Monatsbote

July 2008
Volume 120 Issue 7

The Newsletter from Holy Trinity, "the German Church", published since 1899.

 

Father's Letter

 

Dear Monatsbote Readers,

Sunday, June 29, 2008 was indeed the Lord's Day.  The Faithful of Holy Trinity Parish came together at and after the 9:00 and 11:00 Masses to celebrate the rich life and legacy of faith, hope and love that was, and is, the Parish of Holy Trinity.  In my homilies at both Masses, I pointed out that there was no one in the Church that wanted to be there for what may well have been the final Masses celebrated in our beautiful and historic Church.  What we did that day as we came together, first in the traditional Latin Mass and later in the German/English Mass, was to give thanks to God for all that He had wrought through the graces and blessings that marked the life of the Parish for nearly a century and three-quarters.  As we gathered to say good-bye to the beautiful Church designed by the Irishman, Patrick Keeley, for the German faithful who had come to Boston and New England, I compared our gathering to a funeral wherein the family of faith says farewell even as it takes up the Church's challenge to CELEBRATE the Mass and give thanks for the life of the object of our affection even in the midst of our sorrow, grief, disappointment, uncertainty and, in many cases, anger.  In our prayerful participation in both of our Masses and in our poignant and nostalgic reminisces as we once again enjoyed each others' company after Mass, we did indeed meet the challenge of celebrating and giving thanks to God, to our mothers and fathers in our parish's faith, and to one another.

Although it was a sad and difficult day, it was a day that was significant for the manner in which the Faithful of the two worshipping communities that together make up Holy Trinity Parish honored the memory of those who had gone before them and for the fact that we were able to give thanks, praise and glory to God even in the midst of so many conflicting emotions.  Confident of the fact that God will provide and that He can write straight with crooked lines, we take the next steps together in our journey of faith, trusting that the Lord will lead us where He wants us to go, even if it is not a journey we are, at least at the moment, ready to make.  It has been a privilege to have taken part in this challenging and difficult journey with you in the ten months that I have served as Administrator of Holy Trinity Parish, and I offer you both my gratitude for the faithful way you confronted the painful events leading up to the final days of June, 2008 and my prayers for the days ahead as we look forward to the many ways our loving God will keep alive the life and legacy of Holy Trinity.  Auf Wiedersehen!

Fr. Connolly

 

 

Editorial 

Holy Trinity – A Farewell Tribute

Closed.  The word we have dreaded to hear these past four years is now ringing in our ears.  The events at Holy Trinity during the last week of June were, unquestionably, very special and moving.  Nevertheless, they can’t wipe the hurt from our hearts or the dismay from our minds.  Likewise, although we can take some comfort in the fact that there are avenues of appeal and in the fact that there are parishioners willing and able to pursue them on behalf of all of us, we cannot forget what has been done to this parish community in the past decade or two.  All too often there were people who were willing to declare the patient dead even while our joie de vivre was more than apparent to the most casual of observers.  There even is evidence that the patient was helped into the grave.  Our reactions have been expressed in so many ways, but the one heard the most in the past week or two has been “What a shame!”

It would, indeed, be even more of a shame if we did not take time to note with great appreciation the sacrifices and commitments of so many people that enabled Holy Trinity to be the exemplary parish that she was.  Certainly we are grateful to all the members of the clergy back to the founding of the parish who showed that they cared; and, by doing so, made a positive contribution to the parish’s sense of purpose and well-being.  We note the people who contributed their time and talent to parish administration whether through specific jobs, through participating in parish committees, councils and task forces or through contributing to parish newsletters and bulletins.  We would never be able to count how many thousands enriched our parish life by leading or merely participating in the numerous parish schools, organizations, societies, clubs and social service groups.  And, what would Holy Trinity have been without all those who contributed their musical talents back to the greater glory of God?  Certainly the number of persons who maintained the facilities – the custodians, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, snow shovelers, gardeners, cleaning crew and so forth – without whom the building would never have retained its amazing ability to impress and inspire are worthy of our gratitude.  And then there are the cooks and bakers who provided so much food for parish functions and without whom Holy Trinity’s most distinctive characteristic, its Gemütlichkeit, would never have blossomed.

In drafting broad-brush tributes such as these it is understandably customary to note that it is impossible to express our thanks to everyone by name for fear of inadvertently omitting some very deserving individual.  My clear purpose in writing this piece is to underscore the fact that any human endeavor as successful as Holy Trinity can only have reached that level by the dedication and generosity of innumerable and unavoidably anonymous contributors over the parish’s 161 year history.  Our unending appreciation is deserved by so many.  At the same time, I feel it necessary for me to take advantage of this unique opportunity to mention a specific individual who has done so much to lighten my workload in the last few years in which I have been directly involved in parish administration.  I must express my personal appreciation to Carl Camelo.  In addition to serving as Head Sacristan for both Masses, Carl created the weekly bulletin and he managed the parish website.  Each of these critical parish administration tasks was a major commitment in itself and yet he juggled all three making sure no ball was dropped even when he took out-of-state vacations.  Vielen Dank’, Karl.

My last task is to note that we expect to continue to publish the Monatsbote on an irregular basis as developments, particularly on the appeal front, warrant in the coming months (and, perhaps, years.)  Readers are also reminded to monitor the parish website where items of interest will be posted on an ongoing basis.  As of this writing you can already find the full text of the Archbishop’s decree to suppress the parish and of the formal petition to the Archbishop that he reverse that decision.  These documents are too lengthy to reprint in this newsletter.   Please check <www.holytrintiygerman.org> regularly.

Peter V. Cooper

Editor and Parish Business Manager

                             

 

 

Etwas Neues & Quid Novi

Ø      “I wish to be buried from Holy Trinity!” – and so he was.  All parishioners and Monatsbote readers join in offering heartfelt sympathy to Anna, his beloved spouse, and to their generations upon the death of Charles N. Faulstich.  A quiet, knowledgeable gentleman who shared his insight and his historical and writing talents through his long-time monthly columns.  May this dear faithful (almost nonagenarian) now rest in His eternal presence. 

Ø      Also, our prayerful thoughts to the family and friends of Kathleen Faulstich, widow of Frank, Charlie’s younger brother, and also an alumnus of Holy Trinity’s satellite grammar school in Roxbury.  Kathleen preceded Charlie in death by less than one week.  May she and her loved ones enjoy our shared faith’s promise – a heavenly reunion.  RIP.

Ø      For the several hundred privileged to attend the “final” Masses at Holy Trinity on June 29, the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, words defy description.  Martyr red vestments; red roses; candles glowing; arches lighted; magnificent organ and choral performances and the tower bells rung in cadence added to the glorious services.  Rev. Frederick O’Brien celebrated the Latin Mass and Rev. John Connolly, as Administrator, under obligation, read the decree of suppression.  (He stated that Fr. Kevin O’Leary, incoming Rector of the Cathedral, would offer the Latin Mass congregation a “welcoming” Tridentine Mass on July 6 at 11 AM in the lower chapel.  Fr. O’Leary also wanted all parishioners to know that they are most welcome at the Cathedral and that he would be happy to join the planning efforts already underway to determine how best to carry out the Archbishop’s decree.)

Ø      The English/German Mass offered at 11 o’clock on the 29^th was celebrated by Fr. Connolly who was joined by many concelebrants who wanted to be with us on our last day.  In addition to our ever-faithful Deacon Michael Connolly, participating clergy included Frs. James Curtin, Harry Kaufman, Henry Linse, William Roche, William Schmidt, and Joseph Baggetta.  Benediction followed – a glorious finale.

Ø      Wedding bells were re-rung as a result of the formal renewal of vows ceremony witnessed by Fr. Connolly on June 15.  Partaking after the Latin Mass were Carol Malinowski & Robert Kerrigan, Bonnie & John D’Olando, and Susan & Mark Paxson.  From the Novus Ordo congregation we saw Florence & Dick Doucette, Angie & Barry Hayes, Marcia & Joe Krim, Rollene & Paul Krim, Dolores & Dick Miller, Barbara & Dennis Sullivan, and Barbara & Jim Sullivan.  This event was the brainstorm of newlyweds, Flo & Dick Doucette (who procured for Father the long-stemmed roses presented to each “bride”) and coordinated by Dolores Miller (Richard’s partner for 58 years)  WOW!  George Krim pleasantly surprised all by rendering the wedding recessional as the renewed couples returned to their pews with applause.  Dankeschön!  It was truly a “loverly” gesture.

Ø      Dear Johnathan Stone (and parents, Kathy and Walter): Please accept our deep appreciation for beautifully repairing the Oberammergau crucifix which tumbled off the wall suffering a shattered torso and hands.  Its command reappearance was short-lived and now, in its re-beauty, will be lost again to us as it lies in its St. Joseph the Worker Chapel home.  However, we do have happier memories and you, Johnathan, a possessor of immense wood-working talents, deserve our very sincere Multos gratias!

Ø      How relieved and happy we all are to welcome back Pat and Peter Cooper from their much needed and well-deserved relaxing, restorative Mediterranean cruise and tour.  Peter, well-named, is our “rock” and his abilities to multi-task are enviable, necessary and of much comfort.  “Mr. H.T.”, thank for your buoyant spirit and non-complacent attitude!

Ø      Kudos! To the Johanniter at its 25^th North American Convocation for investing Mr. Henry Winkler of Deutsches Altenheim with the “Pin of Honor” in recognition of his work for the Order.  For many years, he has organized and arranged nurses from this German-based Order to annually visit, aid and befriend the Altenheim’s staff and residents. 

Ø      Holy Trinity’s garden, the showcase of the labors of love of a few very dedicated stalwarts, had an unexpected visitor on a recent Saturday.  A wayfarer  received permission and voluntarily scraped and carefully repainted Our Lady’s stature.  She again gleams a radiant white as she overlooks her flowering oasis.  Let us offer a few extra Ave’s for our earth-Eden toilers – known and unknown!

Ø      We would be remiss indeed if we did not recognize the recent death of Louise (Oberle) Woodyatt (age 101).  Born in Germany’s Black Forest, a 19-year resident of Deutsches Altenheim and widow of Col. Charles Woodyatt (an English diplomat) Louise graced Holy Trinity with her “Good Will” and presence whenever possible – especially enjoying its musical presentation.  May she and her “Woody” now share a life in Gottes Heim!

Ø      Of particular interest in July are the feastdays of St. Anthony on the 13^th and Kateri Tekakwitha on the 14^th.  These distinctly different but in faith alike are most approachable and sympathetic to our needs… July, the first month in the Pauline Year, brings many opportunities for prayerful intercession.  Uppermost is our appeal for a reconsideration of the Decree and a repeal of its harshly unjust decision.

Ø      Off to Germany for a long-overdue family visit is Rosalie’s Oma (a.k.a. Carl and Martin’s Mutter, D.A. Trustee, G.L.A.S. member and our own bread-lady from Maine).  Barbara, we wish you a safe, peaceful journey and many joy-filled reunions among your Nurnbergere Freunde.  Auf Wiedersehen, Frau Bridge!

Ø      Tie a string around your finger to remember Norman Herr’s invitation to the 13^th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Blessing at Richard Cardinal Cushing Memorial Park on December 13 at 6:00PM.  (Each year, Holy Trinity has taken part in this event with a choral program.  Norman is starting a “Friends of R.C.C. Memorial Park”.  For more information he may be reached at his cell phone: 617-869-7061 or leave a message at 617-720-5326.  This is another tradition to be observed.  Mr. Herr’s invitation letter stated that for Holy Trinity it is not “Goodbye” but “Thanks”!  He hopes to again see many of us at this great little park on December 13.

Ø      From an unsolicited catalogue came the following words which seemed to speak of our beloved Holy Trinity.  

To Those I Love 

When I am gone, just release me, let me go – so I can move into my afterglow.  You mustn’t tie me down with your tears, let’s be happy that we had so many years.  I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness.  I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it’s time I traveled on.  So grieve for me awhile, if grieve you must, that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart.  And then, when you must come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile and a “Welcome Home.”

Ø      Don’t you wish you could attend the World Youth Day in Australia from July 15-26 in person?  Actually, through the wonders of television we can be turning on Catholic TV.  A contribution (your gift) for “all the comforts of home” may be sent to Rev. Robert P. Reed, Catholic TV, 34 Chestnut St., P.O. Box 9196, Watertown, MA 02471.

As Pope Benedict XVI stated: “World Youth Day is much more than an event.  It is a time of deep spiritual renewal, the fruits of which benefit the whole of society.  Young pilgrims are filled with the desire to pray, to be nourished by Word and Sacrament, to be transformed by the Holy Spirit, who illuminates the wonder of the human soul and shows the way to be the image and instrument of the love that flows from Christ.”

Ø      AMEN

In silence they left their lofty niche and perch to once more kneel before the altar of this church.

Angels and saints from fresco and window joined in adoration as all bent low before Him, mankind’s salvation.

They praised with litanies’ chant.

“Te Deums” were perfectly sung. 

Organ pipes swelled in “Alleluia” and tower bells joyously rung.

Outside, the nesting sparrows twittered and the garden’s pigeons cooed as the tabernacle’s gift proffered its Divine Food.

Tearfully they kept watch as sanctuary lamp and candles were snuffed out.

Alas, their Holy Trinity has become another victim of the Archdiocesan cruel rout.

Ø      May God be with you ‘til we meet again – if not in the “here” let’s plan for the “hereafter”!   -L.B.R.