Scheduling has begun for First Communion! We have 44 students this year. We are inviting 4 families at a time to attend a morning Sunday Mass beginning April 18^th to June 27^th. This will allow each student to receive not only the Host but also from the Blessed Cup. Sadly, there won’t be any receptions at the church and our Mass capacity will likely remain at 140 people. Families may not be able to invite all of their friends and relatives. Those who would like to come will have to make a reservation with the rest of the parish. For some of our families this is very disappointing and difficult. It’s sad not being able to celebrate such an important milestone in one’s life the way we normally would.

Our Sacramental Prep students have been doing all of their studies online using the Augustine Institute’s Prepared for Grace program. Parents have been given the opportunity to embrace their role as primary educators of the faith. They are guiding their children through the program with the support of parent videos taken from Presence on FORMED. However, I can only imagine how difficult it has been to include these studies on top of regular school work at home. It’s going to take a little more grace and a little more assistance from the Holy Spirit to help our parents prepare their children. It’s been a rough year. Please pray for our families.

With all this being said, I hope with the absence of the usual way of doing things that God will bless our families to experience First Communion in a new and special way. Even though things are difficult and disappointing at times, God is with us. When the children receive their First Communion that truth will come even more alive. They will literally be receiving Jesus. I hope we all can remember that that alone is enough, isn’t it? When we encounter our Lord in this most personal and special way, it is a celebration all on its own. Nevertheless, we get to celebrate a full in-person Mass and that’s a blessing. It might not be one that is celebrated with all of our familiar friends and family but our church is still our family. There will be less distractions and more intimacy with the Mass. Each student will not get lost in the crowd and will literally be in the spot light via live stream. They’ll each have their own personal moment with Jesus for all to witness. It will be inspiring, hope-filled and worthy of all our excitement and most importantly our gratitude. After all, Eucharist means thanksgiving!

Stephanie Nguyen | Pastoral Assistant to Children’s Ministry & Liturgy

We’ve reached the one year anniversary of the declaration of the shut-down due to the pandemic. The losses of the past year have been tremendous, universal and yet unique to each individual and family. As the song says, “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.” As I was reflecting on the devastation, my daughter texted on the family string to acknowledge the anniversary, and then proceeded to list what a year we had as a family – 3 out of 9 cases of COVID, 3 out of 9 vaccinated, No super spreader wedding, one new baby, one new dog, 2 moves, 1 new job . . . the point she was making was, we had a memorable year – not what we expected, but as my daughter in law commented – we made it through to today. In reflecting on our parish life, we can say the same of this year. We’ve made it through to today, when things seem on the upswing. No outbreaks of COVID at our Masses, children are coming back to class, our finances, while still depressed, are holding steady. This was a memorable year for us as parish – our beautiful outdoor Masses; our incredible volunteers who have been there for us week in and week out as we maintain compliance with COVID restrictions; the generosity of our parishioners who continue to support the parish while in isolation; our amazing staff who have shouldered extra responsibilities due to forced lay-offs and Fr. Bill’s sabbatical; the understanding of our faithful as we struggle to provide access to Mass for all parishioners. It is with a heart of gratitude that we say Thank You! It was a memorable year. Not what we expected, but God showed up, as He always does. 

When: Sundays, beginning February 21st

Time: 3pm - 4pm (informal gathering begins at 2:30pm)

Where: Zoom

We are going to be doing the Formed program, “Into the Desert: A Lenten Study on Prayer.” Follow the link for more information on the study. https://watch.formed.org/into-the-desert

This study is open to all parents in our parish no matter the age of your children or if you have ever come before. If you want to learn more about prayer and how to pray then this study is for you. To sign up call the parish office or email Katie at kgoodson@stvincentparish.org.

Blessed Palms will be handed out this year on Palm Sunday. You will receive one if you attend Mass in person, you must be registered to attend Mass in person. You may also pick up a blessed palm by coming to the church between Noon and 1pm on Sunday, March 28th, palms will be passed to you through your vehicle window from a staff member.

ADULT CONFIRMATION IS COMING! Is God calling you to take the next step in your faith life? If so, and you are a baptized Catholic who has not yet been confirmed or received your first communion, this is a wonderful opportunity to grow in faith. The ten weeks of preparation will begin in March. This year’s group will primarily meet by Zoom. For more information, or to register, contact John Simpson at jsimpson@stvincentparish.org.

The Vincentians are going to meet on March 16th for an afternoon of games. We will meet on zoom at noon. Once you register Katie will contact you with information about the game. It is going to be our best one yet. To register let Katie or the office know.

Our parish is going to be starting the JustFaith Program, “Faith and Racial Healing: Embracing Truth, Justice, and Restoration.” The program is open to all members of our parish. The program will start with a daylong retreat on April 17. Then we will meet every Tuesday for 2½ hours starting on April 20 and continuing for 8 weeks. . If there is a lot of interest we will offer a second time.

This eight-week program guides participants in telling the truth about the history of racism in the United States, that we might work toward true reconciliation with God and restoration with one another. You will need to purchase these three books and a donation of $20 to help offset the cost of the programs. The three books are

If you have any questions or would like to join the program please contact Katie kgoodson@stvincentparish.org or 253-839-2320.

Holy Thursday - 7:30 pm live streamed

Good Friday - 7:30 pm live streamed

Easter Vigil - 8:30 pm live streamed

Easter Sunday - 8:30 am live streamed

Due to large numbers wishing to attend Holy Week liturgies you may attend either Holy Thursday OR Good Friday, you may not attend both.

Please arrive 20 to 30 minutes before Mass begins. If you are not here when Mass begins you may lose your seat.

Then please, consider serving at Mass!

Email Stephanie Nguyen at snguyen@stvincentparish.org to get involved!

Great news, our Prepares program has begun. Prepares is a nurturing response of the Catholic community in Washington state, open to all, to provide meaningful, local and sustainable support to mothers, fathers, and families as they nurture their children through pregnancy and early childhood. Volunteers at the PREPARES program offer support and activities for families from pregnancy to their child’s fifth birthday. We are looking for volunteers to help and donate items for our Prepares Boutique. If you would like to volunteer please let Katie know. Below is a list of items we need. You can drop them off at the Church before or after Mass or the Parish Office Monday - Thursday from 10am-3:30pm.

   Iola Rossman 

James Sharp

  Ned Tubis

The COVID vaccine is available for all people 65+ and some other groups. Katie can help you find and make your appointment for the vaccine if you meet the following criteria.

If you meet the criteria call the parish office at 253-839-2320 and Katie or a member of our community will help you.

Register on our website, www.stvs.us, admissions.

We are EXCITED to announce we have added TEXT2BID for the Auction! This is a convenient way to register for our event. You will be able to bid and see all items as well as watch the Live Stream.

If you have already registered on the website that is ok. Just be sure to only check out on one or other not both.

Remember to share our link stvs.maestroweb.com and or TEXT2BID 71760 - STVS information to your friends, family and neighbors!

Let us join in a novena of prayer to St. Joseph as we prepare to celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph on March 19th. Visit our website, www.stvincentparish.org each day to watch a video of a Parish Staff member leading us in this 10 day novena.

Ways to give: