St. James Cathedral Bulletin | March 5, 2020
I want to share with you the directives we have received from Archbishop Etienne regarding celebrating Mass during this time we are dealing with the coronavirus. As you will see, the precautions and practices he recommends are very sensible and very much in order at this time and I ask that we all observe them. Most of all, I ask you to pray for all the people around the world, including here in our own area, who have been affected by the virus or who have died from it. And please pray for the scientists and medical professionals who are looking for remedies and caring for the sick. --Father Ryan
Dear parish community,
With an increasing focus on the coronavirus around the world, we wanted to assure you that our team continues to monitor the situation. Without causing alarm, we believe it is prudent to remind you of our customary health precautions whenever there is an outbreak.
Our response to this spreading virus must reflect how we, as disciples of Jesus, love our neighbor and love God. In caring for all members of our community — especially the elderly and the vulnerable — we are carrying out the mission of the church. We must do our part to help prevent the spread of the virus.
We strongly urge you to read and follow these recommendations out of an abundance of caution:
  1. If you are sick or feel you are getting sick, stay at home and do NOT attend Mass. Missing Mass due to illness is not sinful; it is prudent and shows care for your brothers and sisters.
  2. During Mass, at the Sign of Peace, simply say, “Peace be with you,” instead of offering your hand.
  3. During Communion, the Eucharist will only be offered in your hand, rather than on your tongue. Additionally, we will refrain from offering the Precious Blood from the chalice at this time.
  4. You will notice that we have drained the holy water in the church, until further notice. Please simply bless yourself with the sign of the cross as you enter and exit the church.
  5. Please practice respiratory etiquette and good health hygiene with these recommendations from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html
Thank you for your attention to these important health precautions. These changes are temporary and should not disrupt the celebration of the Mass. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Archbishop Etienne
New heart, new spirit: Lent series continues March 9
Join us on the Mondays of Lent for this year's Lenten series, beginning Monday, March 2. The series focuses on the scriptures for the Sundays of Lent, including the stories of the transfiguration of the Lord, the woman at the well, the healing of the man born blind, and the raising of Lazarus. How are we being called to allow the living water, light, and life, to break through in our journey of life? Time will be provided for quiet reflection and conversation in small groups.
 
Meet our Elect!
Did you know eight wonderful adults have been preparing for more than a year for baptism at this year's Easter Vigil? Please pray for our Elect as they journey toward Easter. Watch a short video to get to know each of them a bit better!

De-Escalation and Personal Safety through a Trauma-Informed Lens
This two-hour course on Tuesday, March 10 will provide useful tools to avoid problematic situations, manage challenge behavioral situations, prepare for the psychological/emotional impact of challenging situations, and much more. Free for Cathedral parishioners and volunteers.

"Stuff the Truck" for St. Vincent de Paul Society
On Sunday, March 15, the SVdP truck will be in the O'Dea Parking lot, ready to accept your donations of clothing, books, CDs, DVDs, bedding, lamps, kitchen items, framed artwork, TVs, radios, DVD players, and sports gear.

Adult Confirmation
If you are an adult Catholic who has never been confirmed, you are invited to consider participating in this 10-week preparation series. A wonderful opportunity to reconnect with your faith! Classes begin Wednesday, March 18 and continue through early June.

Hunthausen Charity Golf Tournament: Save the Date!
Save the date for this year's Hunthausen Charity Golf Tournament benefiting the Cathedral Kitchen. Monday, August 24, 2020, at Glendale Country Club in Bellevue. Registration opens in June!

In case you missed it
Father Ryan's homily for the First Sunday of Lent
We Catholics like Lent. We may not always say so, but we do. We like the ashes of Ash Wednesday and we even like sacrifice and self-denial. We don’t always do them so well, but we like the thought of them! We like Lent. But Lent is more than ashes, sacrifice and self-denial, fast and abstinence. In the early Church, Lent was about preparing for baptism. It still is. And for those of us who are already baptized, Lent is the ideal time for us to get in touch with the meaning of our baptism.

St. James Cathedral
804 Ninth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
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