Newsletter | November 28, 2023

GIVING TUESDAY

Click seattle.igivecatholic.org, then "Give Back," search for the parish or school you want to support, and click "DONATE." You can also donate to multiple organizations, shopping-cart style! 

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Saturday at 5:00pm

Sunday at 9:00am

Sunday at 11:00am

READINGS FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

PRACTICE OF FAITH

As we begin a new liturgical year, we remember that God, our Father, has enriched us with his Spirit. At times, however, we ignore what God has done for us and wander off on our own path. As you look back at the past year, how have you failed to keep alert and walk in God's ways?

• Find a time this Advent season to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation and to acknowledge your need for God's mercy and guidance.
• Reflect on the spiritual gifts you have received from God. Give thanks for these gifts. What can you do to strengthen these gifts or to cultivate new ones?
• Today's psalm includes the refrain, "Lord, let us see your face and we shall be saved." Celebrate God's faithfulness by saying this prayer throughout the day, especially while lighting the candle of your Advent wreath.

As the passages for this Sunday depict the people's longing to see God's restoration or salvation. We read of difficult experiences, and we read of affirmations of God's faithfulness even though God seems hidden and circumstances see dire.

We are doing our best to continue to provide a safe space to worship for everyone. Click here to see current COVID safety measures.

Live Stream Mass

STEWARDSHIP

As we approach the start of Advent season, reflect on God’s abundant blessings over the past year and prayerfully consider the question, “What can I return to the Lord for all He has given me?” Understanding this, embracing the joy of stewardship, is what creates in us a ‘need’ to give. Currently, we have heard from 101 households, that represent 11.5% of our active parish families, who have returned a pledge card. We invite you to make your pledge to our parish to support the many ministries and services offered by SJV. Out of gratitude for all God’s gifts, thank you for joining in supporting this year’s stewardship commitment.

Make your pledge online using the button below.

If you have already sent in your response and this letter has crossed in the mail, please accept our sincerest thanks and appreciation for participating this year!

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

PREPARE THE WAY

First Sunday of Advent

Saturday, December 2 at 5:00pm

Sunday, December 3 at 9:00am and 11:00am

Reconciliation Service

Wednesday, December 6 at 7:00pm

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Holy Day of Obligation)

Friday, December 8 at 9:00am and 7:00pm

Second Sunday of Advent

Saturday, December 9 at 5:00pm

Sunday, December 10 at 9:00am and 11:00am

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Tuesday, December 12

Procession at 4:00pm

Rosary at 4:30pm

Mass at 5:00pm followed by Reception

Third Sunday of Advent

Saturday, December 16 at 5:00pm - Simbang Gabi Mass followed by Reception

Sunday, December 17 at 9:00am and 11:00am

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Saturday, December 23 at 5:00pm

Sunday, December 24 at 10:00am

The Nativity of the Lord - Christmas

Sunday, December 24 at 4:00pm (with Pageant) and 9:00pm

Sunday, December 25 at 10:00am

The church will be closed December 26-29

Feast of the Hoy Family of Jesus

Saturday, December 30 at 5:00pm

Sunday, December 31 at 9:00am and 11:00am

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

Monday, January 1 at 9:00am

The Epiphany of the Lord

Saturday, January 6 at 5:00pm

Sunday, January 7 at 9:00am and 11:00am

CHRIST THE KING CELEBRATION

Thank you to those who joined Jesus in the procession of Christ the King. Thank you also to those who brought food to share. We thank God for good weather, and for keeping us safe on some icy pathways. God is so good to us all the time. There are so many things that we have to be thankful to Christ the King, our Lord, Jesus. VIVA CRISTO REY!

REST IN PEACE

The Funeral Mass for Raul Ventura will be on Friday, December 8 at 11:00am. Grant him eternal rest.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHRISTMAS BASKETS

THE FOOD DRIVE IS UNDERWAY

The SJV St. Vincent de Paul society will be assembling and distributing food baskets again this year for families in great need. Last year we helped 77 families, distributing over 245 boxes of food! Of course, we would not be able to do this without your help. Over the next several months, we will be collecting non-perishable food items. When you do your own shopping, please consider purchasing some of the items on the food drive schedule for our pantry. Checks (payable to SJV St. Vincent de Paul) or cash donations are always welcome and may be dropped off in the parish office. Thank you for making stewardship a way of life.

Dec 2-3: Cooking Oil, Jam/Jelly, Canned Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Pasta, Mac & Cheese, Top Ramen, Canned Fruit Juice, Coffee (Instant & Bean), Tea Bags, 5 LB Flour, 4LB Sugar, Salt, Pancake Mix, Syrup

Dec 9-10: Cooking Oil, Canned Fruit, Pancake Mix, Syrup, Jam/Jelly, Canned Vegetables, Spaghetti Sauces, Pasta, Cake Mix, Frosting, Brownie Mix, Stove Top Stuffing Mix, 5 LB Flour, 4 LB Sugar, Canned Stew

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS NEEDED

Now that we are receiving the Precious Blood again, we are in need of more Eucharistic Ministers, especially during the Advent & Christmas seasons when we have more Masses. If you feel called to serve in this special way while you are at Mass, please contact the parish office for a training. We would also like to invite former Eucharistic Ministers to consider serving again.

Eucharistic Ministers have the privilege of administering Holy Communion, the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, to our brothers and sisters in the congregation. Through this humble service, God unites you to your fellow members of the Body of Christ and actually forms all of us in the body.

SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (HOLY DAY)

Friday, December 8

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is on Friday, December 8, which is a Holy Day of Obligation. Join us for Mass at 9:00am or 7:00pm.

OLIVE WOOD FROM BETHLEHEM

December 9-10

Olive wood carvings will be available for purchase after all the Masses December 9-10. The proceeds support Christian Catholic families in the Holy Land. This is a major source of income for them. More than 75 families in Bethlehem hand carved these beautiful and unique items (Nativities, Crucifixes, Rosaries, Statues). The Christian population in Bethlehem has dropped from 22% to less than 2% in the past two decades. And this is a way to support them to stay there. Thank you in advance for your support. 

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

Sunday, December 24 during the 4:00pm Mass

Kids! Please sign up for the parish Christmas Pageant! Rehearsal will be Saturday, December 23 at 10:00am and dress rehearsal at 3:00pm, right before the 4:00pm Christmas Eve Mass. You can email Laura to sign up or you can sign up at the CKCC check in table or parish Welcome Table. Kids 4 years old and up are invited to participate! 

YEAR END GIVING

SJV will be closed December 26-29. All monetary donations for 2023 need to be in the parish office or postmarked by December 31 in order to be applied to this calendar year.

DID YOU KNOW???

PRAYING THE PROCESION OF GIFTS

Pictured Above: The Magi present their gifts in a 4th-century sarcophagus inscription, now in the Vatican Museums.

During this part of the Mass which comes between the two great movements of the liturgy, the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, it can sometimes feel like we are just waiting for "the exciting part" to begin. But this is a special time of prayer and preparation, with a meaning and purpose all its own. Like the Magi of old, we journey into the presence of Christ, bearing such gifts as we have to offer.

A Quiet Prayer at the Preparation of the Altar



Lord Jesus,

as the altar is prepared,

prepare me to celebrate this Eucharist

with an attentive mind and a receptive heart.

Draw me closer to you

and to my brothers and sisters

in this shared prayer.

As the collection is brought to the altar,

open my eyes to the needs around me

and show me how to share my substance with others.

As the bread is brought forward,

receive all I have accomplished this week

as my offering to you.

As the wine is poured out,

receive the failure, pain, and suffering of my life

and transform them.

As the water and wine are mingled,

make me more like you,

so that the Holy Spirit may have room to act in me.

As the priest washes his hands,

I ask you to bless him and all priests.

Make them worthy servants of your mysteries,

and faithful ministers to your holy people. Amen.

May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands,

for the praise and glory of his name, for our good

and for the good of all his holy Church.

RUMMIKUB

Tonight - Tuesday, November 28 at 7:00pm in the Social Hall

We meet every fourth Tuesday of the month. We play three or four games (very flexible) and then finish with the Left Right Center 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 learn. Open to everyone! Hope to see you!

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

This Friday, December 1 after 9:00am Adoration & Mass

Anointing of the sick is available every first Friday of the month. Anointing of the Sick imparts consolation, peace, and strength and unites the sick person, in her/his precarious situation and her/his sufferings, with Christ in a profound way. Anyone is welcome to receive this healing sacrament. We hope you can experience this sacrament with us.

CANDLELIGHT ROSARY PROCESSION

This Friday, December 1 at 7:00pm

Pray with us during our candlelight Rosary procession, every first Friday of the month at 7:00pm in honor of Our Lady.

YOUNG ADULTS FAITH & BREW

This Friday, December 1 after the 7:00pm Candlelight Rosary Procession

We'll join the Candlelight Rosary Procession, then eat, drink, and watch an inspirational movie. Please email Maybeth to RSVP so there is enough food.

BRIDGE MINISTRY CHRISTMAS DINNER

This Saturday, December 2 from 12:00-2:00pm

The annual Bridge Ministry Christmas Party is returning to SJV. This wonderful event reminds us of the dignity of every human person. We would love your help with prepping, serving, and cleaning up. Please contact Susan for more information or to volunteer. 

"WARMTH IN LOVE" BUSKING

This Sunday, December 3 at 3:00pm

Take a break from the everyday hassles of life and come to the SJV busking. What is busking? Entertainment in a public place. In this case, SJV! Singers and musicians will share their talents with us, so save the date and enjoy this memorable event as a gift to you. 

CALLING ARTISTS OF ALL AGES

Entries Due Monday, December 4 by 8:00pm

Artists of all ages! Help us create a beautiful artwork for our Parish Christmas Card! You may use any media you like, including photography, painting, collage, sketching, etc. Only one original artwork creation per person. Judges will be Fr. Vu and the Parish Staff. 

The artwork should reflect the beauty reflected in the verse:

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” – Matthew 1:23

Artwork should be no larger than an 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper. All entries must be received in the parish office by 8:00pm on Monday, December 4. Contact Laura Stanger with questions at lstanger@sjvkirkland.org or 425-823-0787.

Winning Entries will receive a small gift card prize and their artwork will be used to create the Parish Christmas Card that we will send to all the members of our parish!  

ADVENT RECONCILIATION SERVICE

Wednesday, December 6 at 7:00pm

Make time for Reconciliation this Advent. After the Reconciliation Service multiple priests will be available for Confession.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also available every Saturday from 3:30-4:30pm.

LUNCH MAKING FOR THE HOMELESS

Thursday, December 7 at 10:00am

Join us in the social hall following 9:00am Adoration & Mass every first Thursday of the month. We will be preparing 100 sack lunches for the Cold Weather Homeless Shelter in Snohomish County. Special thanks to Mike McAuliff who provides the food items to prepare the lunches.  

MOMS MEETUP CHRISTMAS BRUNCH

Saturday, December 9 at 10:30am - Beardslee Public House, Bothell

Calling all moms, especially moms with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school-aged children! We’re a community built upon our shared Catholic values, our love for our children, and our knowledge and support of our shared experiences that meets once a month.

If you’d like to come to our Christmas Brunch, please join the SJV Moms Meetup Facebook Group to RSVP so you can be added to the reservation.

CKCC BLESSING BAGS

will be stuffed December 10 and 11

Catholic Kids’ Catechism Club members will be stuffing blessing bags for the homeless again this year. If you would like to donate personal care items, please place them in the boxes next to the welcome table. 

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHRISTMAS TREE FOR FAMILIES IN NEED

Gift cards should be turned in to the SJV office by December 1

Please help our local families in need this Christmas with gift cards from any of the following stores: Amazon, Fred Meyer, Target, Safeway, and QFC. $25 or $50 denominations requested; please write the amount clearly on the card. Thank you for your support.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CELEBRATION

Tuesday, December 12

We want to honor and give our respects to our lovely mother, and celebrate her on this special day. Please join us for:

• Our Lady of Guadalupe Procession at 4:00pm
• Bilingual Rosary (English and Spanish) at 4:30pm
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass celebrated by Fr. Vu at 5:00pm

After Mass there will be a potluck reception. If you would like to participate and bring something to share it would be a blessing.

REMINDERS

HIGH SCHOOL ESPERANZA MISSION TREK CHRISTMAS TREE LOT IS OPEN

Find your Christmas tree and wreath. All proceeds support their trek to Tijuana.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER OFFERING

Offerings of Christmas flowers to honor/memorialize a loved one can be made using the envelope in your monthly pack or by sending a check to the office marked “Christmas Flower Offering,” including the names of those you’d like to honor/memorialize. 

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS

Classes have begun. Contact the parish office if you are Interested in receiving the Sacraments of Initiation this Easter. Learn more

CATHOLIC KIDS' CATECHISM CLUB

New members and volunteers are welcome any time. Learn more

YOUTH GROUP

Join us for Issues Night this Sunday from 5:00-6:30pm. Middle School and High School youth are always invited. Learn more

SJV VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

How can you best use your gifts?

Learn more

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY 2023-24 SPEAKER SERIES: GRIEF

Wednesday, January 10 from 7:00-8:30pm - Isaac Orr Conference Room or Livestream on Zoom

Announcing the first in the series for 2024. Speaker Jenny Lisk will discuss "Grief Allies: A Practical Guide for Friends, Family, Colleagues and Neighbors of Grieving People." Learn more