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Fr. Manuel Campos

Jesus, Fill Our Hearts

Dear Parishioners,

It's great to be back from vacation.  Apparently, Fr.  Manuel invited you to come visit me, but I must have somehow missed you since I saw no parishioners the whole time.  Darn!  We could have had so much fun. Even though you didn't join me, I can report that I had a great time doing what I love the most: camping.  I began by spending a couple days as Crane Prairie Reservoir, followed by five days at Beverly Beach just North of Newport, and then returned to Central Oregon for a couple days at Hosmer Lake (a kayaker's paradise).  In all, I am so appreciative of God's amazing creation here in Oregon.  

While I was gone, I prayed for our parish and missions and thanked Him for all the amazing things happening at our communities. Specifically at St. Anne's, I was so appreciative of all those inspired to give of their time and talent to make Vacation Bible School the great success it was. Specifically, I want to thank Nancy Trahern and her army of volunteers.  Thank you!  You inspired me.  While I was gone, Natalie Scott took a band of adults and teens to Steubenville NW at Gonzaga University.  While away, she texted me with reports of the amazing things God was doing.  One word: Wow!  If you are fortunate enough to attend the right Mass where a teen was able to offer their testimony this weekend, you will know exactly what I'm talking about.  Thank you to all who made this event a possibility for our teens!

Two weeks ago, after a very involved process, we selected out new Pastoral Associate, however we are running into many road blocks with the process of immigration since she is a native of Canada.  I've never been personally involved with these processes nor are all of the steps well spelled out. What we were hoping would take a couple weeks is now, as I write this, looking to take much longer.  So, I ask you to please pray that God will clear the path so we can move forward.  When such clarity and finality is made, I will make every effort to introduce her to you.  In the meantime, please pray!

Finally, I want to proclaim that God is moving and the Spirit is inspiring many people.  I hope you can see and join in this movement wherever you see it.  A renewal of people seeking out His heart is evidenced by a stunningly large number of people who attended our last RCIA Inquiry gathering.  It can't be explained by anything other than God's work.  

Come Lord Jesus!  Fill our hearts and make us new according to your plan.  Heal our wounds and lift us up to be people of joy.  May all our thoughts and and actions be submissive to your will.  May we give you all the glory! 

Thank you all for responding to the Spirit.  Let us be afire with the love of God!


Blessings,


Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Welcome Fr. Manuel Campos

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we officially welcome our new parochial vicar, Rev. Fr. José Manuel Campos Garcia (or Fr. Manuel or short), who was recently ordained with nine other men by Archbishop Vlazny. I encourage you to invite him to your homes and share your lives with him.  In his time with us, he will be learning about the day-to-day workings of parish life.  He will become more comfortable in his celebration of the Sacraments.  He will learn from your generous love about how great the life of a priest truly is.  And for this I want to thank you all ahead of time for such love.  It is important to support our priests, especially those who are newly ordained.

As per all our previous parochial vicars, Fr. Manuel will take the latter part of Thursday and all of Friday as his personal time off.  During the week, Fr. José and I will trade off being on call for emergencies as they arise.  He will be staying in the same apartment as Fr. Dominic, but hopefully will be transferred to a difference residence once we are able to secure the needed loan and purchase a place that we do not have to rent.

Fr. Manuel hails from the state of Michoacan in Mexico which means that he is fluent in Spanish.  I can testify, and you will soon learn for yourself, that he is also very fluent and clear in English.  Being Mexican, I am sure that many of our Hispanic parishioners will be encourage by his example of faith and ability to minister to them in their native language.  However, he is not coming just for our Hispanic community, but for all our community.  I believe you will find him to be kind and welcoming to everyone.  He is a very kind-hearted man.  

It will take some time for him to get adjusted to the Grants Pass area, but your openness to helping him in this transition will be very important.  Thank you for your love and let us welcome aboard, Fr. Manuel with our typical St. Anne’s enthusiasm.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor