AROUND THE PARISH PROFILE:

Father Dave Gutmann: "It's Not Just About the Bible...or the Bike..."

  In recent weeks, Holy Trinity parishioners have had an opportunity to get to know our new Pastor, Father Dave Gutmann.  We have learned many interesting personal tid-bits about him like he is a Hillsboro-native, is one of five children, is an early-morning person and has a cat.  Additionally, we have learned that Holy Trinity is Father Dave's sixth assignment in a span of service that covers nearly 25 years as a Catholic priest.  Additionally, we now all know that Father Dave is an avid bicyclist, racking up over 100 miles a week as part of his commute to and from the parish (he finds Walker Road very busy!)  

  Ultimately, however, as we get to know Fr. Dave a little more, we find that for him "it's not just about the Bible...or the bike..." it's about balance. Every one of us has probably heard how important it is for us to strike a "balance" in our life - the art of juggling a personal and professional life, a quality work life with a quality family life, our check book and our take home pay is a critical skill that we strive to master daily.  We understand that if we focus too much time or effort in one area, then the other is sure to suffer.  As the spiritual leader of Holy Trinity Church, Father Dave acknowledges the tremendous responsibility he bears to meet the many diverse and round-the-clock needs of his parishioners. 

  He is a true believer that in order to effectively pastor, there is a need for "balance" in his own life; for Father Dave, that balance can be gained from physical activities.  In addition to his daily biking, Father lives by a personal commitment to each week take a 24-hour period outside the church to clear his mind, to help manage that important "balance." This 24-hour "sabbatical" usually takes him to the water, where he enjoys spending time on his 31' fiberglass diesel-powered boat, fully equipped with sleeping quarters, a galley, and even a kayak for small side trips.  Once he gets his "land legs", he walks or hikes at least 20 miles in that 24-hour period, a jaunt which "helps to balance the rhythm of (his) life".  Since building boats with his own father as a child, Father Dave has always found peace in keeping physically active, which extends to working with his hands.  He credits that exposure at an early age to his love for wood working and boat design--Father has personally built no less than two boats during his life, and has even worked with a nautical architect to develop a craft to his exact specifications.  Father's boating passion isn't limited to short day trips however--he once took a 4-month solo expedition to sea, accompanied only by his cat, affectionately (and appropriately) named "Skipper."

  As Father Dave settles into his new post, he is hoping to balance the future of Holy Trinity Church, with the past history and culture of the Parish.   He acknowledges that while there is a certain time of adjustment, he has felt very welcomed and impressed with the level of parishioner involvement.  As he has done in his own life, Father Dave looks forward to helping all parishioners strike that balance in their own lives.  If you are struggling to find the balance in your life, Father Dave can help.  Father can be reached by e-mail at frdave@h-t.org, or by calling the Holy Trinity Parish Offices at (503) 643-9528 x204.

Saturday: 5:30 pm

Sunday: 8:00 am, 9:30 am, 11:15 am
Mon-Fr: 8:15 am
in the chapel; Wed in the Church.

Holy Days: 8:15 am, 7:00 pm

Reconciliation
Saturday: 4-5 pm