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Dear Friends in Christ,
Most of you know that I was on a much-needed “Staycation” for the last couple of weeks. One of the highlights of my time off was the chance to attend the UW vs. Oregon football game on Saturday, October 14th. It was one for the ages with the Huskies coming away with a dramatic victory over the Ducks. The UW students stormed the field at the end of the game and thousands of Dawg Fans united in thunderous jubilation and joy to celebrate the win. Still carrying a sense of that elation, I made my way home where I picked up the continuing news coverage of the heartbreaking events that have led to the recent deaths of thousands in the Middle East. As I watched the news I said a quiet prayer in desperate hope that one day the world would gather to celebrate a just and lasting peace in the Middle East with the joy and fervor I had just experienced at Husky Stadium. As we continue to commemorate Respect Life Month in the US Catholic Church, let us never give up praying, hoping, and dreaming of the eventual triumph of love over hate, justice over oppression, and peace over war.
On a smaller scale but still important to the life of our Catholic Community, I want to thank all of you who participated in our recent synodal listening sessions in response to the Partners in the Gospel strategic plan. This was the opportunity for the people of our local church to offer their input to the proposed family of parishes that will begin the process of merging together July 1, 2024. Here is my brief summary of feedback to the proposed family that includes St. Bridget’s, Assumption and Our Lady of the Lake parishes.
- There are a few people who would prefer the new family include only Assumption and St. Bridget parishes, but a clear majority are supportive of OLL parish being part of the family. While there are understandably questions about operations, the overall sense to me is that folks believe this family can work and become a helpful means of renewing the life of the Catholic Community in this part of North Seattle.
- There are concerns about the priests who will be assigned to serve this family, including anxiety about whether their style will match up with the diverse range of Catholic perspectives that exist in all three parishes. There is a hope that one of the priests assigned will provide a continuity of pastoral leadership for the new family of parishes.
- Strong concern was expressed for keeping ASB and OLL schools separate and organized around their historic pre-k to 8 model. Added to those voices was the hope that the new family of parishes will have meaningful outreach and support to families that do not send their children to a Catholic School. This connects to the frequent concern expressed in the synod listening sessions in general about finding creative ways to keep young people active in the life of the church.
The full report of people's feedback will soon be made available by our Partners in the Gospel Parish Leadership Team. My thanks to them and to all who have offered their thoughts about this proposed vision for the future of parish life.
Blessings of peace,
Fr. William Heric, Pastor
