May 14, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ,

We are blessed to live in a beautiful part of Seattle. The only thing not beautiful about it is the traffic. The “Montlake Mess” increasingly is a challenge as the bridge is raised more often for the growing number of boats that pass through in spring and summer. To make matters more difficult, I-5 North will close before the Montlake 520 exit on May 19-21 to do some work on the new connector lanes to the interstate. All this will require us to find new ways to navigate our travels.

This is at the heart of the “Partners in the Gospel” planning process that has begun in our archdiocese. The opportunity for us at St. Bridget’s is to journey to a new way of being a parish family in relationship to other Catholic communities in our part of the city. This is a process where all voices in the church are important. That is the reason I have asked several parishioners to serve with me as the “Partners in the Gospel Leadership Team.” This committee will help ensure that all parishioners have accurate information as to how the Partners Plan unfolds, and just as importantly, the opportunity to offer their perspective on how this will impact St. Bridget’s. The members of this leadership team and whom they represent are Tim Vinopal (Pastoral Council) Mary Kay Beeby (Finance and Stewardship Commission) Sarah Chopyak (Parish Staff) Eric Verzuh, and Tom and Anne Gehrig (Members at large). They are planning a new parish survey and listening sessions in early June and September. I am grateful for their leadership.

Speaking of gratitude, thanks be to God for all our mothers, and grandmothers living and deceased. Blessings to you as we celebrate your indispensable role in our lives. We love you!

Blessings of peace,

Fr. William Heric

p.s. I will be available after our 9:30am Mass this Sunday to lead a discussion about the “Mass” as presented in the Bishop Barron videos you have received. Please bring your comments, questions, and suggestions to the conversation.