A New Year Resolution

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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."

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