Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This week, I am asking that you take some time and go deeper in the Word. During this Year of the Eucharist, we can and should be focusing on our understanding and experience of the Body and Blood of the Lord present in the Eucharist. This is a good time for that renewal because we have undergone this fast from the sacrament for so long now. Even during this time of reopening, we are being called to focus our attention on what really matters. Mass is very different in a pandemic. It is simple, fairly silent, and focused on the movements and gestures that are vital to what is being celebrated. We ask you to call in or register and wear a mask during the celebration. In all of this, we are really being called to be very intentional in everything. But in doing so, as we listen to the Word of God from the scriptures and partake once again in the living Word made flesh in the Eucharist, we open ourselves to what God desires to give us: Himself.
So this week, I am asking you to go deeper into the Word of God; the Lord Jesus Himself. I ask that you spend some quality time with this Sunday’s Gospel, which contains the Lord’s parable of the sower. You can find it
here
. The Lord taught in parables to engage his listeners on a deep level; that being whatever level they were most attune to so as to be open to the message he wanted to impart. In this week’s parable, Jesus actually gives an explanation of the parable for us to consider. And even though Deacon Bill and I are giving the homilies at the parishes this weekend, I want you to listen to someone else as well. I want you to listen to the Holy Spirit. Your task this week is to read over and reflect upon the Sunday Gospel at least two and perhaps three times with the aid of the Holy Spirit. As you do, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what God desires to tell you the most in this Gospel. You are basically asking “What does the Word of God want to tell me?”
The prayer you make at the beginning is very simple:
“Holy Spirit, come and bless me with the grace of your insight as I reflect upon this Gospel and Jesus’ parable of the sower. Open my mind and heart to receive your knowledge and understanding, so that I may benefit more from your Word in my life. Amen.”
Then, slowly read and re-read the Gospel a few times. Be prepared for God to lead you to a deeper and profound understanding. You will be blessed by the Word; the same Word made flesh for us and our salvation.
Blessings,
Fr. David Mulholland
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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.
"
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Registration for Mass is required to ensure we maintain social distancing protocol.
Join us at the Table of the Lord for a weekday and/or weekend liturgy!
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The dispensation for Sunday Mass is still in effect if you are unable to attend due to illness, general risk or vulnerability.
We cpray for you and are eager to join with you in the Eucharist.
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We will continue to livestream the Mass at 9 AM on Sundays from Saint Patrick Catholic 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. Don't forget to check-in on
Facebook
when you
attend
Mass so we can be together as a faith community.
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Good Shepherd and the Child Podcast | CGSUSA
"Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." - Matthew 19:14 NAB How can a young child deeply encounter the love of God and respond to it? What does this look like?
Read more
www.cgsusa.org
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Join us via livestream for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion! If your child is receiving the sacrament, share the livestream link with your friends and family and invite them to be part of your child's faith journey in this special way while social distancing.
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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. Tell your friends.
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It is with great appreciation that I write to thank you for your generous Stewardship of Treasure to your respective parishes.
Last time I wrote to you regarding your stewardship contributions, we had just entered the first weeks of Governor Inslee’s
“Stay Home,Stay Healthy”
directive and restrictions on public gatherings. As you can imagine, the inability to celebrate public Masses severely impacted our parish contributions. Fortunately, the Paycheck Protection Program Grants from the Small Business Administration has helped cover the drop in giving and enabled us to keep our full staff employed as they work remotely.
However, July 1st started our new fiscal year, and based on the last four months we are projecting a 20-30% decrease in giving for the coming year. While it is our prayer that contributions will gradually increase as we return to Mass, we think it is a better decision to budget conservatively until more is known.
One thing that would help us better plan our budget complete a Stewardship of Treasure Pledge Card indicating a regular contribution amount. For St. Patrick and St. Rita of Cascia
click here
. For Holy Cross
click here
.
Even more helpful would be utilizing Online Giving to make your contribution. It's quick, easy, safe, and something you control within the comfort of your own home or mobile phone. Click on your parish link below to get started!
If you have questions about this information or would like additional details, please email
Kevin Lovejoy
.
In the Peace of Christ,
Fr. David Mulholland
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An offertory collection basket is located at the back of the sanctuary during Mass to allow for contactless giving. If you are unable to attend mass because of illness, general risk or vulnerability, please mail in your gift or consider Online Giving—Fr. David gives this way! It is safe and easy.
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How Do You Double Your Annual Catholic Appeal Gift? -...
How do you double your Annual Catholic Appeal gift? Most companies have a Matching Gift Program - that is how. Many companies match the Annual Catholic Appeal. You can double your gift to the ACA in a few easy steps. Yes! Do you know if your...
Read more
www.saintpats.org
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The 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal campaign is wrapping up week 8, but we still have a long way to go.
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.
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Urge your Senators to prioritize the poor and vulnerable ...
"Now as never before we need a vision rich in humanity: we cannot start up again by going back to our selfish pursuit of success without caring about those who are left behind." - Pope Francis, May 31, 2020 Families and individuals are facing...
Read more
www.votervoice.net
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Congrats Bellarmine Prep Class of 2020 and our St. Patrick Catholic School alumni! You are going places!
May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, the rain fall softly on your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
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Be social, while social distancing!
Get connected. Stay connected.
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