Merry Christmas

Dear Parishioners,

At this time of the year, it is good to recognize the Good News in our community. It is a time to look back with gratitude for all that God has done in our midst. It is a time for thankfulness and hope for the future.

For me, I look back on 2013 and see how the Year of Faith has helped us shore up our faith in the moral issues of our time. I give thanks for all who spent extra time to offer a daily Rosary, Fast on Friday’s, and attend our monthly Solemn Vespers with Adoration. I am also thankful for the concrete steps we’ve taken to begin the process of renovating our Church. We have a long way to go in the process, but we have a solid core committee who continue to discuss and explore ideas. I am also thankful for the work of Alan Crews who will be officially retiring as of this month. His joyful presence and work ethic has been inspirational for me, the staff, and parishioners who have worked with him. I am thankful for the arrival of John Becerra, our seminarian intern, who has added a view of hope for vocations to the priesthood. These are just some of the local happenings within our parish. But, there were some much broader events that also has effected the larger Church.

This past year we witnessed two major leadership changes in the Church, one locally and the other globally. First was the significant appointment of Archbishop Alexander Sample as our new Archbishop coupled with the retirement of Archbishop Vlazny. Then shortly after that, Pope Benedict XVI stunned the world by his humble resignation, thereby setting into motion a conclave which elected Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope and the first pope to take a name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Instead of the common news cycle of criticism of the Church, it was refreshing to hear and watch reports of these events set in a positive light. Since then, Pope Francis has continued to surprise and shock the world by his humble living and colloquial way of speaking. His actions of kindness and compassion have inspired many. I highly recommend reading the encyclical that he and Pope Benedict wrote, Lumen Fidei, as well as Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium. While some in the secular press have been negatively critical about the latter document, I recommend that you read it for yourself and do not depend on the secular media to digest it for you. It is an amazing exhortation to be more evangelical in living out and sharing our faith. It would make a wonderful new year’s resolution to get a copy and prayerfully read just a few pages each day. We will be reading it as part of our weekly staff meetings in the new year.

We live in amazing times. 2013 was full of wonderful outpourings of the Holy Spirit locally and globally. Please continue to ask God to pour out His Holy Spirit upon us. Pray that we will be, as a community, a beacon of faith, hope, and love to our civic community as well as to the larger global community.

Finally, I want to express my thanks to all of the parishioners of St. Anne’s, St. Patrick of the Forest, and Our Lady of the River for their faith-filled example to me. Serving you as your pastor has fed me deeply. Thank you, especially, for being patient with my mistakes and helping me get up when I have fallen. I give thanks for being here with you as we, together, journey on this path of faith.

Merry Christmas!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

A Big Heart Open To God

Dear Parishioners,

In the past several weeks, a recent interview with Pope Francis has drawn enormous attention with headlines and reporting that lead Catholics to believe that we are about to abandon our sacred dogmas and moral teachings.  This is sad, but no surprise.  The media is notoriously bad at reporting Church news as well as the subtleties of philosophies, teachings, and even the structures of the Catholic Church.  So, what did the pope say?  Here’s one of his controversial statements and my reflection which I hope fills out what he meant:

“The dogmatic and moral teachings of the church are not all equivalent. The church’s pastoral ministry cannot be obsessed with the transmission of a disjointed multitude of doctrines to be imposed insistently.”

Some have interpreted this as the beginning of a “break” or “change” in the Church’s dogmas and moral teachings.  This is not correct nor a response that is new.  It is, however, a very serious challenge.  He further said that our proclamation must be missionary in style where love and compassion come first.  If we forget this, we as a Church will no longer be the “moral edifice” to the world, but a falling “house of cards, losing the freshness and fragrance of the Gospel.”  These are very dramatic images to be sure.  So what does all this mean? 

First, the pope was reminding us that some dogmas and moral teachings are more central than others.  For example, the belief in one triune God is more central than the reality that when either consecrated eucharistic species is divided, the whole Christ is present in each part of the species.  Both are dogmas, both are essential parts of our Faith, the former being at the center, the latter being definitively true yet not as central.  Committing murder and cheating on a test are both immoral. The former is more grave than the latter. 

Second, the pope wanted his audience to remember that we shouldn’t spread the Gospel by starting with dogmas and moral teachings.  Rather, the pope wants us to remember that the Gospel we are to proclaim starts with God’s love. 

We are to love God and our neighbor (cf. Matt 22:39).  That comes before all else.  It is a commandment.  We are to show to others that God is love.  Certainly, we hold true to moral living and need to teach it, but it is a consequence of the most fundamental and compelling part of the Good News.  Reading the Gospels makes it clear that Jesus did this very same thing.  Just imagine Jesus saying that the Good News was to not commit adultery?  How many followers would that inspire?  And while Jesus did teach against adultery, this was not the center of his mission.  And therein lies the pope’s point.  Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God and secondarily would also teach about the moral life. Recall the woman caught in the act of adultery whom the Pharisees wanted to stone (Jn. 8:1-11)?  How did Jesus react to the woman and in what order?  He listened, showed compassion, forgave her sins, and then told her to go and sin no more.  How did he react to those who were accusing?  He listened, stooped down to write, then challenged them to a self examination of conscience. Some who are rigidly focused on only the moral life, the Pope commented, have gotten the whole thing backwards.  I must admit that, at times, I have done this myself.  So, I take the pope’s words to heart.

When we meet someone who is living a life of serious sin, we must first proclaim that God loves them and desires to be in full communion with him.  We must begin with the person, not the sin.  We should let them know that we love them.  We should show authentic care and concern.  We should remind them that God’s love and forgiveness is available to them and that God’s love is bigger than our sins.  We should express the joy that comes from being close to God, his Church, and the Sacraments. We should, if the situation allows, invite them to walk with us or ask to accompany them in that journey of restoration.  Such a proclamation is more likely to draw someone to the heart of God.  Such a witness may woo one’s heart to burn for love of the truth.  With one’s heart now open to the wonders of God’s love, they may be more likely to reexamine their lifestyle, repent, and be further transformed into the person they were always called to be.  This is what the Pope was trying to say.  We need to evangelize and share the “saving love of God” and then we must catechize.  If we begin in the other direction, people are more likely to perceive us as simply a Church of rules and regulations and forget that the heart of the Bride, the Church, is focused on the heart of the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.

Every now and then, we get this right.  For example, this past week, a pair of young adults entered our church without permission and began to shoot a music video.  Several persons who happened to be in the church were shocked and didn’t know what to do.  Rightfully so.  None of these people came at these young men with vicious indignation or self-righteousness.  That was a win for charity right off the bat.  Instead, I was asked to come over to talk to the men, and so I did. The music was in a modern rap style and the main artist was using our church interior as backdrop for his music video.  Clearly, it was inappropriate to do any kind of filming in our church without permission.  Furthermore, the potential contents of the video might have been at issue.  So, instead of accusing the young men, I honestly expressed my interest in their art, got to know them and their background, and then gently reminded them to call ahead for permission if they wanted to shoot any videos in the future.  As it turned out, the main artist was crafting a video with music that described his love for his mother who died when he was young, how he missed her, and how much inspiration he has drawn from her as she looks down from heaven on her son.  The young man shared with me a very troubled past.  I tried to empathize and encourage him in his journey.  Finally as they were leaving, I invited the main artist to return so we could talk some more about his struggles if he desired.  We parted in friendship with a promise for the link to his video when it is available online.  What church did this young man encounter?  I hope a compassionate one.  I hope it was a church that took interest in him as a person first before the rules. I hope this was a moment of success, a moment of compassion and not just an eviction from the church building by some angry Catholics.  I hope this is true.  I think it was.  Have I resolved similar situation in the past with such peace?  No.  So, the challenge remains out there for me and I hope you too.

With recent unprecedented socio-political developments in our country, we have been challenged more directly on moral fronts and have felt the need to respond.  Cardinal Dolan of New York and president of the USCCB would likely be the first to agree with the pope.  You might recall that at the beginning of the heated debates about the HHS Mandate, Cardinal Dolan was quoted saying, "We didn't start this battle, and I'm kind of uncomfortable with it... We'd much rather be conciliatory."  The heart of Cardinal Dolan is one about the mercy of God and care for the poor.  It was the disregard to our religious liberty which mandated we pay for so-called medical procedures that would kill the poor which compelled our bishops to speak out.  It is only when specific issues arise that our bishops step up and respond.  Archbishop Sample is very much like this.  In my own dealings with our archbishop, I could sense that he has the heart of a shepherd.   He has said that he will speak on issues when needed.  You see, being shepherds as our pope and bishops are, they desire to proclaim the Gospel first, love much, and correct little.  None of this changes dogma or the fundamental teachings of our faith.  But, the pope’s words remind us all of the challenge of charity.  He reminds us of the hierarchy of truths. He reminds us of the importance of the human person and the need to reach out with compassion.

Finally, I apologize for the length of this letter, but the pope’s reflections are important.  The two sentences that I have focused upon make up only 0.3% of his entire text.  I highly encourage all of you to read the entire interview.  He had a lot to share.  I think readers will get a deeper insight into the heart and thought of our new pope.  A link to to the entire text is available on our web site, stannechurch.com. 

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Being Sheep

Dear Parishioners,

Last weekend I offered a homily on what it means to be the sheep of God’s flock. It is likewise hard to be a local shepherd at times as well. The good news is that we are all in this together, and we are not alone, for we have our Archbishop to help and guide us on our journey as a parish the local church called the Archdiocese of Portland.

In my homily, I reflected on the process of remodeling our Church building. But, I didn’t mention why a remodel was even needed. The reasons are many, but here are just some of the main ones. First and foremost, the particular approach to semi-round seating in our situation is problematic for liturgical celebrations, especially when a vast majority of people are seated to one side and hardly anyone sits in front of the altar. Most of the pews are not facing the altar, the main focus of any Catholic Church. Our lighting system is very inadequate. The acoustics render the spoken word hard to understand. The ability to use any kind of visual multimedia is extremely difficult (think, Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal video). The ability to celebrate baptisms, weddings, and funerals are a struggle liturgically. I imagine that many of you have your own thoughts that you might add to this list. Regardless, we need to implement a remodel to address these and other issues.

There are many many ways a Church can be built and or remodeled. There is no perfect or right way. Through the course of history, the Catholic Church has built many styles of Churches to the glory of God. I mentioned that I was aware that we have basically two paradigms from which to begin: augmenting the current semi-round approach we currently have or turning the entire focus in one direction facing the East or West side of our Church. Knowing that Archbishop Sample would ultimately have to approve our final design, I desired to ask him about the basic paradigm. So, two weeks ago I had that opportunity. He was very gracious and inquisitive about our project as well as the basic shape of our building. We had only a few minutes to chat, but he clearly desired that we choose the second of the two paradigms described above. In addition, he was clear that he desired that the tabernacle be placed directly behind the altar. He mentioned that, in particular with regard to the tabernacle placement, this would simply solve a lot of issues, a thought with which I agree.

I readily admit that I like modern architectural designs of many Catholic Churches, and I like Church arrangements in the semi- round approach. However, I also see many benefits of other designs too, including ones with the paradigm for which we will be striving. It is important to remember that the architecture of a Church, while important, isn’t the wholeness of what it means to be Church. If you find yourself saddened by this potential change, I want to encourage you to know that new and great things can come from this other approach. If you have always hoped that a remodel would be done in the forthcoming style, I ask that you be compassionate to those who have to die a little to the vision of Church that they have come to love. Most important is our sense of unity and communion with each other, our Archbishop, and most of all our Lord Jesus. Do not let this process become a moment for despair or arrogance, but rather for joy... joy for the new things that God is planning in our midst.

It is hard to be a sheep, following as a flock, together with one’s shepherd. I promise to continue to shepherd us all with clarity and transparency. In the months and years ahead, as we continue in this plan, there will be a feasibility study, potential listening sessions, input from various groups, a committee to help in the renovation, a capital campaign, discussions with our contractor and architect, and consistent communication with those at the Archdiocese as needed. I have already received people’s thoughts and desires about what they hope will happen, for which I am open. But, remember that this process may not necessarily please everyone, nor necessarily fulfill one’s personal demands. In that situation, please guard your hearts from the temptation of pride and arrogance that can cause dissension in these kinds of works. I will not be receptive to those who are demanding, lack charity, or will give with “strings attached.” This process will involve people with stewards’ hearts, people who are willing to give with faith and generosity, people who are willing to serve with regard to the common good and not themselves. As far as exacting details, I do not have any more than I have offered here as I write this letter. In this process, it is my personal goal that it will bring us together as one community, striving to remodel our Church to give God the glory, not ourselves. I am excited about the possibilities, and I ask you to pray for me, your local shepherd, as we begin the initial phases of dreaming and planning. May we be a light to all those with whom we work with and talk to in regards to this project.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor