October 6, 2024

Dear Friends in Christ,
The General Synod of the worldwide Catholic Church has gathered for the second time this October. Our own Archbishop Paul Etienne, once again, is a delegate with Pope Francis and some 375 bishops, priests, deacons, and religious and lay people from around the world. Please pray for this next phase of the synod, which has so much to offer the life of our church.
When our parishes gathered in 2022 for our local synod listening sessions, one of the themes that emerged repeatedly was the hope that women would be given more official roles of pastoral leadership in our Catholic communities.  Mind you, not just roles of service, which women have generously done from the beginning, but formal leadership positions, including possibly being ordained as deacons. That synodal hope has led to the celebration of St. Phoebe Day in communities throughout our local church, including our four parishes in NE Seattle. St. Phoebe was a deacon in the early church, which, in time, would eliminate women's formal participation in that role. The return of celebrating her feast day is our opportunity to celebrate the ministerial gifts of women, including their capacity to break open God’s word in our liturgical gatherings. This weekend, three women from our Phoebe Circle at OLL will offer reflections. Thanks to Ann Rademacher, Beth Schweiger, and Chris Covey for the messages they will share.
Speaking of deacons, St. Bridget Parish has been blessed for several years by the ministry of Deacon Angus McDonald. He has been reassigned to serve in the family of parishes that include Sacred Heart and St. Anne’s on Queen Ann Hill and Our Lady of Fatima in Magnolia, where Angus grew up. There will be an opportunity to thank Angus for his service in a reception following the 9:00 am Mass at St. Bridget’s on Sunday, October 27. Thank you, Deacon Angus!
October blessings,
Fr. William Heric, Pastor
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!