Relativism, The Truth, and Our Times

Dear Parishioners,

Today, I set out a philosophical/theological reflection about an important topic which we may have forgotten about, but which continues to dominate our culture. What is that, you ask? Pope Benedict XVI nailed it on the head when, prior to being elected pope, he shared:

“We are building a dictatorship of relativism that does not recognize anything as definitive and whose ultimate standard consists solely of one’s own ego and desires.”

This critique may be one of the most accurate descriptions of how we are handling the challenges of 2020. The foundation of this critique is the loss of truth or the complete absence of Truth in our public discourse and mores. It has been on display in our politics, sexual ethics, interactions with friends and families, racial tensions, and even the pandemic. It has shut down our ability to have civil conversations about issues, and substituted our feelings. All too many are ready to abdicate truth for being nice or shut others down with name-calling. Instead of talking about issues, some are more likely to respond with ad hominem (to the person) attacks. The so-called truth of our culture hasn’t set us free, for Truth has become suspect, relativistic, or non-existent.

People have become afraid to speak Truth to reigning ideologies of our time, for fear of losing jobs or losing their lives. Indeed, be careful what you say, you may be maligned on a social network, the evening news, or worse, physically attacked or killed just for asking a question. The news has become too often infotainment or punditry.

We need to root ourselves in the fact that God has given us truths to which we need to submit ourselves and be strong enough to be humble while talking about issues. In the name of peace, the temptation is to just go with the flow. Yet, if we want [true] peace, St. Paul VI wrote, seek out [true] justice (words in brackets added by me). Yet, there are some who prefer violence as a false means to peace. St. Paul VI, St. John Paul II, Mahatma Gandhi, Dorothy Day, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were among many who sought justice through peaceful means, and their legacies live on as lights in the darkness of the last century. They recognized immutable truths and might be the prophetic voices we need to listen to once again. They were motivated by the truth of the Gospel and not just their egos, power, or fame. Their advocacy for peace and justice through peaceful means came from their understanding of the Beatitudes which Jesus taught (Matthew 5).

The Truth is alive and found in Jesus Christ. He was much more than a prophet or civil rights leader. He is God-incarnate. In order to conform our lives to him, in order to rightly order our lives, we need to submit ourselves to him and what he taught. Clearly Jesus was no relativist. He came to set us free from the sins that bind us and lead us astray. He was not afraid to speak truth to power. He clearly had a mission from which he was not going to be deterred, not even by his fledgling Apostles (remember the “Get behind me, Satan!” response to Peter who tried to stop Jesus from going to Jerusalem and be killed?). Truth must come to rule once again if we ever desire to have peace, and only through Christ and living out his Gospel values will we be able to effect the change that our world so desperately needs.

There are many truths about which most of us agree: The unjust killings that have been highlighted in the news and the ugly sin of racism must come to an end. The violence committed in recent riots does not communicate the truth in any way. Gaslighting or name calling does not bring us closer to each other, but warps our communion with each other. Being intolerant in the name of tolerance is an oxymoron and does not make us a more just society. The relativism which demands a tyrannical standard which destroys is not the Way of Jesus. Yet, if we dare stand up for Christ, we will be accused and accursed as bigots and intolerant people. We must be clear about who we are and what God has created. Our calling as people of love and compassion should never abdicate the Truth found in Jesus. As his followers we are to let our “love be genuine. Abhor what is evil, and hold fast to what is good” (Romans 12:9). Our commitment to the Truth should motivate us to help transform the world in the image of the Kingdom. Pray. Read the Scriptures. Offer yourself as a sacrifice of praise at Mass every week. Go to confession frequently. And finally, put on the calling you have received to be people who belong to Christ Jesus who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Our Town - Our Faith 2020

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

“If You Want Peace, Work for Justice”

Dear Parishioners,

In the last several days, tragedy struck a man whose name we’ve never heard before: Mr. George Floyd. As people of faith, we condemn this senseless and brutal killing. His death is a failure of justice. It is a failure our nation needs to address and one about which we should raise our prayers. It accentuates issues which we still grapple with: racism and abuse inflicted by persons who are sworn to protect and serve. I will be praying for Mr. Floyd and his grieving family. This egregious act must be met with justice. I hope we will also recognize that a vast majority of law enforcement personnel strive to uphold the highest standard of service which their duties demand.

The violence that has overtaken some of the protests that followed must also be condemned. The perpetrators that warped the peaceful protests that were intended should be brought to justice. They do not reflect what Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. championed. We should all share in a righteous anger over these events, and we need to channel our anger in ways that reflect the best of our faith tradition and nation.

Racism is a scourge to our country. May the death of George Floyd and others who have suffered a similar fate be the catalyst for change. St. Pope Paul VI, whose feast day was celebrated last week (May 29), wrote in his address for World Day of Peace (1972), “If you want peace, work for justice.” This is still true today. We, as Christians, believe that we are called to transform our society into the image of the Kingdom of God. That Kingdom is one of peace.

I have been saddened by the brutal death of George Floyd, the violence that poisoned otherwise peaceful protests, and the lasting effects that marred the cities where destruction and looting occurred. We cannot be deaf or blind to these social issues which have been brewing, and, in some cases, boiling over.

Where does hatred, racism, and the like dwell? In our hearts. It is learned through many complex ways via our families, friends, communities, internet, personal experience, ignorance, and more. Let us pray for a turning of our own hearts where any kind of hatred may dwell. Let us ask for forgiveness when we have participated or nurtured any such thoughts or acts. Let us pray for an infusion of wisdom from the Holy Spirit for those who justify violence and/or looting. May we be inspired by the Holy Spirit to make us effective evangelizers of the Gospel by what we say and do. And as I mentioned earlier, spend a few minutes reading St. Pope Paul VI’s message, “If You Want Peace, Work for Justice.” Let us make sure that George Floyd’s death, and others like his, will be the catalyst for conversion in our own hearts and the renewal of our communities. May we pray that the Prince of Peace will lead us all to a more just society.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Pentecost Sunday

Maranatha! Come Holy Spirit!

Dear Parishioners,

Maranatha! Come Holy Spirit! Through the Holy Spirit, our Lord fulfills his promise not to abandon us. He gave us the Holy Spirit who has permeated the Church with his Divine presence to be our advocate, our helper. We Catholics don’t talk as much about the Holy Spirit, but focus more on Jesus. That’s not a problem, but our Orthodox brothers and sisters are much more focused on the Holy Spirit. Did you know that? Yes. It is true. Their theology is more “pneumatic” (Spirit-centered). Catholic theology is more Christocentric (Christ-centered). It’s understandable since Jesus was the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity who came to us so that we could see, talk, and touch him. His words are written in our Scriptures. He is even called, “The Word.” Curiously, we have no specific “words” from the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures, but certainly the Holy Spirit directed the first Apostles and Disciples in their missionary work as well as forbade some from preaching or traveling to certain places. When the Apostles and prophets spoke, they were communicating the desire and will of the Holy Spirit, so in this sense, the Spirit “spoke.” Today, this still occurs through many people in the Church. Of course, much discernment must be applied when someone “feels” guided by the Spirit. One simple guide is to test whether that which is being spoken is in line with the Bride of Christ: the Church. 

We have descriptors in the Bible where the Holy Spirit appears in various visible forms such as flames or a dove. The Holy Spirit is the abiding presence of God which warms our hearts, lifts us up, and guides us to the Truth. It is the Holy Spirit who also guides the Church on her pilgrim way. In all the Church’s Sacraments, the Holy Spirit is present. Can you see where? Maybe list them out and see where you might be able to see the action of the Holy Spirit. Consider that some homework!

May this Pentecost bring you a renewal of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. May you be set afire for love of God and his people. May you always be open, especially in times of need, for the in-breaking of the Holy Spirit to give you gifts you didn’t expect. God is amazing and through his Holy Spirit, miracles can and have happened. Will you allow a miracle to be done in you? Some Holy Spirit! Come!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Ascension of the Lord

Limited Reopening Day for Masses

Dear Parishioners,

We have begun our limited reopening! For those of you who will go this week, I hope it will offer you a window of new hope and a new appreciation of the importance of the Mass. It is the “Source and Summit” of our faith, for in it we experience the re-presentation of the Paschal Mystery of Christ, that is his suffering, death, and resurrection. Instead of watching from a screen, you can witness these events in person. 

Since I am writing this column before the actual opening, I want to thank you ahead of time for your patience in all of this: the rewinding of public Masses, the live streaming and recorded Masses, the shuffling of confession times, the closing of our offices, the shuttering of our ministries, and much more. It has been very difficult for us all, and it is not yet over. This week is only a crack in the flood gates of the releasing of our ministries. We will be very clear as things begin to loosen or open up. Many have asked me if we can begin to open up our Communion to the Homebound ministry. At this time, the answer is, no. The permissions given us by Archbishop Sample at this point are only for the limited offering of Mass.

In order to offer Mass for all those who can and want to be present, we have create a rather radical Mass schedule of 16 Masses-a-week with two of those being at our missions. So, I ask for your patience with me and Fr. Arjie as we shift from offering Mass in the most limited way, to a duplication of the Mass beyond anything we’ve ever done. It is doable. But, it depends on our ability to pace ourselves. So, please offer some prayers for us and all those who are working behind the scenes to make the Mass available in the way we are. 

Finally, let us keep our hearts and minds free from self-absorption about what we want and have a right to, and instead seat deep in our hearts what our responsibilities are to each other. If you are going to Mass, maybe consider someone you know who cannot go, and talk with them and pray with them. Offer your time at Mass for their intentions as well as your own. Be their representative before the Lord. Maybe light a candle for them when you arrive at church. Then go see them again and talk to them about your experience at Mass, and share with them your faith and encourage them, as they stay home to keep safe. Mass, just like our faith, is not something to keep to oneself. No! It is to be shared, for we heard in today’s Gospel, we are to go out and make disciples. So, “May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call” (Eph. 1:18). Go share the Good News!

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Planning for Limited Re-Opening of Public Masses

Dear Parishioners,

I assume by now you have heard the news that Archbishop Sample has encouraged parishes to investigate and attempt have a “limited re-opening” of Masses for the public. At this writing, the maximum number of people is set at 25 while following an involved list of guidelines to help reduce parishioners risks. We are not yet ready, but have been working to make sure we can accommodate all that is needed for such an opportunity for those who would like to attend Mass. Please watch our website, Facebook page, Youtube channel, notices on our office and church doors, and emails for detailed information as to when we will be ready to begin and when sign-ups will be starting. Our tentative goal is May 24th with the majority of the our vicariate parishes doing similar limited re-openings over that same weekend. Since I cannot say that all of the parishes will be ready, please be mindful that this is a target, a tentative date.

We hope to offer short Masses to limited exposure to each other, as duration and proximity are a major issue in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus from person to person. We hope a sign up process will be put into place next Monday in two ways: In-person and via phone. Again, it is too early to describe those details as of this writing. During the sign-up phase, persons will need to offer their name (and names of anyone else in their family coming), address, and contact phone number. This is intended to allow us, internally (not to government officials), to do what is called, “contact tracing” in case someone comes down with the Coronavirus and we need to alert those families that attended Mass. Only those who are pre-signed up will be allowed to come in to the particular Mass which they signed up for. If someone’s name is not on the list, that person will not be allowed in. No substitutions will be allowed. If one becomes argumentative or combative, we may have to shut down the whole Mass or be forced to call the police to escort that person off the property.

We plan to offer four Sunday Masses at St. Anne (8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, & 11 AM) and one at each of the Missions (8:30 AM at OLR and 11:00 AM at St. Patrick). During the weekdays, we plan to have our normally scheduled morning Mass (8 AM except on Wed at 8:30 AM) and will be adding an evening Mass at 7 PM. The Sunday 11 AM Mass will be bilingual and the Monday morning Mass will be in Spanish. All other Masses will be in English. We will continue to record and post online our Saturday Vigil Mass. Confession times will be moved to 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM in order to help the preparation needed for that recorded Mass.

Since the Sunday obligation has been dispensed by the Archbishop, nobody needs to come. In addition, the specific date is not of consequence as much as just being able to attend Mass sometime. So we hope to be able to allow groups of 20 parishioners at a time to attend Mass (5 additional will be needed to serve in necessary ministry functions, thus totally 25 persons). Over the course of two weeks, we expect that all those who would like to go will be able. So that means, attendees will be coming once every two weeks. Sign-ups will only allow for a person to sign up once during each two-week period.

We urge you to wear a face mask during Mass. If you do not bring one with you, we will offer you a mask when you are checking in before entering the church building. Sanitizing gel is present for parishioners to use as they enter and leave the church. There will be no singing and seating will be clearly marked. Only family/home-groups can sit together while everyone else must sit at least 6 feet from each other. Similar is true for the communion line. There will be more options for seating than people, so there will be plenty of room. Tape on the ground and flooring will indicate the flow of traffic. No books will be in the pews. Donations are welcome and needed, so a collection basket will be placed in the church for people where they may place their donation (Thank you!). While Sunday Masses and weekday morning Masses will have short homilies, the evening Masses will have no homilies, again, in light of the needs to shorten time in proximity to one another.

If you are 65+ in age or have symptoms of COVID-19 or any other illness, please stay home. If you are suffering from any compromised health issues, stay home. If you are worried about becoming infected due to your coming, stay home. Remember, we will be streaming Mass daily and producing the Sunday Mass for viewing on the Internet, and you are not required to come to Mass at this time.

This is a very trying time for everyone. I expect that your response to this effort will be one of gratitude, not entitlement. We have gone so long without Mass, and are being given a special opportunity to come to our church and worship. Let us rejoice and be glad. Finally, stay tuned to the various ways we will be communicating our opening date and sign-ups.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

References:

Guidelines for Re-Opening Chruches

Church Re-Opening Checklist