CHALLENGING TIMES: ST VINCENT DE PAUL THANKS YOU Whether stricken with the virus or a workplace put in quarantine, many of our neighbors continue to be affected by COVID. For the first nine months of 2021, help has been given to 555 neighbors in our parish. That’s a monthly average of over 61 people helped financially or with referrals to other possible sources of help. Requests for rent help far outnumber all other requests we receive. So far this year nearly 99% of our financial aid in the central Seattle neighborhoods we serve has gone to pay rent. We are deeply grateful for every dollar you share with SVdP – Thank you! Information, Jo Ann Wiesner, 206-291-4012 or wiesnerjo@gmail.com.
CARE FOR CREATION NEWS “bring the whole human family together . . . for we know that things can change” (Laudato Si’ 13) The St. James Care for Creation committee is responding to the call of Laudato Si’. With profound care for each other, our Creator, and all creation, we are building a better future together. Last week, we began a one-year energy assessment of the Cathedral with Seattle University engineering students, with the hope of becoming carbon neutral. Information, Patrick Barredo, 206-382- 4515 or pbarredo@stjames-cathedral.org.
CORNERSTONE CATHOLIC CONFERENCE The bishops of Washington State invite you to attend this virtual conference on October 30 offered in English and Spanish. Keynote addresses by Fr. Robert Spitzer, Gloria Purvis, Fr. Agustino Torres and Brenda Noriega. Attendees may also choose two workshops to attend. There is no charge, although donations are welcome. Registration, www.wacatholics.org/cornerstone-2021.
OCTOBER IS RESPECT LIFE MONTH Every October, we celebrate Respect Life Month. We consider more deeply why every human life is valuable and reflect on how to build a culture that protects life from conception to natural death.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL LEADERSHIP UPDATE Many thanks to Barb Schmidt for serving as the president of the Cathedral’s St. Vincent de Paul conference for these last five years. Under her leadership, St. Vincent has welcomed new members, served more First Hill neighbors than ever, and continued its vital ministry during this Covid pandemic. Thank you, Barb! And welcome to Pauline Smetka, our incoming president. Blessings to you both!
TOWARDS A LISTENING CHURCH Pope Francis has called for a synod of bishops on the topic of synodality—that is, the process of listening and consultation in the Church. The preparation for the 2023 Synod starts now, with listening and conversation at the parish level. There will be opportunities to share reflections in the weeks and months to come—watch the bulletin for more information! On October 17, at the 5:30pm Evening Mass, Archbishop Etienne will mark the beginning of this important time of reflection in the Church with a special Mass in the Cathedral. All are welcome. The Mass will also be livestreamed on the Archdiocese of Seattle Vimeo and Facebook pages.
MASS IN HONOR OF ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA On Saturday, October 23 at 11:00am, Archbishop Etienne will celebrate a special Mass in honor of St. Kateri Tekakwitha. Come honor the first Native American to be canonized, and join our Native American sisters and brothers in prayer. The Mass will also be livestreamed on the Archdiocese of Seattle Vimeo and Facebook pages.
REMEMBERING OUR BELOVED DEAD You are invited to write the names of deceased loved ones in the Book of the Dead near the Mary Shrine. This book will be carried in procession at the solemn Requiem Mass on November 2 at 7:00pm.
SAVE THE DATE: MASS FOR THE DECEASED HOMELESS Thursday, November 11, 2021, 5:30pm. Dear God, may we find courage and hope together as we remember those who died, unhoused, in our city. We pray for the grace our community needs to build a more just future for all your beloved children.
