July 14, 2024

Dear Friends in Christ, 

Our transition to becoming a family of parishes in Northeast Seattle continues. Last weekend, I had the privilege of presiding and preaching at St. Catherine, Assumption, and Our Lady of the Lake, the three parishes where I am the new pastor. While the worship spaces are unique and different from St. Bridget’s where I’ve served for a few years, I was reminded at Mass in every place of a basic truth we share as Catholics: We are joined by one Lord, one faith, one baptism. That means we are already a family of God’s beloved children, brothers and sisters in Christ, who share a common mission to preach the gospel of love to everyone. As we go through the challenges of adjusting to new Mass times, new priests, and new parish staff, let’s keep our hearts and minds focused on what unites us in the midst of the diverse ways we gather as a church.

My thanks to the staff at all of our parishes who are helping Fr. Duc and me to organize our service and support what I call the main ministry of the Catholic Church, which is the people of God. That’s all of us! I am grateful to experience firsthand how the generosity of so many people in our family of parishes. Thank you for that! There are plenty of opportunities for everyone to contribute so if you are not involved in a ministry please consider joining one.
A final word of thank you to my brother priests, Fr. Oliver, Fr. Tim, and Fr. Marc who have moved on after generously serving at Assumption, Our Lady of the Lake, and St. Catherine parishes. Blessings on the next phase of their lives and ministry. We will never forget them!

Holy Mary Mother of God…pray for us!
St. Bridget of Kildare…pray for us!
St. Catherine of Siena…pray for us!
Live Jesus in our hearts…forever!
 
Fr. William Heric, Pastor