COVID-19 & The Mass

Dear Parishioners,

We are living in some difficult times. This past weekend, we introduced some more restrictions within the context of the liturgy in light of the spreading of the novel coronavirus. Some may still be confused, so I want to offer some clarity in this regard. On Friday, February 28th, an email came to me regarding the ongoing issue about health and the rituals at Mass. We published recommendations previously in this regard, and the USCCB made another provision. So, the archdiocesan Office of Divine Worship sent out this email with added recommendations.

“Further to a recent memo to all the bishops of the United States from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) entitled ‘Liturgical Celebrations and Public Health Concerns’ and after consulting with the Archbishop the Office of Divine Worship now recommends that all parishes cease the distribution of the Precious Blood for the time being and that the Sign of Peace be eliminated or done without the chance of physical contact.”

So, going forward until further notice, we will continue not to use the chalice at the Rite of Communion. All are urged not to hold hands during the Our Father, and the Sign of Peace will be skipped during the Rite of Communion.

I know that many of you will understand and agree with this. I also understand that this may disturb some. These changes do not reflect an agenda or any hidden motives. The goal of these temporary changes is the greatest good for our people. It should go without saying that issues of health and safety are paramount. We want our communities to be healthy. This is basic ethics. And in as far as we can cooperate with such a goal and be faithful and lawful to the rites of the Liturgy, these changes to the liturgy are reasonable, measured, and temporary. 

Remember the proverb accredited to Benjamin Franklin: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” These changes are simple compared to the potential of suffering that could come upon people who get infected. So, simple caution is warranted. I believe this not to be a knee-jerk reaction, but a simple act of wisdom for the good of our beloved communities.

On a personal note, and I have shared this with many, last year my 94 year old mother who lives at home and hardly ever gets out, went to Mass one Sunday last year in March. Three days later she was stricken by the flu which she contracted from participating in the one outing she had that week: Mass. We almost lost her. The most vulnerable to the cold, the coronavirus, and the flu are our elderly. As a Church, we want to be a welcoming community which means moving out of the way any obstacles that may be unsafe. 

Thank you for your faithful consideration in regards to this situation. Let us all join in solidarity with those who have become ill recently and, in a special way, those who have contracted the flu or may contract the coronavirus. May we remember that love of God and neighbor is the calling which we have all been given. I am proud that our parishes so easily rise to the help of others in times of need. This time, while difficult, will be another moment to shine!

Finally, click here for more details and information from the USCCB, our archdiocese, and the CDC.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor (St. Anne, St. Patrick of the Forest, Our Lady of the River)
Administrator (St. Joseph, St. Francis Xavier)

Estimados feligreses, 

Estamos viviendo en tiempos difíciles. El pasado fin de semana, introdujimos algunas restricciones más en el contexto de la liturgia a la luz de la propagación del nuevo coronavirus. Algunos todavía pueden estar confundidos, por lo que quiero ofrecer algo de claridad al respecto. El viernes 28 de febrero, me llegó un correo electrónico con respecto al problema actual sobre la salud y los rituales en la misa. Publicamos recomendaciones previamente a este respecto, y el USCCB hizo otra disposición. Entonces, la Oficina Arquidiocesana de Culto Divino envió este correo electrónico con recomendaciones adicionales.

"Además de una nota reciente para todos los obispos de los Estados Unidos de la Conferencia de los Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB) titulada 'Celebraciones litúrgicas y preocupaciones de salud pública' y después de consultar con el arzobispo, la Oficina de Culto Divino ahora recomienda que todas las parroquias cesar la distribución de la Preciosa Sangre por el momento y que el Signo de la Paz sea eliminado o hecho sin la posibilidad de contacto físico ". 

Entonces, avanzando hasta nuevo aviso, seguiremos sin usar el cáliz en el Rito de Comunión. Se insta a todos a no tomarse de las manos durante el Padre Nuestro, y el Signo de la Paz se omitirá durante el Rito de Comunión.

Sé que muchos de ustedes entenderán y estarán de acuerdo con esto. También entiendo que esto puede molestar a algunos. Estos cambios no reflejan una agenda ni ningún motivo oculto. El objetivo de estos cambios temporales es el mayor bien para nuestra gente. No hace falta decir que las cuestiones de salud y seguridad son primordiales. Queremos que nuestras comunidades sean saludables. Esta es la ética básica. Y en la medida en que podamos cooperar con tal objetivo y ser fieles y legales a los ritos de la Liturgia, estos cambios en la liturgia son razonables, medidos y temporales.

Recuerde el proverbio acreditado por Benjamín Franklin: "Una onza de prevención vale una libra de cura". Estos cambios son simples en comparación con el potencial de sufrimiento que podría afectar a las personas infectadas. Por lo tanto, se justifica una simple precaución. Creo que esto no es una reacción instintiva, sino un simple acto de sabiduría para el bien de nuestras queridas comunidades.

En una nota personal, y he compartido esto con muchos, el año pasado mi madre de 94 años que vive en casa y casi nunca sale, fue a misa un domingo el año pasado en marzo. Tres días después, se vio afectada por la gripe que contrajo al participar en la única excursión que tuvo esa semana: misa. Casi la perdimos. Los más vulnerables al resfriado, el coronavirus y la gripe son nuestros ancianos. Como Iglesia, queremos ser una comunidad acogedora, lo que significa apartar cualquier obstáculo que pueda ser inseguro.

Gracias por su fiel consideración con respecto a esta situación. Unámonos solidariamente con quienes se enfermaron recientemente y, de manera especial, con quienes contrajeron la gripe o pueden contraer el coronavirus. Recordemos que el amor a Dios y al prójimo es el llamado que todos hemos recibido. Me enorgullece que nuestras parroquias lleguen tan fácilmente a la ayuda de otros en tiempos de necesidad. ¡Esta vez, aunque difícil, será otro momento para brillar!

Finalmente, haga clic aquí para obtener más detalles e información de USCCB, nuestra arquidiócesis y los CDC.

Bendiciones,
P. William Holtzinger
Pastor (Santa Ana, San Patricio del Bosque, Nuestra Señora del Río)
Administrador (San José, San Francisco Javier)

Lent's Almost Here. What's Your Plan?

Dear Parishioners,

Lent will be here this Wednesday with the celebration of Ash Wednesday. As we approach Lent, a common question is, “What are you giving up for Lent?” This is a good question and fits well in the spirituality of detachment from anything that distracts you from keeping God first in one’s life. We all have some hang ups or bad habits or a disordered desires, even more serious issues with sin. Ash Wednesday is a sober reminder of where we have come from and where we will return: ashes. Of course, this is the story of our earthy bodies. But in between the beginning and end of our lives, what we do makes all the difference for eternity. So what are you giving up? Think on this. Pray about this. Ask God what you need to remove so that he can become more central in your life. While you are at it, also ask God what you need to add. Sometimes removing dark parts of our lives invites and is re-filled with another darknesses. So, instead of just stop overeating, smoking, swearing, being rude, being divisive, being uncharitable, add something that is directly related in a positive sense. For example, consider exercising, offering life-giving words to others, committing to a prayertime, joining a Lenten faith sharing group, being neighborly to someone around you, trying to see the other side of an issue in order to understand the person holding that issue, working for the common good, attending daily Mass, and more. I hope you get the idea. It’s akin to what some theologians have called, fast and feast, during Lent. Hopefully, these new ways of being will become your new normal going forward, and by doing so, God will become, all the more, central in your life. Have a blessed Lent.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Cold & Flu Season Precautions (Updated 2-10-2020)

Dear Parishioners,

Statistics on Illness

We are now in the middle of the cold and flu season. As such, I believe we need to be mindful of the health risks that that can impact us and put into place guidance that will reduce the risks. The data from Oregon’s Health Authority which tracks flu stats reported that influenza and related illnesses is currently three times higher than the during rest of the year. They qualify Oregon to be at a “Moderate Level.” The peak for reported illness was in the final days of December, though there have been three influenza outbreaks reported in Oregon this month. The wellbeing of our parishioners is my concern. So in that vein I offer these thoughts.

Ways to Avoid Illness

Common known methods to reduce potential illness are 1. Wash your hands,  2. Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with dirty hands, 3. Avoid sick people, 4. When coughing, cover your mouth and wash your hands immediately, and 5. Disinfect surfaces as needed.  These are all common sense things. The most at-risk are our young and old.  

Missing Mass

Common sense would say that if you are experiencing symptoms and/or you think you may be contagious, please stay home which would include avoiding going to Mass. If you do have to stay home from Mass, attempt to listen or watch Mass via various media outlets such as radio, TV, and internet streaming. Websites such as ewtn.com or catholictv.org are good options via a web browser. If those don’t work, consider spending an hour in prayer and reading the Scriptures for that weekend. In lieu of not being able to receive the Eucharist that Sunday, spend time in prayer asking God for the grace that you would have received if you had attended Mass and received the Eucharist. This is called a “Spiritual Communion.” Here’s a good prayer in this regard by St. Alphonsus Liguori:

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. 
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. 
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,  come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. 
Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen. 

Office of Divine Worship Recommendations (#10-#13 added 2-10-2020)

The Office of Divine Workshop issued some recommendations during the cold and flu season:

1. While communion under both species has “a more complete form as a sign when it is received under both kinds,” [GIRM 281], it is not always necessary or advisable.

2. It is left to the prudent judgment of the pastor whether communion under both kinds should be offered during a period in which there is a high incidence of colds and the

3. If Communion under both kinds is retained those who are not feeling well should refrain from receiving from the chalice, and should receive Holy Communion under the form of bread alone to avoid transmitting any illness.

4. Due to the fact that our hands are often transmitters of the cold and flu, care should be taken that:

   1. No one should ever be permitted to self-intinct (dip) the consecrated host into the Precious Blood. The practice is prohibited by law and its result can be the unknowing transmission of illness.

   2. In place of the regular way of offering the sign of peace a nod of the head and a verbal greeting of peace rather than the shaking of hands during this cold and flu season may be used.

   3. Holding hands during the Our Father should be discouraged.

5. Those who are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in the parish church or those involved in ministry to the homebound should take special precautions. They should heed all health directives and frequently wash their hands, avoiding contact with others, especially those most susceptible to illness.

6. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who are feeling unwell or have any symptoms of illness should excuse themselves from this ministry.

7. Catholics who are ill are excused from Sunday worship out of respect and concern for their fellow worshipers. Catholics who are ill are encouraged to make a spiritual communion during the time of their illness.

8. Parishes who cease the distribution of Holy Communion under both species during the winter period should take the opportunity to catechize the faithful regarding the Church’s teaching about the Most Holy Eucharist, especially regarding the true, real and substantial presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ under either species.

9. For more information please refer to the document Communion under Both Kinds which can be found of the Office of Divine Worship webpage.

10. Given the outbreak of the coronavirus the Office of Divine Worship has consulted the State of Oregon Office for Public Health Practice. Scientific consensus seems to be that although bacteria & viruses can be found on the communion cup, despite wiping and able to survive the alcohol, the risk of transmission is thought to be low. However, the cessation of the distribution of Holy Communion from the Chalice would significantly lower the risk.

11. It is important ensure that those who receive or distribute for the Chalice are free from any symptoms of infection. Some advice from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) “Churches may wish to consider advising their congregation that sharing the communion cup is discouraged if a person has an active respiratory infection (i.e., cold or flu) or moist or open sores on their lips (e.g., herpes).”

12. “We have thousands of cases of influenza and many hundreds of hospitalizations from influenza right here in the Portland area this year. And we have zero cases of this Novel Corona virus. Right now, a bigger threat to all of us is influenza.” - Medical Director of Communicable Disease and Immunization for the Oregon Health Authority.

13. This Office would reiterate that Holy Communion under both kinds is not mandatory at any Mass in the Archdiocese of Portland.

What Will We Be Doing?

During Mass, be mindful of the times when you might hold or shake someone’s hand. Since this is a common way of spreading illness, consider IV B and C above. I like to offer what I call, “A papal wave,” whereby I stretch out my hand in greeting instead of shaking hands.

Regarding the Communion Rite at Mass, we will rescind the use of the chalice until at least through February and likely through March. We will also communicate what regulations will be in place when March arrives. While we appreciate the full sign of offering both species at Mass, we all need to remember that the “whole Christ is present under either species” (Summa Theologiae, III, q. 80, a. 12, ad 3). So, under the species of bread there is also present, by concomitance, the precious blood.” (Doctrinal Formation and Communion under Both Kinds, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, Dec. 2017). 

In addition, when receiving the Host, please pay attention to how you receive whether in the hand or on the tongue. If you choose to receive on the tongue, be mindful to properly stick out your tongue and not to lean into the Host minister. It is not uncommon for a communicant’s tongue to touch the priest or Extraordinary Minster’s finger(s) when offering the Host and then, when the minister offers another host to the next communicant, the minister may transmit the saliva to that next communicant. With this in mind, all Host ministers have been carrying, since a year ago, a Purificator to wipe their fingers if such contact occurs. If you receive in the hand, please make sure you have washed your hands beforehand and be mindful of how you offer the Sign of Peace just prior. I recall once an Altar Server sneezing into his hand then, ruching out to shake mine at the Sign of Peace. I tried to gracefully wave and then ask him to go wash his hands before he does anything else. This advice is also recommended for all Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at Mass or when offering communion to the homebound.

Thank you for your understanding in advance, as this is a prudential judgement based solely on my concern for the wellbeing of us all.  Stay healthy!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Ordinary Time for Geeks

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend marks the last day of the Christmas season. I hope that it was a time of peace and renewed faith. That means Monday is officially the first day of Ordinary Time. The term “ordinary” comes from the word meaning “to count” which is why we speak of these weeks in terms of their number. It is the longest of all the seasons of the year, though it gets broken up by the seasons of Lent, Sacred Paschal Triduum, Easter, Advent, and Christmas. So, while there are thirty-three or thirty-four weeks in Ordinary Time, it is not contiguous throughout the fifty-two weeks in the year.  In the season of Ordinary Time, there is no focus on the particular aspects of the mysteries of Christ, but rather, “the mystery of Christ itself is honored in its fullness, especially on Sundays (Universal Norms, 43).

During Ordinary Time, the Eucharistic Prayers for Masses for Various Needs and Occasions with its proper prefaces and corresponding intercessions may fitting be used. These Eucharistic Prayers are not used in the seasons outside of Ordinary Time, but rather “in certain situations either as occasion arises or at fixed times.” (General Instructions of the Roman Missal 373). So occasionally, you might hear one of these four Eucharistic Prayers. I find them beautiful, and the change in some of the common wording we are used to bring the congregation (and the presider) to a greater awareness of the prayer being offered. 

In the early Church, there was not a selection of liturgical colors that we have today, therefore the priest likely wore white, the common formal attire of gentlemen in time of the Roman Empire. Pope Innocent III (d. 1216) established our official liturgical colors (De sacro altaris mysterio, Book I, chapter 65). Green as the color for Ordinary Time is supposed to remind us of hope, life, and anticipation—all intended as faith-filled events in our day-to-day experiences,. Some parishioners have often reminded me that green is rather reminiscent of the Oregon Ducks (griin!), the winners of the 2020 Rosebowl! And on that note, I will bring this column to an end.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Epiphany 2020

Dear Parishioners,

Rise up in splendor, St. Anne!  Your light has come! (cf. Is. 60:1). Yes! At Christmastime we put up our lights about our house, inside and out. For most of our culture, they have either already been put away or will be this weekend.  But, wait! Christmas isn’t over. No! We have one more weekend where we will conclude with the Baptism of the Lord. Christmas isn’t just a day or even twelve days. It’s a season! 

The lights we hang around our homes is intended to remind us that Christ, the Light of the world, pierces the darkness of sin. Yes! We are being called to bring into the light that which is in darkness. Know and have confidence that our Lord wants to forgive our sins, but not just ours, but everyone’s sins.  Yet, we so often prefer to keep our sins hidden from God. Do not be afraid! Seek out the Lord like the Magi who knew that a newborn king had been given to our world. Remember that they had to traverse difficult and dangerous terrain to reach the Christ child. And so do we. Our terrain isn’t that of literal hills and valleys, but that of our fears, shame, and egos. Do not let anything keep you apart from Him who loves you so very much. Just as the Magi were overjoyed to see the guidance of a star, we, too, can know that the Church guides us to the Morning Star who is Christ our Lord.

Once you have encountered Him who came to us in a manger, make a gift of yourself to others. Give away your anxieties and share your love with those around you. Be joyful and radiant in the knowledge that you have personal knowledge of God. Share that blessing with others, for that is our calling as Christians. That is our vocation to the world. 

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Looking Back On 2019

Dear Parishioners,

Merry Christmas and blessed new year!  I hope this posting finds you well. It is at this time of the year that we look back on what God was doing in our midst.

As for me, this past year has been a continuous celebration of many glorious “firsts” in view of our new church building. We celebrated our first Christmas in the new church. I will never forget the beauty of the 35 ft. Christmas trees in the Sanctuary. They were breathtaking. We also celebrated our first Easter Vigil where we offered immersion baptisms in a fount worthy of the Sacrament. The Blessing of the Easter Fire went smoothly, for I no longer needed to use a megaphone, but rather just a wireless handheld microphone, and the outdoor speakers in the front of the church worked perfectly. In the Spring, we hosted Bishop Peter for the Vicariate Mass of Confirmation, and we were well suited to seat all who came. When Summer began to wind down, our “Trinity Windows” were raised up into their frames above our heads on the South side of our church. One word: Magnificent! All of these things have given us so many ways to give God the glory! I am still pinching myself. What do you remember? What about our church has spoken good news to you?

Finally, this year has also been one where we have said goodbye to some amazing people. We prayed them into eternity. While this may seem to be sad news, for me sadness is not the ultimate story. Indeed, these individuals, our beloved faithful, I have given me great hope in the Good News of life after death and the Resurrection of the body. Our faithful departed are people who have lived lives of Christian example which have inspired me and challenged me. Thank you, Lord, for their example of courage and faith! Who has died this year who has encouraged you and lifted you up? Maybe spend time praying for them and giving thanks for giving us their examples. We have been privileged to have lived in their lifetimes don’t you think? I certainly do. Praise God for them all!

Merry Christmas. And blessed New Year

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Advent & Gratitude

Dear Parishioners,

Thank You

Thank you to the many generous donors who gave of their time, talent, and treasure in order to make this past week’s Advent mission, “Surge of the Heart” with Jon Leonetti, possible. Terri Currie and her mission team especially deserve our thanks for listening to the Holy Spirit and discerning whether or not to even host a mission. I was very moved and inspired during the mission and so many who attended. I hope you were too. Building off this wonderful event, I ask you all to keep in prayer our work going forward to bring other national speakers to St. Anne in the future. Hosting Jon Leonetti was a fantastic way to prepare during Advent!

Reconciliation Schedule

Another way to prepare in Advent is to seek out the Sacraments, specifically the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As such, we have scheduled three times, in addition to our normal Saturday confessions, to celebrate this Sacrament. We expect ten to twelve priests for our main Advent Communal Reconciliation Service. That liturgical event will be on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7:00 PM. For those who are unable to drive at night, we will be offering an additional time slot for Confession on Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. At St. Patrick of the Forest, we will be hosting a Communal Reconciliation Service on Monday, December 16 at 7:00 PM. Please note that these times are included in our official “Advent & Christmas Schedule 2019” which is inserted in this week’s bulletin. If none these times work for you, below is the area Vicariate schedule (All times are at 7:00 PM):

Vicariate Reconciliation Service Schedule

• Tues., Dec. 10 - Sacred Heart, Medford

• Wed., Dec. 11 - Our Lady of the Mountain, Ashland

• Tues., Dec. 17 - Shepherd of the Valley, Central Point

• Wed., Dec. 18 - St. Joseph, Roseburg

• Thurs. Dec. 19 - St. Anne, Grants Pass

Being reconciled to our Lord is a critical part of living the life of a Christian, and having the privilege to celebrate this great mystery through a Sacrament is amazing and life-changing. Don’t miss this opportunity. Please put our official “Advent & Christmas Schedule 2019” insert on you refrigerator or somewhere where yu have easy access to it. I urge you to make the time to put right any wrongs, make straight a way for God, and exchange your sins for his amazing grace! Then you will be well disposed to receive Christ when he comes

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Ministry Fair

Dear Parishioners,

Last Sunday we held our first Ministry Fair. Not knowing how it would go, I was so delighted to hear that over 40 ministries signed up and showed up! Yes! I think it is fair (no pun intended) to say that it was a huge success! It was intended to highlight/celebrate the ministries of our parish as well as offer opportunities for parishioners to get more involved in their faith life. Tertiarily, some of the ministries were able to raise some funds to help their activities. There was yummy food, games and wonderful opportunities to just be together in fellowship. The weather even cooperated! Thanks, God! I want to thank the two main organizers: Sandra Lopez and Paul Wilson. Thank you both so much! I hope that the fair inspired you all to give praise and glory to God for all that he is doing in our community.

May God bless you all,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Stained Glass Windows

Dear Parishioners,

Stained Glass Windows

By the time you read this, I hope, our new “Trinity Windows” will have been installed. A big thank you needs to be offered to the family who generously donated to these windows. Also, I want to thank all the donors who gave to make the rest of the stained glass possible which we hope will be coning in March 2020. Here’s some things that are worth noting on the overall designs and then some particulars of the Trinity Windows.

The Windows In General

Almost all the windows will have a frame that looks like a set of pillars. The radius or round topped windows are intended to connect with the doors, niches for our statutes, the top of the pews, the vaulted ceiling, and even the arches on the front and side of the altar. This Romanesque style is intended to tie us into the ancient form that many churches from antiquity have used.  

All the windows will carry the same color scheme with hues of blue with red and gold as highlights and some grey inside the columns. Some of the larger windows will all carry a set of golden rays coming from above, spreading out below, imaging the light, grace, or power of God coming down upon that which is imaged in the window and finally upon the viewer. The background is a random tile-work of rectangular shapes with, again, hues of blue. We thought about having some green in the tiles, but renderings were not pleasing to the eye as the simple blue hues. With this basic framing and background tying all the windows together, each window could then be set off by the images in the center of each window. Generally, we avoided faces, with some obvious exceptions for Jesus, Sts. Joachim and Anne, angels, and children. The use of symbolism, we believed would also allow for more variations in interpretation when gazing upon the windows in prayer. When words are placed in the window, the letters are blue set in a rectangular black background. This makes the words easier to read.

The Trinity Windows

The general theme of the so-called, Trinity Windows, were easily discerned considering that there were three windows which match in space and size. In each window there are images communicating the theme while words coming from the Apostles Creed and Nicene Creed, the Father and Son windows coming from the former while the Holy Spirit window draws from the latter. On the top of each Trinity window is a red and green symbol interlacing a trefoil and triangle. There are many ways to symbolize the Trinity, and this was discerned to be the most pleasing treatment for these windows.

The window, “The Father,” is imaged with a hand coming down from heaven. Clouds are a common theological tool to express the divine or heaven. The hand does not point, as in some renditions of this approach, but is mostly extended in a gesture of power and peace upon the world, imaged by the planet earth. We made sure that one could even see Grants Pass if the viewer were discerning enough (grin!). Behind the and are the rays of God which emirate from a red symbol for the Trinity found at the top of all three of these Trinity windows. Behind the rays are the cosmos images in the sun, the moon, and a curving purple wisp of a galaxy with start in and around it as it flows down the window.

“The Son” window carries images that allude to Christ’s Suffering, Death, and Resurrection. The tools of suffering and death are easily seen in the center with three nails (one for each hand and one for the feet) and the crown of thorns. The lily found just beneath harkens to Christ’s resurrection. The curve of the lily curves in order to match a similar movement in all three windows. The text in the window was taken by the third stanza of the Apostles Creed where we recognize and proclaim that Jesus is the Christ, the Father’s only Son, and our Lord.

“The Holy Spirit” window was the most difficult to plan and design, but the ned result, we hope you agree, is full of power and meaning. The text from the Nicene Creed was too short to render in the window, creating an artistic imbalance with the other two windows and simply did not say enough. So, we chose the text from the Apostles Creed which solved both concerns. Significant images are first the dove. The dove harkens to Matthew 3:16 and Luke 3:22 where the Holy Spirit, imaged as a dove, descends upon Jesus after his baptism.  Behind the head ofd the dove is the traditional symbol for the trinity. The olive branch shaped as a ring, symbolizes peace. This image is used throughout antiquity and can be found as the evidence that the storm of the flood had subsided when Noah sent out a dove which returned with an olive branch in its mouth (cf. Gen. 8:10-11). It was also Mt. Olive that Jesus where Jesus last moments with his disciples took place. Olives, once crushed exude oil which is used for food and healing. Jesus was also crushed and became our food in the Eucharist and healing through his Holy Spirit. The image of fire is multivalent. The Holy Spirit is spoken and seen as fire in several places in the Scriptures (Exodus 3:2, Matthew 3:11, Luke 3:16-17, Acts 2:3-4, 2:41). The seven flames harken to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:1-2) that we believe are given to those who are baptized and confirmed. 

Art, Theology, and Spirituality

Stained glass as a form of art has a long tradition in the Catholic Church. It is not an expression of merely art, but also of theology and spirituality. Stained glass windows were intended to help teach the stories and truths of our faith.  When large numbers of people could not read, the stained glass windows helped the faithful know and share the faith. The action of stained glass upon the soul only happens when illuminated by a source. In the case of these Trinity windows, they will be lit by the most powerful light, the sun, which images the Son who is the light of the world (John 1:4). It is our hope that as you gaze upon these windows and the other windows to come, your heart, mind, and soul will be enlightened by the One who give us life and sustains you through times of darkness.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Congratulations, Fr. Stephen Kenyon

Dear Parishioners,

This Sunday, we welcome Fr. Stephen Kenyon who is substituting for Fr. Arjie. You might remember that last Summer, we welcomed the same person, but he was called “Deacon Stephen” at that time. I look back at last summer with gratitude for Deacon Stephen’s presence in our parish. We were in the midst of the final throws of building our new church and I was overwhelmed with the responsibilities therein. Consequently, I found myself struggling to put together any homilies. Honestly, my capacity was so diminished in this regard that I questioned my capacity to offer anything in the way of a reflection at Mass. As providence would have it, Deacon Stephen, the only transitional deacon I have received for a Summer assignment, was able to preach homilies. So, not only did I encourage it, I asked him to take over almost all of my preaching duties for the month of July, and we were all the beneficiaries of his presence and spiritual insights. I was fed and renewed by his preaching, and many of you shared the same with me. So, let us thank Fr. Kenyon for coming, once again, to help us this weekend, though not just in preaching, but in offering us the sacrifice of the Holy Mass. It is a time to be grateful for his openness to God’s calling as well as his pastoral care for us all last summer. 

Thank you Fr. Stephen for saying yes to God’s call, and welcome back to St. Anne, even if for just a weekend.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor