Prayers

A few prayer requests on this Fourth Sunday of Advent:



Days ago, Deacon Fred Cordova, a 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 Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) and the Filipino Youth Association, 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.

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 stroke 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 St. James Cathedral. Please continue to pray for Archbishop Brunett, for healing and strength as he continues his recovery!

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!

Rejoice!

On this Gaudete Sunday, I reflected on a number of events this weekend which we're cause for rejoicing in my heart:

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.

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:

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 Cathedral website. 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:

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:

!Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!

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 Cathedral website has great pictures of the celebration, as they always do!

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.

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.

Next week will also be the Archdiocesan Simbang Gabi celebration, 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!)

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 calendar of all the parishes celebrating a Simbang Gabi celebration.

Happy 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:

1. Questioning
2. Complaining
3. Wishful thinking

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."

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 go to Confession! 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.

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.

Obligation or No Obligation?

Our office is receiving a number of phone calls about December 8th - the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception - falling on a Monday this year.

Basically, the observance of the Solemnity is transferred to Monday, December 9th since the Sunday of Advent takes precedence, but December 9th is not a Holy Day of obligation this year.

And here's why:

Taken from the USCCB Committee on Divine Worship Newsletter Volume XLIX  February 2013

"In this year of 2013, December 8 – normally the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception – falls on the Second Sunday of Advent. In accordance with no. 5 of the Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and the Calendar, the observance of the Solemnity is transferred to Monday, December 9. Such a transfer is seen as a pastoral concession to the desire of the faithful to observe a beloved Feast even though it is impeded liturgically by a higher observance. The obligation of the faithful to attend Mass remains attached to the day itself (December 8), however, and so it does not transfer with the liturgical observance."

Did you know?

St. James Cathedral in Seattle

Did you know that the anniversary day of the dedication of your parish church is supposed to be observed as a solemnity in your church?

And what is more, December 22, the Anniversary of the Dedication of St. James Cathedral is ranked as a feast day in the Archdiocese. This Saturday, the prayers for the anniversary of the dedication of a church are said, white vestments are worn and a Gloria is to be sung or said. (but just to clarify, not at tomorrow evening's Mass, which celebrates the 4th Sunday of Advent) 

Why does the liturgical calendar place such significance on these anniversaries? The answer lies in the fact that these celebrations are not so much about the building, but the Church made up of living stones, fashioned together into one body, with Christ Jesus as the head.

Be sure to make plans to observe the anniversary of the dedication of your church as well as the dedication of St. James Cathedral on December 22. These feasts help us recall what God is doing in and through the Church.

Taken from the Liturgy Line, Advent 2012 issue

Subscribe to the Liturgy Line, a liturgical resource published by the Archdiocese of Seattle

 



O Wisdom

These last days of Advent (also known as the Octave before Christmas) mark the beginning of the great "O" Antiphons. Familiarized by the popular Advent hymn, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," these antiphons refer to the seven antiphons recited (or chanted) preceding the Magnificat during Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours, which form a series of invocations, each beginning with "O." Each of these seven antiphons refer to a title of Christ the Messiah. The Lectionary for Mass also offers these texts as alternatives for the Gospel acclamation verse for each of these final days of Advent.

If you remove the "O" that begins each antiphon and list them starting from the last night (December 23rd) and make your way towards the first night (December 17th), you get:

Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia.

Taking the first letter of each antiphon as listed above, you get the Latin sentence "ero cras" which roughly translates "Tomorrow I come." These antiphons not only remind us of the tree that has not yet been decorated, the Christmas cards still needing to be written, or the hopefully final run to the mall for last-minute gift shopping, but it also reminds us that these last few days are a time to rejoice, because of the coming of Christ, the Messiah!

Interested in joining me, as I go out into the cold and rain for the next seven nights to make the Simbang Gabi novena at St. Edward Church to prepare for Christmas? If not, here's a joy-filled way to pray a Christmas novena with the great "O Antiphons," courtesy of St. James Cathedral's website. 
Best part is that you won't have to leave your living room!

Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass

This past Saturday, St. James Cathedral hosted the Commissioning Mass of coordinators of the Simbang Gabi novena throughout the Archdiocese. The timing of this celebration could not have been more appropriate.

In light of the horrific shooting in Newtown, Connecticut last Friday, we are reminded that now more than ever there is a need for the light of Christ. Not only must we be the Christ light for others, but this same Christ light must lead our way and guide us in all we do.

In his homily at the Simbang Gabi commissioning mass, Archbishop Sartain described how he was led into the Cathedral by the many parols (star-shaped Christmas lanterns) which represent this very light of Christ, the victory of light over darkness. As he processed in, he was reminded that it is always Christ who must guide his way...guide our way.

During this dark time in our lives, in our country, and especially in the lives of those affected by the shooting in Connecticut, may we find the light of Christ as a source of hope and strength; may we be the light of Christ for others; may we allow the light of Christ to guide our lives.

Chancery Advent Gathering

Today, the Chancery Employees were invited to gather with Archbishop Sartain for the annual Christmas Mass and Luncheon. At this celebration, most employees are decked out with their boughs of holly, wearing red blouses with Christmas trees or a knitted blue sweater with snowflakes, (this year we even had offices wearing antlers and mistletoe on their heads) I, on the other hand, wear one of my favorite purple dress shirts. After all, we are still in the season of Advent.

Whether you see it as a Christmas or Advent celebration, it was a wonderful gathering! Archbishop Sartain delivered an inspirational homily at Mass celebrating the feast of St. John of the Cross. The theme was that no matter how the public sees you or may judge you, no matter how they treat you, we must remain strong in our faith and prayer. Just as we hear in today's gospel, we can "play the flute" and yet no one will "dance."  We could be seen as a glutton or a drunkard or friends of tax collectors. Our day may have begun by someone yelling over the phone towards us, but no matter what happens in our lives, we must remain rooted in Jesus. We must hold firm in prayer. We must remain grounded in our faith. It is only in Christ Jesus that we are able to remain rooted in our faith and prayer life and are able to continue to serve God's people for His greater glory!

Ang Pasko ay Sumapit

As the popular Filipino Christmas Carol translates, Christmas is indeed coming! 

We're half-way through Advent, "O" Antiphons will soon be sung, and this Sunday, priests may pull out the rose-colored vestments to set a tone of joyful expectation for the Lord's birth and Second Coming.

As we are one day closer to welcoming our Savior, this Saturday begins the Simbang Gabi novena with the archdiocesan celebration at St. James Cathedral. Mass begins at 11:00am with a blessing of all the parols (Filipino star lanterns) from parishes celebrating a Simbang Gabi Mass. This year, three parishes in the archdiocese are hosting the full nine-day novena. Here is the full calendar of the Simbang Gabi celebrations throughout the Archdiocese.

Let us all take advantage of these joyous opportunities to celebrate and proclaim the joy and hope we have in the birth of our Savior and King.

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

As they say, pictures (or in this case, a video with music) speak louder than words...especially when it comes to celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe!

This video (courtesy of Isaac Govea of the Hispanic Ministry Office) is a beautiful compilation of pictures taken at this year's Archdiocesan Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Madre de las Americas, which was celebrated on December 1st. The day began with a Rosary at St. Mary's Church followed by a procession to St. James Cathedral for the Mass. Then of course, a gran fiesta! (Unfortunately, no pictures of the tamales.)

¡Que viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!



The Immaculate Conception:

one of the topics I thought I knew in grade school, until my religion teacher proved me wrong. The Immaculate Conception is a teaching of the Church that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception  (not Jesus'). 

Catholic teaching purports that in order for Jesus to have been born without sin, he would have to have been conceived within a sinless human. If Mary had been born with the consequences of original sin, then Jesus would inherit this sin nature through her. Instead, God prepared for the incarnation of His Son by preparing Mary to bear Jesus Christ, through her Immaculate Conception.

Here is a neat comparison showing Mary as the Ark of the New Covenant from Catholic author and apologist Steve Ray. Not only is this creative and informative, but it also demonstrates the importance of familiarity with scripture and how this deepening of our faith can show us a deeper picture of the sacred liturgy, particularly as it relates to Christ, the Divine Lamb.

Mary the Ark as Revealed in Mary's Visit to Elizabeth

Golden Box: Ark of the Old Covenant	Mary: Ark of the New Covenant
The ark traveled to the house of Obed-edom in the hill country of Judea (2 Sam. 6:1-11).	Mary traveled to the house of Elizabeth and Zechariah in the hill country of Judea (Luke 1:39).
Dressed as a priest, David danced and leapt in front of the ark (2 Sam. 6:14).	John the Baptist — of priestly lineage — leapt in his mother's womb at the approach of Mary (Luke 1:41).
David asks, "How can the ark of the Lord come to me?" (2 Sam. 6:9).	Elizabeth asks, "Why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:43).
David shouts in the presence of the ark (2 Sam. 6:15).	Elizabeth "exclaimed with a loud cry" in the presence of the Mary (Luke 1:42).
The ark remained in the house of Obed-edom for three months (2 Sam. 6:11).	Mary remained in the house of Elizabeth for three months (Luke 1:56).
The house of Obed-edom was blessed by the presence of the ark (2 Sam. 6:11).	The word blessed is used three times; surely the house was blessed by God (Luke 1:39-45).
The ark returns to its home and ends up in Jerusalem, where God's presence and glory is revealed in the temple (2 Sam. 6:12; 1 Kgs. 8:9-11).	Mary returns home and eventually ends up in Jerusalem, where she presents God incarnate in the temple (Luke 1:56; 2:21-22).

Inside the Ark

Inside the Ark of the Old Covenant	Inside Mary, Ark of the New Covenant
The stone tablets of the law — the word of God inscribed on stone	The body of Jesus Christ — the word of God in the flesh
The urn filled with manna from the wilderness — the miraculous bread come down from heaven	The womb containing Jesus, the bread of life come down from heaven (John 6:41)
The rod of Aaron that budded to prove and defend the true high priest	The actual and eternal High Priest

Liturgical Blue...

As parishes begin to celebrate the Vigil of the great solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (yes, it is a Holy Day of Obligation ...and no, the 5:00pm Mass on Saturday does not count towards this Solemnity, even though the fifteen people who called our office this past week may wish otherwise) New Liturgical Movement examines Liturgical Blue vestments. I especially enjoyed the pictures and hope you do too!

Stay tuned...more to come on the Patronal Feast Day of the United States.

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

Happy Feast Day of St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, model pastor noted for charity and patron saint of children.  (and just recently learned he is also the patron saint of unmarried women  ;)

Anyway, for a couple of years now, St. Nick has visited the chancery offices (near or on his feast day of course!) and left treats. But since I don't leave my shoes out for him to put the treats in, they are either left on my desk or delivered by our mail room staff.

The feast of St. Nick is a wonderful reminder for us to medidate on the countless blessings and joys God gives us, through His Son, Jesus Christ...especially during this holy season of Advent. Through a simple plastic bag filled with a prayer card, a candy cane, and some chocolate, St. Nick reminds us that we can find joy through the generous spirit of others, if we just open our hearts to seeing the blessings all around us.

Let us do the same for others as well, knowing that we too can spread good cheer to many.

And thank you to the chancery's "St. Nick" --- if you are reading this.

St. Nicholas, Ora pro nobis.

Advent has begun...now what?

In the Chancery offices, the Advent Wreath in the Chapel has been blessed. The first purple candle of hope has been lit. But now what?

Advent is about expectant waiting, hopeful anticipation, and prayerful participation of God coming into our lives. But how can we fully enter into this season, this new liturgical year, amidst the shopping for gifts, baking of cookies, decorating the tree, preparations for Christmas Masses?

I know it’s easier said than done (I speak from my own personal prayer experience) but I invite all of us this Advent to take a moment and recognize what is in our hearts through prayer.

One way to start is by simply opening ourselves to God, allowing Him to come into our hearts, knowing that we are loved by Him. And carrying this feeling of peace with us throughout our busy days.

We can also start by opening our eyes to where Christ is in our daily experiences. Finding Christ in that Salvation Army bell ringer at the local grocery store, or in the kindness of the store clerk as she rings up merchandise for Christmas gifts...or maybe even in a lit purple candle.

Another way to find Christ in our lives is by praying with an Advent Calendar. I am personally enjoying Busted Halo’s Advent Calendar.

May we all continue to open our hearts and prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ into our lives!

Our Lady of Guadalupe; Madre de las Americas

As the Catholic Church begins the season of Advent (a season of anticipation and expectation) the Hispanic Catholic Community of Western Washington gathered at St. James Cathedral to celebrate Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Madre de las Americas. Some great pictures are on the St. James Cathedral website.

This Mass (in addition to Simbang Gabi, which will be at 11am on December 15th at the Cathedral) is one of my favorites, because even with a language barrier, I'm able to see the faith through a different perspective. I'm able to see the faith through the eyes of devoted Catholics not ashamed to show their faith, wear feathers, beads, and bells. I'm able to see the faith through beautiful mariachi music, guitars, and bright vibrant colors. In this season of waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ, let us continue to find joy in our faith.

!Viva la Virgen!

What also made the day special was that a good friend of mine, Reverend Jacob M. Maurer was celebrating his 30th birthday and had the opportunity to pray a part of the Eucharistic Prayer with Archbishop Sartain. So glad that he was able to have this opportunity, something he had not done since his ordination in 2009. Happy 30th Birthday, Father Maurer!