Another Column on Vatican II
I recently witnessed (online) a celebration of life for one of my hometown priests, Fr. Jerry Holtzman.
As a boy in Mitchell, S.D., during the 1960s, I took brilliant, high-quality priest/pastors for granted. Fr. Jerry was one such. He had multiple master’s degrees and was fluent in French, German and Thai.
His obituary characterized him as “a fervent believer in the reforms of Vatican II.” That’s the short name for the Second Vatican Council, which had multiple sessions from 1962-1965. (They were held at the Vatican in Rome. Councils are named after their location. Vatican I happened in 1869-1870.)
Fr. Jerry’s obituary reminded me of Fr. Steve Adrian, our own brilliant, high-quality pastor who died recently. Recall how often Fr. Steve referred to Vatican II in his columns and homilies. He was a seminarian during the Council, and its many reforms energized him and an entire generation of clergy, religious and lay people.
I think that energy reflected a pent-up need for our church to come to terms with the modern world. As the Council’s convener, Pope John XXIII said, we need to pay attention to “the signs of the times.” The Council did pay attention, and it ushered in many reforms. They include these teachings, among many others:
• All church members, ordained and lay Catholics alike, have major roles to play in the life of our church.
• Masses can be in English, and therefore more intelligible to English speakers.
• There’s value in other religious traditions. That’s why one of the Council documents, Gaudium et Spes (Joy and Hope), was addressed to all persons of good will—not just Catholics.
The Second Vatican Council’s final Mass was on December 8, 1965, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Fr. Steve was ordained on December 8, 1968.
Throughout 2025, let us reflect on Fr. Steve’s life and legacy. Let us also celebrate Vatican II’s profound teachings. Let us continue to learn from them. To be continued . . .
Have a great week! Thank you for your support!
Phil Grant, Administrator
Safe Environment Coordinator
651-224-9793
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