Safety First!

Dear Parishioners,

The last several months, and especially in the past couple weeks, attention has been given to the suffering and violence that is present in our world as well as here locally. What should be our response? First, prayer for the safety of people in harm’s way, the consolation and healing of the victims and their families, and the conversion of heart for the perpetrators.  Second, reconciliation in our hearts with regard to those whom we have harmed or held unjust prejudice against. Thirdly, a concerted effort to reach out to those who are in pain. Fourthly, seek out justice, mercy, peace, and safety in the name of the Prince of Peace.

All of these are things we can all do.  In addition, reflecting on imitating Christ through today’s reading from Colossians 1:24-28, we are called to suffer with those who are suffering.  By offering up these sufferings, we join together with our Lord in his Passion.  By joining in his passion, we join also in his death and resurrection. This is a mystery.  But, it is one that Paul models for us to do.

In the last several months, St. Anne has seen an increase in mischievous to malicious behavior on our campus. We’ve had cars parked near the adoration chapel vandalized late at night. Two men entered the church last month, stole some candles and put their half-empty beer cans in box-top container for the school. Just this past week, a young adult tried to enter the adoration chapel around 10 PM and when he couldn’t get in, he proceeded to harass one of our adorers who was just driving into the parking lot by jumping on his car while brandishing a large cane of some sort.  What are we to do?  Again, I offer the same four things as I mentioned above.

As the pastor, I am committed to the pastoral and temporal stewardship of the parish.  So, I take all these events seriously.  We have placed cameras all around our campus and even have more yet to be installed. We will soon be changing the combination to the church and possibly retrofitting it with a completely different security system. I’ve given my concerns to the Adoration Chapel Committee to discern a measured response to keep our parishioners safe. And I’ve asked the police to increase their patrols on our campus through the night watch. There is no way to make every public place safe from persons bent on harm.  But, our prudential judgement paired with wisdom for the good of the community will help mitigate temptation and loitering which will keep our campus open and safe.

All that said, let us all continue to commit ourselves to being stewards of our church. Do not hesitate to report anything that seems odd or out of place.  I need to know, and you are my eyes and ears.  Let us pray as a community to pour the Holy Spirit on our campus, so that all who come here will find St. Anne of place light, refreshment, and peace.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor

Adoration Chapel

Dear Parishioners,

Among the many wonderful things about our parish, one that stands out is our Adoration Chapel. It was started 18 years ago today with the blessing of Fr. Karl Schray under the leadership of Vernon Snyder. Since then, countless hours of prayer have been offered, many done with great sacrifice with regards to the late-night time slots. Having my office right next to the chapel has been a blessing. Not only is it convenient to go prayer there even if for a few minutes, but I have been blessed by seeing the constant flow of traffic which always inspires me.

For years, Rex Titus, who just passed away, had been leading the Adoration Committee. He heroically would not only help people find substitutes when they couldn’t make their assigned time slot, but would personally take their place if no substitute could be found. This quickly became such a burden that he couldn’t continue doing that. He also desired to step down, but nobody wanted to take his place with the responsibilities that Rex assumed. Many slots were hard to fill and people continued to struggle to find a substitute. After many meetings with Rex about this situation, I proposed and commissioned the creation of a tabernacle that would house the monstrance for adoration. This special tabernacle not only was a work of art, but a work of prayer with icons written on its doors by Patti Sorge. Now, if someone cannot find a substitute, the adorer prior to that empty time slot can choose to add another hour or close the tabernacle doors and leave.

Today, I would like to make all aware of what is currently going on and how some of the issues therein are being met. First of all, with Rex’s blessing, the affirmation by many, and my own encouragement and blessing, Michael Bird has stepped up to be the chair of the Adoration Committee. In addition, new piece of software is being set up which will allow for accurate and easy scheduling to be done, akin to our liturgical ministers scheduling software. With this software, the latest schedule will always be easily found online at our website. If one needs a substitute, one will be able to request help by a simple online request which will blast out an email to those whose system profiles might be available to fill in. Once someone receives the email, a simple click of a link in the email will secure the substitute for the needed position. We are seeking out the use of an iPad which will be secured outside of the chapel for anyone to check the schedule and/or request a substitute or respond to a substitute request. We have a computer on the counter in the parish office which also is available for this purpose. The Adoration Committee consisting of Steve Voehl, Christine Murphy, and Rosemary Monette will be meeting with Michael Bird to get familiar with this new system and plan for a campaign for new volunteers to spend time in the Adoration Chapel.

I want to encourage you, especially if you have never been to our chapel, to spend some time in quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. We all need more quiet time in listening prayer before our Lord. With all the busyness about us, it is hard to settle our hearts and minds. But, I believe you will find it a rewarding experience. Even if you cannot commit to an hour in the adoration schedule, maybe you could sign up to be an on call substitute through the new software. I frequently see adorers come to the chapel and spend just a few minutes, then go on with their day. What a wonderful thing, no? Keep your eyes and ears peeled to more announcements about the goings on of our Adoration Chapel as well as a sign-up drive. Thank you to all who have given so selflessly in prayer for our community and the needs of others via this amazing ministry in our parish.

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor