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“We must reverse these trends and heal our political divisions. The human suffering we witness at home and abroad urges us not to delay in our response. We must learn again how to work with people who hold different political positions and keep the pressing priorities paramount. We cannot let disagreements derail our efforts on the common good.”

In this issue: Make a virtual pilgrimage to Spain's Sagrada Familia this summer; Archbishop Etienne's call to address racism; and Are you called to be a saint?

How can you find clarity in an election year? Continue to "Civilize It" by sifting your ideas through a well-formed conscience. Washington State Catholic Conference (WSCC) provides excellent insight on developing a spiritual-political lens.

July update on issues that affect our community and nation.

It is with joyful hearts that we offer this statement regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling to uphold the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The Catholic Church welcomes the Supreme Court’s ruling as it supports our efforts to promote and protect the life and dignity of all people regardless of status. . . .

"How wonderful it would be if, during the coming year, each of us could grow in our desire and ability to be in prayerful conversation with Christ, present in the Blessed Sacrament! . . . The Lord longs to hear from us, to know, in our own words, what is happening in our lives: our hopes, fears, joys, concerns, questions. . . ."

We, the bishops of Washington state, wish to notify you of our strong support and encouragement for gathering signatures for Initiative 1698 (I-1698). I-1698 is a pro-life initiative requiring that an ultrasound be performed prior to an abortion in Washington state. The initiative outlaws the act of an abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detected . . . .

The killing of George Floyd in Minnesota on Monday, May 25, was very traumatic and appalling. I wish to acknowledge the anger, pain and sadness this and other encounters between police officers and black men evoke not only in Minnesota, but throughout the country and in our own faith family as well. . . .

Currently, May 27, 2020, King County is in Phase I. Mass at St. Benedict will reopen in Phase III (with 50 or less people in attendance and social distancing measures in place). Click title of this excerpt to see Washington's Phased Approach graphic.

"In response to President Trump’s statement today regarding church reopenings, the Bishops of Washington would like to provide a unified response. We want to let you know that the public celebration of Mass was suspended, not out of fear, but out of our deepest respect for human life and health. . . . We are now preparing parishes across the state for re-opening. . . .

"This book is intended to be a little help offered to all, so as to know how to discern and experience God’s closeness and tenderness in pain, in suffering, in solitude and in fear. . . ."

"As many of you know, yesterday Governor Inslee issued a new “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. This ban goes into effect at midnight tomorrow, Wednesday, March 25, and it requires every Washingtonian to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity. . . ."

"R-90 is a referendum to reject or approve a new law requiring all state school districts to provide Comprehensive Sexual Health Education (CSHE) for grades kindergarten through 12. . . . Signatures are being collected now to put R-90 on the state’s fall ballot. . . . "

"As our country enters the 2020 presidential campaign year, we want to share with you some thoughts about practicing civility for the common good. 'For all Catholics, including those seeking public office, our participation in political parties or other groups to which we may belong should be influenced by our faith, not the other way around' (2019 introduction to Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship). . . ."

"The recent past has been immensely challenging for our church. The abuse crisis looms over us despite our efforts to be transparent. We face a future shortage of pastors and the painful reality that many young Catholics are not in the pews. This region continues to boom, but we are not seeing an increase in registered Catholics. While we cannot ignore these challenges, we also cannot let them define us. Instead, we must retrain our focus and renew our commitment to the mission of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. . . . Today I am eager to announce two important initiatives: a new pastoral planning effort to enable greater mission effectiveness and a strategic planning effort to ensure wise stewardship as we answer Christ’s ongoing call to rebuild his church." . . .

Review our 2018-2019 Annual Report to see how our parish is doing - both financially and through our ministries.

The annual Parish Stewardship renewal has officially started! Look for pledge cards in the pew to renew your commitment to our parish or it's easier than ever - just fill out the pledge form online TODAY!

Save the Date - 6 Dates for Catholic Couples will begin in January: January 11, January 25, February 8, February 22, March 7, and March 21. More info coming soon!

The Peaceful Crafters are collecting items for the Boxes of Joy that are delivered to the less fortunate during Christmas. Items needed: toothpaste, postage stamps, small religious items, individually wrapped coffee, tea or hot cocoa, Kleenex and leftover Halloween candy.

We will be collecting for our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Drive at the November 3rd Masses. We provide 75 meals for Patrick's Place and 10 family meals to those being served by the St. Vincent de Paul. Please give if you can!