Newsletter | August 8, 2023 |
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NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME |
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JOIN US FOR MASS THIS WEEKEND |
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Saturday at 5:00pm
Sunday at 9:00am
Sunday at 11:00am
PRACTICE OF CHARITY
So much about being Christian is about inexorable commitment, and nothing demonstrates that as starkly as the Eucharistic meal. As Paul explained, when we partake, we participate. We become one with each other in Christ, now committed to his mission and to each other in the most profound way. One must be accountable to what one is becoming, and so to what one is doing, when receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. Too often we forget that this commitment inevitably involves some sacrifice - participation in the body means "participation in the blood" as well. Pray about what is means to "drink from this cup."
Please continue to self-screen. Stay home if you are not feeling well and celebrate Mass with us via livestream. We are doing our best to continue to provide a safe space to worship for everyone. Click here to see current COVID safety measures.
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Dear Beloved in Christ,
We’ve been praying in the Prayers of the Faithful about the Partners of the Gospel. What is it? It’s an initiative from the Archbishop Paul, to partner parishes together in order to make better use of our resources: spiritual and monetary. Most of the parishes will be partnered with at least one other parish, and SJV is no exception.
Why? Mainly because of the trend in faith here and throughout the world. There is evidence of decline throughout the Archdiocese, with Mass attendance, Sacraments, and the priesthood. This is a pastoral effort to address the decline and prepare for the future of the Archdiocese. As the Archbishop once said: “We can’t just keep kicking the can down the road.” Something needs to be done.
As we move forward towards becoming a parish family, the goal is not only to inform the faithful about the upcoming changes, but also to gather feedback from the faithful so that your voice can be heard. The draft plan for partner families will be released in September. We plan to have small listening sessions in a synodal format, with the help of prayer and discernment. Please sign up for them when sign ups become available next month!
There is a Q&A that answers many questions about why and what. At this point in time, please know that we don’t have all the answers of how things will look in the next few years, but we would like to hear from you during the listening sessions about your thoughts, concerns, and hopes! Please keep SJV and our Archdiocese in your thoughts and prayers.
Together for Christ,
Fr. Vu
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ADOPT-A-GARDEN BED
July Bed of the Month
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The selection for the Bed of the Month for July is not exactly a bed, but it does qualify because it goes a very long way in beautifying our church here at SJV. For a long time, Connie & Cody Du Puis have been putting in a great deal of time and effort in arranging the flowers for the altar for weekend masses and for other special occasions. Many if not most of you who come to mass might not notice some of the beauty of the grounds here and the work done by many of our volunteers, but if you are at Saturday or Sunday mass, you cannot help but notice the beautiful bouquets on the altar. If you happen to see Connie or Cody at mass, usually on Saturday, thank them for their efforts. Connie & Cody, you are much appreciated!
Join the Adopt-a-Garden Bed program and pick out a spot on our property to beautify. This has become a very successful and rewarding program to everyone, especially from the pride you feel from working in our beautiful gardens to make them even better! Contact Tony if interested, 425-823-9036 or tzimrman@yahoo.com.
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Dinner with a Vu
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Tony & Dee Zimmerman won the raffle prize affectionally called "Dinner with a Vu" earlier this year at the Knights of Columbus Crab Feed. Dave & Shirley Kaltenbach were their guests as the dinner was for four.
They spent a fabulous evening at the SJV Restaurant d’Rectory, with Fr. Vu as the maître de (master of the house). The foursome had the best seat in the house and were attended to by Fr. Vu. Pre-dinner festivities started with Manhattan’s that were expertly crafted by Bartender Colin Radford, followed by oysters on the half shell prepared on an open fire by Chef Leoni Radford. The entrée was steak and lobster, complimented by asparagus with garlic, and a baked potato with all the fixings, prepared by Chef Greg Lum. Dessert was chocolate mousse and strawberries. Everyone enjoyed the company, comradery, and food. Thank you, Fr. Vu, for opening your house and kitchen to the Knights.
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The Funeral Mass for Paula Perkins, the sister of parishioners Melinda Lund and Connie Lambert, will be this Saturday, August 12 at 10:00am. In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust Paula.
If you are able to make a salad for the reception, please contact the parish office.
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Our names are Melanie and Chelsea, and we are 14 years old. We have built a Little Free Food Pantry here at St. John Vianney for our Girl Scout Silver Award Project.
The food pantry is located at the front gate of the church near the sidewalk. If you are able, please feel free to add food and people in our community who are in need can take items home to eat.
We decided to build the Little Free Food Pantry because a problem in our community was people not having enough food for themselves or their family. For our Silver Award project, we had to address a problem in our community, figure out a way to help resolve it and work on it for at least 50 hours each.
Thank you for your support in helping those in our community who are hungry. Also, we would like to thank Dunn Lumber for donating most of the supplies and to Mallory Paint Store for donating the paint.
Give what you can:
- Place unexpired, non-perishable, unopened food and hygiene items inside the pantry
- Donate foods you would like to receive
- If the pantry is full, please come back another day to add your items
Take what you need:
- If you find items inside and you need them, take them
- Please take only those items you need
- You determine your need
Example of items you could donate:
- Canned foods such as tuna, chicken, beans, fruit, vegetables etc.
- Baby food
- Peanut butter and Jelly
- Trail mix
- Cup of noodles
- Granola bars
- Boxed Mac and Cheese
- Diapers
- Feminine Hygiene
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Items not to donate:
- Leftovers
- Fresh fruit
- Items that need to be kept cool/refrigerated
- Expired food/soon to be expired food
Thank you for helping our community!
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Did you know that the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life (CCC 1324). What does that actually mean?
First, that our life of faith flows from the Eucharist, kind of like the way light streams forth from the sun. (Eucharist as Source)
Secondly, the Eucharist is the summit or the highest point in which all of our actions are to be directed.
The life of faith can be seen as a two-way street. The Eucharist is the starting point, giving us grace, blessings and strength, spiritual food for the journey. And we are brought back to the Eucharist after our sojourn in the world.
Did you know that the word Eucharist is from the Greek word Eucharistia, which means Thanksgiving. When you are at Mass, try to find a reason to give thanks to God. It doesn’t have to be something big; even something small such as I’m grateful for all the people in my life; I’m grateful for the yogurt and the trail mix for breakfast this morning. I’m grateful for the past week. I’m grateful that I was able to finish this project or that assignment. Even if you’re going through a difficult time, try to find a reason to give thanks!
Did you know that the Mass is like a Dress Rehearsal for heaven? The visible sign of grace from heaven helps us to prepare for heaven, because for all eternity we will sing God’s praises and glorify the Almighty with the angels and Saints. As brothers and sisters in Christ, who strive to live in peace, and value the gift of mercy. “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
From the very beginning, God was preparing humanity for the Mass (Abraham and Isaac on Mt. Moriah). (Christ instituted the Mass at the Last Supper. “Do this in memory of me.”). The Eucharist is heaven on earth; it is a foreshadowing of heaven. We are transported through space and time to be with the Lord at the cross, standing next to Mother Mary. The Holy Father once spoke about Shadow, Image and Reality. The Old Covenant as a shadow of the New Covenant (Image), and the heaven as the Reality.
Story:
A friend shared about her recent late Father, who used to help in the kitchen. One thing her dad liked to do was to peel walnuts, and he would place them in zip-lock bags and also share them with family and friends. After a few months of his passing, the friend reached into the freezer for some walnuts to make banana bread, and discovered that even though her father had gone, he left her nourishment for the journey. In this experience, she had a better understanding of the Eucharist
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THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Tuesday, August 15
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The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary commemorates her passing - body and soul - into the glory in Heaven, where she stands beside her Son. Though the dogma of the Assumption was only defined in 1950, it was already widely believed by the early Christians. Given her Immaculate Conception, the grave was no place for her body. Where she is now, we one day hope to be.
The Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses at St. John Vianney will be celebrated at 9:00am and 7:00pm.
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YOUTH LEADERSHIP DAYS
Wednesday, August 16 - Friday, August 18
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Email Maybeth or Susan if you are interested in helping plan for the coming school year.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMISSION
Wednesday, August 16 at 7:00pm via Zoom
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“To all people of good will who are working for social justice: never tire of working for a more just world.” – Pope Francis.
All are welcome to join us as we work for social justice. Please contact Susan, sweaver@sjvkirkland.org for the Zoom link to join us, or if you are interested in helping with our event on Saturday, August 26 following 5:00pm Mass, a community Plant-Based-BBQ and film screening of The Letter: A Message for Our Earth.
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Thursday, August 17 at 7:00pm
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Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to males 18 years of age or older who are practicing Catholics. Meetings are every third Thursday of the month at 7:00pm. For more information contact the Grand Knight: Brad Lund, bradelund@comcast.net.
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RUMMIKUB
Tuesday, August 22 at 7:00pm in the Social Hall
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We meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month for 3 or 4 games, then finish with the Left, Center, Right dice game. You do not need to know how to play. Both games are simple and quick to learn, and old timers will be happy to help you. Open to everyone! Hope to see you!
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"YOU ARE THE VINE, WE ARE THE BRANCHES"
GALA DINNER & AUCTION
Saturday, November 4 after the 4:00pm Mass
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We are looking forward to a fun night of good food and good friends – all while supporting the works of SJV.
Thank you to everyone who has donated the corks for decorations, we have plenty now. We are still in need of the wooden wine boxes.
Not sure you want to buy a ticket to the Gala? We are looking for volunteers at every level, so those interested in joining an auction committee can contact Ann V. at avandewark@sjvkirkland.org. If you need some guidance on where you would best fit, she can help you decide where you would most enjoy volunteering, and make sure you’re comfortable!
Don’t forget about our procurement challenge! We encourage participants to approach three businesses for donations, with support provided through prepared letters and strategies. If you didn’t receive your packet with the letter and helpful tips, pick one up at the welcome table. Thank you for everyone’s support at SJV!
We will be having a planning meeting on Wednesday, August 23 at 5:30pm - look for signage to figure out which room we are in. All are invited and welcome!
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This information was presented in past newsletters. |
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WOMEN'S BOOK GROUP
Tuesday, September 5 at 7:00pm in the Parish Office. Learn more
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Saturday, August 26 after the 5:00pm Mass. Learn more about Pope Francis' call to all of us to care for our creation. Contact Susan to help with the event, sweaver@sjvkirkland.org. Learn more
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CELEBRATION OF CULTURES PARISH PICNIC
Sunday, September 17 from 12:00-3:00pm on the South Lawn
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SJV VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
How can you best use your gifts?
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SUMMER BLOOD DRIVE
Monday, August 28 at the Holy Family Social Hall, Kirkland
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“Thank you so much for your blood donation. You’re helping my 9-year-old battle severe aplastic anemia and he requires weekly platelets and blood transfusions. I cannot thank you enough!”
Stay cool for an hour, relax with your feet up in an air-conditioned space, while saving a life. Blood donors are needed more than ever!
Please book an appointment using the button below, and on blood donation day, make sure you are well hydrated, have eaten a good meal, and that you check in with photo ID.
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