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Pastoral Council | I AM | VBS | ACA and First Communion
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From our Pastor
It is encouraging that in the first week after I sent out a call for Pastoral Council members I have received two applications from parishioners. We need a few more. Let me know if you are interested. We will be meeting the second Thursday of May at 7:00 in the Parish Hall.
Well moving is beginning to happen. Fr. Lewis has brought over a number of boxes of books for his office. He will be bringing some of his own furniture. Fr. Khanh will not be bringing anything over until June. We will be painting his room and doing some things in both suites in the rectory. The staff is looking forward to meeting with them and seeing what their vision is for the future. I ask you to keep everyone in your prayers. This is something new and it will impact everyone including staff and parishioners. May the Lord bless us all as we move forward into an unknown future.
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Welcome Father Dwight Lewis
Hi, I’m Fr Dwight Lewis. I was born and grew up in the idyllic Caribbean on the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. I am the last of three boys. My parents are gone now and so is my middle brother Timothy who died in the line of duty 4 years ago. I am very close now with my older brother, Sherman who lives back in Trinidad. I came to the US twentyfive years ago to New York where I thoroughly enjoyed the vibrancy of life of the city. I am a great chef, I was also an accountant and I am a priest. This is my third career and I am loving being a man committed to serving God.
I am a little older, hopefully wiser but for sure much more experienced because of the various ministries I have been involved in around the Archdiocese and I AM ON FIRE with the HOLY SPIRIT and LOVE OF GOD. Thank you for welcoming me into your lives and I hope my time here with you be grace-filled and that my ministry be a blessing to you all. See you all very soon. God Love You!
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Calendar of the week of April 29 - May 5
Monday, April 29th
Mass, Church 9:00 AM
Rosary, Church 9:30 AM
School Clubs, UP1 3:00 PM
CYO, Family Center 3:30 PM
OCIA, Parish Hall 7:00 PM
Tuesday, April 30th
Mass, Church 9:00 AM
Rosary, Church 9:30 AM
School Mass, Church 1:45 PM
School Clubs, Parish Hall & UP1 3:00 PM
CYO, Family Center 3:30 PM
Scouts, UP1,2 7:00 PM
Wednesday, May 1st
School Clubs, Parish Hall & UP2 2:15 PM
CYO, Family Center 3:30 PM
Choir, Church 6:00 PM
Adult Basketball , Family Center 7:00 PM
Thursday, May 2nd
Mass, Church 9:00 AM
Rosary, Church 9:30 AM
CYO, Family Center 3:30 PM
Music Theory, Parish Hall 5:30 PM
Art & Music Night, EDP 6:30 PM
Knights of Columbus, Parish Hall 7:00 PM
Friday, May 3rd
Mass, Church 9:00 AM
Rosary, Church 9:30 AM
Adoration, Church 10:00 AM
Girl Scouts, UP 1&2 3:00 PM
CYO, Family Center 3:30 PM
Saturday, May 4th
First Communion Rehearsal, UP1 3:00 PM
Confession, Church 4:00 PM
Mass, Church 5:00 PM– live streamed
Sunday, May 5th
Mass, Church 8:00 AM
Mass, Church 10:00 AM
Coffee and Donuts, UP 1 &2 11:00 AM
UPCOMING FUNERAL
Rose Sivak
Monday, April 29th @ 11:00 AM
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Father’s Ice cream and Dessert Social
Sunday- July 23rd - 11 AM to 1 PM ish. It will be a wonderful time, an open house, people coming and going throughout the event.
All are invited to participate in Father‘s retirement gathering on this day. It will be held in Unity 1, 2, and 3 with overflow seating in EDP.
We will enjoy a delicious ice cream and toppings buffet, catered by HUSKY DELI. Beverages to include coffee, tea, punch and water will be available for your enjoyment .
Desserts - If you are interested, you are invited and welcomed to bring one dessert or pastry per family. Please place your name on the bottom of your serving plate so that we can return them to you the weekend following the event.
I’m sure at the end of the event you will be taking home any leftover desserts. Please bring a container from home, if you wish, to take desserts home with you. We will not be keeping any leftovers following the event.
In lieu of gifts, Father Dick has asked us to keep him in our prayers. We will have baskets available for you to place your cards and well wishes.
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We appreciate the support of the fine members of the business community whose ads appear on the back of the printed bulletin and at the bottom of this emailed bulletin. With their generosity we are able to have a printed weekly bulletin at no cost to us from LPi. | |
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ARCHBISHOP ETIENNE’S MESSAGE:
Archbishop Etienne wrote “There is great work happening in all corners of our local Church because together we are the living body of Christ. My hope is that every person in our archdiocese feels welcomed, knows they can make a difference, and shares the joy of their Catholic faith.” His message speaks to the importance of the Annual Catholic Appeal, and the difference that your contribution can make in our local Catholic community. This weekend Terry Douglas spoke at Mass about the impact of the Annual Catholic Appeal to minister to those in need, build the Catholic faith within us, and directly support our parish mission services. Please take time to read the campaign materials and prayerfully consider how you and your family will participate. Use the envelope in the pew, visit our website www.stfoa.org to give today. Let us encourage each other to help make our ministries a success!
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SCHOOL NEWS
Rosemary Leifer | rleifer@stfoa.org
The end of the school year is less than two months away, but there is a lot going on between now and June 11th. Next Thursday, April 25th, from 6:30 PM - 8:00PM is Art and Music Night. You are welcome to join us to hear and see our artists and musicians in action.
On each April 27th and May 4th, a group of our second graders will receive their First Holy Communion at the 5:00 PM Mass. Please keep them in your prayers.
On Wednesday, May 8th, our fifth through eighth grade band students will join the band students from other local Catholic schools for the Band Festival at Kennedy Catholic High School. It's a fabulous event, and everyone is welcome.
Our 2024 Live Auction and Gala is Saturday, May 11th. Tickets are on sale now on our website. We would love to see you there.
Finally, we are currently enrolling students for the 2024-2025 school year and have openings in fourth and fifth grades. If you are interested in having your child attend our school, we would love to hear from you. Please go to our website to apply or for more information.
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St Francis of Assisi,
St. Vincent de Paul Conference
Helping Neighbors in Need.
Your help is needed in this ministry.
There are various ways to help out.
For more information, please contact Conference President: Pat Pomeroy at 206-280-6115
We collect after Masses the 1st weekend of the month with the exceptions of holiday weekends. Thank you for your continued support of this ministry through your prayers and financial donations.
https://svdpseattle.org/
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CATECHISM NOTES
Catherine Szeibert| cszeibert@stfoa-parish.org
Congratulations to all the second graders who received their First Holy Communion this weekend! We are overjoyed that you are now able to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, uniting yourself to Jesus and His Church. Jesus gives himself to us in the form of bread to strengthen us, be close to Him, and to enjoy Him! The Eucharist is a miraculous opportunity to interact with God and be one with Him.
What are the effects of receiving Eucharist? The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) lists many:
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-It cleanses and separates us from sin (CCC 1393-1395, 1436, 1846)
-It commits us to the poor (CCC 1397)
-It communicates the mystery of the communion of the Holy
Trinity (CCC 950)
-Establishes the community of believers (CCC 805, 1396, 2637)
-Gives us a foretaste of future life (CCC 1000, 1326, 1402, 1419)
-Helps us grow in Christian life (CCC 1392, 1397, 1644)
-Increases the grace received at Baptism (CCC 1392)
-It's a source of conversion and penance (CCC 1436)
-It is spiritual food (CCC 1212, 1275, 1436, 2837)
-Transforms us through Christ (CCC 1074)
-Unites us with Christ (CCC 790, 1003, 1391)
-Unites us with Christians (CCC 1398)
-Unites us with the heavenly liturgy (CCC 1370)
-We get to participate in Christ's sacrifice (CCC 1322)
These are amazing effects of the Eucharist! We are so happy that you are now more united to Jesus Christ and all faithful believers. It is truly a gift and so very fitting that the word "Eucharist" comes from the Greek word "eucharistia," which means "thanksgiving." Thank you God for giving us your Body and Blood! I pray that we not take your sacrifice for granted, but rather, help us receive you into our hearts worthily, faithfully and frequently.
Amen!
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Faith Formation
Cheryl Brooten | cbrooten@stfoa-parish.org
I AM
Only in the Gospel of John do we have Jesus repeatedly using the phrase, I AM. In English, the phrase ‘I am,’ is commonly used for self-declaration. I am a mother; I am a student; I am a Catholic; etc. The Gospels were written in Greek; however, Jesus most likely spoke Aramaic and Hebrew. We lose the power implied in the original language through the translation of Jesus’ words to English as ‘I am.’ In the original Hebrew, I AM is the name of God, the eternal preexistent one, and, in the book of John, Jesus is claiming that title for himself. When he says, “I am the true vine”, or “I am the good shepherd”, Jesus is, in effect, describing attributes of God and applying them to himself.
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There are seven of them in all:
I am the bread of life. 6:35, 48, 51.
I am the light of the world. 8:12; 9:5.
I am the door of the sheep. 10:7, 9.
I am the good shepherd. 10:11, 14.
I am the resurrection and the life. 11:25.
I am the way, the truth, and the life. 14:6.
I am the true vine. 15:1.
Through God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we are fed, can see, are sheltered, are led, are given an eternally abundant life, are directed to the truth and exist only in him. Each one of them is worthy of meditation, but the one for this Sunday’s gospel is “I am the true vine.”
Jesus offers us divine sustenance if we remain connected to him through our prayer and the Eucharist, and we follow his commandments. We will bear much fruit! Joy, peace, kindness, patience, courage, love and all the fruits of the Spirit will grow and develop within us when we remain in him. The fruit is the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our life, the witness to the world that Jesus lives, that Jesus is I AM.
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Liturgy - Upcoming Events
The Crowning of the Blessed Mother -Wednesday, May 1st at 9 AM morning Mass.
The crowning of the Blessed Mother is a historically rich traditional Roman Catholic ritual, which is held during the month of May. It is a joyful, and yet a lovely solemn procession.
Ms. Auxier and our St. Francis of Assisi choir of school children, will be sharing in music and song as parishioners process in with flowers from their gardens or homes. The Blessed Mother will be crowned and a blessing and sprinkling with Holy Water will be offered by Father Hayatsu. We will have additional flowers ready in the vestibule for people to process in with if you do not have any to bring from home. We will also have additional vases with water available for your use.
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Students are also encouraged to bring a stuffy if they would like to present to the Blessed Mother . Please make certain that your children’s names are on their stuffed animal, so they can be returned to them following the month of May. Everyone is welcome to attend; the more, the merrier. Parents, grandparents, friends and family. I’m so looking forward to seeing you there. | |
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It’s beautiful how during the month of May, the beauty of our; springtime flowers, fragrances in the air, are all such a beautiful, and reflective reminder of God . I have so much to be thankful for. It’s a blessing and a most special time of year to be present with God’s creations. Please join us for this procession, the crowning of our Blessed Mother and morning Mass. It promises to be a heartwarming and glorious way to start your day. There is nothing better than Jesus, Eucharist, flowers, fellowship and Mass. Of course, that’s just my personal opinion. | |
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Pentecost - May 18th and 19th
Our Liturgical Environment Designers - We will meet Friday, May 17th at 10 AM in the church to prepare for Pentecost.
What is Pentecost?
Pentecost is celebrated and recognized day in our church. It takes place on the 50th day after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary, Mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and the Apostles of Jesus. It was experienced, scripture reflects, in forceful winds, fire and the ability to speak in and interpret those speaking in unknown tongues. The word Pentecost, comes from a greek word “Pentekoste,” meaning 50th. This day is celebrated on the 7th Sunday after Easter. 50 days from Easter exactly.
If you are able, please wear something red or gold to church for the weekend of Pentecost. We will all be able to celebrate individually, as well as with our Parish family. It will be beautiful. A beautiful visual liturgical environment.
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The Printed Version of the Bulletin
Download and read our printed bulletin in PDF HERE. This one is what you will pickup after Mass when you come to church. It is a bit different than this emailed version which often has last minute updates.
These links go to the LPi St. Francis' page so you can see some of the ads and visit them and remark how nice they are for supporting our bulletins.
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STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE
Year to Date Report
July 1 through April 21, 2024
Sunday Goal: $815,775
Sunday Actual: $817,385 + $1,610
April Goal: $60,750
April Actual: $56,153 ($4,237)
Thank you for your continuous and generous support of St. Francis of Assisi Parish!
God bless you!
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Administration
2024 Annual Catholic Appeal: At the Sunday Masses, Terry Douglas will share her reflections of our support of the Catholic Annual Appeal. In her case, it’s personal. The Catholic Appeal supports a program for senior priests. Her brother, Gordon, is one of them.
The Church Roof Leak: is repaired. Ironically, now we want it to rain to make sure the repairs worked. The inside walls need to dry out before repairing them can start.
Annual Catholic Appeal Refund for Parish Project: For years now, if a light burns out in the light fixture in the church dome, we cannot replace it. The light fixture cable will not move. The levers in the church dome move back and forth on a windy day. The pads are gone. When it is windy, the levers clang, metal hitting metal. The repair project glues new pads on them.
Furnace Update: Starting in early May, the installing of the new furnace begins. This project means we cannot turn on any heat in the church or in Unity Place. More details forthcoming.
The Safety and Facilities Committee meets on May 7 at 6:30pm (Zoom).
The Finance Council meets on May 14 at 7:00PM (Zoom). The council will review two or three options for the new 2024-2025 Parish Operating Budget.
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Making Sunday Giving Easier: For fast access use the QR code. Point your smartphone camera to the QR code and say yes or OK.
https://www.stfoa.org/giving
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Life, Justice, and Peace
Maria Balsiger | stfoa.ljp@gmail.com
Helping to Reduce Plastic Waste this Earth Day, April 22
Earth Day is celebrated in the U.S. on April 22 every year. While it is not a federally recognized holiday, many celebrate the day through environmental education, awareness and action. The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, when over 20 million Americans participated in various efforts to bring awareness to environmental causes, such as fighting pollution, oil spills and pesticides.
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Earth Day 2024 focuses on eliminating plastic usage "for the sake of human and planetary health." There is a goal to decrease plastic production by 60% by 2040 through shopping sustainably voting, participating in cleanups and practicing climate literacy.
Facts About Plastic Waste
· Every year, 500 billion plastic bottles are produced globally
· There is more than 150 million tons of plastic waste in the ocean
· By 2050, ocean plastics will likely overtake the amount of fish
· In 2020, we generated more than 500 million tons of plastic waste, 900% more than in 1980
· Single-use plastics have an average useful life of 12- 15 minutes and can take up to 500 years to disintegrate
· Plastics have become a huge part of our daily lives. While it’s undeniable that plastics are convenient, efficient and makes all our lives a little easier, it has led to a severe global plastic pollution that the world has no concrete solution for. Its omnipresence may make it difficult for us to give it up; it requires not only a change in habits, but also a change of mindset. But there are things that we can do in our personal capacity to curb the rise of the plastic tsunami. Here are some ways that you can reduce your plastic waste.
How to Reduce Plastic Waste
Avoid single-use plastics – plastic straws, plates and cutlery make our lives easier, but they have a serious impact on the planet. Instead, use metal and bamboo alternatives, or biodegradable plastics if possible, or washable dishes and cutlery.
Buy in bulk – disposable containers are ubiquitous (polystyrene trays, bottles, plastic containers, etc) but more and more stores are offering the possibility to buy foods like cereals and rice in bulk.
Rethink your food storage – instead of using plastic baggies, try opting for using reusable bags or containers.. Instead of using plastic zipper bags or wrapping things in Saran wrap, use jars or glass containers.
Take a cloth bag when you go shopping
Shop at a local farmers market – farmers markets are a great way to buy fresh, local produce without plastic, as long as you remember to bring your own bags.
Replace plastic Tupperware for glass or steel containers
If you do happen to use any plastics, put your plastic waste in the correct recycling container and in accordance to your local recycling services
Avoid using cosmetics that use microplastics
Buy less clothing, and wash them only when necessary- a single wash can cause 700 000 bits of microplastics to be released into the environment Buy “natural” fabrics like cotton, hemp and linen. Processing these materials is far less water – intensive than synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon and they will last longer
Use a refillable water bottle
DIY your cleaning products- use a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water as an all-purpose spray cleaner, storing it in a reused spray bottle.
Try natural beeswax coated cloth wraps instead of plastic cling film
Buy necessary plastic items used instead of new
Compost food waste to avoid plastic garbage bags
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Life, Justice and Peace meetings:
We meet the 4th or last Monday of the month 7 pm via Zoom.
Email us your thoughts and comments at stfoa.ljp@gmail.com
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Technology Outreach
Rick Fleehart | rfleehart@stfoa-parish.org
ACA and First Communion
Note: This article was written about a week before the following events occurred, but it will be published a day before the events happen. Thank you bulletin deadlines.
We had a bit of a dilemma. First Communion is Saturday, April 27 at 5pm so Terry didn't want to give her testimony for Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) that night; although it would be a full, captive audience. We live stream that 5pm Vigil Mass but an ACA talk just didn't fit with the First Communion kids and parents packed in the church. So, we thought of a plan B, Terry will talk the following Sunday, April 28 at the 8am and 10am Masses. I will record her talk at one of those Masses, then I will add a special Archdiocese video to her video. Interestingly, Terry is in this Archdiocese video talking with her brother. You need to watch the new video that should be published Sunday before noon on our regular Facebook and YouTube channels. Unless something happens that has never happened before. And that usually never happens. I will be assembling this new video in DaVinci Resolve or iMovie (depending on how well I learn Resolve). Watch for it Sunday afternoon.
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The second First Communion is on May 4. It will also be live streamed as it is super-important and during the Saturday Vigil Mass. I have no predictions on that event other than marveling at the suits and dresses that will be on display. Be sure to be there at both Saturday night Masses if you can. Our camera system cannot transmit the excitement and hustle and bustle of the children and adults. The good news is that Grandparents and anyone not at the Saturday night vigil Masses can watch it live or later, either on YouTube or Facebook. Let's rack-up the views on both those platforms.
If you are unsure how to find our videos, go to YouTube or Facebook and search for 'st francis burien'. We may be the third or fourth listing so look carefully. The search engine sees 'St Francis' as more important than 'Burien', so it places plain St Francis things above ours. Sometimes search engines don't quite give us with what we are expecting. You can also go to our web site www.stfoa.org and the links are there too. Within an hour of a live streamed Mass, it will appear on the home page.
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@StFrancisofAssisiBurien/live
Facebook: www.facebook.com/STFOAPARISHBURIEN/
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DID YOU KNOW?
St. Francis of Assisi Parish is a Formed Subscriber, which means all parishioners can stream the videos and programming available for free! Follow the instructions below and use our ZIP code, 98062, to find our parish. Sign up and start watching great Catholic videos and programs for adults and kids.
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PRAYER WORKS
In times of joy and sorrow we find ourselves reaching out to God. Sometimes we feel the need of a little extra prayer support. Our Prayer Ministry is designed to give anyone who desires the opportunity for others to pray for their needs. The process is simple. Use the request button below to submit your prayer request. Your intention will remain within the privacy and confidentiality of the prayer team ministers unless you request otherwise.
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Please support our Little Free Pantry
The Little Food Pantry is located on the west side of the church near the sidewalk. This little pantry has been such a blessing for so many, as we have noticed it being utilized more and more. If you feel so inclined to donate a few items to support our local community in their need, please consider items that don't require cooking such as pop top meals in a can, tuna fish, peanut butter, protein shakes, granola bars, fruit in a pop top can, etc.
Feel free to add the items yourself or drop them off in the parish office. Thank you so much for showing your support and generosity to our neighbors.
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