This weekend is historic in the annals of Holy Family. Sunday, we celebrate and honor Karl Holtsnider for his many years of inspiring leadership as he approaches his retirement on June 30.

As one of six children, Karl learned very early the spirit of sharing. In his young adulthood, his values were shaped in the Franciscan model with a great emphasis on the service of the poor. In his intense interest and unique ability in communicating God's message, Karl was co-founder of The Hour of St. Francis, a weekly radio program for evangelization.

Before it was fashionable, he discerned already the extraordinary power of the media in the life of the Church. Due in no small measure to his imagination, The Hour of St. Francis evolved into Franciscan Communications which produced a variety of media; music, audio, film, publishing and interactive educational material. It was at this time that he became the co-worker and valued friend of our own Fr. Tony Scannell. For their work in this ministry, they received wide recognition and many awards.

In 1993, Karl came to Holy Family. This was a providential stroke of grace and good fortune since our community was poised for a dynamic passage of development. Accepting the position of Administrator, he generated an escalation of new ideas and new possibilities. More than any other person, he must accept the credit for building a strong and effective administrative staff, a structure of oversight and accountability, the increase of lay leadership not only in responsibility but in decision making authority. And now came the ambitious "Vision Project" of which he was a cornerstone in wisdom, imagination and energy: a new Education Center, the Pastoral Center, the acquisition of St. Joseph Center, the Eden Center and related properties. There is scarcely a ministry in the parish which has not received the benefit of his insights and affirmation. His accomplishments are widespread and plenty, too numerous to detail.

The fullness of his Franciscan spirit finally found an expression in our Mission Haiti. He is the founder, the sustainer and the assurance for the future of this extraordinary outreach which has infused a new sense of church into our community. His passion for Haiti, where he has visited 12 times, is the expression of his great heart.

The community of Holy Family has been the spiritual home for the Holtsnider family for a length of years. They have attended the 9:30 a.m. Mass for over 36 years. Kathy and Karl have celebrated the baptism, first Eucharist, confirmation and marriages of both their children. Kristen and Ken both attended Holy Family School and they in turn have celebrated the baptism of their children here. For years to come, even generations, the impact of the life and times of Karl Holtsnider will be lived in gratitude. The time which is set aside to honor Karl today is no less a tribute to Kathy and the children. It is a small token in return for an abundance of generosity.