Archbishop's Pilgrimage to Holy Land

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

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

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

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

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

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

Church Clean-up Day

Dear Parishioners,

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

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

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

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

New Tabernacle

Dear Parishioners,

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

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

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

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Summer Preparations

Dear Parishioners,

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

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

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

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Job Openings

Dear Parishioners,

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Dog Name Update

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

New Life

Dear Parishioners,

Easter Cleaning

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

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

New Dog

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

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Confessions & Holy Week

Reconciliation

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

Holy Week

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

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

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

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Prayers & Passion

Dear Parishioners,

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Prayers and Help for Victims

Dear Parishioners,

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

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

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

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Arcbishop Dolan Defends Marriage

Dear Parishioners,

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

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

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

Two Things

Dear Parishioners,

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

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

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

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Dear Parishioners,

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

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

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Theology of the Body

The Church & Sex

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

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

Parents & Teens

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

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

What Will Be Discussed?

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

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

Come and extend your understanding of our Catholic faith.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Baptism: What Is It? What Controversies Surround It?

Dear Parishioners,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Fr. Williams Holtzinger

Pastor

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

Dear Parishioners,

Thank You

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

New Year

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

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

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor

Merry Christmas! Good News!

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

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

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

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