Hello Fellow Parishioners,
I am hoping this finds you well and in good spirits as we continue to navigate the challenges and joys that this physical distancing brings. As I reflect on the past couple of months, this change in society, and the global reality that we are currently living, I must admit that I have had moments/days of joy as well as moments/days of grumpiness. I hold onto the fact that this is providing opportunity for many things….boredom that can lead to creativity, ideological differences that can lead to new discovery, isolation that can lead to internal process/growth, and challenges that can lead to new strength and stamina. I pray for the grace to receive these gifts with patient endurance.
This past Sunday’s readings are beautiful, inviting us into a deeper revelation of God as well as calling us to be ready to give an account for hope in our lives! The gospel (John 14:15-21) tells us that if we love Jesus and keep his commandments, He remains with us, dwelling within you and me! Jesus never leaves us orphans; he will always be with us. He left us the Holy Spirit, whom He refers to us the Advocate and the Paraclete…these titles give us some definition of God…the One who will always advocate our case, caring for each of us in the ways that we need to be provided for….the One who has our back, comes to our defense, our aid when we need it! These are great images of God for us to ponder, gain a deeper sense of who God is in our lives, a fuller revelation of God. Where have you seen God as Advocate or Paraclete in your life? As we begin to name these places, we have encountered God, we begin to have more hope in life! It is then that we can “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope…” (1Peter 3:15-18).
When life’s journeys get tough, it is good to reflect on where we have encountered God, giving us hope to continue the journey with patient endurance.
This week’s Newsletter has some great treats in it. Please make sure to check out the prayer over Hawaii, Amy with Therese McHenry in Elementary Section, Chelsea’s zoom meeting with Middle Schoolers, Fr. Jim's Musical Memories, the Pentecost Novena with Dan Schutte in the Adult FF Section! Enjoy the feast ahead as you scroll!
I love you all. God Bless.
In the Risen Lord,
Joan Williamson
PRAYER FOCUS...
May the Lord Bless you and keep you.
May He make His face to shine upon you
and be gracious to you!
ELEMENTARY
-Pre-K through 4th grades-
Pope Francis is calling Catholics everywhere to unite May 16-24 in taking the next steps on our groundbreaking journey toward better care of creation. You are called to join us.
www.laudatosiweek.com
Listen to this short story read by Amy then visit Therese's garden to make butterfly feeders and seed bombs!
10 Ways Families Can Make a Difference
MASS ON THE COUCH?
It all starts at home!
(From our friends at St. Louise Parish-Bellevue)
MIDDLE SCHOOL
-5th-8th grades-
It's hang out time! We can't wait to catch up!
Come say hi to your youth group class via ZOOM this week!! Bring a show and tell item to share :) See below for your time and link:
8th grade: 4:30pm Tuesday (May 19)
Zoom Link:
Meeting ID: 873 9687 5143
7th grade: 4:00pm Wednesday (May 20)
Zoom Link:
Meeting ID: 894 6611 7845
6th grade: 2pm Saturday (May 23)
Zoom Link:
Meeting ID: 836 9924 9903
5th grade: 4pm Saturday (May 23)
Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83520758638
Meeting ID: 835 2075 8638
I am so looking forward to seeing all of you! It's been way too long :)
-Chelsea
High School
-9th-12th grades-
May
20
Game Day:
Join us at 7pm on Wednesday via zoom :)
Log in with a computer and have another device that can connect to the internet handy in order to play the jackbox.tv games with us!
Join the zoom meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89734023357
Meeting ID:
897 3402 3357
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
May
24
Life Teen Life Night Zoom:
Life Nights continue via Zoom every Sunday at 7pm.
Come check in and hang out with us!
Join the Zoom meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87902046019
Meeting ID:
879 0204 6019
Are you going?
Yes
No
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going.
not going.
might be going.
ADULT FORMATION
"It’s been many years since I last made a novena, nine days dedicated to prayer. But if there’s ever a moment when we all could use the light and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, it’s now. While we wait till we can be together again for Sunday worship, this is a way we can join our hearts in prayer, as those first disciples did, and wait in hope to receive the Comforter, the Spirit of Jesus." -Dan Schutte
May
23
Parish-Wide Zoom Gathering for Adults
We look forward to "seeing" you all again, and there's room for more! If you would like to join us via Zoom on computer or phone, email me at joanw@sjtbcc.org to request that information.
When you arrive at the gathering, we will break into smaller groups for better opportunity to say hi to each other. Those groups will be determined by the mass time you typically attend.
You will simply tell us the time that you normally attend mass by holding up a piece of paper with your first name and the mass time on it (bold ink works best).
The gathering will begin with a check-in, then we will read the gospel of the weekend, dialogue with two questions that are provided each week, and pray.
Groups are facilitated by Kathy Wickward, Amy Bonte, Anne Fredreck, and Tammari LaSharr. Chelsea Wilde and I will be there to greet you as you arrive, as will Fr. Jim from time to time.
We hope to see you this Saturday!
Blessings in Christ,
Joan Williamson
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
After completing her Ph.D. in Russian literature at UC Berkeley, Cameron Bellm traded academics for the contemplative life, informed by Ignatian spirituality and Catholic social teaching. The Seattle-based writer and her husband have two young sons and she seeks each day to find God in all things, most frequently in Legos and microwaved coffee.
After completing her Ph.D. in Russian literature at UC Berkeley, Cameron Bellm traded academics for the contemplative life, informed by Ignatian spirituality and Catholic social teaching. The Seattle-based writer and her husband have two young sons and she seeks each day to find God in all things, most frequently in Legos and microwaved coffee.
"Self Care During the Pandemic"
from Fr. Thomas Nathe's Pastor's Corner
LITURGY OF THE HOURS
Time spent in prayer is an indispensable part of the spiritual life of a Christian disciple. Find out how to celebrate the liturgy of the hours at home!
ENTERTAINMENT
MUSICAL MEMORIES!
with Fr. Jim
"Gracious God"
by Jesse Manibusan
SJTB 9:00am Musicians
BIll Cogswell & Cheryl Nowacki
SJTB Youth Minister: Chelsea Wilde
Our Youth Minister, Chelsea Wilde,
has 50+ original worship songs on YouTube.
Check out her entire collection here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbIXV5qF5yYofWIKd8C4UaA
CELEBRATE MASS!
WEEKEND MASS with Fr. Jim Coyne
St. John the Baptist
www.sjtbcc.org
DAILY MASS with Archbishop Etienne
St. James Cathedral
https://vimeo.com/archdioceseofseattle
STAY CONNECTED!
FAITH FORMATION STAFF
JOAN WILLIAMSON Faith Formation and Sacramental Prep
253-630-0701
CHELSEA WILDE Youth Ministry and Confirmation
ChelseaW@sjtbcc.org
Text: 248-385-3567
AMY BONTE Elementary and First Sacraments
AmyB@sjtbcc.org
Text: 214-684-1881
