Advent is upon us as we wait for the coming of our Lord. This year has had many struggles due to the effects that the COVID-19 virus has played out all over the world. As a faith community we have been inspired by the continued dedication by you, your catechists, and volunteers. Providing new ways to pass on the faith and keeping parishioners of all kinds connected has been a daunting feat but know there are those in your communities that have benefitted and grown closer to God because of your efforts.

Let us take comfort and hope in the advent of Jesus' coming and focus on our families and loved ones. We pray there are many blessings to come in the near future as we wait in joyful hope!

Blessings of peace, comfort and health!

PAFF Support Meetings Continue! The Faith Formation Office continues to offer monthly meetings to PAFFS. On the second Tuesday of each month, we have a meeting scheduled for the next several months. Please see the dates below and contact formation@seattlerach.org to receive login information.

Hispanic Religious Practices during COVID - 19 Our Hispanic community tend to celebrate various devotions during the month of december turning to their faith to find comfort and strength during this difficult time. We are offering the following pastoral practices for consideration in parishes serving Hispanic Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Seattle.

The next regional online program for people who have disabilities and their families is scheduled for December 5th. Please visit the Archdiocese of Portland's registration page for more details. Registration information: English and Spanish. In collaboration with all archdioceses in Region 12.

The last presentation, The Holiest Week: Preparing the Liturgies of Holy Week is set for January. Click here or contact Jennifer Day in the Liturgy Office. These events are free but registration is required.

Year of the Eucharist Resources To learn more on how you and your parish community can celebrate, view the Overview Flyer. Check out the resource page for additional resources on the Eucharist and the Spanish Eucaristia page to find materials for both adults and children.

Year of the Eucharist Webinars Please view the flyer and contact Carlos Carrillo if interested.

Catechetical Certification Program (CCP) For parish staff, volunteers, adult learners, and parents of homeschoolers. This program provides the foundation for knowing, living, and teaching our Catholic faith.  Registration is currently open to online cohorts. Sessions begin in October. Visit the CCP webpage for full details.

Be sure to check the Liturgical calendar pages in both English and Spanish. These pages will contain who and what the Church celebrates specifically in the month of December.

Updated Advent Page We have updated many of the resources found on the Advent page for the 2020 Advent season. Calendars, reflections, wreath and jesse tree activities and more. Please take a look!

Bautismo Page We have created a new Spanish page for Baptism resources. You can find videos, policies and information on the sacrament of Baptism all in Spanish. Please share with those who are working in Hispanic ministry and catechesis.

Faith Formation Online Programming during COVID We continue to update this page as protocols and mandates are put forth. These are changing frequently so please check back often.

Theology on Tap - December 1, 2020. This fall, we will introduce a new speaker each month to offer their thoughts on a particular aspect of faith and theology, prompt discussion, and take questions from their area of expertise. This month, Anne Bailey will speak on the subject of Unity in Diversity. Click here to learn more.

Families Growing Together - December 5, 2020. You are invited to an hour of community, prayer, and reflection via Zoom for people who have disabilities and their families. Click here for more information and to register.

Celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mother of Americas - December 5th, 2020 at 11:00 am. St. James Cathedral-in person or livestreamed on Vimeo or Facebook. The 26th anniversary Mass. Registration is required.

Learn more here.

CRS Retreat: Advent: A Season of Renewal and Possibilities - December 10, 2020, 9:30 am-12:00 pm. Join us for a morning of spiritual renewal, individual & collective global reflection. Open to all in the Archdiocese of Seattle. Please join us if you are a CRS parish ambassador, CRS Rice Bowl Coordinator, parish staff or volunteer, or if you have a passion for global solidarity. All are welcome! RSVP here to receive the Zoom link.

Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass - December 12, 2020 at 11:00 am. Due to COVID restrictions and limited capacity, this mass will be a private mass, with invitation-only attendance. Please join us in livestreaming Mass!

Lectors Workshop "The Holiest Week: Preparing the Liturgies of Holy Week" - January 12th and 13th, 2021. In this two-day virtual workshop we will go in depth on the liturgies of Holy Week. Click here.