Newsletter | March 26, 2024

TRIDUUM & EASTER SUNDAY

Stations of the Cross

Good Friday at 3:00pm (No Soup Supper)

Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper *

Thursday, March 28 at 7:00pm

(No Morning Adoration & Mass)

Good Friday Mass of the Presanctified *

Friday, March 29 at 7:00pm

(No Morning Adoration & Mass)

Eastern European Easter Basket Blessing

Saturday, March 30 at 12:00pm

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Mass *

Saturday, March 30 at 8:00pm

(No 3:30pm Reconciliation and No 5:00pm Mass)

Easter Sunday Masses

Sunday, March 31 at 9:00am & 11:00am

Easter Egg Hunt following both Masses

PRACTICE OF HOPE

Imagine that you have come to Jesus' tomb and found it empty. Describe your surroundings. Is anyone with you? What have you experienced the past few days? How have you felt? Spend some time gazing into the tomb. What do you think and feel now? Offer a prayer beside the tomb.

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

* Livestream will be available.

LENT IS COMING TO AN END

EASTER FLOWER OFFERING

If you would like to make an offering of Easter flowers to honor, or in memory of a loved one, please bring in the Easter Flower Envelope from your monthly envelope pack or send a check to the office marked “Easter Flower Offering” and include the names of those you’d like to honor/memorialize by today - Tuesday, March 26.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Friday, March 29 at 3:00pm

Please join us for the last Stations of the Cross this year to commemorate Jesus’ journey to Calvary. This will be followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet. There will be NO Soup Supper

You are also welcome to pray the Stations of the Cross on your own, either in the church during open hours or using our outdoor stations on the front lawn during daylight hours. Stations of the Cross Worship Aids are available here.

Thanks to Catholic Kids' Catechism Club for hosting a lovely Shadow Stations last Friday! 

And thank you to everyone who shared food and fellowship with us during this Lenten Season. Your monetary donations to CRS Rice Bowl support programs that prevent hunger and poverty around the world, like SJV Preschool’s future garden that will grow produce to donate to local food banks.

LENTEN ALMS THROUGH CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES RICE BOWL

As our CRS Rice Bowl journey comes to an end, may the Eucharist continue to transform our lives and help us respond to God’s call to serve our global family. Let us commit to sharing the joy of the Resurrection with people in our local community and around the world.

Remember to turn in your CRS Rice Bowl monies before Easter. No need to return the bowl or the cash, just count your "sacrifices" and write a check for the amount to SJV and we will forward all the donations to CRS Rice Bowl OR donate the amount online using the button below.

Thank you for your Lenten Sacrifices - 25% of Rice Bowl donations stay in Western Washington to assist the poor in our neighborhood. As an example of what they do, SJV preschool recently received a grant from CRS – Rice Bowl to start a vegetable garden in the former test garden in order to grow produce for the poor. The preschool is working with food resource agencies to make sure they are growing the best choices of vegetables for them to provide. It is all a circle of giving – thank you!

WE WILL BE WELCOMING NEW CATHOLICS

We are welcoming eight new members into the Church at our Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Mass, which starts at 8:00pm with our Easter Fire. Please consider joining us for the Easter Vigil to congratulate our neophytes and/or making notes or cards for any one of or all of them to welcome them into our Parish Family and show your prayerful support for them. Cards can be dropped off in the basket on the front counter of the parish office before Easter Vigil. 

Keion

I am in 5th grade, and I am 11 years old. I like to play sports - football, baseball, and basketball - and video games. 

I am looking forward to becoming Catholic so I can go to Heaven! 

Anika

I am 8 years old and in 3rd Grade. I like reading, art, talking to my cousin, playing on my tablet, playing softball, and cheerleading.

I am looking forward to becoming Catholic to receive the many gifts it has to offer. 

Claire

I am 9 years old and in 4th Grade. I really like being creative and am looking forward to getting Baptized and being able to Receive the Body of Christ. 

Alex

I am in 5th Grade, and I am 11 years old. I like to play video games, to post to YouTube videos, and watch YouTube videos like Father Vu.

I am looking forward to being Baptized and receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus. 

Tyler

I'm excited to join your community! I'm a mechanical engineer from Oregon State University, working with companies like Boeing, General Electric, and Blue Origin at locations all over the country. I was inspired to go through the confirmation process and become baptized from my fiancé, Kerry. She's been an incredible source of inspiration and support in discovering more about myself and my faith. I look forward to seeing you at SJV!

Sam

I am from Bellevue, Washington. I am currently a sophomore at Washington State University, studying accounting and management information systems. I love working with people, traveling, and servant leadership.

I wanted to join the Catholic Community because I have been exploring religion since middle school. I have had a very personal relationship with God, and I have always wanted to add some more structure to my faith. My brother is also joining the Catholic Community, so I was very excited to do something together, as we don’t see each other much anymore because I am at school!

Melanie

Over the past few years, I’ve come to realize that the Catholic faith is my spiritual home. I’m very grateful for the community here at SJV and look forward to receiving the sacraments and participating more fully in the life of the church.

Marilyn

My husband, Tony and I have been married for 39 years. I was baptized in another Christian Faith tradition and have decided to join Tony in the Catholic Faith. 

As I journey through life, I realize I have been greatly blessed, therefore, I want to give my thanks back to God. 

ALL PARISH LENTENT RETREAT

Thank you for attending the Lenten Retreat! It was a blessing and a gift to learn more about each other and to learn about the Veil of Manoppello! Thank you to Fr. Vu for your presentation and joy filled references and reminders that if we focus on the face of Jesus all will be well. 

THANK YOU

Thank you to all those who dropped by the church last Friday morning to prepare the palms for the weekend Masses. God bless you! We sincerely appreciate all the ways you support SJV!

SPRING GROUNDS CLEANUP

A big THANK YOU to all of you who put up with a chilly and wet morning on Saturday, March 23 to assist with the annual SJV yard clean up. Weeds were pulled, shrubs trimmed, beds raked, and ten yards of mulch were spread over the grounds to make our beautiful landscape look wonderful for Easter and the remainder of the spring and into the summer. It could not have been done without you. You are all much appreciated and a BIG THANK YOU from Tony Z and the rest of the parishioners of SJV. The weather forecast looks good for Easter Sunday, so when you are here for mass, please take some time and walk around the grounds to see and appreciate what we have here at our wonderful parish.

CATHOLIC KIDS' CATECHISM CLUB MICROLOAN BUSINESSES

Special thanks to this generous parish who supports our Children and youth with your donations. Empowering our kids to make a difference in the world is one of our Parish's Superpowers! Kids learned through your generosity, that microloans work in developing countries to help people get a start on a new life with just a bit of help and support. This year so far, our kids raised $1180.60 for Operation Rice Bowl and we're still counting! Our kids then grow up into our middle and high school programs where you continue to support them not only to raise money but to build houses and distribute food to those in need. Thank you over and over again! We may be a smaller community, but we are generous, and we are mighty!

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

SCHEDULE CHANGES

There will be NO 9:00am Adoration & Mass this Thursday, March 28. Please join us for Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper at 7:00pm that day.

There will be NO 9:00am Adoration & Mass this Friday, March 29. Please join us for Good Friday Mass of the Presanctified at 7:00pm that day.

There will be NO 3:30pm Reconciliation and NO 5:00pm Mass this Saturday, March 30. Please join us for Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Mass at 8:00pm that day.

The church will be closed on Monday, April 1, to give the SJV Parish Team a much-needed break after a full Holy Week & Easter.

Fr. Vu will be away April 2-5. There will be no Adoration & Mass while he is away. Please join us for Word & Communion Services at 9:00am in the chapel those days to receive Jesus. 

There will be NO Anointing of the Sick and NO Candlelight Rosary Procession on Friday, April 5. We hope you will join us for both on Friday, May 3.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

Sunday, April 7

We will celebrate with a procession around the grounds between the Masses starting at 10:15am, then a potluck reception after the 11:00am Mass in the Social Hall. Please bring a dish to share as we celebrate the love that God has for mankind, despite our sins.

PARISH WIDE LISTENING SESSIONS

April 13 and 14 after all Masses

Your participation helps determine what our parish partnership will look like. Be involved and support SJV and its ministries!

We will be using the Synodal Listening method and will ponder the following:

1. Share your top thought about the new Pastor and Parochial Vicar selections? What are your hopes and fears about this?
2. What one thing do you want the new Pastor to know about SJV?

NEXT TWO WEEKS

RUMMIKUB

Tonight - Tuesday, March 26 at 7:00pm

We meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm in the Social Hall for 3 or 4 games, 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. Open to everyone!

CALLING ALL PARTYERS!!

This Wednesday, March 27 at 5:30pm in the Social Hall

Come plan the next Gala and Auction. We take young or not, experienced party planners or not, enthusiastic or not. Come enjoy some community, and help plan for a fun event. Coming to these planning sessions doesn’t mean that you are volunteering for anything.

At this meeting look forward to discussing food and strategies. Everyone is welcome! Light refreshments are always served. We hope to see you there!

EASTERN EUROPEAN EASTER BASKET BLESSING

Holy Saturday, March 30 at 12:00pm

In many Eastern European countries, it is a tradition to have a basket of food blessed for Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday meals. It is a practice dating back to the 15th century, and one which is still maintained by most families in/from Eastern Europe.

All families are invited to bring Easter baskets to church on Holy Saturday at Noon for a blessing. The baskets can contain food and drink that will be enjoyed at your Easter meal.

ADULT MISSION TREK

Sign-up by Monday, April 1

All adults are welcome to join us, May 18-25, 2024, as we journey to Tijuana to build houses in community with our brothers and sisters across the border. Sign-up by April 1. Please contact Susan for more information.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, April 2 at 7:00pm in Room 8

Open to all who are struggling with the loss of a loved one. Please join us the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm. Please contact Dana for more information. 

WOMEN'S BOOK GROUP

Tuesday, April 2 at 7:00pm in the Parish Office

We meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm. All women of the parish are invited. There is always wine, chocolate, and great conversation. The book for the month of April is The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. The book for the Month of May is The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan, and for June it is The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. Hope you can join us! 

LUNCH MAKING FOR THE HOMELESS

Thursday, April 4 at 10:00am

We will begin making 100 lunches this month, for the Volunteers of America Homeless Shelter in Snohomish County and for God’s Little Acre in Seattle. Homemade cookies are always welcome! We like to give 2 cookies for each lunch! Join us the first Thursday of every month following the Morning Mass to help prepare the lunches.

Special Thanks to Mike McAuliff for supplying the food for the lunches and getting things prepared so that folks can put things all together. Thanks too for the support of our delivery drivers, Hank Fraczek and Jeff Dahlin.   

SENIOR DINNER

Saturday, April 13 at 6:00pm

If you are 55 or older, we would like to invite you to join us! We meet on the second Saturday of each month following the 5:00pm Vigil Mass for dinner, and the Left, Right, Center dice game, so bring four quarters! Price is $10/person (cash only please). Sign up by Tuesday, April 9 by contacting the parish office. Hope to see you!

SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 10 at 7:00pm via Zoom

“To all people of good will who are working for social justice: never tire of working for a more just world.” – Pope Francis.

To learn more about the work of this committee, please visit sjvkirkland.org/outreach/#social-justice. All are welcome to join us at our next meeting. Please contact Susan for the link.

REMINDERS

FLOWER COMMITTEE

We are looking for people with an interest or background in floral design for a committee whose members would rotate on a schedule to create arrangements for the sanctuary. Email sec@sjvkirkland.org if interested.

LAST CHANCE TO BOWL WITH FR. VU!

Join the Bowling Tournament on Saturday, April 13, 11:00am at Kenmore Lanes. $50 tournament fee includes pizza and a drink. Altar servers are free as a thank you for their service. Learn more and sign up

HS MISSION TREK FUNDRAISER

The SJV Knights of Columbus & High School Esperanza Mission Trekkers are hosting an afternoon of live music and light refreshments on Sunday, April 14 at 3:00pm. Donations support the HS Trek to Tijuana this June.

STYROFOAM RECYCLING FOR EARTH DAY

Save your Styrofoam for recycling at SJV on Sunday, April 28 from 10:00am - 2:00pm. All material must be clean, dry, free from any tape or labels, and have the #6 or EPS inside the recycle symbol. Contact Susan for more information. 

DEL & DARLEENE BROWN COMMEMORATIVE GOLF TOURNAMENT

Friday, May 31 at Legion Memorial Golf Course in Everett. Get your “foresome” together! Sign up

CATHOLIC KIDS' CATECHISM CLUB

Our next meeting will be April 14/15. Enjoy your Easter and Spring Break! New members and volunteers are welcome to CKCC any time. Learn more

YOUTH GROUP

Join us Sunday, April 14 from 5:00-6:30pm for Issues night: Hobson's Choice. Have a wonderful Easter and Spring Break! New youth are always welcome! Learn more

SJV VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

How can you best use your gifts?

Learn more

SEASONS OF POSSIBILITY: A CONTEMPLATIVE NATURE ENCOUNTER

Saturday, April 27 from 2:00-5:00pm at Bellevue Botanical Garden

Spring is a time for cultivating, inside and out. Engaging with nature gives us the energy and inspiration to heal holistically and live with purpose and meaning.

Join facilitators Peach Jack and Maria Ochoa Vazquez for an afternoon together as we explore the seasons of possibility that exist within you. We will enjoy a contemplative stroll through the Bellevue Botanical Gardens and take time to ponder on these ideas through reflection, art-making, and community conversation. Peach will guide us using her experience as a horticultural therapist, garden designer, and grief recovery specialist. She will be accompanied by Maria, who is an Ignatian spiritual director, gardener, and artist. Together they will facilitate a day filled with encounters, curiosity, and creativity!

​HOPE ON THE HORIZON

August 6-12

A young adult multi-week homeless outreach and leadership program.

Learn more and apply