Dear Parishioners,
This past weekend we celebrated our annual parish picnic after being on a hiatus due to the pandemic. It was a joyous occasion to symbolically end the new church building project by burning a copy of our $1.5 mil. loan agreement from the Archdiocese. It was also a wonderful opportunity to begin, in earnest, the process of saying goodbye to myself, Fr. Stephen, and Sandra. The thoughts and hearts that were shared were truly wonderful. These are those times when God wants to tell us how much he loves us, and he does it through his people. Thank you all for your outpouring of love for me, Fr. Stephen, and Sandra. I will forever keep that celebration in my heart.
As you may know, next weekend will be my last as your pastor. Thank you to all who have lovingly walked with me in my stumbling, helped me get back up, challenged me to change, encouraged me when I felt down, forgiven me when I sinned, and prayed for me and my vocation. I am better for it all. Thank you, God, for such a blessing you have given me in the people of St. Anne, Our Lady of the River, and St. Patrick of the Forest.
Blessings,
Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor