"We know not only the cost and the suffering that's been a part of this past year, but hopefully how we've been able to unite that to the cross of Jesus, and how we've been able to draw from the life of the risen Jesus as our real sustenance and as our real source of hope and strength," the archbishop said.
The Holy See’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has recently published a resource kit to help communicate with the faithful regarding COVID-19 vaccines. The resources include materials about the COVID-19 vaccine for varied audiences, relevant quotes from Pope Francis and Episcopal Conferences, links to useful information, and short messages for websites, parish bulletins, or other media.
"Our nation faces challenges and difficulties beyond what we ever imagined. . . . I invite each one of us to defeat divisiveness with understanding, rancor with amicability, hatred with compassion, mistrust with greater willingness to listen. Let us counter the downward spiral with renewed efforts to respect the diversity and dignity of each of our neighbors."
"I’m glad to share with you that in the Archdiocese of Seattle, we have many faith-filled, qualified lay leaders active at every level. That is not to say we are perfect and cannot do any better, but I want people to hear that lay leaders, including women, are very involved in ministry and decision-making. . . ."
Pope wants the new ‘normal’ to be a new ‘different.' Msgr Kevin Irwin unpacks Pope Francis’s idea of social friendship as presented in the new Encyclical “Fratelli tutti.”
". . . .May I be clear in sharing my own position and respectful and civil in describing those of others. Let me never tolerate hateful ideas. May I invite all to charity and love. Lord, help me to imitate your compassion and mercy. Make me an instrument of your peace."
“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.
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. . . .