News - October 2022

Dear Friends in Christ, Sir Isaac Newton once said, “If I can see farther it’s because I stand on the shoulders of giants.” What a fitting perspective as the church once again approaches the great celebration of All Saints Day on Tuesday, Nov. 1. These “Friends of God” as St. Thomas Aquinas described them, encourage us to make growth in Christian love our primary goal in life. Our challenge is to remember that in the midst of the many competing needs and values that clamor for our attention, especially as the “Holiday Season” commences earlier each year. All the more reason why the church makes All Saints Day a holy day of obligation. We will gather for Mass this Tuesday, November 1, at 6:30 pm. Please join us!

Dear Friends in Christ, Some stories simply bear repeating, so let me share the story of Elizabeth and Walter again. I met them in 1992 when I was pastor of St. George Parish on Beacon Hill. Elizabeth was raised a Southern Baptist but converted to Catholicism in her late 40s. She carried a couple of traditions from her Baptist past, however. One was wearing her “Sunday best” outfit to church which was usually a dress with flowers on it and a big, brimmed hat that was impossible to miss. She also would offer a verbal affirmation at the end of my homily. If she liked it she would fill the church with a loud and spirited “Amen” for all to hear. If she was not particularly impressed with the homily her amen was barely a whisper. I knew where I stood with Elizabeth.

The second in a three-part series of parent education provided by NE Seattle Parents.

Dear Friends in Christ, This coming Tuesday, October 18th, is the feast of St. Luke the Evangelist. We have been listening primarily to his gospel during this lectionary year cycle “C.” Luke tells the story of Jesus in two books.

Centro Rendu is seeing lots of families of young children in need of diapers.

Altar Server training happening now!

Dear Friends in Christ, One of the things that make us Roman Catholic Christians, is our union with the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. In the midst of a cacophony of commentaries about many issues, his is a singular voice that we give special attention. During Respect Life month in the U.S. Church, it is important to prayerfully consider these words from the current successor of St. Peter, Pope Francis. In his encyclical, “Gaudete et Exultate” (Rejoice and be Glad) the Holy Father offers these thoughts.

Dear Friends in Christ, One of the key features in our recent parish hall refresh was the return of the placards describing the “Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching” (CST). You’ll find them strategically located just to the right as you enter the hall from our church. That’s not accidental. We are given the real presence of Christ to be carried into all aspects of our lives as individuals and communities. This sacred mission is guided not by personal opinions or preferences, but by principles.