

Liturgy Schedule Issues

Since my arrival, it has become obviously clear that there are many issues which need to be solved. One of these is the competition that our Children’s Faith Formation has with our 9:30 AM Mass. Children in our Hispanic community are having to decide whether to send their children to classes or go to Mass. This is unjust. Mass is the source and summit of our faith. Yet, if our children don’t have the opportunity to learn about their faith, then we are complicit in furthering the ignorance of our youngsters making them fodder for other religions or secularism.
Second is the desire for St. Patrick to return to a Sunday Mass. Many of their elderly are not able to make it to Mass when it is dark in the winter. Also, due to sports on Saturday’s, many families do not come to Mass when there is a conflict.
Third, is the best use of our priests. While we have three priests which allow us to cover all six Masses in three locations, we need to be prepared for two priest. In addition, we need to create a flexible schedule that allows us to more easily get a substitute when one of us is sick or out of town.

Opportunities

In addition to these issues, I think we have several opportunities if we craft a schedule that has more time between the Masses. It will allow us to host adult faith formation opportunities between the Masses, relieve our traffic flow between Masses, and afford people with better chances for better parking. For families with children, while their kids are in class, there will be an opportunity to grow deeper in their own faith. Our priests will also have more chance to share in fellowship at coffee and donuts instead of rushing off to the next Mass. I hope to introduce a monthly series I have previously called “Catholicism 101” which explores the basics of our faith as well as current topics.

Liturgy Schedule Change

To these ends I have been pondering on many different scenarios that will allow for all of these to happen. I’ve been speaking with all the councils of all three Churches, discussing the ramifications of one schedule idea over another with staff members. I have been discussing at length various options with our priests as well as those of the vicariate. There is no schedule that is a total win-win. But, there are a few ideas that would solve many of these ideas. I have not yet come to a decision as to what will happen, but I hope to announce a decision by the beginning of July. One thing that is very seriously being looked at is moving the Spanish Mass to another day or time. It is the smallest of our Masses and sits during “prime time” when our children are attending Faith Formation. If this happens, that segment of our community will need our prayers and encouragement. Again, nothing is set in stone, but I ask for your support and not your criticism. The hope is to make the liturgy schedule change effective come the beginning of September. That will allow us to figure out the kinks and how to solve them.

Change Is Hard, But Love Conquers Fear

With any change comes fear. It wasn’t that long ago when Fr. Karl was alone here and he had no parochial vicar. I don’t believe that will happen in the immediate future, but we must be prepared for the day when we have only two priests, for which we will all need to step up and help out even more. We are privileged to have the priests we do with such a shortage ongoing around us. I am very grateful for the Archbishop’s understanding for the need to have at least two priests here.
In my ten years of priestly service, I have noticed that often people are okay with change as long as it effects others and not themselves. In our current situation, I ask you to pray for wisdom and guidance for me and flexibility and openness for all those who may be dissatisfied with whatever comes their way. Instead of a glass half empty, I believe that these changes will fill our cup to overflowing. It reminds me of something I once heard and have repeated many times in my homilies. When you are in love, your zip code doesn’t matter. Neither does the time of day. I believe that we have many wonderful opportunities to grow in our faith. God bless you all.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

New Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministry Found

2010-05-28T20:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

I am glad to announce that our search for someone to carry on the min

istry that Hans Mueller has been doing for the past three years has come to a happy end. After five

months of prayer, preparation, advertising, reviewing resumes, and many, many interviews, we end our journey with Julie Mercier.

Julie will begin in early July as the Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministry. She just recently graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH. She earned a degree in theology and catechetics with a concentration in youth ministry. She has experienced leading retreats and chaperoning at youth conferences. Julie was with us several weekends ago when Archbishop Vlazny was here for our confirmations. She traveled from New York for an in-depth interview (her third interview with us), and introduction to the parish and surrounding area, and concluded by leading our Sunday youth night. Needless to say, she knocked our socks off. Her love for Christ, her passion for youth, and her humility were qualities that one cannot teach. After her whirl wind trip West, she returned home with an offer for our job. After several

days of prayer and discernment, she agreed to take the position. Our

search committee and myself, as well as those who met her when she visited all praised God for her acceptance.

When she arrives, please introduce yourself to her. More importantly, she will need your help in continuing the work begun by Hans. Please pray for her and especially for courage, as it will most certainly be difficult to move so far away from her home. Let her know how friendly we are here at St. Anne. Offer your time and labor to help her build upon the foundation already here in our youth program. It takes a Church to raise our children. Let us help Julie lead our teens and young adults to grow in their Catholic faith.

Congratulations, Julie! I am so proud and honored to have you on board our pastoral staff. I pray that St. Anne will be a place where your gifts can shine and our young people will catch on fire for our Lord.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Live Life!

2010-05-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

The days are getting longer and temperatures warmer. The grass is growing longer and the gardens are starting to come alive. Spring has sprung, and with it, the reminder that God’s love is renewed each day (cf. Lam. 3:21-23).

In the days ahead, let us shake off our lethargy and get outside and enjoy the beauty around us. Turn off the TV and get out if you can. Take your dog for a walk. Do some gardening. Go jogging. Play frisbee golf or ride your bike. Go for a scenic drive around the area. We have such beautiful mountains and rivers. Go fishing or just dangle your feet in the water and you sun yourself. Go treat yourself out for a yogurt or ice cream. Pack a picnic and head out to the local park. Watch a baseball game. Get out the BBQ and enjoy a relaxing dinner with family and friends. There’s so much to see and do. Many people are beginning to make plans for vacation for the summer. I’m going to make sure to go camping as well as go on my annual trek to Eastern Oregon to do some star gazing at the Oregon Star Party.

What are you going to do? What gives you life? What have you been wanting to do, but have been putting it off? These ideas do not all require a large financial expenditure. Being creative is key. Some people have even done stay-cations (think stay-home-vacation).

Life is to be lived and enjoyed. Give thanks and praise to God for his amazing creation. Do not let the bad news around you dominate your energy. Taking out “sabbath time” is a critical way to be holy and healthy. It is important that we not only work, but that we rest, recreate, and enjoy the gifts that God has given us. Share your stories and joys with others. Some times too busy is too busy. I always struggle with this myself. But, year after year, God renews his beauty around us and our spirits are lifted. I am looking forward to the warm weather and blue skies. This is a gift of living in Southern Oregon. Let us enjoy rejoice and be glad in it!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Abuse Is Painful Indeed

2010-04-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

Thank you for your outpouring of support for me and all
priests. Thank you for your prayers for Pope Benedict. Let us also pray for the victims of abuse whose scabbed-over wounds are being torn open will all the events of late and the media frenzy swarming around it all. May we all be Christ’s healing presence.
Recently I was contacted via e-mail from someone who has since left the Catholic church in dismay over a bad experience and the scandal that continues to plague us. After responding to this hurt soul, I thought I might offer you my response as my own personal reflection for you to ponder upon. I’ve edited my letter for length as well to preserve the identity of this person from our area.

Dear (writer of the e-mail),

Thank you for your e-mail. I assume that since you’ve taken the time to speak your heart to me, I feel obliged because of love, truth, and a sincere desire for reconciliation to respond. Please indulge me as I offer you a rather lengthy e-mail.
First of all, I am saddened that no one contacted you when you first arrived at your old church. We here at St. Anne need to also review how we are receiving our new members as well as caring for those who need pastoral care. As the new pastor here, these are aspects of administration and guidance which I am working on with our community of faith. As you can imagine, we cannot please everyone all the time, and we frequently make mistakes. I like to think our church is not a museum of saints, but a hospital of sinners. Even at that, it is run by sin- ners. All Churches struggle in this regard.
Secondly, I am deeply saddened by the abuse of our young ones by priests so long ago. It is unconscionable. I agree. The reassignment of known abusers was also a horrible thing. As a priest, I am rather angry at my brother priests who have perpetrated such evil. The latest revelations about the abuse cases in Ireland continue to remind us that there is much work to be done. I feel horrible as this simply reopens the wounds of those here in the U.S. who have been abused. Prayer, penance, counseling, reconciliation, and more is needed. Our children need to be safe.
In service to the truth, I need to offer a reflection about the press. I caution you to reserve your judgments about the recent reports regarding the pope until all information has come forward. I welcome transparency and hope that all the details will be made known about the on goings of the events in question. I would caution you, however, not to believe everything you read in the papers or see on TV news. While the Church as a human institution has failed to keep our children safe in the past, and we are working to correct that, the major media groups have also failed to offer us, the public, the full story as to what has happened and how the Church has responded. The reasons as to why are debatable, but certainly the press has been anything but objective in its reporting. I’ve even been personally interviewed and taken way out of context. As such, I do not trust the newspaper or TV since they constantly fail to check their facts. This is by no means an excuse or rationalization of the evils that have been perpetrated in the name of the Church. But, we all like to pride ourselves in being well informed and able to talk intelligently about the truth. The issues are very complex and sound bites or one minute reporting just don’t honor the truth. The media has not given all the facts and has nuanced the data to fit their assumptions.They would have us believe that Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict) has done nothing to seek out the safety of our young people and has been a central figure in the cover-ups. I would encourage you to read the Wall Street Journal article posted on our web site as well as other links there that might offer you some other insights into the “rest of the story.” Go to www.stannechurch.com and I hope that will give you more information from which to discern.
Here is an example of some things that have not been mentioned in the media. Our Archdiocese, as well as virtually all the dioceses in the U.S., require all volunteers to be background checked and annually attend a safety class to help ensure the safety of our young people. When I was in seminary (circa 1993-2000), we spent copious amounts of time learning and reflecting about the scandal of child abuse by clergy. Our seminaries work hard to screen applicants like never before. Our programs with children and youth follow strict guidelines to make sure that we all follow the highest standards of care for the safety of our young people. But, if all we watch and read is the mass media, these facts are never mentioned. I believe that the Catholic Church in the U.S. has become a model of safety for children, a lesson, unfortunately, learned through tears, humiliation , and pain. There is still a long ways to go in other countries such as Ireland. The culture and attitudes that helped to create unsafe situations for our children are still being realized. I have confidence that they will do the right thing and remove the victimizers and seek reconciliation and healing with the victims.
I welcome the full disclosure of the skeletons in our closets and pray for the full truth to be known. This will only help the victims heal and help the Church to change. This is good. Let us pray for healing of both victims of abuse as well as a reformation of the Church. Let us also acknowledge that while one instance of abuse is too many, the Church is not alone in this societal scourge. I pray the Catholic Church will be renewed and lead the way for the safety of our children who are at risk in our public schools, foster care situations, and any other groups where abuse occurs.
I am glad you have found a Church that you can call home. Please pray for the Catholic Church. Let us pray even more fervently for the healing of those victimized by abusers whether from within the Church or from other situations. If you would like to sit and talk personally, I would be very open to listening to your concerns. May God bless you in the Easter Season.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Easter Reconciles Us Anew

2010-04-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

Happy Easter! Christ is risen! At this time of the year, our Church celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This miracle of our faith has broken the bonds of death and our slavery to sin. It is also a time of renewal and forgiveness.

At Easter, we celebrate and welcome home those who have recently joined the Church through the Easter Vigil. They remind us all of the need to seek out Christ through his Church. Easter is also a time when we welcome visitors and friends we haven’t seen in a while whether just visiting family or just coming because it is Easter. Please know of my gratitude for your presence among us.

For many reasons people come and go in the Church. Sometimes that is due to past hurts or anger as a result of actions on the part of the Church. If you have been injured or hurt in any way by any member of our Church, I sincerely apologize and ask your forgiveness. Please let us try again. Having a new pastor and parochial vicar may afford you to start anew without your history haunting you. If anyone in our staff has spoken uncharitably or acted unkind, again, please accept my apology on their behalf. I believe we need to uphold the standard set by Jesus, that is to love God and our neighbor. I believe in the highest standard of care, and desire to heal hurts that I or anyone in our Church has cause due to failure of this standard.

If you have been away for many years, I would like to invite you to come and join our “Welcome Home Catholics” group. In this program, Catholics who have been away for many years have an opportunity to ask questions and learn about things that have changed. It is a way to help ease their transition. Contact Fr. Paschal Ezurike for more information about this wonderful process.

If you are not Catholic and are interested in becoming Catholic or would simply like to inquire about what we believe, we have a group of people that meet to learn about the faith. This is called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. We have analogous gathering for teens and children as well. Contact Terry Knouff for more information if you are an adult or have pre-teen children who are interested in joining. Contact Hans Mueller if you are a teen and want to learn about joining.

Easter is a time to recall that Christ rose from the dead. We, too, are people who desire to be transformed and forgiven as Jesus called us to be. May this Easter season be an opportunity to renew your faith and restore your walk with the Church. If I or any of our staff can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

May God bless you and give you joy in your heart.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

More Details Regarding Holy Week

2010-03-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

Holy Week is almost upon us. Next Sunday, Parishioners will be invited to begin our Passion/Palm Sunday celebration with the blessing of palms outside the Church at the 9:30 AM Spanish Mass and in the Parish Center at the 11 AM Mass. All the other Masses will begin in the Church proper. This year, there will be two notable changes in our Triduum: The veneration of the cross and the baptisms.

Good Friday: After talking with our Liturgy Committee, I have come to understand that St. Anne’s has historically offered multiple crucifixes for venation on Good Friday service. However, the Church calls for only one cross to be used. It is an option to use a cross or crucifix. Since the theology of the veneration is directed towards the cross (recall the priests intones: “Behold the wood of the cross on which hung the savior of the world...”) and the rite is called the “veneration of the cross,” we will be using one very large cross and not a crucifix. Since it will be almost life-sized, it will allow several people to approach the cross at once and offer their veneration at the foot of the cross as well as the right and left arm of the cross. The size of the cross should aid in the timeliness of this part of the service. Examples of veneration include a bow, a kiss, a genuflection, or a simple touch of the hand according to the preference of the person. Families are encouraged to approach at one time instead of individually waiting for each person to venerate.

Easter Vigil: As mentioned in last week’s column, I described that we will be offering baptisms by immersion or submersion, that is either having water poured all over the person or actually dipping the person all the way under the water. If you have never seen this approach, you will be in for a special treat. I have done immersion/submersion baptisms ever since I was ordained almost ten years ago. For the truly inquisitive, I have posted a video describing how to make a temporary immersion pool and showing actual immersions on Easter Vigil. Go to http://www.frbill.org/frgeek.html to see it on your computer. The baptismal fount will be located between the front pews where there is plenty of space and will remain there for the entire Easter season. When you arrive to Church during the Easter season, you are encouraged to enter the Church, bless yourself from the large fount, and then go to your pew. Of course, the traditional holy water founts at the entrances of the Church will be available.

With the arrival of a new pastor comes some new approaches. It is a new day, and I hope that this Easter will be one of renewal and refreshment to all who come through our doors.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

A Week of Holiness

2010-03-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

Now that we are well into Lent, internally for St. Anne’s, planning for Holy Week has already begun. Personally, I believe that Holy Week is that series of celebrations that every Catholic should experience each year. If you’ve never attended them, please consider making an effort this time around. Here’s a run down of all the activities.

Palm Sunday: Depending on the Mass, we will be start- ing in the Hall or outside and then process in with our palms to continue our celebration.

Chrism Mass (7 PM, March 29, Portland): This Mass is celebrated at the Cathedral with the Archbishop and almost all the priests serving in the Archdiocese. This is a wonderful time to experience the Church in a larger sense. The Holy Oils are blessed at the Mass and the priests renew their promises from their ordinations. The procession alone is something to behold.

THE TRIDUUM

Holy Thursday (7 PM): This commemorates the
Last Supper Christ had with his disciples. At this Mass we wash the feet of representative members of our parish and focus on the institution of the Eucharist. As such, I’ve ordered special hosts that have images embossed on them and I will be singing most of the Eucharistic Prayer. The oils from the Chrism Mass are pre- sented at the presentation of the gifts and placed in a suitable location. At the end of Mass, the community follows the priest in procession with the Eucharist to the Parish Center where a temporary Altar of Repose has been set up so that the faithful can pray before the Blessed Sacrament. People are welcome to leave when they want until adoration concludes at midnight.

Good Friday (7 PM): This celebration is very simple. It is not a Mass. It begins very solemnly. In addition,
the reading of the Passion narrative is proclaimed. Afterwards, the community comes forward to venerate the cross. Finally communion is distributed, and the service ends.

Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil—8:30 PM): This is the pinnacle of all our celebrations of the entire year. We begin outside with a blessing of a fire (we have a special fire for this year) and the blessing of the Paschal Candle. From there, the community processes in the dark- ened church with their own candles, lighting the church with their very presence. A solemn proclamation is sung called the Exultet. An extended series of readings are proclaimed describing salvation history. Then after a very short homily (and I mean short!), those who are to be baptized come forward. This year we will be offering the most dramatic form of baptism that we can: immersion. The Catechism of the Catholic Church(#1239) considers this to be the “most expressive way” to offer this Sacrament. If you’ve never seen this done, you don’t want to miss it! Next, those who have already been baptized in another faith tradition, pledge their faith in the Church. These people along with all those who have just been baptized receive the sacrament of Con- firmation. The Liturgy of the Eucharist follows with those who were just received into the Church going first. The whole night is full of wonder and joy.

I hope to see you at these celebrations. I am greatly looking forward to them. As with all our most important holy days, I will be doing my best to celebrate them bilingually as a sign and invitation to the major languages present in our community. I pray that your Lenten journey has been full of growth and conversion as well as peace and hope.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

A Renewed Mission

2010-03-02T09:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Parishioners,

We Catholics are people of Mission. It is what drives us, directs us, and gives us a sense of meaning. According to the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church’s mission is to proclaim the Gospel and establish among all people the kingdom of Christ and of God (Lumen Gentium 5). Essentially, the mission of he Church is that of Christ’s. So, you see, the mission begins with our Lord and is extended through each of us. When we were baptized, we were called to live out this mission.

In each parish, the mission is expressed in different ways given their particular gifts, ethnicity, geography, size, and history. Such a mission statement is critical to pastoral planning of any organization. So in order to understand and review who we are as St. Anne’s, we need to regularly review and evaluate how we are living out our mission through our Pastoral Plan. So, it was decided that we needed to spend time reflecting, first, on our mission statement. Last Saturday, the Pastoral Council gathered to begin the first step and found our previous mission statement to be unknown to most and too long to quickly grasp. So, after reflecting in prayer, reading of Scripture, brainstorming our goals and hopes, the result was a new and concise mission statement:

“We are St. Anne Catholic Church. A welcoming community, inspired by the Holy Spirit, we seek to proclaim Christ’s loving mission.”

Our mission statement is intended to be very short and broad. It is something we can all remember and even quote. It states what we claim to be and strive to live out in the future. We do not live it out perfectly, but it is a wonderful goal for which to strive. It succinctly brings together an awareness of our previous mission statement as well as new ideas and goals which we hope will move us into the future. From this mission, we will continue to discern goals and objectives which are more specific. We will review the good work of the previous Pastoral Plan and renew and adjust it in light of our new situation.

Please read this mission carefully. Not only commit it to memory, but let it be a prayer on your lips when you come to Mass, walk on the campus, spend time in adoration, or are simply about your daily tasks during the week. I am very proud and excited about this new mission. How does it speak to your heart? Does it create questions? Does it challenge you? How might you strive to live it out? Let us all set this on our hearts so that we may all more actively live as Christians who proudly call themselves St. Anne Catholic Church.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

The Joy of Lent

2010-02-17T07:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Parishioners,

Blessings to you in this Lenten season. Every year we reach this time when we pay extra attention to our everyday behavior in hopes to change something for the good. On Friday’s we freely choose to refrain from eating meat. Some may also make a special effort to attend daily Mass. You may choose to go to our simple the Stations of the Cross each Friday evening. Others may be part of a faith sharing group

In a way, some find the Lenten season to be dreary. However, I would like to suggest that Lent can be a time for joy. How? This can be done in many ways. One such way is to simplify. Another? Consider slowing down. Here’s more... Choose not to clutter your day with so much activity. Increase your time in prayer. Commit to a time for prayer or reading of the Scriptures. Take time to sit and observe the beauty right outside your house. Make a list of things for which you are thankful, making sure you write one thing on the list each day. Make an extra effort to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. How about being mindful of the size of portions of food you eat and consider reducing some portion in solidarity with the poor? These ideas can confront those things that get in our way of true deep joy. You see, we live in a world of abundance, but are often blind to it. If we could only see how God blesses us, we would become even more thankful. Thankfulness is a result of joy.

These are just some ideas for you. If you’d like to ponder on more ideas, I’ve written a list of 101 spiritual acts that has grown well beyond 101. Unfortunately, there is not enough room to list them here, so I've placed them on a separate page for you to peruse. Click here to read them. Not all the ideas therein will connect with every person. In fact, some may seem rather odd. But, let us remember that not everyone is the same.

May this Lent bring you a deep joy like nothing you have ever experienced. May this joy which comes from our Lord enliven your faith and strengthen your hope. May this joy beget a greater sense of thankfulness for all the things God has given us. May we all remember how abundant God’s love is for each one of us!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Confessions of a Macoholic

2010-02-10T15:08:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I am a Macoholic and I struggle to work the Twelve Steps. I'm not sure there is a problem and I haven't found a higher-powered computer platform for commercial use. So, each year feed my addiction/sickness by going on vacation. But, this is not any ordinary vacation. My vacation surrounds the annual Mac World Expo. Each year I pack up my car and take along my 80-ish yr. old mom and we travel down to the Bay Area to stay with one of my sisters. This year, my mom's new husband will be joining us. He has a Macintosh, but hasn't experienced this side of his new family!

This year, Apple will not be present. Therefore, the expo itself is smaller and geared more towards conferences and classes. But, we just love to walk around the expo floor gawking at all the vendors' new wares. During our travel, we listened to the previously recorded keynote address by Steve Jobs announcing the new iPad. This was followed by a heavy dose of commentary and podcasts of other people's commentaries. Oh, yes. We are a sick bunch.

This year we had it all planned out. We were geared for going to the expo on Tuesday only to find out that we failed to read our Macworld Expo registrations which explained that the expo doors don't open until Thursday. After we both laughed off our silly mistake, we have re-adjusted our schedule to make sure our pilgrimage would not be in vain. So in the extra day we had, I, Mom, and my step-dad (this is his first experience of our crazed behavior) took a trip to the Jerusalem of the computer world: 1 Infinite Loop, also known as Apple Inc. in Cupertino. Ah! The joy of visiting the mother ship. They don't offer tours and while there is a visitors entrance, it is intended for work-only visitors, not us Mac-fans. It makes sense. Being that Apple is so secretive about everything they do, I can only imagine the security issues that weirdoes like us could cause.

What goodies will we see? What amazing technology are being released and shown to the public for the first time? Who knows? In fact, because this year's expo will be smaller, fewer vendors will be present. Some have predicted that this would be the end of the expo. Without Apple and its famous announcements that have always hovered around Mac World Expo, this year could turn out to be a total dud. Will it be the last one? Again, who knows? Something in me says it won't be, as Apple-fans are not like your typical computer users. Dare I say that it is not a computer, but a cult. Only time will tell.

But as for me and my house, I will go to Macworld Expo 2010, Mom and step-dad in tow. I hope it isn't a totally disappointing expo. One thing is for sure, I am enjoying my time with family. If nothing else, they are great with whom to spend time.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Flu Emergency Over Liturgically

2010-01-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Parishioners,

After consultation with the Pastoral Council, recognizing that Three Rivers Hospital has ended their flu alert, and that Josephine County has ended their state of emergency regarding the flu, I am ending our own alert for St. Anne's, St. Patrick of the Forest, and Our Lady of the River.

Starting this weekend, Jan. 23/24, 2010, we will return to our normal liturgical actions which includes the return of offering the Precious Blood at Mass, shaking hands at the Sign of Peace, and relaxing the request about the form of receiving communion.

If, as common sense would dictate, a person feels sick or exhibits symptoms of illness which could be deemed as contagious, they should consider not coming to Mass. If someone is no longer contagious, but has the remnant symptoms of illness, say a cough or serious runny nose, I ask that they consider the sensibility of the community and refrain from receiving the cup or shaking hands with others. Again, common sense is the norm.

Thank you all for your patience with these Emergency Flu regulations that have effected our Liturgy these past several months.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Mission: Life

2010-01-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Parishioners,

In last week’s homily I offered an invitation and challenge for each one of us. I asked each one of us to claim our baptism and live as a Disciple with a mission. For many, I imagine, this may seem foreign. What mission? Each one of us have been created for a purpose, and at our baptism and confirmation our Father gave us his Holy Spirit so we may have the grace to live that life for which we were called. I don’t know what you mission may be, but I can say that it is not simply to come to Mass for an hour, fulfill your obligation, and forget about your faith for the rest of the week. At the same time, most of us won’t be the next Sts. Therese or John of the Cross.

Seeking out one’s mission in life requires prayerful listening. Listening in order to hear God’s small still voice speak in our hearts and prayer that we may ask for the courage to do whatever we have been called to do. The discernment process then involves personally getting involved in things that strike an interest in us. In the course of time, we will be able to whittle down where our gift reside. Don’t let fear prevent you from trying out something new. You might be surprised that what you fear most is the place where you will find your mission and subsequent joy.

This Sunday, we have one of those opportunities to discern our mission. At 1:00 PM many will be gathering at the county courthouse for the annual March for Life. This event, whose cause is to end abortion through raising public awareness, is an excellent way to participate in one’s faith, make a difference in our culture, and reveal the evil that is perpetrated upon our most vulnerable, our unborn children. As Catholics, being pro-life is not an option. However, the way in which we participate in changing our Culture of Death into a Culture of Life is varied. Among all the various pro-life issues abortion is the most lethal of them all.

Another way to be active as Disciples in mission is by acting on the U.S. Bishop’s call to write our political leaders regarding the ongoing health care reform. The concern is again one of life. The bishops are guiding us to reject any legislation that would promote federally funded abortions while promoting affordable healthcare for all. I recently wrote to Sen. Jeff Merkley regarding this issue. He consequently sent me a form letter back disagreeing with me. So, I sent a response back which was recently published in our local paper. You can go to http://www.usccb.org/healthcare/ and learn more about ways you can help. Check out the flyer insert in this week’s bulletin as well. We will also put a link on our web site to help you easily send an e-mail to Congress.

Many of us are afraid to stand up for our faith. We are afraid of being called radicals or divisive. I agree that we can gather more bees with honey than with vinegar. But do not worry. Standing up for moral health care reform and the peaceful March for Life are loving ways to reveal the truth about our culture of death. These are ways to stir in your heart the Spirit who came upon you at baptism and called you to mission. Your participation in these events is also a way to do the same for others. Take a stand for the thousands of children who are killed every day through abortion. Help increase the opportunity for health care for all. Let God stir your heart. Consider the mission of the lives of the sick and innocent and act in solidarity with your fellow brothers and sisters for causes worthy of a few hours.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Earthquake in Haiti (Updated 1-18-10)

2010-01-13T23:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Parishioners,

The world is still coming to realize the inexpressible loss of life and devastation that has resulted by Tuesday's 7.0 earthquake in Haiti. The quake may have comple

tely collapsed the entire infrastructure of the country. Many countries have mobilized aid and are trying to analyze the extent of the damage. Time will tell how bad it is.

Offering Help

How can you help? First pray. Pray for the dead and the survivors. God is at work through each of us and our prayers. We need to pray for calm and an increase of faith.

Another good way is by offering temporal help. Some people may be tempted to send things that they think may help the Haitian people such as shoes or food. But, what is needed right now is monetary assistance. Personally, I recommend Catholic Relief Services as an excellent organization that will use your donation well. You can donate by going to their donation site. Here's an excerpt from the CRS Blog:

CRS is moving in supplies as fast as possible. 1500 metric tons of vegetable oil and grains from USAID Food for Peace will arrive today at the northern Haiti Port of Cap Haitiene. Five trucks full of food, hygiene kits, and tarps are also on their way today from Santo Domingo to Port-au-Prince.
Access is very difficu
lt. Debris blocks many roads. But we have begun distributing food, hygiene kits, water, and medical supplies to households in informal camps around Port-au-Prince. We’re now working with our local and international Caritas partners to identify primary sites for next distributions.
We’re hearing reports of extensive damage in other towns west of Port-au-Prince. CRS and Caritas will assess some of these areas in the coming days. CRS is mobilizing aid and planning a $25 million response. To date, donors have contributed more than $11.9 million in cash and commitments; $7.3 million of this amount has been received via web donations.

Another way you can donate to CRS by texting on your cell phone RELIEF to 30644 and follow the instructions. According to the CRS Blog site, "After texting, you’ll get a text message reply asking you to call a number where you’ll will hear a brief message from Ken Hackett. Then you will be automatically connected to our call center where you can make a credit card donation."

In the weekend of January 23/24, all the parishes of the Archdiocese of Portland will be conducting a second collection at Mass. These funds will all go to CRS.

Avoid Scams

In a time like this, it is hard to believe, but some people will use this crisis as an opportunity to scam unwitting people who wish to do good. To learn more, click here to read cnet's article on this issue.

Sincerely,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Listening Sessions Overview

2010-01-10T13:13:00.000-08:00

Dear Parishioners,

In the first several months of my arrival, you may remember that I hosted a series of what I called “Listening Sessions.” After nine sessions, three churches, and with over one hundred in participation, I presented a summary of these sessions to the Pastoral Council. My intent was to try to meet as many parishioners as possible, to get a sense of the community, and finally to understand the parishioner’s hopes and dreams. I heard many ideas. Some were repeatedly mentioned while others were only brought forward once or twice. In order to keep my summary succinct, I offer you an abridged summary of the most commonly mentioned topics.

General

St. Anne’s has gentrified over the years
Great desire to bring in more young people especially families into the parish.
Desire to have greater overall involvement in the parish.
Want more opportunities for Adult Education
Want to know more about those who are sick or have died in the community
Increase visibility through the newspaper

Ministries

Continue inviting back those who have left the church, ie. Welcome Back Catholics program
Desire to have more “small church communities” like Disciples in Mission program Renew
Parish Nursing ministry
Desire for youth to be more involve and visible
Renew, recruit, and reorganize communion ministry to the homebound
Renew Human Concerns Committee Reorganize R.C.I.A

Church Building

Renew efforts to complete deferred maintenance
Improve lighting in the church
Improve intelligibility of sound system
Renew/Revisit church renovation plan

Liturgy

More involvement desired, esp. young people involved
Want a youth/teen/family-oriented Mass
Renew music - desire for new/more lively music - include more instruments
Desire to be more welcoming at Mass
Increase reverence in church (concern about talking & dress code)
Desire to move announcements to the end of Mass
Consider moving location the choir due to distraction
Want more prayers for veterans and service personnel

School

Want more unity between parish and school
Desire better communication between school and parish
Desire that financial issues be reviewed and solved

Misc.

Increase participation in Perpetual Adoration, esp. youth
Increased coordination between ushers and nurses at Mass when emergencies arise
Desire for a regular 12:05 Mass at St. Anne
Desire for additional priest & Sunday Mass at Cave Junction
More Youth involvement at Cave Junction and Rogue River
Desire for Saturday Eve. Mass in Rogue River
Like to have bells at Mass
Desire to be thanked more
Would like to know which priest will be doing which Mass

Again, this list is not intended to reflect everything mentioned, but rather a highlight of the most commonly mentioned topics. All this information is important for our pastoral planning, a prayerful process which turns parish vision into reality. In the months and years ahead we will take measured steps, refine our mission, identify pastoral priorities, set goals and objectives, and revise our Pastoral Plan. Both Pastoral and Administrative councils are truly needed for this process, and I will continually look to them for this process. If you have any questions regarding this information, please don’t hesitate to talk with me or any member of the Pastoral Council.

Sincerely,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

A New Year Resolution

2010-01-01T18:19:00.000-08:00

Dear Parishioners,

The new year, 2010, is a time of resolutions and new beginnings. Many consider starting a new diet. Others resolve to stop smoking. All of these are wonderful ideas. May I offer one that may not always be on our radar?

This year consider a new routine of prayer. Maybe you have a routine of morning and evening prayer. Maybe the rosary. Maybe adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Again, those are wonderful things. But, maybe you have no routine at all. How about trying on for size spending ten to fifteen minutes a day of listening prayer. What is that? Listening prayer is a prayer which involves no memorized words or any words at all. It is a form of prayer that is likely the most difficult because it requires slowing down one’s mind, opening one’s spiritual ears, and just listening. So often our prayers are filled with our requests and words of angst. Once again, these are good. God wants to know what is on our hearts. However if we are always filling our prayer time with our words, how can God get in his?

The sign of any good relationship is a two-way communication. So, let your prayer also include some time for listening to what God has to say. If you really want to go for it, find an entire hour each day for this kind of prayer. Personally, I have found it to be the most important personal prayer I do. Try it. I guarantee that after a year of serious listening, you will not be the same. Now that would be a great resolution for 2010.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2009-12-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Parishioners,

Merry Christmas! This is a season of celebration, parties, gift-giving, and family gatherings. It is also a time when we often look back on the year and measure what has happened. Here at St. Anne’s many things have happened. One event of real change was the transfer of Msgr. Moys and Fr. Ron to new assignments and the arrival of two new priests, me and Fr. Paschal. Here are some other things that have happened in the subsequent months.

Soon after our arrival in July, Fr. Paschal moved into an apartment and the parish house has under- gone extensive renovation. Sometime after Christmas, I will hold an open house at the parish house for parishioners to come and visit. Two months after our arrival, we finally finalized the budget which included some serious cuts in order to balance the budget. I held many listening sessions which allowed me to quickly get a sense of the parish’s warp and woof as well as desire for the future. In the weeks ahead, a summary of those sessions will be published in the bulletin. The Pastoral Council has been hard at work reflecting on the mission of the parish and advising me as to the pastoral needs of the community. The various committees of the Pastoral Council have yet to be revived, but in time they will be renewed. The Administrative Council has grown to nine members and now meets every month. I am still trying to get a sense of how things work. After all, a large parish, two missions, and a school involves a complexity that will take some time to understand.

In all, I am glad to be in Grants Pass and glad to be your pastor. You have been very supportive and loving. Thank you! In this week's bulletin, you will find reflections of the year from the various ministers on staff. Please take time to read their reflections and pray for them to continue the good news which continues in their respective ministries.

Remember that Christmas Joy is found in the celebration of Christ come as man for our salvation. That is truly good news. From the staff of St. Anne’s, please have a blessed and safe Christmas and New Year.

One more thing, someone sent me a delightful e-card which I found to warm my heart, especially since it involved a dog. Here is it for your viewing pleasure: Click Here

Blessings,
Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Examples of God's Love

2009-12-20T16:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Parishioners,

We’ve entered the last week of the Advent season, and for many, the quest for the perfect gift, perfect house, perfect party, etc. may not have happened. Our expectations, while good, have let us down in some way. But, don’t let that bring down the fact that Christmas is about Jesus, the perfect Son of God who be- came one like us so that we could be like him. Through his incarnation, he showed us what love truly is. Whether or not our plans go as we expected, God’s unchanging love for us will always be perfect. Thank you Jesus! I’ve heard and witnessed many situations as of late that have reminded me of how powerful God’s love can be incarnated in each of us. Recently, our two mission churches have exemplified this giving love.

First, on December 6th, Our Lady of the River held a party for their 40th anniversary as a faith community. Their church community began in simple fashion and has grown to now reside in their own church building. I’m sure there are many wonderful experiences of God’s love that they have shared along the way. Their anniversary gathering was filled with food (pot-luck style), family, and friendship. It was a delight to see how they came together to make their celebration warm and friendly. Still being new and trying to get a sense of bearings, I was still welcomed as one of them. Thank you! They have much to be proud of, and their faith-filled gathering inspired me.

St. Patrick of the Forest recently experienced a different kind of communal coming together and incarnation of Christ in their
midst. This past week, as the cold weather began to ease, parishioners found themselves involved in the emergency work of mopping up the church after a water line broke. The vestibule, sacristy, confessional, and half of the church were covered in inches of water. It was reported to me that between 200 and 300 gallons of water were removed by the army of parishioners with the wet/dry vacuums. Mass was held that Saturday in their hall, a move that will likely continue depending on the restoration work. Parishioners were exhausted by the emergency, taking turns throughout the night to secure the church while the doors were left open to speed up drying. Yet, the sense of oneness and community quickly became apparent as they quickly mobilized together to solve the problem. A professional restoration com- pany has since taken over the arduous task of completing the work. The parishioners of St. Patrick of the Forest have much for which to be thankful, and much for which to be proud.

These are just two examples of how wonderful God works in our communities. I pray that as Christmas Day comes ever nearer, you will find time to count your blessings. God’s love is constant and perfect. Let him love you as you love him.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

The Joy of Reconciliation

2009-12-13T16:09:00.000-08:00

Dear Parishioners,

Advent is well underway, and as you know the two themes of the season are that of preparation for the celebration of Christ’s first coming at Christmas and preparation for the second coming of Christ. As I mentioned in last week’s homily, this season is considered one of joyful preparation. However, for some, this season is one which reminds them of the sadness of the loss of someone special or the breakup of a relationship. Some feel overly burdened by the weight of expectation and materialism of the secular part of Christmas. For others the sadness and difficulties find themselves rooted in the pervasiveness of sin. For all these people, Advent can be especially challenging.

This is where the Church comes in. While we may not be able to solve the struggles of others, we can certainly play a role in reminding one another of God’s unwavering love for each of us. We can lend an ear to listen and offer a hand to help. We can make a simple phone call to let those we love know how much we care. We can offer gifts of money or food to our nearby agencies that help out the poor. We can invite them over to our house for a meal or anonymously give them something they need. This past week, my sister and her friend came to visit me and spent their entire time helping clean and unpack the majority of items that have been stored away until now. They even decorated the parish house for Christmas. I am so thankful. God is good. So, you see, there are many things we can do, big and small, that can let others know of God’s amazing love.

A really potent way to prepare during Advent is to make an effort to reconcile oneself with God. Imagine no longer being haunted by the guilt of the sin which has beset itself in your life. Imagine the freedom and joy that can be yours by simply letting God know your sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is amazing how much our sadness or anger can be relieved by the outpouring of God’s love and grace in Reconciliation. Almost without fail, people report that it is their least favorite Sacrament. This is understandable. However, don’t let that fear keep you away. Once you go and receive absolution from the priest in the name of Christ, remember the joy that you feel immediately afterwards. Isn’t that worth it? Now imagine that joy continuing through the days and weeks ahead. What a wonderful Christmas you could have. This coming Wednesday at 7:00 PM, we will be offering our annual Advent Communal Reconciliation Service. We will have seven to eight priests on hand. As a community, we will hear the scriptures which will help us realize the sins with which we struggle as well as the desire by God to wash them all away. We will offer a communal Act of Contrition, so no worries if you have forgotten it. Then finally, everyone will be given the opportunity to confess their sins and receive God’s life transforming forgiveness. Come and be reconciled. Come and be made whole for Christmas. What a gift that will be for you and your loved ones!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Giving & Thanks

2009-11-25T13:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Parishioners,

Blessed Thanksgiving
With the celebration of Thanksgiving Day, we set our minds each year to remember the things for which we are thankful. I have been here in Grants Pass now for five months and I am ever so thankful for the love and support which you have shown me. Moving is always difficult, and getting used to a new situation and system of management can be challenging on all. I am thankful for the patience so many have shown me. I am thankful for the staff who have welcomed me with charity and have been adapting to a new style of pastoring. They are a wonderful group of people. As we begin this time of holidays, let us all be reminded of those things for which we are thankful.

Offertory Program
The Offertory Program process is well underway. Thank you to all who participated by making a financial commitment to the parish. I think it was a great success. I believe in the Offertory Program, for it reminds us of the importance of our parish community amidst the variety of responsibilities we have in our lives. Furthermore, it brings to awareness our need to be Christ-like people who give of ourselves, that is from our whole selves and not just our left overs. I’ve truly appreciated the questions and charitable attitude most people have around this process. One common question has been, “How to get envelopes which I can use weekly at Mass?” Simply call the office and we will put you on our list to receive envelopes. It will take a while to get them the first time around, as the envelope company sends them out every other month. So, in the meantime, use the envelopes in the pews or come by the office and we can give you some starter envelopes.

Giving vs. Complaining
As Catholics, giving and thanks are essentials parts of who we are. In fact, the word Eucharist means thanksgiving. Giving is good. Haven’t you experienced that you get back more than you give? It’s a biblical principal (Luke 6:38). The happiest people are the greatest givers. The challenge is to not let the bad news in our lives extinguish the flame of love of good news in our lives. Remember that "God Loves a Cheerful Giver" (2 Cor. 9:7). Sometimes people complain due to an injustice. Others just complain because that is their overall attitude in life. I’m sure we all know someone who is a complainer. Those who love in miserly ways by complaining all the time miss out on the amazing love and graces that God has in store for them. Studies have shown that those who complain the most give the least.

Advent and the Challenges
As we begin this season of Advent, the commercialism of our society is turned up to full volume. Sometimes it can wear us down. But, don’t get trapped in the so-called obligations of the season nor recluse so that you don’t have to deal with the world. Instead, let Advent be a time of renewal and joy. Be someone of cheer for another. Do an act of random kindness. Seek out reconciliation with God and someone whom you’ve hurt. Spend time in prayer asking God to help keep the reason for the season in your heart. There is a simple principle that Jesus reminds us about: “Where your treasure is, there also will be your heart” (Matt. 6:21). What is your treasure? In this season of Advent, look where you want your heart to be and see if you have invested your treasure in that direction. Maybe some changes are needed. The mystery of the Incarnation for which we prepare challenges us to empty ourselves in imitation of Jesus. May this Advent bring renewal and joy to your life and that of your family.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

HEALTH and LITURGY NOTICE: H1N1 Influenza

2009-10-23T06:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

As we all know, the flu season is upon us. In the past several days, I have received many inquiries from parishioners who have felt uncomfortable at Mass while the flu spreads in our communities. Clearly, common sense is the best advice anyone can give. Everyone should be conscientious about washing their hands and refraining from touching their eyes and nose. If anyone is not feeling well, they should not attend Mass.

However, because of the H1N1 virus, things are different. On Friday morning, Oct. 23, Josephine County declared a local state of emergency due to the outbreak of H1N1 influenza. Therefore, after consultation with the Archdiocese Office of Worship and others here in our own parish, I have decided to return to the regulations given to us last year by the Archbishop during our last flu outbreak.

This means that I am asking everyone to refrain from holding hands during the Our Father, replacing a shake of hands at the Sign of Peace with a friendly wave to each other, and Communion in the hand with the host only. This means we will suspend the offering of the Precious Blood at Mass. These regulations will be in effect until I determine that it is okay to return to our previous liturgical norms. As was the case last year, some will not agree or like these directives, but I ask your obedience and potential sacrifice of your personal piety for the greater good of the community. Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Another Remodel Update

2009-09-25T22:35:00.000-07:00

There is some good news and bad news. The flooring in the dining room and kitchen are well under way, and the master bathroom is 90% done. That's the good news. The bad news is that the funds donated for the project are almost all spent. That means everything will come to a halt until more donations come in. If you would like to tour the parish house to see what is needed, just let me know. The parish, in general is struggling as are many parishes. So, I do not want anyone to move their general donations from the parish to this project. Intead, if you wish to help with the parish house renovation, please consider it over and above your commitment to the church.

"Remodel Update"

2009-09-23T13:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

If you have driven, walked, jogged, or buzzed by the parish house, you will have noticed a whole lot of activity going on. Finally after two months of inactivity, the project has begun and much has been accomplished. All of this activity has been made possible through your generous donations.

Thus far the master shower, sink, and counter have been resurfaced and new hardware, plumbing, and electrical installed or upgraded. Most all of the carpet and other flooring has been removed. The washing machine and dryer are now in the appropriate location: the utility room instead of a closet in the center of the house. One fireplace has been removed (there were two). The electrical plugs throughout the house have been upgraded to three-prong outlets and GFCI’s (think safety plugs) installed in the bathrooms. Some lighting has been replaced or added. The cinder block walls have been sheet-rocked. Eventually these surfaces will need to be textured and painted.

The kitchen is next (seen at right). At this point, I am cooking out of my little trailer, because the entire kitchen has been pulled apart for the remodel. It’s like camping! Gracie, my dog, and I each have one chair upon which we can sit without getting carpenter’s dust all over us. Black is a precarious color to wear in this environment as you can imagine. At this time, the countertops are being raised to the standard height, reconfigured and resurfaced, the hood over the range will be vented correctly, the plumbing will be upgraded, and the cabinets will be reconditioned. Once this has been done, the duct work throughout the house will need to be cleaned and the floors resurfaced.

It has been wonderful to see the house brought up to new standards. Parishioners with particular business/construction expertise have been involved. Other things that need to be seriously looked at include the replacing, reconditioning, and or reconfiguring the furnace and upgrading the windows to increase energy efficiency (these will pay for themselves in short order).

As you know, this all takes money, and your wonderful donations have been very encouraging to me. Amidst all this, the parish has been struggling financially. So it is important that you know that this project has been paid for exclusively outside of our normal operating budget and is independent of your weekly donations for the ongoing ministries of the parish. As we start to look towards the end of this project, we estimate that we will run short of funds to complete it. It has been a “pay as you go” type of project. No funds have been or will be diverted from the normal operating expenses to complete it. Instead, I look to you to consider helping, once again, to bring closure to this remodel. Any donations you wish to make should be done independently of your normal stewardship to the parish. Please consider coming to the parish office to make a donation to the “rectory remodel.”

Again, thank you for all your support and prayers.

Sincerely,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

You Showed Us How Precious Life Is

2009-09-13T00:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

School has come at last, and with it the hustling and bustling of school and the start up of all our other varied ministries here at St. Anne’s. In addition, this past Tuesday, we said goodbye to one of our precious alumni, Amanda Reyes, whose funeral we celebrated. She is a reminder to all of us of the incredible preciousness that God brings to us and how delicate life is. I was proud to be able to participate in the Mass and thankful that Msgr. Moys was able to preside. The celebration was an amazing outpouring of love by the whole community. These are the moments that remind me of what we are all about.

We all know how precious life is, yet we get so distracted by the details of our own lives. Amanda’s death, while very tragic, has once again reminded me to pay attention to the people we love in our lives. She has reminded me that our young people are capable of so many wonderful things. Even though she had long since moved on from our school, she would frequent our halls and offer her assistance to the children, many of whom she may not have even known.

Our teens are among the most vulnerable people in our community. Adolescence is a time of questioning, discovery, trial, success, and failure. With each challenge, our young people are being shaped. What kind of teens do you want to help shape? Amanda become the young lady that she was through her faith and the example of the special people in her lives. You can honor the legacy of Amanda by recognizing the young people in your midst, offering them help, and praising them whenever possible. Your faith-filled love for them is exactly what they need. Thank you, Amanda, for the gift of yourself and the example you set for us all. Short was your time here on Earth. But great was the love you showed us all. May the Saints and Angels come to meet you in heaven. May they take you to the throne of our Lord. May you see our God face to face and know the joy of the Kingdom forever. Goodbye Amanda. You are loved!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

"Communicate. Communicate. Communicate."

2009-09-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

For many, the summer has ended as school has begun. That means our ministries are also in the process of beginning as well. In the course of my Listening Sessions, people have made it clear that they wish for more communication in order to know what is going on in the various ministries and how to get involved. There are many ways we will be trying to meet that desire.

First way we will try to increase our communication is the weekly bulletin. Starting last week and going forward, it has doubled in size in order allow for more information about more ministries to be published. Secondly, our parish has a Facebook and Twitter page whereby people with computers can get the latest information and have conversations about their lives and faith. Also, I have been working up a draft for a new version of our web page where these tools and others can be easily reached. All staff now have a consistent e-mail address which should make it easier to contact any of us. Our e-mail addresses now begin with the first letter of our first name followed by their full last name and end with our church internet name. For example, my new e-mail is wholtzinger@stannechurch.com. The only exception to that rule is our office where the address is office@stannechurch.com. We will eventually put all this information on the cover of our bulletin.

In the coming weeks, I will offer a summary in the bulletin about the common themes I heard in the Listening Sessions. I will also be meeting with the Pastoral Council to reflect on these themes and how they resonate with our Parish Mission Statement and Pastoral Plan making changes if needed. Overall, the Listening Sessions were very positive and reflected an amazing amount of love, dedication, and participation on the part of parishioners in the varied ministries of the parish.

I look forward to the days ahead, and again ask your patience if somethings take a while to implement. Any changes can cause stress. I ask that you continually send to prayer the activities of our parish and especially the staff who are central to so many of these ministries. We may not always agree about how to accomplish something, but with greater communication, we will more likely be able to more fully understand our differences as well as commonalities. I pledge to do my best to communicate as much as possible with charity. I ask you to do the same.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

"The Heavens Proclaim the Greatness of the Lord"

2009-08-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

As I've already made clear, I am a geek. But my geekyness isn't solely in the area of computers. It is also in the area of science, specifically astronomy.

It all began as a child. I remember the Apollo mission blasting off at night for a rendezvous with the moon. Any kind of space show or movie really caught my eye. When "Star Wars" came on the scene, well, let's just say I went into overdrive. Would you believe that I dressed up as Darth Vader one Halloween? Ask my sisters if you want to know more scoop on that. In Junior High I took every astronomy and aviation class that was offered. I loved it. But after that, other things caught my attention. It wasn't until almost 20 years later, as a seminarian intern, that I rekindled my passion in astronomy. As I read and learned more, I found out that the science of astronomy has a great debt to the Catholic Church. So, when I graduated from seminary and was ordained, I pooled all my monitary gifts into buying a telescope. I bought what is called a dobsonian mounted reflector, and I have it to this day.

Each summer since being ordained, I have made the trek to Central Oregon to a high plateau just East of Prineville with 600 to 700 other amature astronomers for the Oregon Star Party or OSP. In each of the four nights of this event, I stay up as late as possible gazing heavenward. Several times I had to stop viewing because the sun was coming up. Needless to say, I would most certainly sleep in as long as I wanted and take many naps during the day. In the first weekend of July, the Oregonian published an article about OSP. The article was good, but I quickly took note of the two photos included in the paper, and lo and behold, there was my trailer alongside Fr. Heiko's VW bus (see photo above).

Astronomy reminds me of how big is and how small I am, yet God loves me all the same. It makes me wonder about life on other worlds in the universe. I wonder about the size of things. I am reminded of Psalm 19:1 where we read "the heavens declare the glory of God." I stand in a much more humble place for gazing to the heavens. It is simply amazing how complex and violent it is. Its beauty is beyond my description. I could go on and on.

If you are interested in learning about astronomy but feel too inept or intimidated to take a class on it, try the book that restarted it for me, "Secrets of the Night Sky: The Most Amazing Things in the Universe You Can See with the Naked Eye by Bob Berman. Mr. Berman uses fun factiods and humor to write a wonderful book. If I can dig it our of the books in the garage, I think I may re-read his fantastic work. This week will be a wonderful time to do this as for this week is the OSP. Time to overdose on astronomy! So when you see me after OSP and I look a little tired, well just be nice and say, "Ah! The Oregon Star Party!"

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Priest and Geek

2009-08-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

One month down and I am learning a lot in my new assignment. Being the pastor of three churches, one main parish and two missions, along with an associated school is an intimidating thing. However, the people are incredibly friendly and have been very helpful in the process of making me feel at home. I continue to meet with groups for what I am calling "Listening Sessions." In these meetings, I desire to understand the hopes and dreams of the faith community. One question that has come to me has been where people can have access to each week's homilies. Well, let me help you out.

As a geek, I don't simply publish the written text of my homilies. Instead, I publish the actual audio recording of the homily each weekend. This recording is called a podcast. It is kinda like a weekly radio show that one can listen to each week at their leisure. I've called the podcast, "The St. Anthony's Podcast." I've called it "St. Anthony," as he is my patron saint as well as confirmation name. It is something that one can "subscribe" to in order to receive it automatically. The main web site can be reached by clicking this link. If you prefer to subscribe to the podcast, you will need to have iTunes (download iTunes by clicking here). Once you have the application on your computer, then you can search the iTunes music store for my name (Holtzinger) or the "St. Anthony's Podcast." If you already have iTunes installed, then simply click the following link and you can subscribe to my podcast of homilies: St. Anthony's Podcast. This work is part ministry, part hobby.

I've also begun several other podcasts as well which include the "Mysteries of the Mass" podcast where I explain the various parts of the Mass and reflect on liturgical theology, the "Pilgrim Cast," where one can listen to the reflections done during my pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2007, "Fr. Geek's Video Podcast," which is a variety of informative and funny videos, and "Catholic Talk," where one can listen to reflections by various theologians about the fiath. These are just just some of the podcasts I have produced. By clicking the links above, you can listen to individual episodes as well as subscribe to them via iTunes.

In the podcasting and geek community, a common logo is shared which indicates that either an audio or video podcast can be found. It is illustrated on the right. By clicking on simple icons such as these, one can have access to all sorts of wonderful and rich media. I subscribe to many podcasts, and in fact, I have almost stopped listening to the radio in general. I most especially love to listen to podcasts while driving long distances as it keeps me alert and I learn something while I'm driving. The best part about podcasts is that they are generally free.

Since 2005, I have been producing the St. Anthony's Podcast. I hope that my continuing endeavor to provide this ministry will enhance your own faith journey. If you have any questions or would like to contact me, I also have a listener feedback line: 503-213-3115.

Finally, don't hesitate to check out my recommended podcast page for other wonderful productions by others whom I highly recommend.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

"New Living Space for Parochial Vicar"

2009-07-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

God bless you all! Both I and Fr. Paschal, our new parochial vicar, continue to feel so welcomed due to your amazing hospitality. It has made both our transitions that much easier. For Fr. Paschal, I believe, the transition has been much more of a challenge. This is only his second year in the United States, and the cultural differences are broad and deep. Again, thank you for welcoming Fr. Paschal as you have.

Last week I spoke about a shift in living accommodations for Fr. Paschal at the Masses at which I presided, and it was announced by the lectors when I wasn’t there. In the spirit of transparency, please let me offer this to you again. I have decided, in mutual agreement with Fr. Paschal and the Administrative Council, that the parochial vicar, currently, Fr. Paschal, should be given his own living quarters. This means that last week, Fr. Paschal moved into a nearby apartment on his own.

In the past, the priest have lived together at the parish house. I am fully aware that our parish is used to this. I am also fully aware that Msgr. Moys and past parochial vicars have struggled with this arrangement which has sometimes added to the tensions between them. It is the Archdiocesan standard today that each priest must have his own private bedroom and private office apart from the offices of the parish. The parish house violates this standard when two priests occupy the house. When the vicar of clergy traveled to Grants Pass for his own listening session prior to July, he recommended this change. On the part of Fr. Paschal, he has been requesting this change since before he arrived at our parish. For any pastor, it is problematic to live with one of his employees. Such a distinction (ref. the term “employee”) may be lost on some, since many still believe that “we priests are supposed to live together.” This is only true for religious order priests who make vows to a communal way of life. Diocesan priests make no such promise. Another troubling issue is the reality that our priests cannot privately host their own families or anyone else without it becoming, at some level, intrusive to the guests and the other resident priest. These are the main reasons we have chosen to give Fr. Paschal his own living quarters apart from the parish house. This decision brings our parish back into compliance with the Archdiocesan standards and will be the policy going forward for the priests who will come to us in the future.

The financial impact of this change has been accounted for, and I pledge to you that I, along with the Administrative Council, will strive to be the best stewards of the funds of the parish. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to talk with me, Fr. Paschal, or any of the Administrative Council member. If you ask Fr. Paschal, you will quickly find that he is very happy and thankful that this accommodation was made possible.

Remember to pray for us, your priests, that we will always stay focused on Christ and find peace and joy so that we may be about the mission of our Church. I believe that this new policy will go a long way to create a more life-giving situation for all our priests in the future.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Parish House Renovation

2009-07-18T23:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

Once again, thank you for you amazing support and love for me and Fr. Paschal. We have felt very welcomed here in the past three weeks. In the process of moving in, it became apparent that not only was there need for deep cleaning of the parish house, but even beyond that, it became clear that basic maintenance had been deferred for many years. So, after consultation with various parishioners, I decided that we need to begin the process of fixing these issues as well as updating others. To that end, maintenance and remodeling work has begun. Some items will be rather involved while others are very small and could be remedied by the rallying of parishioners with specific skill-sets. At this point, the parish has footed the initial costs including new beds for the priests. Much of the subsequent work has been funded by private donors which includes myself. I am very aware of the financial situation of the parish and will do whatever I can to mitigate costs.

The parish house should be a place of re-creation for the priests, not a lavish vacation spot, but somewhere that the priests can go to be at peace as well as welcome guests such as family. Each of us can understand the importance of having a place we call home. The goal of this project will be to make the parish house a more inviting space for the clergy of our parish. I must admit that this project is a difficult one to propose since it immediately effects myself. But, I also know that any work done in a home is intended to increase the livability for the future. I believe that some things are in great need to be attended to before there is a safety issue or the cost of repair becomes exorbitant.

This is where you come in. I want to invite you to consider making a donation to the parish house renovation. As I said earlier, several parishioners have already made monetary gifts that have begun the project. I consider it only responsible that I do the same. But these gifts, though very gracious, won’t be sufficient to complete the project. We will not be creating new envelopes nor making a second collection, but instead, if you want to help me in this venture, I ask that you simply come to the office and make your offering there. The donated funds will be restricted solely for the parish house project.

Thank you so much for your amazing generosity. Your reputation has been proven to be very true. I look forward to many years of ministry with you. May God bless your kindness and fill you with amazing grace.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

"The New Pastor Has Landed, Sort Of."

2009-07-11T23:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

This week has been a whirlwind of activity. Thank you to all who have made me feel so welcome. I truly feel loved by your presence and hospitality. In the course of trying to get settled, many people have been so gracious and have helped me in the process of cleaning and problem-solving various issues at the parish house. I am blown away and deeply touched. Thank you seems hardly enough. Yet, that is all I’m left with. So, please receive my deepest thanks for the time and talent you’ve already shared with me and Fr. Paschal.

As I mentioned at the installation Mass, I will be seeking out many of you to consider your hopes and dreams. In that process, I hope that I will be able to more fully come to know the parish. Please be patient with me as I try to learn the systems of the various Churches. We have all entered a new chapter in the history of our parish. In faith and hope, I trust God has amazing plans, many of which I know not. But, through prayer and discernment with all of you, I know it will be wonderful.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

"God Be With You"

2009-06-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

As of this week, St. Anthony’s ends a chapter in her history only to begin a new one. On the first of July 1, I will be leaving St. Anthony’s to become the pastor of St. Anne’s in Grants Pass. On that same day, your new pastor, Fr. Jeff Meeuwsen, will begin his first appointment as a pastor here at St. Anthony’s. These changes are always difficult for the priests and communities involved. I know that Fr. Jeff will receive the warmest of welcomes akin to how you welcomed me. He is a fantastic priest. I know you will quickly come to love him. Indeed, many of you already do since you are related. The Meeuwsen name is right up there with Van Dyke, Vandehey, etc. You are receiving one of your own local boys.

I have so many memories that I will take with me. Some have been sad and stressful, but these are far and few between. Overwhelmingly, are the times of joy and amazement at the greatness of God’s work amidst all of you. It has been truly a privilege to be your shepherd these past seven years. I arrived on the coattails of controversy when stability was needed. I believe I offered that. In my tenure, I believe it is fair to say that the amount of involvement and number of ministries has expanded. I inherited a great staff and have tried to continue that excellence as I hired new members. Our youth have found a renewed involvement and our Hispanic community has grown, moving from guest to host in our community. St. Anthony’s is and will continue to be the jewel of the Archdiocese. I will take all my experiences and lessons from here and share them with my new community in the south.

Please pray for me. My new assignment is daunting. The sheer complexity makes me hesitate. But, I know that God is in control and has a plan. I trust in his providence and love. This is no pollyannish thing, but one founded in the events that have taken place here at St. Anthony’s. I have been witness to many miracles, and they simply confirm that God is at work and is very interested in our lives.

Please pray for Fr. Jeff. One’s first role as pastor is difficult no matter where it is. Yet, I believe that he will find St. Anthony’s to be a life-giving place to do ministry. I know that you will teach him as you did me. I know that you will love him as you did me.

Finally, I say goodbye, a term derived from the phrase, “God be with you.” I leave with a heavy heart for myself and you, but a joyful heart for all the things God is going to do for all of us. God is so loving and has great plans. Let us all go headlong into this new chapter of our lives confident in God’s loving care.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Saying Goodbye to Sr. Juana!

2009-05-28T23:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

It was nine short years ago when Sr. Juana Gutierrez, S.S.M.O., joined the pastoral team here at St. Anthony's as the Coordinator of Hispanic Ministry. This June 13th, she will be leaving us to return to her community in Beaverton. I will miss her smile, her infectious laugh, and her evangelical passion for our Lord Jesus amidst our community. Her level of energy, dedication, as well as her periodic moments of playful curiosity and trouble making will be sorely missed by all.

At first, Sr. Juana worked a minimal number of hours. In time, we found her service so effective as well as the nee

ds of the Hispanic Community growing so quickly that we needed to do whatever we could to increase her time at the parish. So, incrementally we increased her hours until she was full time. Sr. Juana has never sought out anything for herself, but truly desired to serve the community of St. Anthony's. I will always appreciate her candor when talking about issues as well as her clarity of faith in God's providential care for the community. She was never afraid to get directly involved with any needed project. She was all in. I know she worries about the future of the Hispanic Community when she lea

ves, but is also very aware of God's providential care. I have learned a lot from her including her desire to fight for justice and docility to the Spirit at work in the community.

Since the announcement of her departure was made known, we have been searching for a person who can follow

in her footsteps. We've posted ads all over, but have found it exceedingly difficult to find just the right person. It makes it all the more painful to realize how good we've had it with her as the Coordinator of Hispanic Ministry. Please pray for our Search Committee as we seek out her replacement.

On June 13th after our 5:30 pm Mass, all are invited to a potluck farewell party to say goodbye to Sr. Juana. More information will be forthcoming which I will add to the end of this blog when available. Keep your eyes peeled on our bulletin for more details.

Thank you, Sr. Juana, for all you've taught us. Thank you for your witness of service to our Lord. Thank you also for gently correcting my bad Spanish when I needed it... believe me I still need it.

Well done, good and faithful servant (cf. Matt. 25:23). Well done!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Welcome Fr. Jeff Meeuwsen: Our New Pastor!

2009-05-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

Houston, we have a pastor... er, um... St. Anthony's, we have the name of our new pastor: Fr. Jeff Meeuwsen, born and raised just next door in Roy, OR. Here's a brief bio. offered from our Archdiocese newspaper, the Catholic Sentinel:

Reverend Mr. Jeff A. Meeuwsen was born in 1977 in Hillsboro. He is the son of Allen “Sam” H. and Kelleen Meeuwsen. He is one of four children. Jeff attended elementary school at St. Francis of Assisi school in Roy and graduated from Valley Catholic High School. He attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies in 1999. He taught at Visitation School in Verboort prior to entry into Mount Angel Seminary.

As part of his ministry training Jeff’s assignments have included placement at St. Joseph parish in Roseburg, Sacred Heart School in Gervais, assisting with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults at St. Joseph the Worker parish in Portland, Blanchet High School in Salem, St. Cecilia parish in Beaverton, St. Henry parish in Gresham, and St. John the Baptist parish in Milwaukie. Meeuwsen was ordained a deacon by Archbishop Vlazny in May 2006. He earned a Master of Arts degree and a Master of Divinity degree at Mount Angel Seminary in May 2007.

That's his basic resume. However, if you want to get to know him a bit better, check out this link to watch him offer his vocation story to a confirmation class at his current parish of Sacred Heart in Medford.

On a personal note, I had the pleasure of being Fr. Jeff's supervisor when I was the parochial vicar at St. Joseph in Roseburg, and he was a new seminarian on a summer internship at our parish. At that time, he showed an incredible talent for preaching as well as an easy going demeanor which drew many parishioners to him. He is a simple person with a infectious laugh that puts people at ease.

I am very excited that he will be coming to our parish as my replacement. He will certainly carry on our mission and encourage many more to journey with the community of St. Anthony's. He has good Spanish skills and has a love for the youth. I know he wanted a parish with a school. While we don't have a parochial school, there are four Catholic grade schools nearby as well as his alma mater, Valley Catholic where he can offer his priestly service. This is an excellent choice for St. Anthony's and I am certain that Fr. Jeff will be received with open arms and loved!

July 1, 2009 is the official date for all new assignments. His coming to our parish makes me feel so much better about leaving. Thank you Jesus!

Welcome Fr. Jeff Meeuwsen!

May God bless you all!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Holy Easter!

2009-04-12T00:28:00.001-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

Blessed Easter! Welcome all, guests and parishioners alike, who have decided to join us this Easter at our house of prayer. We strive to be a welcoming community of faith. At Easter, we proclaim and celebrate, once again, the most important moment in history: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. All through Lent we had been focusing on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We should not stop such holy practices. However, today and throughout this season of Easter, we are called to focus our hearts in gratitude for this singular event that changed the course of history. Christ’s death and resurrection has also given us the forgiveness of our sins. In this vein, I extend my sincere apologies to all who have been injured by the Church. Please know that we are not a museum of saints, but a hospital of sinners. You are always welcome here.

I hope you take some time to enjoy the season by continually opening your heart to God. He is our true source of joy. In all of my seven years as pastor here, I have been speaking about conversion of heart. I truly believe that it is in our submission to God that we will turn from our sins and be given joy in return. This is not an intellectual pursuit. We can learn in our minds all we want, but if we do not have a deep abiding relationship with Christ first, our learning is for not. If you still find yourself seeking and wondering where God is in your life, take some time out each day, and directly ask the Holy Spirit to reveal himself to you. If you practice this daily, if you seek, you will find. Conversion before catechesis. Our faith is not just about ideas that stimulate the mind. It is fundamentally a celebration of Christ in our midst who wants to be with us in every moment of our day. If each of us during Easter were to thank God and invite him even more deeply in our hearts, we will simply not be the same. Then, we will have the thirst to learn. The mysteries of Easter are deep and potent. If you sense you are missing the joy that should be in your life, know that the Resurrected Christ can bring you that joy.

Easter is a time of renewal. May this Easter Season be a time to invite God, once again, to renew your heart, renew your mind, and give you the grace to love even more deeply than before. May his resurrection give you hope amidst this troubled world.

May God bless you all!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Update: New Parish Assignment

2009-03-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Parishioners,

Reassignment update: I am scheduled to be transfered to Grants Pass, home of St. Anne’s Church (www.stannechurch.com) and grade school with missions in Rogue River and Cave Junction. In addition, the parish is closely connect with St. Rita’s Retreat Center. While this assignment is unlikely to change, one never knows. There have been times when a last minute situation arose and a whole reshuffling of the cards was made. As promised, I will continue to let the community know developments as soon as possible. With any community, rumors can fly. So, I simply encourage you to follow my web site, (www.frbill.org) or my Twitter account (www.twitter/frbill66) for the most up-to-date information directly from me. I will, of course, continue to let everyone know via the parish bulletin and weekend Masses. However, there is a week’s lag time for those avenues. As a geek priest and in a desire for transparency, I will continue to use technology to keep connected in a timely way with as many people as possible.

I am quite overwhelmed at the magnitude of the new assignment, but trust that God will grant me the ability to do my best. I haven’t turned my heart much in the direction to the new parish, as I am still grieving the fact that I will be leaving St. Anthony’s. I am the kind of person who blooms where he is planted, and I trust that will be the same in Grants Pass. I’ve heard many wonderful things about the community. I ask that you pray for them as well as myself.

Regarding our new pastor, no decisions have been made. I imagine that it will take a while before it is settled since priests can change their minds late into the process. But, again, rest assured that I will let everyone know as soon as possible. Look towards the web links previously mentioned if you want to know the second it is public, or just keep your ears and eyes peeled at Mass and the parish bulletin. In the meanwhile, please keep our new pastor in your prayers. Pray for wisdom for those making the decisions at the Archdiocese. The personnel board is a wonderful group of people. I trust they will do the best they can.

Thank you all for your generous support. I am very moved by your shared sadness and prayers. But, may we all remember that God’s plans are bigger than our own. I’ve never been disappointed in God’s providence. Let us hope with confidence. Remember that as Lent begins to come to a close, the Church reminds us that we are ultimately Easter people, people who trust in God’s saving work through the resurrected Christ. With Jesus in our midst, we can have confidence in the plans about to unfold.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtznger
Pastor

New Parish Assignment Coming

2009-03-18T23:03:00.000-07:00

March 16, 2009

Dear Parishioners,

On the weekend of March 14/15th, I announced at all the Masses that I had been given a new parish assignment that will be effective July 1. Since then, I have received a wonderful outpouring of love from all of you. Thank you so very much. The seven years I have been your shepherd have been truly wonderful! I love being a priest. I love being your pastor. I love the community of St. Anthony’s. Leaving will be one of the hardest things I have ever done. So, believe me when I say that I did not make this decision lightly.

Some questions have come forward about why I am leaving. Some have wondered if there were things going on in the parish that motivated my decision. The simple answer is no. The parish is alive and well. We have a great staff. The ministries have wonderful leaders. The sense of community is strong, and the involvement level is high. I have agreed to leave because I have been asked to go, the need is real, and ultimately I am not my own (cf. 1 Cor 6:19b). If I had a sense that we were in the midst of some turbulent problems, I would have made the case to the Archdiocese that a change should be postponed. But, we're not. I trust that St. Anthony’s will be given a pastor who will lead the community well. I have no personal desire to go, for I am very happy and comfortable here. I love you all. You have taught me so much about how to be a loving pastor. Yet, my heart tells me that it is the right thing to do.

I have been preaching since my first day here about the need for conversion of heart and conviction to follow Jesus wherever that may take us. This message is also for me. If I do not heed the words of my own preaching, what kind of priest would I be? I would certainly not be a man of integrity. I would be akin to a “noisy going or a clanging symbol” (1 Cor 13:1). My calling as a preacher would ultimately profit me nothing.

I do not know much about the path that lies before me, but maybe that’s part of the deal. If I have been called to imitate the one who leads us all, then I must follow in his footsteps no matter what. I desire holiness and joy, and I know that the only way to holiness and joy is through the cross. The wonderful thing is that I am not alone. I know that you join me in that journey.

I am not one to leave things unfinished. I am not one to run when things get tough. I pledge to continue shepherding with zeal until my last day. St. Anthony’s is a vibrant parish and is doing well. Remember that I am not St. Anthony’s. You, the community, are. In the 3.5 months that remain for me here, let us continue our journey together. May we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. He is the rock of our salvation. He is our comforter. He is our all in all! Come Lord Jesus! (cf. Heb. 12:1-2, Ps. 95:1, Zech. 1:17, 1 Cor. 15:28, Rev. 22:20) Let us continue to celebrate his presence in our midst. He does not leave us alone.

Finally, please pray for me. Please pray for our staff. Please pray for our new, yet-to-be-chosen pastor. Pray that we will all continue on the road of conversion and conviction. May all we do, proclaim Christ crucified and risen.

Blessings in Christ,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

“I will call this to mind, as my reason to have hope: The favors of the LORD are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent; They are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness. My portion is the LORD, says my soul; therefore will I hope in him. (Lamentations 3:22-24)

101 Spiritual Acts in a Culture of Scarcity

2009-03-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Catholic Hope

In this current climate of financial distress, many people find themselves worried to the point of despair, struggling to cope with the darkness that appears around them, unable to see beyond the ugliness of their situation, or simply worried to the point of preoccupation. There is no doubt that the economy is very bad. Yet, as Catholic Christians we are people of hope. That hope is not a saccharine-fake-feel-good thing. It is real. It is firm. Our ultimate hope is not found in the politicians whom we've elected nor in the comfort our bank accounts give us. Our true hope is found in Jesus and his abiding love, forgiveness, and salvation which he offers for us all. That’s our hope.

Moral Responsibility and the Loaves and Fishes

Recently, one of our wise and more senior members of our presbyterate wrote a reflection in in his parish's bulletin about how we could be individually responsible for the economic problem as well as the solution. Click this link to read the reflection of Monsignor Greg Moys on page two of his parish's bulletin. For those who have lost their jobs, we need to offer assistance. For those who have not been directly effected, the mentality of scarcity which results in hoarding is moral problem which may need re-evaluation.

The miracle of the loaves and fish may offer some help here. First of all, this event is recorded in all of the Gospel, something which most certainly speaks of its importance. But, some biblical scholars have offered an alternative interpretation of the event which shows another lens which begs a response. This alternative interpretation sees the initial problem of the shortage of food as due to selfish hoarding. The crowd had plenty amongst themselves, but the perception of scarcity made them hoard their food. Jesus' blessing over the known bread and fish broke the chains of sin in the hearts of the people. Their stony hearts were changed from selfish absorption to an openness to the concerns of others. Again, this is not a mainstream interpretation, but may offer some thoughts about what kind of sensibility we should have as Christians.

A scarcity mentality can darken our joy and blind us to the abundance that is before us. We need to break through the chains that captivate us in selfishness. Certainly, God is the first one whom we need to seek. In addition, we can do some spiritual and concrete things which will remind us of the joy which God wants us to have. Therefore, I would like to offer my list of 101 concrete ways to combat our culture of scarcity in which we now live. All these things, while seemingly small or even trivial, can be very spiritual and concrete actions that can help us from day to day. I am not endorsing any particular companies nor attempting to advertise any businesses, but simply referencing local ideas that may serve to help you discern how you may be able to accomplish some of these ideas. Maybe you can create your own 101 ideas and act on them.

101 Spiritual Acts in a Culture of Scarcity

1. Pray.
2. Pray.
3. Pray some more.
4. Read the Gospel of Mark
5. Vacuum the ﬂoor
6. Concentrate on paying off a debt (start with the smallest)
7. Clean the work bench in the garage
8. Take someone out for dinner
9. Get rid of clutter around a specific area
10. Turn off the evening news on television

Click here for the rest of the list

Blessings in Christ,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Manga! Wait! Lent!

2009-02-23T15:06:00.000-08:00

Italian Dinner '09

I write this reflection the day after the Italian Dinner and look back with gratitude. The dinner is the most labor-intensive and personnel demanding event we do. It is complicated and takes many many months for which to prepare. All that said, I believe Ed VanDyke, the chair of the dinner, did a fantastic job. With a smile and a chuckle, he continually met each new glitch or wrinkle with style. Thank you Ed! Sharon, his wife, also deserves to be thanked for her tireless work. She served as the chairperson for the Bazaar, but she wasn’t boxed in just to that area. Indeed, she was certainly Ed’s right-hand helper and encourager. Thank you Sharon! If you ask any former chairpersons, I think they would all be in agreement and amazement as to how Ed did it. Why? Just think about the other responsibilities he and his wife have: Their children, ten in all! Even Zachary, their youngest, was helping out. In fact, their teenagers, Hannah and Cassie and their boyfriends, were among the last leave that night. Thank you teens!! I also want to thank all those who gave of their time and talent to prepare, clean, cook, serve, manage the ticket sales, bus tables, offer entertainment, manage the money, secure advertising, take-down, clean-up, lock-up, transport, and so many other duties. There are too many names to mention. However, without the help of folks like Becky Pettit, Lani Vandehey, and Linda Wardenburg (just a few of the folks with the knowledge and expertise about the details), I don’t know if Ed and Sharon would have been so calm. Thank you doesn’t seem to be sufficient, but am so thankful! I am so proud to be part of this community.

I don’t have solid numbers, but the initial figures show that we may be real close to meeting our goal for income. Of course, as more details roll in and other expenses are accounted for, that may be offset. Be sure that we will make that information known to you as soon as we have solid figures to report. More importantly, I believe it is very safe to say that the Italian Dinner was a great friend-raiser. From parousing the surveys people turned in, they loved the food and enjoyed the company. I know I really enjoyed saying hello to everyone, especially those who gave of their time to serve that day.

At the end of the night, though tired we all were, I believe everyone left with a smile on their face. Whether that was from the knowledge of giving to such a good cause, meeting new and old friends, eating the food, or serving in some capacity, I believe we can all see this event, still, as something that demonstrates the welcoming community that we truly are.

Thank you all for making the Italian Dinner such a wonderful event. Thank you Ed and Sharon for your tireless work. May God bless you all!

Lent

Depending on when you read this, it is either almost Lent or Lent proper. Maybe it's even Shrove Tuesday (a.k.a. Mardi Gras), the day before Ash Wednesday. Lent is a time for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It's a time for us to re-connect with that which is most important. By these three activities, I believe, we can simplify our lives and open a door for God's grace in our hearts.

We live in difficult times, a serious time of economic struggle. But, Lent offers us an opportunity to re-order our values and remember where our true hope and joy comes from. Jesus Christ is our hope. He is our joy. No matter what befalls us, he is the one who suffered, died, and rose so we may be healed of our sins and enter into eternal life. In the days to follow, I will be creating a list of potential Lenten and not-so-lenten activities that we can consider. We may not be able to solve the financial ruin that has victimized so many, but we can do something to remind ourselves that with God's grace that can make a difference for ourselves and those around us.

May we all remember where true hope and joy come from. May this Lent be a gift that helps us enter into those realities. May Christ's passion and resurrection live more vibrantly in our hearts in the days ahead.

Blessings in Christ,
Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

A New Look for the New Year

2009-02-10T19:31:00.000-08:00

Front Page Overhaul

If you frequent my web site, you will notice right away that my front page is in the process of getting a face-lift. This is due partly to the need for additional functionality as well as my desire to simply do something new. I'm a very settled kinda person, someone who doesn't make that many changes. My friends would tell you that I am a creature of habit and I'll bet you that if asked, they could even describe in detail what I normally buy when shopping for groceries.

I desire to make my web site more dynamic without having to always add new content via brute force. As I mentioned in my previous blog, I have been active in Facebook and Twitter. These two avenues of social networking allow me to extend my ability to communicate with parishioners, friends, and anyone else who may be curious about the goings on of a priest. As such, you will notice that the left tool bar now shows my Twitter status, a quick link to my Facebook account, links to my older blog postings, and other interesting items. Let me know what you think. It's taken me a while to break the web page in two columns for sheer esthetic reasons. But, that seems to be more and more popular. In addition, some of the icons now have a rounded and glossy look to them. All these changes show a move to a more Web 2.0 look to my web page.

Days Are Getting Longer

Earlier than ever, I've noticed the days getting longer. Maybe it's because we've experienced some more clear days and the clouds aren't obscuring the light, or maybe it's because I'm so eager to welcome to spring.

This year, daylight savings time begins on March 8th. Liturgically, the Church celebrates Christmas at the darkest time in order to contrast the light of Christ against the insipid darkness of sin which is so present in our lives. With the advent of Christ's birth, the light has dawned and we can begin to see again, sin's reign will soon come to an end. Today, the light reminds me of how much God's grace overwhelmingly conquers our sins. His love and presence warms my life.

The financial struggles so many people are experiencing can be like that darkness which obscures our hope. But, let us remember that Christ is our light, and in him is our total trust and hope. If you find yourself tempted to despair, just remember that the dark days of winter will most certainly end just as will sin. Thank you God for loving us even when we struggle, even when we doubt. You are the Savior and in you we trust!

Blessings in Christ,
Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

A Christmas Story & Communication

2009-01-20T15:53:00.000-08:00

Christmas Beauty

Happy new year! This past Christmas will mark for me one that I will never forget. We experienced a "white Christmas" to the tune of some 12 to 18 inches deep! So many things were canceled. All our well made plans were downsized or simply didn't happen. But, that turned out to be a good thing. I hope that Christmases in the future can resemble the simplicity that I experienced. The snow brought a quiet to our little town and slowed everything. In a way, I think it was a good thing that some of us couldn't make our typical family gatherings. We had rethink what we were going to do and, in many cases, just stay home and stay warm. Consequently, our Christmas Masses were sparsely attended. I will attest that it was very dangerous to drive anywhere. So, I honor those who chose to be safe and stay home. I hope each were able to participate in the holiness of Christmas via TV, radio, or podcast. I know that the Vatican as well as EWTN broadcast Christmas Mass. Maybe you caught my own recording of Christmas Mass which I posted on my podcast (click here to listen). Having a simpler and more quiet Christmas was a blessing in so many ways. The falling of the snow reminded me of how God snows his grace gently upon us. I thoroughly loved the adventure as well. My dog wasn't so sure, however.

Christmas Struggle

One of the consequences of the lack of attendance was not only a scaled down series of Masses, but also a reduction in financial giving. Normally this wouldn't be of grand concern, except for the case that the month of December accounts for 14% of our annual budget. After adjusting for corrections that occurred in the first week of January (additional donations came in the first week of Jan. '09), we fell about ~$16,000 short of our expected income. That is a serious concern for any pastor. I know that our parishioners are generous. I've already witnessed the greatness of several families who made special gifts to the parish once they were made aware of this financial situation. Thank you! To all who gave around Christmas, especially those who made up their annual gift when they couldn't make it due to snow, I also want to thank you. I want to ask those who didn't make it to Mass during our winter storm and haven't made a Christmas gift to the community of St. Anthony's to consider doing so. We are in this together. It was once said to me that whenever the parish has made a request due to a need, the parish has stepped up in spades. I agree. Thank you all for your generosity to your faith community!

Geek Communication on the Internet

Often people ask me what I do. Sometimes, people think that priests work only one day a week! However, the reality is that I often work six days-a-week and even seven. The days can last from 6 hrs to 15 hrs long. I do not apologize nor am I seeking sympathy. I own my schedule and love what I do. The work of God is important and I am honored to be part of it as his priest. But in response to those who are curious about what a priest does and desiring to increase my communication with our parish and the community at large, I became active in the social network called Facebook in 2007(click here to read). To further my desire to extend my ability to communicate with others, I've also decided to begin using another technology called "Twitter." Twitter is a service on the internet that allows people to send short messages/updates about what they are doing to others. People can choose to follow specific people via the web or even their mobile devices such as phones and PDA's. I am going to try to be more visible using these two mediums of communication. I don't know how it will all work out or if I will be able to be consistent in my use of Facebook and Twitter. But, if you wish to follow me in my daily journeys as a priest, you can do so by either checking my Twitter page or sign up with Facebook and request to be my friend (search on Facebook.com for William Holtzinger). Feel free to send me messages or comment on photos or whatever you like. For many, this use of technology is a serious invasion in their privacy, so they avoid it. I agree that it can be. But, each user is in control as to how much they share. I desire to maintain some privacy, but realize that transparency and openness are good ways to build community and evangelize. Think of it as a bunch of friends quickly sharing the latest news with each other. What's happening in your world? I'd love to know.

Blessings in Christ,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

One For The Records!

2008-12-22T16:37:00.000-08:00

One for the Record Book

As I write this, there is over a foot of snow outside and we have experienced not only snow, but also freezing rain. That means that it will be quite a challenge to get around in the next couple days. Here in Northwest Oregon we typically experience some pretty moderate weather. But, this is one for the record books. It is now certain that we will have a white Christmas. I heard that this has been our worst winter storm in 40 years. We have canceled pretty much all our events but Mass and reconciliation. Thanks to Diana Wuertz, the web master of the parish web site, we have been truly up-to-date on other events, cancellations, and links for more information about related sites.

Instead of trying to describe the environment, I thought I'd just show you via some photos I took this past several days.

Click Here to Watch Video Clip.

News report on my dog, Gracie (Requires Quicklime Player)


Main Road through Forest Grove (Notice Our Banner!)	St. Anthony's after one of the big snows

Can you believe that I still have hummingbirds?	Here he is again patrolling the feeder

Now that's a lot of snow!	Winter beauty

The snow really made it tough for birds to get a drink	The little beaver ornament is totally buried

Blessings in Christ,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

"Tis' the Season"

2008-11-25T10:16:00.000-08:00

Holiday Bazaar

A big thank you needs to be given to Angela Jones and Kristen McDowell who lead the way for this year's Holiday Bazaar. You ladies were a true joy and example of what I love so much about St. Anthony's. It was a wonderful time to see the different hand-made craft items that people from all over have created. A big thank you needs to be given to all the supporting staff of volunteers who did advertising, food, moving of furniture, and much more. A special thank you needs to be given to all the teens who showed up to help in the various ways that you did. You are an inspiration to us all!

Walking around the hall, I heard much laughing and joyful conversation. The vendors who came were clearly people who poured their hearts into their crafts. They are a sign to us of the beauty of God and his creative action amongst us. In speaking to the vendors, they were very pleased with the kindness and love St. Anthony's demonstrated to them. Good job everyone! Thank you!

Tis' the Season

Tis' the season to be jolly... not jolly in a saccharine-pollyannish kind of way. I mean true joy, good humor, and high spirit. The etymology of the word "jolly" can be also be connected with the Latin root, gaudere which means "to rejoice." If you are up on your liturgical facts, the third Sunday in Advent is Gaudete Sunday, a time to more fully express our joy for all that has been given to us by God. So for sure the time is upon us. It is a time for giving and thanksgiving. Yes, there are economic woes around us in our country, but what do you choose? I choose to let this season remind me of what is most important. I choose to see the big picture while helping those in need. Christ has conquered death and his gift of salvation is where I invest my hope and joy.

Thanksgiving

As of this writing, Thanksgiving is just a couple days away. So, if you are reading this prior to Thanksgiving, please receive my blessings and hopes for a time to recreate with God and family. If you are reading this after Thanksgiving, I hope you all had a restful day. I hope you didn't have to wake up too early for that bargain at the local store. I pray that you had ample time to catch up with your relatives and friends.

Advent

Now we are in the beginning of Advent, a time to prepare for Christmas, one of our greatest celebrations next to Easter. Advent is a time to prepare. We are being called by the Church to remember the miracle of Christ's first coming to us in a poverty only to conquer sin and death. It is also a time for us to prepare for the Second Coming which is a certainty, though the day is unknown. But the Church guides us so that we do not become lax in our waiting. Please make an effort to stay focused on the things that matter most. Be cautious of being caught up in the materialism of this time and the financial woes of the economy. Remember where our true hope is and who is our all in all (cf. 1 Cor. 15:28). Advent is a time of penance and joy. Penance, for we all need to constantly seek reconciliation lest we be found unprepared on the Day of the Lord (cf. 1 Thes. 5:2). Joy, for the incarnation is a reality that shows us the way (cf. Matt. 2:10). Please take time to prepare in a purposeful way. Mark your calendar to join in our parish's communal reconciliation service scheduled for Dec. 18th at 7pm. If that day and time does not work, keep your eyes peeled for the schedule for our area vicariate parish schedules. God bless you all and have a blessed Advent!

Offertory Program Update

Thank you for all who participated in the in-pew process of our Offertory Program. We will soon be sending out letters to those who did not participate for what ever reasons such as being home-bound or away with relatives. Again, the goal is to encourage as much participation as possible. Once we have entered all the data in our computer, we will be sending out a confirmation letter informing you of what we understand to be your financial commitment. It is an opportunity to double-check our data so as to maintain the most accurate information possible. If you signed up to begin giving electronically, we will also be sending you a form to fill out and return with a canceled check. As the time and talent data is also entered, you should expect a phone call from each of our ministers to thank you for your willingness to volunteer and to see how we can best help you discern your gifts for that given ministry.

2009 Offertory Program Calendar

November 22/23	Follow-up Weekend (In-pew process for those who were absent the previous week)
Week of 24 and on	Confirmation Letters Mailed (Parishioners will be mailed letters confirming our data is correct regarding their commitment, etc.). Parishioners who didn't respond will be sent invitation letters to make sure they have a chance to participate.
Jan 1, 2009	Offertory Program Commitments Begins

Blessings in Christ,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Doing Our Part

2008-10-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

Missionary in Ecuador

Many people, at sometime in their lives, dream of going to a far off land and being a missionary of some sort. Well, just over a month ago, a friend, Fr. Heiko (German for Hank or Henry) Junge, left the comforts of Oregon for the challenges of the Missionary Society of St. James who do work in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. At first, I figured that I would not hear from him for a long time. Yet, soon after he arrived in Ecuador, I received a phone call from him with a report of what was going on as well as some computer assistance. I was happy to help out. I don't think I've ever debugged a computer from so far away! Fr. Heiko has been frequently updating his web page which he established prior to his leaving. I encourage you to check it out: www.heikomission.com.

Fr. Heiko has committed to working in South A

merica for a period of five years during which he will return to the states to seek out assistance through missionary appeals as well as take some time off. He may very well be the geekiest missionary in the society. As you can see from the photos here that he will be working amidst dirt-floor houses and offering the sacraments where possible. It has already been proving to be a real paradigm shift for Fr. Heiko compared to here in the states. Again, go to his web site to learn more about what he is doing and how he is reacting to the people and events that present themselves. You can also e-mail him with your well wishes. You can get his e-mail address from his web page.

Fundraising & Friend-raising

For many parishes, ours included, fundraising is a necessity. It is very difficult to create and implement a fundraiser. From finding volunteers to seeking out people to come the the event, fundraising can even burn people out very quickly. In fact, not all fundraisers hit their goal and raise money. Sometimes, when poorly managed, they can even spin out of control and end up costing more than they make. That's the worst case scenario. Fortunately, we can brag that we take to heart the purpose and plan of each fundraiser seriously. I am very proud of all those who have worked so hard in the recent months at our various fundraising events.

Our annual Rummage Sale was a big hit. People were very impressed at how nice everything looked. It was a labor of love by the volunteers, and I am so thankful for their care in making it a quality event. Just a few weeks ago, both our Anglo and Hispanic communities came together to offer our eigth annual Mexican Dinner. The food was excellent and it was even better organized than ever before. This, again, is due to the wonderful dedication and heart of all those who planned and worked so hard to make it a success. Even more recently, we held our annual auction which hit its goal financial target plus a little more. Again, that is due to the amazing dedication of parishioners as well as those who generously participated in the auction itself.

At each of of these events, parishioners banned together and worked for a common cause. I think they all had fun and grew closer as a community. These were not only good fundraisers, but also "friend-raisers." St. Anthony's is an amazing community dedicated to growing in faith together. This is one of the things that has impressed me the most since coming to St. Anthony's six years ago (Nov. 1 is the official 6th anniversary). Being part of a parish isn't just about coming to Mass or even volunteering to serve somewhere. Being part of a parish also means building relationships, bonds of love that help us, enliven us, and even challenge us to be more like Christ. It is a family of sorts. We are not meant to be alone. Our parish is one avenue that helps us to know that we are together in this thing called life. Let us lean on each other, confident that God is in control.

Offertory Program - Time, Talent, Treasure, & Tradition

In the coming weeks, we will be beginning the process of our annual Offertory Program which involves prayerful reflection on the part of all parishioners. The calendar of events is below. It is important that we all participate at whatever level we can. Participation is the most important aspect of the Offertory Program. It is even more important than how much a few give financially. In my homily of Oct. 18/19, 2008, we were all challenged to think about the gifts we have been given by God. The main question was, "What is not God's?" The answer is that everything we have is a gift from God. Not only our possessions and money, but our talents as well. Knowing that, we embark, once again, to reflect on how we can give back something to God in appreciation for all that he has done for us. So, begin now thinking and praying about how you can give back to God something of your time, talent, and treasure. In addition to that common reflection, this year I would like us all to ponder on how each of us can share our tradition as well. Our faith is not something that is to be kept to ourselves. It is something to be shared. Is there some way you can share your Catholic faith with others? I would like us each to think about that and make a plan to consider inviting people to Mass or some event that will happen this year at the parish. Maybe instead of bringing them to St. Anthony's, you might consider going to visit them where they are, bringing a heart of faith and love to their home. Maybe it is a commitment to be especially kind to the people at the grocery store or gas station. Maybe it would involve making a commitment to call someone each week to talk about the good things of the faith or encouraging someone who is down. Sharing our tradition can be done in so many ways.

Each year poses its new challenges, and each year we need to ponder on how to balance out those challenges so that we can maintain our commitments. The Offertory Program is intended to help you make that commitment based on your reflections. Each year we ask parishioners to consider the state of things in their lives in a one year snapshot. How has God blessed you? What has changed? Given that, each of are then being asked to decide how much we can commit financially to the parish. Should you increase your weekly giving? Should you decrease your weekly giving? Should you stay the same? This is a hard question for many to make given the economic situation we all live in. Our faith challenges us to give to God first and not just give our leftovers. One way of doing that is to consider your financial stewardship to the parish before bill paying. Another is to consider using our very successful ACH program where the amount you have committed to giving is automatically withdrawn from your bank account. I do this, and it helps me to know that I will meet my commitment because I have set up a system to do it. It is not something that I hope I'll get around to, nor is it something that becomes an heavy burden. Automatic withdrawal is the normative way I deal with all my bills. Using that system, I have less stress in my life as well as confidence that I am meeting my commitments.

So that you will know what is coming up, here is our Offertory Program calendar:

2009 Offertory Program Calendar

October 25/26	Census Update (In pew process)
November 8/9	Announcement Weekend (Fr. Bill reflects about stewardship in homily)
Week of 9-14	Parishioners receive Offertory Brochure to help explain process and aid in discernment
November 15/16	Commitment Weekend (In pew process of making stewardship commitments)
November 22/23	Follow-up Weekend (In-pew process for those who were absent the previous week)
Week of 24 and on	Confirmation Letters Mailed (Parishioners will be mailed letters confirming our data is correct regarding their commitment, etc.). Parishioners who didn't respond will be sent invitation letters to make sure they have a chance to participate.
Jan 1, 2009	Offertory Program Commitments Begins

Please begin your prayerful discernment as to how you will participate in the life of St. Anthony's. If you have any questions, you can contact me or John Moore, this year's coordinator for the Offertory Program. Thank you for all you do. It is a privilege to be your pastor.

Blessings in Christ,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Fr. Astronomer

2008-08-20T23:25:00.000-07:00

A Hobby for the Heavens

Often people ask me what I enjoy doing for a hobby. Well, first I'm a geek and I love to do podcasts, manage my web site, go camping, and much more. But one hobby has a lot of relevance to me as a priest. That hobby? Astronomy. I'm a member of the Rose City Astronomers and I love to peer into the heavens with my 14.5" dobsonian reflector (below). Each summer I love to travel out to the Ochoco National Forest to join some 700 other amateur astronomers and gaze heavenward to view things that simply take my breath away. So how does astronomy connect with being a priest? Well, astronomy offers me a way to directly connect with how big God's creation is and how small I am. Yet, in spite of the radically disproportionate sizes of these two creations, God still loves me with an infinite love.

But, what is the Catholic Church doing meddling in astronomy? Haven't we learned our lesson from the Galileo debacle? The answer to these questions are, simply, we are doing amazing work in astronomy and Galileo has helped us learn about the political pitfalls that can happen when religion and science mix. Today, we are more eager than ever to learn how both faith and science harmonize. It also is a dramatic way to literally view history unfold. For example, when I see a celestial object that is 25 light-years away, that means I am seeing that object as it was 25 years ago. Now imagine seeing an object that is 2000 light-years away! I would be seeing existence as it was when Jesus walked the earth.

Catholics in Astronomy

Many priests are professional astronomers. Indeed, it was a priest who was the first to posit what is now called the "big bang" (Can you say Fr. Georges-Henri Lemaitre?). In fact, the father of astrophysics is a Jesuit, Fr. Angelo Secchi. The Vatican even owns and operates two major observatories, one at Castle Gondolfo, Italy and the other in Tucson, Arizona. In a nearby parish in Porltand, St. Agatha, a group of Catholics meet monthly to discuss Astronomy. They also use the internet to speak to Fr. Chris Corbally, S.J. who is the director of the Vatican Observatory. When ever the topic of Galileo comes up, it is the Church who always gets the black eye, so-to-speak. The Vatican Observatory has spent no small amount of energy reflecting on the universe and the theories of Galileo. Check out the publications about it by clicking here. In 2000, Guy Consolmagno, S.J. published a popular book describing the adventures of being a Vatican scientist entitled, "Brother Astronomer." The science of astronomy helps us know more about the creation that God has made. It reminds us that God is more than big and more than powerful. Imagine if we found intelligent life beyond our solar system. What would that mean for us as faithful Christians?

Star Party Ho!

Earlier I mentioned that each summer I travel to the Ochoco National Forest east of Bend, OR to join hundreds of others stargazing. Each year, that event, the Oregon Star Party, offers me a chance to stay up all night and quietly observe objects that I simply cannot see from my home with all its light pollution. The location is actually called Indian Trail Spring, and it is in the middle of nowhere. But, it has some wonderfully dark skies through which I can gaze upon objects that are millions of light years away. At the OSP, people bring some of the largest personally owned telescopes in the world. The great part is that many of these folks just love to let others peer through their scope. Exclamations such as "Wow" or "You've gotta see this!" are not uncommon. So I look forward to this summer's big event on Aug. 27th through Aug. 31st. My goal is to catalog as many galaxies I can. Another is to drink as much hot chocolate that I can in order to keep warm during the cold nights and help me stay awake in order to maximize my viewing opportunities. This year will be my fourth OSP and my second with my Chalet Aspen trailer. Since the event is so remote, it is important to be prepared. Bringing the Chalet is a real comfort, especially on cold or rainy nights. OSP is just a week away as of this writing. I can't wait. Astronomy is a prayerful and awe-inspiring experience.

If you are a budding amateur astronomer or are just curious, I recommend two books: Secrets of the Night Sky by Bob Berman and Night Watch by Terence Dickinson. Be careful, as you may be tempted to go out a buy a telescope. So let me offer you a bit of advice. Before you go out and plot down some hard earned cash for a new scope, first try using binoculars. It's amazing the things one can see with a simple pair of 10X50 binoculars. There are tons of things one can see wihout the aid of a telescope let alone binoculars. Inded, there's lots to behold by just looking up. For example, the International Space Station is a wonderful object to find when it passes overhead. One can determine when its visible by going to the NASA web site for the ISS. It's Summer. Next dark night, go lay out on your lawn and just gaze heavenward. You might just discover something new! You might even perceive God's presence in his handiwork. Afterall, the Scriptures tell us that "the heavens proclaim the glory of God" (Psalm 19:2).

Blessings in Christ,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Fr. Bill's Personal Pages Blog

Proclaim The Good News Of Life

New Years & Christmas Time

Merry Christmas!

Much Ado About Something

New Roman Missal Preparation

Challenges To Religious Freedom

More on the New Roman Missal

Getting Involved In Your Faith

New Roman Missal

New Sign Coming

Archbishop's Pilgrimage to Holy Land

Church Clean-up Day

New Tabernacle

Summer Preparations

Job Openings

Dog Name Update

New Life

Confessions & Holy Week

Prayers & Passion

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.

Blessings,

Fr. William HoltzingerPastor

Arcbishop Dolan Defends Marriage

Two Things

Theology of the Body

Baptism: What Is It? What Controversies Surround It?

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas! Good News!

Celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe

Making A Commitment to God Through the Church

May Their Souls Rest In Peace

Vote With An Informed Conscience

New Roman Missal Discussed (Updated Oct. 19, 2010)

Archdiocese Capital Campaign

Respect Life October

A Glass Overflowing

Archdiocesan Capital Campaign

New Beginnings

With Fr. Paschal's Leaving Comes Questions

Immigration: What Does The Church Teach

Dear Parishioners,

For more information, the bishops have created an additional web site: justiceforimmigrants.org/ I also highly recommend an informative article by Bishop John C. Webster which can be found online: http://www.justiceforimmigrants.org/documents/wester-interview.pdf

Finally, please keep all those involved in your prayers. Remember to keep charity in your heart and try to see all the sides of the issues. Remember that people of good will may disagree, but we are called to put on the mind of Christ and reflect the Gospel at all times.

Blessings,

Fr. William HoltzingerPastor

Liturgy Schedule Change

Summertime and Stewardship

Goodbye & Best Wishes!

Vocations & Liturgy Schedule

Vocations

Liturgy Schedule Issues

Opportunities

Liturgy Schedule Change

Change Is Hard, But Love Conquers Fear

New Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministry Found

Live Life!

Abuse Is Painful Indeed

Easter Reconciles Us Anew

More Details Regarding Holy Week

A Week of Holiness

A Renewed Mission

The Joy of Lent

Confessions of a Macoholic

Flu Emergency Over Liturgically

Mission: Life

Earthquake in Haiti (Updated 1-18-10)

Listening Sessions Overview

A New Year Resolution

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Examples of God's Love

The Joy of Reconciliation

Giving & Thanks

HEALTH and LITURGY NOTICE: H1N1 Influenza

Another Remodel Update

"Remodel Update"

You Showed Us How Precious Life Is

"Communicate. Communicate. Communicate."

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor