tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86357377151475617442024-03-13T20:18:32.888-07:00Worship Him In Spirit and TruthJesus tells a Samaritan woman that all who worship God must
worship Him “in Spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)
My hope is that, through my personal reflections and experiences on the public work or service of the people, many may not only worship, but also come to know Him in Spirit and Truth.Jen Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17988158748603598225noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-25448296787382916562014-08-08T11:54:00.001-07:002014-08-08T11:54:34.825-07:00Happy St. Dominic Day!This came up on my uncle's Facebook page today, as he was tagged by one of his brother Claretians.<br />
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I just found it quite amusing that the Claretian Missionaries (the religious order my uncle is a part of) would use a quote from the founder of the Jesuits for a vocation meme and have it be seen on FB on the day in which the Church universal celebrates the founder of the Dominicans.<br />
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Happy St. Dominic Day!<br />
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Jen Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17988158748603598225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-9316428754883902752014-08-06T15:28:00.002-07:002014-08-06T15:28:54.253-07:00Liturgy of the Hours RetreatFor the second time this year, Brother Aelred and Andrew will be leading a retreat on the Liturgy of the Hours on September 12 - 14 at the Palisades Retreat Center in Federal Way.<br />
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<li><span class="userContent">Learn more about the Liturgy of the Hours, </span></li>
<li><span class="userContent">Pray them individually and in community, and </span></li>
<li><span class="userContent">Discover ways and ideas to bring the Hours to your parish or school.</span></li>
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Andrew recently shot a promo video at the Palisades. The result is pretty amazing:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_7K7L2aZQNU" width="480"></iframe><br />Jen Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17988158748603598225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-30643305235256897982014-07-15T10:22:00.002-07:002014-07-15T10:22:32.930-07:00Liturgy is cool!So glad to see that <em>The Seattle Times</em> is now recognizing something I've known for a while now...that Corinna's <a href="http://jobs.seattletimes.com/careercenter/workplace-topics/liturgy-director-corinna-laughlins-cool-job/" target="_blank">job is cool</a> (and so is she!)<br />
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Jen Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17988158748603598225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-14934734668947310072014-07-02T09:58:00.001-07:002014-07-02T09:58:46.196-07:00AnniversarySeven years ago today, I began ministering in the Liturgy Office. Can't believe it has been seven years already! As one priest said as he soon concludes his second term as pastor, "time goes by so fast."<br />
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It has been and continues to be a blessing and a great joy to serve and minister the people in Western Washington. There have been lots of great memories and even more wonderful clergy and lay ministers who are now colleagues and friends. For them and for each of you, I recall Philippians 1:3-6:<br />
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"I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for you, because of your partnership of the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus."<br />
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Here's to the start of a great eighth (fiscal) year!Jen Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17988158748603598225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-25533761519842004802014-06-25T13:01:00.002-07:002014-06-25T13:01:37.430-07:00John Michael Talbot<span class="userContent">Last night I was blessed with the opportunity to attend a John Michael Talbot concert at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Tacoma. My mom played CD's which included John Michael Talbot songs, so I vividly remember growing up to his songs and was looking forward to this concert.</span><br />
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However, the concert was more of a concert and presentation. It was a great presentation, but just not what I was expecting. I was looking forward to hearing <em>Table of Plenty</em> and <em>The Cry of the Poor,</em> none of which were part of his short song-list.<br />
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He did <span class="userContent">mentioned a concern of his (which is a concern of many) of the lack of engagement in our youth today, especially when it comes to the Mass. He said that if it were a denomination, a large number of people would consider themselves "non-practicing Catholics." He suggested the main way to bring folks back to the Church is through engaging (but not entertaining) liturgy through relatable and focused preaching and joy-filled music.</span> <br />
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At the end of his concert and presentation, he invited the clergy present to come forward, and then the following happened, a moment which reminded me of Pope Francis' <a href="http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Blog/2796/pope_francis_and_the_ecumenism_of_blood.aspx" target="_blank">December interview</a> where he prays for the gift of unity among all Christians: </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Video courtesy of the </span><a href="http://www.nwcatholic.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northwest Catholic</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></div>
Jennifer Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648516423693800297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-40870341028179809042014-06-24T23:12:00.000-07:002014-06-24T23:12:42.791-07:00Priest DaysLast week was the annual gathering of priests from the Archdiocese, as they reflected on <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Forming-Intentional-Disciples-Knowing-Following/dp/1612785905" target="_blank">Forming Intentional Disciples</a></em> with Sherry Weddell and Fr. Michael Fones, OP.<br />
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Pictures were posted to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100109628086555.1073741830.32401078&type=1&l=e6236d89a6" target="_blank">my Facebook page</a>. Each day of the gathering was filled with various liturgies such as Morning Prayer, Office of the Dead for the Deceased Priests of the past year, Night Prayer with individual confessions, and of course Mass. A few highlights from this year's Priest Days include:<br />
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- a "Sing the Mass" optional session with ValLimar Jansen, which was attended by about 20+ priests, many of whom came out of the session more confident in their singing and chanting ability,<br />
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- a visit from Archbishop Brunett, currently in rehab from his <a href="http://worshiphiminspiritandtruth.blogspot.com/2013/09/prayers-for-archbishop-brunett.html">stroke last September</a>,<br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">- and a great quote from the archbishop emeritus:</span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">"When you have a stroke they tell you to 'look up' all the time to strengthen your core muscles again so you won't stay paralized. So I looked up, and right in my line of vision was a crucifix, and I realized that I could either join my suffering and pain to Christ... or become bitter."</span></div>
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Let us continue to pray for Archbishop Brunett in his recovery, that we too, may join our sufferings to Christ, and for all the priests of the Archdiocese of Seattle.Jennifer Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648516423693800297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-26499319316407357562014-05-29T21:22:00.000-07:002014-05-29T21:22:04.395-07:00Eternal Rest, grant unto them<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday was the Funeral Mass for <a href="http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?pid=171125672" target="_blank">Fr. Michael J. Ryan</a> a former pastor of St. Paul's in South Seattle during the 80's. <br />
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This picture was taken a few years ago at my grandfather's Funeral Mass at St. Paul's. Fr. Mike, on the right pictured behind my uncle who was a student at St. Paul's when Fr. Mike was pastor, returned many times to St. Paul's during his retirement for as many birthday celebrations and funerals as he could. I'll especially miss his sense of humor and joyous outlook on life. For example, he didn't want any incense at his Funeral Mass because he thought he would choke! On a more serious note, he encourage me as a lay minister in the Church. For all that he is and has done for me and my family, I am ever grateful.<br />
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A few months ago another former pastor of St. Paul returned to God, Fr. L. Jerry McCloskey, who was the pastor when I was in the parish grade school. Seeing many St. Paul parishioners attend both funerals reminded me of how many people love these two holy men of God.<br />
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Jen Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17988158748603598225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-51564765392894703642014-05-07T23:05:00.002-07:002014-05-07T23:12:44.129-07:00He is risen, Alleluia!Lots have been going on since we began the Easter season, rejoicing with the praises of all God's faithful people:<br />
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two popes were <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.783603284984611.1073742258.496909843653958&type=1" target="_blank">canonized</a> on Divine Mercy Sunday,<br />
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<a href="http://www.seattlearchdiocese.org/Assets/Officials/4803_May1Officials2.pdf" target="_blank">priest assignments</a> for the archdiocese were made official (while we hopefully have a surge of prayers for vocations to the priesthood as we see the appointment of a pastor for five parishes and three missions, the vicar for clergy appointed pastor of a parish in Shoreline, and the auxiliary bishop assigned as parochial administrator for a parish to be assisted by the director of vocations who also serves as the chaplain of Kennedy Catholic High School),<br />
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seminarian Dean Mbuzi, a native of Zambia (pictured below with Kathleen, the president of the <a href="http://home.catholicweb.com/seattleaccw/" target="_blank">ACCW</a>), was ordained to the diaconate at St. Michael's in Olympia on the Third Sunday of Easter and will be ordained to the priesthood with Deacon Brian Thompson on September 6th at St. James Cathedral.<br />
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publicity and preparation for the <a href="http://www.seattlearchdiocese.org/Liturgy/Workshops.aspx" target="_blank">Cantor Intensive</a> our office is co-sponsoring with the Seattle Chapter of NPM kicked off,<br />
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seminarians from the North American College in Rome did a fun <a href="http://www.acts24.com/blog/2014/05/05/catholics-are-boring/" target="_blank">tap dance number</a> at last month's Rector's Dinner, video courtesy of a post from <a href="http://www.acts24.com/blog" target="_blank">Fr. Jacob Maurer's blog</a>,<br />
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"Confirmation season" began,<br />
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and so has the time in which many second graders (including Deacon Jeff Greer's grandson) receive Holy Communion for the first time,<br />
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and 30+ candidates for Confirmation from Our Lady of Mt. Virgin, St. Paul, St. Edward, and St. George in South Seattle made a retreat where Fr. Bob Kenny blessed them all as they soon receive the gift of the Holy Spirit next Wednesday, May 14th on the Feast of St. Matthias.<br />
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Let us pray for them and all candidates for Confirmation.<br />
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"All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,<br />
by water and the Holy Spirit you freed<br />
your sons and daughters from sin<br />
and gave them new life.<br />
Send your Holy Spirit upon them<br />
to be their Helper and Guide.<br />
Give them the spirit of wisdom<br />
and understanding,<br />
the spirit of right judgment,<br />
and courage,<br />
the spirit of knowledge and reverence.<br />
Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe<br />
in your presence.<br />
We ask this through Christ our Lord."<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (from the <i>Rite of Confirmation</i>, The Laying on of Hands)</span><br />
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<br />Jen Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17988158748603598225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-65949834226335703822014-04-02T19:43:00.003-07:002014-04-02T19:43:57.600-07:00Chrism Mass oil prepNext week is the annual Chrism Mass, scheduled on Thursday, April 10th at St. James Cathedral. Which means, preparations for the distribution of the holy oils are in full swing. All of the bottles are labeled and thanks to two deacons, Roy Harrington and Sam Basta, all of the oils have been poured into the worthy vessels.<br />
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In a <a href="http://www.acts24.com/blog/2008/03/20/chrism-mass/" target="_blank">blog post</a> dated about six years ago, when he was still a seminarian, Father Jacob Maurer describes the Chrism Mass in great detail on his blog, <a href="http://www.acts24.com/blog/" target="_blank">Followers of the Way</a>.<br />
Jennifer Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648516423693800297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-8776107315397936602014-03-22T09:42:00.006-07:002014-03-22T09:43:38.205-07:00Anointing of the SickAs promised in my <a href="http://worshiphiminspiritandtruth.blogspot.com/2014/03/joyful-service.html" target="_blank">last post</a>, here is one of the published pictures, courtesy of Patti Fersch, of Archbishop Emeritus Alex J. Brunett's visit to Christ Our Hope last Sunday for the Anointing of the Sick. Please continue to <a href="http://worshiphiminspiritandtruth.blogspot.com/2013/09/prayers-for-archbishop-brunett.html">hold him in prayer</a>!<br />
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The <a href="http://christourhopeseattle.org/upload/bulletins/2014/2014-03-23-COH-Seattle-Bulletin.pdf" target="_blank">bulletin</a> for this Third Sunday of Lent at Christ Our Hope includes a column from Fr. Paul of Archbishop Brunett's visit and on receiving <span class="userContent">God's mercy and going to confession (plus their schedule for the remainder of Lent).</span><br />
<br />Jennifer Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648516423693800297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-261613271800306232014-03-19T21:16:00.004-07:002014-03-19T21:16:43.642-07:00Joyful serviceIn the words from Luke 12:42, today's Entrance Antiphon, "Behold, a faithful and prudent steward, whom the Lord set over his household."<br />
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These past few months have kept me in a daily routine of going into the office, a visit to grandma's house before a Zumba home workout and crashing on the couch at home eating my dinner by myself, since mom and Val work fairly late into the evening. Andrew describes these past few months in the office in his <a href="http://newchelsea.wordpress.com/2014/03/17/light-breaking-into-the-world/" target="_blank">recent blog post</a>. However, with all the happenings in the office, a couple of personal experiences helped remind me that it is in serving others that we will find deep joy.<br />
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Last Saturday was the last Rite of Election that I was scheduled to go to, which was at <a href="http://parish.stcharlesb.org/" target="_blank">St. Charles Borromeo in Tacoma</a>. As I was packing the worship aids into the van, I noticed a man sleeping outside the Chancery offices underneath two blankets, and next to him was a baby stroller of items. I remembered the scarf, hat and gloves I wore when I went to the Seahawks Super Bowl victory parade about a month ago which was still in a cabinet in my desk that I had tucked away. Taking just a few extra minutes, I went back to my desk to grab the scarf, hat and gloves and, not wanting to wake him up (mostly from fear), I set them on the cement ledge next to his stroller. Nothing could stop that joy I felt as I began the drive to Tacoma.<br />
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Just a day earlier, Fr. Paul had asked me to come to <a href="http://christourhopeseattle.org/" target="_blank">Christ our Hope</a> to assist in their liturgy the following Sunday, as Archbishop Brunett was invited to come to their 9:30am Mass with Anointing of the Sick and Fr. Paul was hoping I could assist him as needed. Both Fr. Paul and I greeted him at the entrance, and he looked at me and kept saying my name. It was a joy to be of service to him as I helped put on his stole, held his hymnal as he followed along to everyone singing, and was present to him as needed during the Mass. It was a moving experience to stay with him and remain with him. I was almost in tears as he was being anointed by Fr. Paul. (Patti took some pictures, which I'll post once they are published online in <a href="http://www.nwcatholic.org/" target="_blank">Northwest Catholic</a> along with an article on the Sacrament of the Anointing.)<br />
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After Mass, once Archbishop Brunett was in the cabulance and off to his new residence on Madison St & 22nd, a man selling <i><a href="http://www.realchangenews.org/" target="_blank">Real Change</a></i> came up to me and we engaged in a conversation about faith. Michael is his name. One thing I'll remember that summarizes my 15 minute conversation with Michael, is a question he asked me. "When you put Jesus first before others and then yourself last, what does that spell?" After a second thought, I told him it spells joy. We both continued to fill the narthex of the Josephinum with laughter and story-telling. After reflecting on this experience, I came to the realization that Michael's joy-filled laughter and personality reminds me a lot of my late father.<br />
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As we celebrate the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we continue to look to the intercession of St. Joseph to be faithful and prudent stewards, whom the Lord has set over his household to serve others with loving care.Jen Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17988158748603598225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-74466719450252714032014-03-02T19:43:00.000-08:002014-03-02T19:43:37.651-08:00Rally and Great MusicLast Saturday I was blessed to have had the opportunity to assist with the Taize prayer experience as part of the Junior High Rally, held at Archbishop Murphy High School, which gathered hundreds of grade school children from around the Archdiocese. We were expecting only about 40 of them at Taize, but that number quickly doubled at the last minute when the Stations of the Cross prayer experience was cancelled. We also had a San Damiano cross, a number of icons, and tons more tea lights and candles of all sizes that I didn't take a picture of. <br />
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Before the kids came into the theater, I asked for volunteers to say the intercessions. We had prayers for the Pope, the clergy, all gathered at Rally, youth ministers, all who teach and pass along the Catholic Faith, etc. which they just said from their place, and after each prayer when they said "We pray to the Lord" we all sang "O Lord Hear our Prayer". After we went through the prepared list of intercessions and we invited others to name the prayers they wished to pray for, the kids started raising their hands as if they were back in the classroom, instead of simply saying their petition they would like to pray for. I forgot that these were grade school children. They did find the repetitive chanting prayerful.<br />
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Mass followed. After making sure folks had everything they needed and such, I had to leave for Seattle. <br />
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John Michael and I went to St. James Cathedral for "Great Music for Great Cathedrals". For lack of a better word, it was a <em>great</em> experience of sound and color.<br />
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And just for fun, here's what happened at Rally during a break before lunch. I quickly took a picture before the stack of U-Haul boxes came tumbling down.<br />
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Jennifer Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648516423693800297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-16076264700241541472014-02-19T19:12:00.003-08:002014-02-19T19:15:17.989-08:00Lector Installation at MundeleinCongratulations to two seminarians of the Archdiocese of Seattle, Jeff Moore and Colin Parrish, who were installed to the ministry of lector at Mundelein Seminary earlier today. Colin is known for almost always making weird faces in pictures, so this is what some would call a "normal" face for him.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Left to Right: Jeff, Fr. Bryan Dolejsi, Colin Parrish</td></tr>
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Two other seminarians studying at Mundelein Seminary, Patrick Sherrard and Grant Boggs are currently on pastoral internship; Patrick at St. Charles Borromeo in Tacoma and Grant at St. Anthony in Renton. Let us continue to keep all seminarians and those discerning a call to the priesthood and religious life in our prayers.<br />
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<br />Jen Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17988158748603598225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-79164870972243804082014-02-10T22:21:00.000-08:002014-02-10T22:21:01.793-08:00Whirlwind of a WeekendThis past weekend was quite the busy one for us in the Liturgy Office with regard to liturgical formation opportunities. Last Friday, about 30 musicians from all over the archdiocese gathered at the <a href="http://www.seattleu.edu/chapel/" target="_blank">Chapel of St. Ignatius</a> for a two-day intensive for certification in the <a href="http://www.seattlearchdiocese.org/Liturgy/LMI.aspx" target="_blank">Liturgical Ministries Institute</a>. Dr. Jerry Galipeau from <a href="http://www.wlp.jspaluch.com/" target="_blank">World Library Publications</a> came out for one of the sessions and then led a "Sing the Seasons" choral reading session with an additional 25 musicians.<br />
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On Saturday, in addition to being the second day of the certification for the LMI musicians, there was also a gathering for about 90 <em>RCIA</em> team members. Jerry posts about his experience in Seattle in his blog, "<a href="http://gottasinggottapray.blogspot.com/2014/02/music-and-rcia-in-seattle-splendid-days.html" target="_blank">Gotta Sing Gotta Pray</a>." I joked with him that he brought the Chicago snow to us, because as the group came out of the Cathedral after the 5:30pm Mass, it began to snow right as Jerry was to begin leading a mystagogy session with the group.<br />
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In addition to the sessions with Jerry, Andrew gave a presentation on Saturday, titled "Catechesis during the Catechumenate." <br />
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Overall, I learned a lot this weekend from top names in both liturgical music and the <em>RCIA </em>and initial evaluations are looking as if many folks greatly appreciated these opportunities and look forward to future similar gatherings. Looking forward to additional opportunities of liturgical formation and to continue building relationships with fellow colleagues in liturgical ministry. </div>
Jennifer Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648516423693800297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-58865015988877988202014-01-30T19:05:00.004-08:002014-01-30T19:06:27.434-08:00Ordination to the DiaconateCongratulations to Matthew Pyrc, SJ, who was ordained a deacon last Saturday, on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, at the Chapel of St. Ignatius at Seattle University by Archbishop Sartain.<br />
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Jennifer Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648516423693800297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-86317088972912082432014-01-22T20:31:00.000-08:002014-01-22T20:31:02.191-08:00Mass and March for LifeYesterday morning, one day before the anniversary of the tragic decision to legalize abortion in <em>Roe v. Wade</em>, thousands of people from the Church of Western Washington came together to give thanks to God for the gift of human life at the annual Mass and March for Life. <br />
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There was an official photographer for the Northwest Catholic who took some great <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/northwestcatholic/sets/72157640048333125/" target="_blank">pictures</a> of the event. Val took some pretty great <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/101682975870406157521/albums/5971931425936057953?authkey=CMzg4-iy1qL6UA" target="_blank">pictures</a> as well. She was part of the delegation from the South Seattle cluster parishes. <br />
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The March for Life, held throughout the U.S. is an inspiring testimony to the sanctity of life and a powerful statement to our legislators. Please continue to pray for the respect of human life, from conception to natural death.Jennifer Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648516423693800297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-90334462455094182492014-01-14T20:29:00.001-08:002014-01-14T20:29:29.594-08:00Anything but Ordinary...Yesterday, the Church returned to Ordinary Time, but this liturgical season is anything but what we may consider "ordinary." The recent issue of <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs114/1110791029240/archive/1115639793941.html" target="_blank">Liturgy Line</a>, published last week, which includes many resources, liturgical formation opportunities, and information about feasts and rites during this liturgical season, signals toward that reality. This is a time when we experience order in the liturgical year, a time when we experience Christ walking among us and transforming our lives. Anything but Ordinary.Jen Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17988158748603598225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-90131176152486712452013-12-22T15:37:00.000-08:002013-12-22T15:37:31.982-08:00PrayersA few prayer requests on this Fourth Sunday of Advent:<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Days ago, <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Deacon Fred Cordova, a </span>leader in the Filipino -American community died. "Uncle Fred" as he is known to many in the Filipino community in Seattle, was an activist for the Fil-Am community since the '50s. Ordained a deacon for the Archdiocese of Seattle in 2003, Uncle Fred was the founder of the <a href="http://www.fanhs-national.org/" target="_blank">Filipino American National Historical Society</a> (FANHS) and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/FYA-Drill-Team/134245983264202" target="_blank">Filipino Youth Association</a>, which is well known for their drill team that performs at the annual Seafair Parade. He always joked with me that I know how to speak more Tagalog than he did...which came as a surprise when I first found out that he didn't know a lot of Tagalog besides "Kumusta" and "Salamat" and maybe a few other words. Uncle Fred's legacy will continue to live on in the many lives he touched. Eternal rest, Uncle Fred. Please pray for Auntie Dorothy, and the entire Cordova family.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJxZQnofKHY/Urdkh9dqBMI/AAAAAAAAFBs/Zbn6pzrtRU0/s1600/abb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJxZQnofKHY/Urdkh9dqBMI/AAAAAAAAFBs/Zbn6pzrtRU0/s320/abb.jpg" width="320" /></a>Secondly, after about a month of being able to consume a host and with the two bishops and a small number of priests bringing him Holy Communion every day, Archbishop Brunett is gaining more strength from his <a href="http://worshiphiminspiritandtruth.blogspot.com/2013/09/prayers-for-archbishop-brunett.html" target="_blank">stroke</a> last September, although he still has a long road of recovery ahead of him. Yesterday he made his first public appearance after the stroke, concelebrating with Archbishop Sartain and Fr. Ryan at a wedding held at <a href="http://stjames-cathedral.org/narthex.aspx" target="_blank">St. James Cathedral</a>. Please continue to pray for Archbishop Brunett, for healing and strength as he continues his recovery!<br />
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And know of my prayers for you and your family as we soon celebrate the Nativity of our Lord, Jesus Christ. May you experience the joy, love, and peace that only He can bring!<br />
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<br />Jen Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17988158748603598225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-82448577186334876002013-12-15T20:28:00.001-08:002013-12-15T20:59:22.514-08:00Rejoice!On this Gaudete Sunday, I reflected on a number of events this weekend which we're cause for rejoicing in my heart:<br />
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On the feast of St. Lucy, the Chancery employees gathered with the Archbishop for a morning Mass followed by a luncheon. It's always a great opportunity to gather with fellow Chancery employees to rejoice in celebrating a great year of ministry together and for me to wear violet while almost everyone else is decked out in reindeer antlers, santa hats and bells (literally!) I should have worn a crown of candles with my violet blouse.<br />
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Also, my friend, George Noel, was ordained to the Priesthood yesterday morning in Crookston, Minnesota, on the feast of St. John of the Cross. As much as I wanted to be in the zero degree Fahrenheit weather, I settled for a number of pictures from his Facebook page:<br />
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One of my favorite annual liturgies was also celebrated yesterday, but in much warmer Seattle weather. As always, Maria took great pictures of the Simbang Gabi liturgy, which are up on the <a href="http://stjames-cathedral.org/Events/2013/album-simbang13.aspx" target="_blank">Cathedral website</a>. It's also the one day of the year when I wear my Filipino blouse. And when my colleague in the Liturgy Office also wears a barong to the celebration, that in and of itself is a cause for rejoicing:<br />
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Lastly, day 1 (or rather night 1) of the Simbang Gabi novena began this evening. When Val and I walked into St. Edward's, we thought we were celebrating the Easter Vigil, as the lights in the entire church were off and people were holding these candles:<br />
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<br />Jennifer Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648516423693800297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-60266470464957713142013-12-09T19:35:00.000-08:002013-12-09T19:35:05.643-08:00Seattle SeminariansEvery year, around this time, many look forward to seeing the annual Seminarian Poster. Myself included. This poster contains a picture of all the current seminarians for the Archdiocese of Seattle, where they are currently studying and their home parish. It hangs in almost all vestibules of parishes in the Archdiocese.<br />
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On the Crozier Society's website is the <a href="http://www.seattlearchdiocese.org/Assets/Crozier/492_SeminarianPoster2014Final.pdf" target="_blank">poster</a> for 2014. I didn't notice it at first glance of the poster when we received our copy for the office, but Andrew pointed out the other day that I'm in the poster as well. You can find me pictured just below the two people yawning.<br />
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Just in time for their final exams, papers, and travels for the Christmas season, let us continue to hold the seminarians, and all those discerning a call to the priesthood and religious life, in our prayers!Jen Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17988158748603598225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-81313523493414774212013-12-07T20:37:00.002-08:002013-12-07T20:37:45.723-08:00!Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today, people from all over Western Washington gathered at St. James Cathedral to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, Madre de las Américas. Although I was only able to capture this image of the Guadalupe shrine with beautiful roses, the <a href="http://stjames-cathedral.org/Events/2013/album-madre.aspx" target="_blank">Cathedral website</a> has great pictures of the celebration, as they always do! <br />
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The day began with a rosary in the morning at St. Mary's Catholic Church followed by a procession to the Cathedral. Meanwhile, I was at the Cathedral listening to the Coro Madre de las Américas, watching las danzantes process in with their headdresses and colorful banners, and I even was able to answer a few questions, in the minimal Spanish I know. Even at the reception, when I attempted to get a set of plastic flatware for me and my sister, the lady aggressively told me I could only take one set of forks (in Spanish) and I responded, "es para mi hermana." She allowed me to get an additional fork and thus we were able to enjoy our rice, beans, and tamal.<br />
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I'm considering participating in Las Mañanitas at St. Edward's Parish next week, since it's only about a 10-minute drive down the street. There will be a rosary at 8:30pm on December 11th, followed by songs and dances for La Virgen. <br />
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Next week will also be the <a href="http://www.seattlearchdiocese.org/Assets/Multicultural/4154_SGCommStJames.pdf" target="_blank">Archdiocesan Simbang Gabi celebration</a>, where a highlight for me is seeing the many styles of parols with all sorts of images of Mary, lights, and colored paper. (This means it's time to break out my maria clara blouse from the Philippines!)<br />
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This celebration will be followed by me making the full nine-day novena. Although I usually head to St. Edward's since they offer the full nine-day novena, I'll see if I can make the novena by going to a number of other parishes in the Archdiocese, thanks to this handy <a href="http://www.seattlearchdiocese.org/Assets/Multicultural/4230_SG'13ParishSchedules.pdf" target="_blank">calendar</a> of all the parishes celebrating a Simbang Gabi celebration.<br />
</span>Jennifer Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648516423693800297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-84724315255219314392013-12-01T14:57:00.000-08:002013-12-01T14:57:41.074-08:00Happy Advent!Today the Church celebrates the First Sunday of Advent, thus beginning a new liturgical year. At Mass today, Fr. Felino offered an inspiring homily that invited us to imagine ourselves in God's waiting room. In God's waiting room, many of us are usually doing the following:<br />
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1. Questioning<br />
2. Complaining <br />
3. Wishful thinking<br />
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During our time in God's waiting room, we are presented with many challenges: death of a loved one, a serious illness, unemployment, a difficult move across country, or the loss of someone who means a great deal to you, moving across country. Instead of turning to God in our faith, we ask the question "why?" I've done it myself: Why did my father unexpectedly die when I was only 14 years old? (and I wasn't looking for the answer of cardiac arrest!) Why was my mother diagnosed with kidney disease? There is also a lot of complaining that goes on in God's waiting room. Simply sitting in traffic can change our attitude or mood, or even waiting in line to buy tickets to see "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" or to see the Gingerbread Village display at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Seattle can get people out of the "holiday spirit." And how many times do we indulge in wishful thinking? We ask ourselves, "If only I had a better house or a new car?" or "I wish I had an Xbox like all my other friends."<br />
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We are all challenged to live in a spirit of joyful hope. Whatever we do, we must do in love. There are many opportunities to rejuvenate our spirit in this Advent season so that we may radiate Christ to others, whether it be participating in Las Mananitas to Our Lady of Guadalupe, praying a novena for the Immaculate Conception, helping the parish decorate and prepare for Christmas, giving items to the Church's food bank or baby basinet for pregnancy agencies or right to life groups, or participating in a local Simbang Gabi celebrations. Above all, the most important way we can live in a spirit of peace is to <strong>go to Confession!</strong> Parishes offer penance services in the first few weeks of Advent that provide an opportunity for us to make a confession in order to prepare for the coming of our Lord.<br />
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Advent is a time to reevaluate what we are doing in God's waiting room. Consider it a kind of new liturgical years resolution. How will we continue to strengthen our soul in order to live out Emmanuel, God with us in today's world to others? We are called to shine forth God's love to others.Jen Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17988158748603598225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-73461027595640958522013-11-13T15:36:00.003-08:002013-11-13T15:36:51.369-08:00Typhoon HaiyanWith so many organizations and relief efforts happening to assist those in the Philippines devastatingly affected by the effects of Typhoon Haiyan, all are encouraged to donate through <a href="https://secure.crs.org/site/Donation2?df_id=6140&6140.donation=form1" target="_blank">Catholic Relief Services</a>. CRS has also provided some prayer resources that are posted on the Archdiocesan Missions' Office <a href="http://www.seattlearchdiocese.org/Missions/EducationResources/Emergencies.aspx" target="_blank">website</a>. <br />
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Archbishop Sartain invites everyone to a Mass for the typhoon victims in the Philippines and Vietnam, which will be held at St. James Cathedral at 12:10pm next Friday, November 22nd, the Memorial of Saint Cecilia. This Mass will hit close to home for me because music will be provided by a Filipino Choir, Filipinos of the Chancery and Cathedral communities will be involved as liturgical ministers, and the gospel and part of the Eucharistic Prayer will also be prayed in Tagalog!<br />
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And as a side note, <span class="userContent">many great things were mentioned in the most recent issue of <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs114/1110791029240/archive/1115153844390.html" target="_blank">Liturgy Line</a>, including upcoming liturgical courses to deepen our understanding of the Sacred Liturgy, a Liturgy of the Hours retreat with a Benedictine, a number of various resources for the 50th Annversary of the Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, and ritual texts for blessing prayers, such as the "Thanksgiving Table Blessing"!</span>Jen Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17988158748603598225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-31066898370781020422013-11-06T20:23:00.000-08:002013-11-06T20:23:02.050-08:00Veterans DayVeterans Day: a time we remember, thank, and honor those who have served in armed forces. I wish to take this brief opportunity to note the USCCB's publication of <a href="http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers/prayer-for-troops.cfm" target="_blank">prayer resources</a> for troops, which includes a number of prayers of the faithful. <br />
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As we approach this national holiday, we give thanks and appreciation to veterans, both living and dead, for the sacrifices they have made to keep our country safe. <br />
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<strong><u>Prayer for Veterans Day</u></strong><br />
God of peace,<br />
we pray for those who have served our nation<br />
and have laid down their lives<br />
to protect and defend our freedom.<br />
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We pray for those who have fought,<br />
whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war,<br />
whose nights are haunted by memories<br />
too painful for the light of day.<br />
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We pray for those who serve us now,<br />
especially for those in harm's way.<br />
Shield them from danger<br />
and bring them home.<br />
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Turn the hearts and minds<br />
of our leaders and our enemies<br />
to the work of justice and a harvest of peace.<br />
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Spare the poor, Lord, spare the poor!<br />
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May the peace you left us,<br />
the peace you gave us,<br />
be the peace that sustains,<br />
the peace that saves us.<br />
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Christ Jesus, hear us!<br />
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer!<br />
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Amen.<br />
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- from <a href="http://concordpastor.blogspot.com/2008/11/prayer-for-veterans-day.html" target="_blank">A Concord Pastor</a>Jennifer Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648516423693800297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635737715147561744.post-18486656480717141362013-11-05T14:07:00.001-08:002013-11-05T14:07:14.821-08:00Picture this!In my previous <a href="http://worshiphiminspiritandtruth.blogspot.com/2013/11/youth-convention-2013.html" target="_blank">post</a>, I included a picture of Fr. Bryan taking a picture of the assembly from the weekend's <a href="http://convention.seattleoyyae.org/" target="_blank">CYC</a> Mass.<br />
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Courtesy of the Priesthood and Religious Vocations for the Archdiocese of Seattle's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/SeattleVocations?hc_location=stream" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>, here's the picture that Fr. Bryan took:<br />
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<br />Jennifer Gramajehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648516423693800297noreply@blogger.com0