In our Sunday Gospel from Matthew, we hear the narrative of what is commonly known as “Peter Walking on the Water.” That’s certainly an accurate description because that’s exactly what Peter does. But I like to call this narrative the “Sinking of Peter” instead because, well, that’s what he does. He sinks and calls out for Jesus to save him and Jesus reaches out his hand to lift him up. Hence, the picture that goes along with my letter. I guess it’s because I relate more to sinking than walking on the water. I have never walked on water. But I have sunk many times if you get my drift.

When Jesus lifts Peter up from the water, He says to him, “O you of little faith.” Peter has faith, that’s certainly the case because he was able to walk on the water as he approached the Lord. But his faith became diminished; it became little, as he went along. The verb from the Greek version, used only in Matthew’s Gospel, is best translated as doubting. Peter doubted and then at the very moment, he began to sink. He let the fear and anxiety suggested to him by the enemy get to him. The Enemy suggests to Peter, “Look at the storm, look at the waves, you are not God and yet you think you can do what God does? Jesus won’t save you, you will perish for sure.” Doubt, fear, anxiety, always gets the best of us to diminish our faith in the Lord and His plans for our life. The enemy lies to us and suggests that Jesus will not save us because we are not worthy of saving.

We will continue to livestream the Mass at 9 AM on Sundays from Saint Patrick Church. Subscribing to our YouTube Channel is not necessary to watch the Mass, however it allows you to set reminders to tune in and provides us with the option of livestreaming from a mobile device when we reach 1000 subscribers. We are so close! Don't forget to check-in on Facebook when you attend Mass so we can be together as a faith community and make your weekly offertory gift via Online Giving.

Join us at St. Patrick Church on August 15, 2020 at 9 AM for the celebration of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. Sign up for Mass. Watch the livestream.

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on August 29, 2020 at the 5 PM Mass at St. Patrick Church. Mass will be livestreamed on our YouTube Channel— Confirmandi— share the link with your friends and family! Encourage them to subscribe to our channel and set a reminder for the Mass.

Students in grades 7 - 9 interested in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation in 2021 are invited to fill out an interest form now! We'll be in touch. Invite your friends to join you in preparing for this sacrament too.

We’ve been thinking about you! Join us for Q&A sessions about the Catholic Faith for all people and all backgrounds. These sessions are a safe place to explore your spirituality with people who care. 

AUGUST 16 and/or 23

For questions and Zoom meeting link, email kward@saintpats.org

Archbishop Etienne began Year of the Eucharist on the Feast of Corpus Christi for the Archdiocese of Seattle and asked us to spend this time pondering the true presence of Jesus's Sacred Body and Blood in the Eucharist. Read his pastoral letter, "The Work of Redemption."

The campaign is wrapping up, but we still have a ways to go with an average combined participation rate of less than 32% for the parishes of St. Patrick, Holy Cross and St. Rita of Cascia. Click here for our weekly update by parish.

If you have already made your gift - THANK YOU! If not, please consider making a gift this year. Nearly 70% of our parish households have not responded yet. No gift is too small. If you’re unsure what to give, please consider a gift of $1 a day or $365 or more. The average gift is $417.

Your gift will support more than 60 ministries and services that are offered to thousands of individuals across Western Washington. In addition, this year, a 10% ‘tithe’ from ACA 2020 donations, excluding rebates will be placed in a Parish Solidarity Fund for those parishes severely financially impacted as a result of the suspension of public Masses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Go online to https://donate.seattlearchdiocese.org/aca or use a pledge envelope. If you’d rather call in your gift to the Appeal Office at 800-809-4921.

Over the past four weeks the Archdiocese of Seattle and the WSCC have examined 4 aspects of the Civilize It Campaign. Read the pastoral letter from the bishops of Washington here.  As Catholics we are called to put our faith into action by advocating for public policies that promote the common good. As we navigate the political process we are also called to engage in good, honest, respectful dialogue. In today's divisive political environment, the faithful must treat everyone with respect, as we are all worthy of being heard. Even when we disagree with others, we must remember that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ created in the image of God. The four aspects of the Civilize It Campaign that were highlighted are:

To recognize the human dignity of those with whom I disagree, treat others with respect, and rise above attacks when directed at me. Read more: What happened to civility? And how can I get it back?

To root my political viewpoints in the Gospel and a well-formed conscience, which involves prayer, conversation, study and listening. I will stand up for my convictions and speak out when I witness language that disparages others' dignity, while also listening and seeking to understand others' experiences. Read more: How can you find clarity in an election year?

To encounter others with a tone and posture which affirms that I honor the dignity of others and invite others to do the same. I will presume others' best intentions and listen to their stories with empathy. I will strive to understand before seeking to be understood. Read more: How do you model compassion during the election?

4. Civilize It Pledge: In this important election year, take the pledge to be civil, seek clarity, and be compassionate.

Meet Saint Patrick Catholic School's 2020-2021 Associated Student Body representatives and listen as they introduce the ASB theme for this year: #TogetherAnywhere. Even though we are starting the academic year with remote learning we're #TogetherAnywhere. Our school is not a building. Our school is a community.

Although we're starting the school year remotely we want to keep our campus beautiful for when we return to school and because we want to be good neighbors! Join us. We'll be social distancing.

Catholic schools have been affected by COVID-19, and they need your help. Urge our U.S. Senators to support the Alexander-Scott “School Choice Now Act.” This act will help our Catholic schools by providing emergency funding for scholarship-granting organizations and provide permanent dollar-for-dollar tax credits for contributions to scholarship granting organizations. This act may help the Fulcrum Foundation and other organizations supporting Catholic education. Take action now!