Monatsbote
March 2008
Volume 120
Issue 3
The Newsletter from Holy Trinity, "the
German Church", published since 1899.
Dear Monatsbote Readers,
As
February turns into March and the third full week of the Lenten season comes to
a close, the gospel readings move from the selections from the Synoptic Gospels
(Matthew, Mark and Luke) that call us to conversion to the Gospel of John, the
only Gospel proclaimed at Mass from the Fourth Sunday of Lent through Good
Friday, (with the exception of the Feast of St. Joseph & Palm Sunday of the
Lord’s Passion, March 15th and 16th, respectively at
least this year). Saint John, the
evangelist and the disciple whom Jesus loved, directs our attention squarely to
the person of Jesus, Our Savior & Our Lord. John helps us to recognize the Lord as life-giver and healer, as
the One who, through the mystery of His Passion and Death, leads all who
believe in Him to the joy, hope and glory of Resurrection and Eternal
Life.
Saint
John, the youngest of the apostles, the “disciple whom Jesus loved”, had a
privileged place along side Our Blessed Mother, at the foot of the Cross of Our
Lord. He was also given the gift of age
and the years to share his first-hand experience of Jesus’ ability to bring
light out of darkness, hope out of sorrow, life out of death, with all the
People of God. As he shares his
intimate understanding of Our Lord with us through the Gospel proclaimed in
these remaining days of Lent, let us implore the powerful intercession of Saint
John for all of us here at Holy Trinity, as we, like him, seek to stay close to
Jesus, even in the midst of our anger, uncertainty, fear and pain. May we, like Saint John, be given the grace
to see the possibility, opportunity and new life that we share as we remain
united in the faith, hope and love that is ours in Jesus Christ, Our Risen
Lord.
Fr. Connolly
Commentary
A HALF CENTURY AGO IN THE SOUTH END
Much has changed in the physical appearance of Boston’s South End even in just the past 50 years. Here is the first part of a first person recollection from one “who was there.” This article will continue in next month’s issue.
In the spring of 1957 Washington Street was lined
with bars, shabby shops – desolate and untenanted from forever – and a warren
of two storey brick dwellings that eventually saw the wrecking ball plummet
down, pulverizing their mortar into dust and leaving piles of chipped bricks,
erasing them from history. From Union
Park Street going toward Roxbury there were the following stores: on the
corner, a dry cleaning shop, then a produce store with fruits, vegetables,
etc., displayed out onto the sidewalk with a clerk hawking in Cantonese to
Chinese housewives, (at one point) a record shop, a supermarket (not called
“super” in those days.) This was all
opposite Holy Cross Cathedral, the 1400 Washington Street area.
Pelham Street existed, then there was a bizarre
reality people do not believe, a capacious horse “barn” to the rear of
Washington Street property. It housed
huge horses that the city employed for drays.
(A fire
Father Fred O’Brien
Important Notice
Near the end of January it was discovered that a section of
moulding trim from the highest part of the ceiling came loose and fell into the
choir loft. Fortunately, no one was in
the loft at the time, and also, fortunately, the debris missed the organ console
and the organ pipes. Proposals for more
than $35,000 worth of emergency repairs to correct leaks in the roof and to
ensure the safety of the interior of the structure have been received and the
work is now underway. Every effort is
being made to install the scaffolding so that it not only will provide a
platform for the plasterers and painters, but it also will serve as protection
for our musicians and the instrument.
In any event we are hopeful that
the choir loft will be fully usable by Holy Week. For now, however, in the interests of safety, the loft and the
organ are not available.
Archdiocesan Reorganization News
Last May’s Monatsbote contained
reports on formal appeals that were made to Cardinal O’Malley and to the
Congregation of the Clergy in Rome concerning the Cardinal’s decision to
transfer our Latin parishioners to another parish. In a decree dated
The May Monatsbote
also contained an entry concerning the ongoing question of commingling of Holy
Trinity finances with those of St. James the Greater. No response on this question was received from the Chancery. However, now that our financial records are on
file within the parish, they are available for internal analysis. To date an informal review of the parish’s
checking account for the past 22 months has been conducted and no instances of
such inappropriate financial management have been detected.
March 2008 Calendar
|
Mar 2 |
9:00 AM Low Mass in Latin. The Mass will be offered for Elizabeth Grady. 11:00 AM Mass in English/German. Frauenbruderschaft. The Mass will be offered for Frank and Louise Freier. |
|
Fri 7 |
Stations of the Cross
and Benediction, |
|
Sat 8 |
Holy Trinity German
Choir rehearsal, Lenten Evening of
Recollection for Men, |
|
Mar 9 |
9:00 AM Low Mass in
Latin. The Mass will be offered for
Eleanor Ann Pollard and for the Holy Name Society will recite the Holy Name Litany after Mass. 11:00 AM Mass in English/German. Männerbruderschaft. The Mass will be offered for Edward and Alice McLaughlin. |
|
Wed 12 |
Parish Council
meeting, |
|
Fri 14 |
Stations of
the Cross and Benediction, |
|
Sat 15 |
Holy Trinity
German Choir rehearsal, |
|
Mar 16 |
Palm Sunday. 9:00 AM >>>NO MASS<<< 11:00 AM Mass in English/German. Holy Trinity German Choir. The Mass will be offered for Rita Glossa Collins. |
|
Thu 20 |
Holy Thursday.
7:00 PM High Mass in Latin. Preces Cantatae and Schola
Amicorum. The Mass will be offered for Rose Marie
Harrison. |
|
Fri 21 |
Good Friday. |
|
Sat 22 |
Easter Vigil. Easter
Vigil in English/German. Holy Trinity German Choir. |
|
Mar 23 |
Easter Sunday. 9:00 AM High Mass in Latin. The Mass will be offered for Bianca G. Camelo. 11:00 AM Mass in English/German. Immaculate Conception Sodality. Holy Trinity German Choir. The Mass will be offered for Joseph Donovan. |
|
Mar 30 |
9:00 AM Low Mass in Latin. The Mass will be offered for Bartley and Delia Carr. 11:00 AM Mass in English/German. The Mass will be offered for Herbert A. Wessling. |
|
Apr 6 |
9:00 AM Low Mass in Latin. The Mass will be offered for the intentions of Patricia McCarthy. 11:00 AM Mass in English/German. Frauenbruderschaft. The Mass will be offered for George W. Cooper. |
Ø
Danke vielmal to our adamantly retired (by his choice) columnist,
Herr Charles N. Faulstich, who for many years has enlightened and entertained Monatsbote readers with his thoughtful insights upon current
world and local issues and with comments ‘n’ quotes upon past HT
happenings. Charlie, you and your
inspirational aide and proofreader, Anna, will ever be in our hearts. Naturally, there’ll always be assayable
space for your future essays.
Ø
“It’s been a pleasure”
was the title of Susan Ryan-Vollmer’s final column as Editor-in-Chief of the
SOUTH END NEWS. In tradition, we again
echo “Danke vielmal” for
the time, editorials, print and photo space you have devoted to Holy Trinity,
the church of your family heritage. You
are one of its true treasures! Your
presence at the helm of SEN will be sorely missed. Susan, “It’s been our pleasure!” May God guide your new career.
Also, sincere congratulations to Linda Rodriguez who,
as Associate Editor of the SOUTH END NEWS has been a very familiar journalist
at many Holy Trinity events, and who now has a well-deserved promotion to
Managing Editor there. Linda, you are a
joy to know! Your interest and
interviews have undeniably aided our cause.
We proffer our deep appreciation for these efforts and look forward with
hope to a shared future in “your newspaper”.
Ø
Lest we forget: profound
gratias to those “Lourdes
Laborers” who lovingly scrubbed the grotto; cleaned the statuary, and restored
the running spring of the Lady of Lourdes shrine in the St. Joseph the Worker
Chapel in time for the 150th Anniversary of the apparitions to St.
Bernadette. These Latin Mass devotees
have never neglected by word or deed their first indult-granted church, Holy
Trinity in Boston. Our prayerful thanks
to all!
Ø
We’re pleased to report that
our “Musik Mann”, George
Krim, is on the mend and sends warm greetings to all who sent cards, notes or
called. As for our premier Alto,
Dolores Miller, she recently has again been seen ‘n’ heard in Holy Trinity
pews. She is most upbeat about her medical
future. Meanwhile, Joan Riordan, our
dear undauntable Minister of Communion, has completed her radiation series and
undergone some surgery but may be found weekly at her post. Lastly, we have heard that Arthur
Cunningham, Katie (Costa)’s “Plymouth Rock”, is reported to be nicely
recovering from stent insertion but has contracted optical shingles. Please pray for our sorely missed ailing so
that they soon will be A-okay. To the
adage: “Slow and easy wins the race” we add: “We look forward to Ostern and their all’s-well face!”
Ø
Heartfelt gratitude to
Msgr. Andrew Connell who for decades of life’s rosary has toiled as
Archdiocesan Director of the Propagation of the Faith. Only the angels’ tally will tell the number
of missionary and related charities that have been aided under Monsignor’s
tenure. May the Holy Trinity watch over
him and grant health and joy in his retirement status!
Also, congratulations to Rev. Thomas A. Kopp upon his
acceptance of the dual tasks as Msgr. Connell’s successor as well as
Administrator of St. James the Greater Church.
Now that you’re in our neighborhood, Father, please feel free to stop
by! We excerpt: “People are often
unreasonable, illogical and self-centered - Forgive them anyway… If you are
kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives - Be kind anyway… If
you are honest and frank, people may cheat you - Be honest and frank anyway…
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give the world the best you’ve got anyway….
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
Ø
Holy Trinity is saddened
to report the deaths of four members of its early parish families.
Rita (Glossa) Collins, widow of Thomas, mother of Rita-Marie and Marjorie,
eldest sister of nine and survived by siblings Dick, Elisabeth, Clare, Camile
and Joan. (Who can forget that tall
red-haired beauty who gracefully waltzed in our sodality’s “Gay Nineties”
productions!)
Joseph M. Donovan, St. Francis School alumnus,
Y.M.S. member, Activities Club participant and Korean War veteran. He was the husband of the late Helen Crowley
and is survived by daughters Cathy Donovan, Ann Kavin and was a
greatgrandparent. Joe was also Leo
Bieler’s brother-in-law.
Herman J. Kelter who, at almost a century, was an active volunteer in his local
Lynnfield parish. He was the son of our
revered long-time soprano soloist/caterer, Cecilia, and was a retired Lt. Col.
of the USAF. Herman is mourned by
nieces, nephews, their children and many friends.
Lucile (Rasch) Kidling of Bourne, daughter of the late, very active
parishioners and choir members, Fred and Florence (Ochs) Rasch. She was a member of the Immaculate
Conception Sodality and an alumna of HT’s Roxbury schools. Lucille is survived by her son Bruce and
family. May all now rest in eternal
peace among their loved ones in God’s Presence!
Ø
St. Patrick, our
Archdiocesan Patron Saint, whose feast day this year is overshadowed by Palm Sunday
and Holy Week, must never be forgotten nor relegated to “the back burner”. At the Mission Church, the Redemptorists,
the School Sisters of Notre Dame and the famed organist, Professor Fassnacht –
all of German background – reveled in celebrating St. Patrick and March 17th. They enjoyed Ireland’s culture, people,
language, and, especially, its music and hymns. In the Holy Trinity Manual we find “O Glorious Saint of Erin… The
seed which thou has planted now blooms in every clime. Thy tears and prayers, St. Patrick dear,
have made its strength sublime. While
other nations barter their God for power and gold, the Faith of Erin still
remains as loyal as of old.” “Top o’
the morning!”
Ø
In honor of our
Sesquicentennial, a beautifully bound hardcover book entitled: “Holy Trinity
German Catholic Church of Boston – A Way of Life” was authored by Robert J.
Sauer. It, along with “Beliebte
Küchenrezepte” (Favorite Kitchen Recipes) which was compiled by the Cathlic
Women’s Guild in 1990 (while both out of print) are being offered FREE on
CD! Roland Horst and Genevieve
MacLellan collaborated and have generously donated this product of their
technological skills. Please see them
before or after the
Ø
Frohe Geburtstag! La Breith Shona Dhuit!
Buon Complianno! to all who boldly march into the month of March and
blow out their birthday cake’s candles before the chill spring winds take
over. (1) Rosalie Bridge – 2 candles;
(3) Joan Riordan and Elisabeth von den Benken; (9) Rita Rettman; (10) Genevieve
Schmidt; (11) Frank Doyle, Jr.; (13) Heidi Moesinger; (15) Pat Cooper; (19)
Louie Iverson; (22) Rosalie “Lee” Bulter; (31) Joseph LoPiccolo. Ein Prosit, der Gemütlichkeit!
Ø
March 19th, a
day devoted to St. Joseph, is of great prayerful interest at Heilige
Dreifaltigkeits Kirche. His altar; its
mural depicting his death with his son and wife in attendance; the concrete
replica which graces the plaza entrance to the Medeiros Center; the entire St.
Joseph the Worker Chapel; his image in stained glass are all honoring a humble
carpenter chosen by God to be His Son’s earthly parent. As W.H. Auden wrote: “To choose what is
difficult all one’s days – as if it were easy, that is faith. Joseph, praise.” (excerpt from an article by
Msgr. McDonnell in THE PILOT.)
Ø
Belated Birthday wishes
to Nathan Patrick Hunt of California who, on
Ø
NEWS BRIEF: Daylight
Saving Time starts on Sunday, morning March 9!
Set your clocks ahead one hour!
Don’t be late for church!
Ø
To All: Try to attend Holy Week services at Holy
Trinity. For the first time in decades
the beautiful Tridentine liturgies for Holy Thursday and Good Friday will be
celebrated at Holy Trinity. Many are
working very hard to be able to prepare these Masses ad majorem
Dei Gloriam. See the calendar on page 3 for details.
Ø
Frohe Ostern! A very Blessed Easter to All! Alleluia, Alleluia!
|
Lectors for
English/German Masses |
|
Mar
2 |
Hildegarde Dreist |
|
Mar
9 |
Joseph Harzbecker |
|
Mar 16 |
Michael Hager, Herbert Pflanz |
|
Mar 22 |
Peter Cooper, Joyce Donovan, Joseph Harzbecker, Hildegarde
Dreist |
|
Mar 23 |
Barbara Bridge, Herbert Pflanz |
|
Mar 30 |
Richard Doucette |
HTParish@aol.com