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:

Seattle Seminarians

Every 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.

On the Crozier Society's website is the poster 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.

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!

!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.

Typhoon Haiyan

With 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 Catholic Relief Services. CRS has also provided some prayer resources that are posted on the Archdiocesan Missions' Office website.

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!

And as a side note, many great things were mentioned in the most recent issue of Liturgy Line, 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"!

Veterans Day

Veterans 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 prayer resources for troops, which includes a number of prayers of the faithful.

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.

Prayer for Veterans Day
   God of peace,
   we pray for those who have served our nation
   and have laid down their lives
   to protect and defend our freedom.

   We pray for those who have fought,
   whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war,
   whose nights are haunted by memories
   too painful for the light of day.

   We pray for those who serve us now,
   especially for those in harm's way.
   Shield them from danger
   and bring them home.

   Turn the hearts and minds
   of our leaders and our enemies
   to the work of justice and a harvest of peace.

   Spare the poor, Lord, spare the poor!

   May the peace you left us,
   the peace you gave us,
   be the peace that sustains,
   the peace that saves us.

   Christ Jesus, hear us!
   Lord Jesus, hear our prayer!

   Amen.

                     - from A Concord Pastor

Picture this!

In my previous post, I included a picture of Fr. Bryan taking a picture of the assembly from the weekend's CYC Mass.

Courtesy of the Priesthood and Religious Vocations for the Archdiocese of Seattle's Facebook page, here's the picture that Fr. Bryan took:

Youth Convention 2013

This weekend was the Catholic Youth Convention (CYC) held at Bellevue College. Last night Archbishop Sartain presided at Adoration and this morning Fr. Bryan Dolejsi celebrated Mass.

It's been a great joy to be a part of this gathering of 1,300+ youth throughout the Archdiocese for the past 4 years as the liturgy coordinator. This year was different because Joe from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Bothell was the liturgy coordinator and I assisted him throughout the weekend to provide support and assistance where needed. In fact, some of the youth in our parish's Confirmation program also came out for the weekend to join in the fun. Although I never saw them, I hope and pray it was a time of renewal and excitement for them in their journey of faith, just as much as it was for me when I was in high school and participated in CYC.

We also had a group of our seminarians from Bishop White Seminary and Mount Angel Seminary, wearing their new polo shirts, who came out for the weekend to be present, promote vocations to the priesthood, and be a powerful witness to the youth. When Fr. Bryan introduced them and had them stand up before the Final Blessing at Mass, they received a roar of applause and feet-stomping!

Seminarian Ben was also a great help with the Mass preparations. He did a lot from cueing the gift bearers, putting out the hosts, to altar cloth fitting:

The house band, "The Thirsting" played for the entire weekend, including serving as the "choir" for Mass.

Before Adoration last night, I met Brother Matthias and we spoke briefly before our rehearsal for the Mass. Little did I know that he was going to be on the keyboard for the night.

And before the Final Blessing at Mass, Fr. Bryan informs everyone that he wants to take a picture of the group.

Overall a great weekend! How could it not be when you're acknowledged and thanked in front of the 1,500+ people as a "liturgy friend."

Blog Bug

The blogging bug is spreading in our office.

Check out Andrew's page here! Although his posts date back to 2002, he had not written a post for about three years. As he says in his first post after the hiatus, he's willing to "give it a go".

I especially enjoy Andrew's post titled Soil and Sacrament, which shares the title of the book he highly recommends. Unfortunately, my book-reading has taken a brief hiatus itself, but hopefully I can "give it a go".

St. Anthony Mary Claret, pray for us

On this feast of St. Anthony Mary Claret, we pray for the Claretian family of congregations and institutions which have him as their founder, or who share in his charism.

In a special way, I pray for my uncle, Fr. Art Gramaje, cmf, and for all the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, or Cordis Mariæ Filius.

 

May the Holy Spirit and the Immaculate Heart of Mary continue to sustain him and all the Claretian Priests and Brothers, through the intercession of St. Anthony Mary Claret.

Blessed JPII (On the feast of St. Luke)

On this, the feast of St. Luke, let us hold in prayer the parishioners of St. Luke Parish in Shoreline and their pastor, Fr. Brad Hagelin, as they celebrate their patronal feast day.

Also taking today to note that Tuesday, October 22nd is the optional memorial for Blessed (soon to be Saint) John Paul II. The Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship approved insertion of this beloved Pope into the proper calendar of the dioceses of the United States about a year ago.

Here is a link to more information as well as the proper liturgical texts for observance of the Memorial in the Mass and Liturgy of the Hours.

And this fun and also somewhat encouraging autotuned video of a speech Blessed JPII gave to youth. Because the video's theme of love can also be found in the Gospel of Luke in popular passages such as the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan, found in Luke's gospel, focus on Jesus' compassion and love for the weak, the suffering and the outcast. (I had to tie this post back to St. Luke somehow, right?)

Score

I'm no expert quite yet, but thanks to yesterday's brief training from a colleague at the Chancery who is also a musician for Village Theatre and accompanist at a North Seattle parish, I have some basic knowledge, tips and tricks on using Finale (a well-known music software that was recently installed on my computer).

In playing with the software again this afternoon, just to familiarize myself with it more, I scored Tamtum Ergo from scratch. I did have my user guide and notes from my meeting with Joseph handy, but didn't need to refer to them all that much. (That, and the CTRL + Z undo shortcut was ready at hand.)

The one thing I'm still trying to figure out, and might need to call more expert help on, is how to get rid of the annoying indentation in front of the first measure.

Liturgical (Musician) Nerd status is almost achieved.

Catholic Cuisine blog

I had a fun two-part movie night with some friends as we watched Karol: A Man who Became Pope (I recommend this film as a way to experience the suffering and tragedy of the early life of Karol before he became the beloved Blessed -soon to be Saint- John Paul II and the hope that comes out of that despair, but warning that the movie does contain graphic violence with blood and weapons, and has a very long running time.)

Nonetheless, both nights were Polish and Pope-themed by our gracious hosts. Their home was transformed to include a table display with Blessed JPII's image on a table, candles, and various images hung around. One night, they even prepared a delish home-cooked Polish dinner. The best part: appropriate snacks courtesy of a fun blog that we recently discovered.

May your staff meetings, parish or school gatherings, and various liturgical celebrations (except for the Mass, of course) never be the same again after checking out this neat site!

What happens at a Catholic Wedding?

The USCCB has put together a great video that walks through the Rite of Marriage, answers questions about Catholic weddings, and provides a wonderful resources for marriage preparation.

Rest in peace, Father Gallagher

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father William Gallagher, who passed away early this morning at Mount St. Vincent.  Father Gallagher was ordained in 1946 at St. James Cathedral and served there as a curate and then as pastor from 1974-1988.  He also served as pastor at Sacred Heart in Bellevue and at St. Luke’s in Shoreline.  He was a good and faithful priest for 67 years! 

Information on Father Gallagher's Funeral Mass may be found on the Cathedral website.

"English Mass for Filipino Catholics"

Can someone explain how English Mass for Filipino Catholics: The Meaning of the New Words of the Mass, by Virgilio T.J. Suerte Felipe, is specific to Filipino Catholics (or how is it any different than Mass for Roman Catholics?)

DC Navy Yard shootings

Let us pray.

For all the dead and injured, and for their families and friends.
For the people in desolation because of such violence.
For an end to such brutalities.
For military personnel, service men and women, EMTs, police officers, fire fighters.
For anyone dealing with frustration or anger.
For peace and healing.

     Lord, hear our prayers.

Prayers for Archbishop Brunett

As you may have read or heard through various posts on Facebook, the Archdiocesan official news release, or a number of local news websites and television stations, our retired Archbishop, Alex J. Brunett, suffered a stroke last Thursday afternoon (Sept 12,) was admitted to Overlake Hospital, and underwent surgery, which doctors have said went well. Archbishop Brunett is in critical but stable condition in intensive care before the next phase of his recovery begins. He is not able to receive visitors at this time but welcomes your prayers. As his stroke happened on the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary, a Hail Mary seems appropriate.

At a Mass yesterday afternoon at St. James Cathedral, Archbishop Sartain mentioned that Archbishop Brunett is able to respond to voice commands, and he recognized him and was able to make the sign of the cross after Archbishop Sartain offered a blessing upon him. When Archbishop Sartain mentioned that Mass would be celebrated at the Cathedral that afternoon, Archbishop Brunett expressed his gratitude for the thoughts and most especially the prayers.

For those who would like to send cards and notes to Archbishop Brunett, please direct them to 710 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104.

In the words of Archbishop Sartain, "may God, whose power and love can do more than we can ask or image, grant the Archbishop healing, peace, and joy."

       O God, only support of our human weakness, 
       show the power of your protection over your servants who are sick, 
       that, sustained by your merciful help, 
       they may be restored to your holy Church in good health. 
       Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
               -Collect, Votive Mass For the Sick

We Remember...

Here's the prayer written by Pope-emeritus Benedict from when he visited Ground Zero in 2008.

In a world torn by violence and hatred, let us continue to pray for peace and love in our hearts and the hearts of others.

Prayer for God's love

Jorel and Spencer

As promised, below is the prayer for my good friends' wedding reception last Saturday, which is based on the Rite of Marriage. These two have gone through a lot in their (I believe) 14 years together as a couple, and their faith has grown stronger because of these trials and smiles, highs and sighs. Spencer says that I am a faith-filled witness and role model in her life, but I can easily say the same about her and Jorel's faith and how they live it out.

May this prayer be (1) a prayer for all married couples, serving as a reminder of the love they have committed to each other and to the Church and (2) a reminder for all Catholics to be a witness of God's love in the world through acts of kindness.

Almighty and ever-living God, we pray for your children, N. and N., now joined by the Sacrament of Matrimony. Grant that they may grow in faith and enrich your Church. May you keep them of one heart, in peace and love for one another.

We ask your blessing upon all of us joyfully gathered here this day [, and upon this food]. May it nourish us and provide us with the strength to grow in faith, hope and love for you. We ask this and all of our prayers, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace

By now I would think that many of you have heard or read about Pope Francis calling for this Saturday to be a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world.

 Click here for a number of liturgical resources and a memo from Archbishop Sartain and Bishop Elizondo to their brother priests, which gives permission to priests in the Archdiocese to celebrate specific Masses for Various Needs and Occasions at this coming Sunday liturgies.

Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.

Prayer at a Wedding reception

A friend of mine from Seattle University is getting married this Saturday at the Chapel of St. Ignatius. In addition to asking me to altar serve, last night the bride-to-be invited me to offer a prayer at their wedding reception. Some may see this either as a daunting task with no where to begin or as an opportunity to give a mini-toast on the couple. I, on the other hand, am thrilled at this opportunity to pray the prayers from the Catholic Rite of Marriage.

This prayer at the wedding reception is a great opportunity to incorporate these prayers that were prayed at the Rite of Marriage within a Mass, just hours before the reception, during which many of her guests would have likely tuned out because they were so focused on when the presider would say "you may now kiss the bride!"  

Anyhow, a copy of the prayer will be posted sometime this week.

Liturgy of the Hours

I have a confession to make as somewhat of a foreword to this post. I am not familiar with how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours (LotH). Not because there is no interest on my part, indeed quite the opposite. But yes, one who ministers in the Liturgy Office and is called to serve as a liturgical resource for the Catholic Archdiocese does not know how to pray the official public worship of the Catholic Church (aside from the Mass, of course.)
 
On that note, here's my new read that arrived a few days ago! I’m pretty excited about what seems to be a great yet simple resource that is more of a practical handbook rather than a theological guide on the LotH.

I hope and pray that this walk-through step-by-step handbook will allow me to become more familiar with the LotH, in hopes that we all may be able to “…live as we pray…” (Catechism of the Catholic Church,  # 2725)

A special appearance...

The Most Reverend Joseph J. Tyson, former Pastor of St. Mary of the Valley parish in Monroe, WA from 1993-1995, who currently serves as the bishop of the Diocese of Yakima, was present to celebrate the parish's Centennial Mass and celebration this weekend. 

Pictured from far left is former pastor (from 1966-1971) Fr. Joseph Petosa (far left), current pastor Fr. Phil Bloom, Archbishop Sartain, Deacon Gene Vanderzanden, and Bishop Tyson.

The Art of Sacred Symbols...

...may apparently be a lost art.

"Symbols that Surround Us" is a workshop being held at St. James Cathedral on Monday, September 30th with Dr. Johan van Parys, director of liturgy and the sacred arts at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis.

Seems like a fascinating workshop to attend...care to join me?

Liturgy Line

Last week, we published yet another rousing issue of Liturgy Line, our seasonal liturgical resource from the office. The welcome article is from Andrew on the feast of the Transfiguration and a reflection on how we all are invited to see God's glory manifest in all we do.

Join our mailing list, won't you?

Claretian Martyrs

An inspirational story on the Martyrs of Barbastro, on this, their feast day. Let us continue to pray for them, for their intercession, for all Claretian Missionaries, and in a special way for my uncle, Fr. Art Gramaje, CMF.

Claretian Martyrs of Barbastro, pray for us.

NPM ministerial position

The search for a new President and CEO of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) has begun. Here is a link to the job description. Please spread the word if you know of someone who may be interested.

Relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux

First-class relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux are coming to the Archdiocese of Seattle this September! Here's the flyer with more information and details.

I just had a conversation with Tony about this over lunch yesterday, before I saw the flyer from our Missions Office. The relics will also be making an appearance in the Diocese of Metuchen in October. He was telling me that at a planning meeting, their Knights of Columbus agreed to guard the relics for a good number of hours, but that they would need breaks. We then continued to talk about a possible ritual for the changing of the guard! Fun times for us liturgical nerds! (Meanwhile, his two sons just continued to eat their pizza.)

Coming Events

This past week was the first full week of Andrew's ministry with us in the Archdiocese. He is a blessing from God! He brings many gifts and talents, and we give God praise and thanks for his ministry in the Archdiocese of Seattle. Looking forward to ministering with him as stewards of the Liturgy Office. Next week Andrew will be giving a presentation for Wine and Wisdom on the Sacred Liturgy for all young adults in the Archdiocese. Here is the flyer for that event. (Andrew is pictured in the flyer wearing the suit and tie, in case you were wondering.)

Archbishop Sartain will honor, recognize and bless Catholics who teach at local public and non-Catholic private elementary and high schools, colleges and universities as witnesses of the Faith. Teachers, all staff, and their families are invited to attend Mass at 5:30pm on August 24, 2013 at St. James Cathedral. All are welcome! For more information, contact the Office of Catholic Faith Formation by email or by calling (206) 382-4593. You may also view their flyer for the event.

Earlier today was an initial meeting to discuss preparations for the Mass for Life, which is scheduled for January 21st at 9:30am at Marcus Pavillion on the campus of St. Martin's University. And yes, we even have a flyer for that event.

After the meeting, I was reflecting on how quickly the summer has gone by, in that we're already beginning preparations for the Mass for Life! But we still have a few weeks left, and with the beginning of Seafair Weekend and my third and final week of staycation for the summer beginning on Monday, I hope and pray you are taking some time out for rest and relaxation as well in these last few weeks of summer and will be able to begin the new school year with energy and excitement as we continue to build up God's kingdom and give Him glory and praise.

Happy Feast Day!

Being an alum of Seattle University (SU,) I have a special place in my heart for the Society of Jesus. The Jesuits have been and continue to be an inspiration to me & a source of wisdom, strength and encouragement. On this, the feast day of their founder, I hold them especially in prayer.

There is no better way for me to celebrate this special feast than at the Chapel of St. Ignatius at SU, where I served as a sacristan during my studies.

 

"O God, who raised up Saint Ignatius of Loyola in your Church to further the greater glory of your name, grant that by his help we may imitate him in fighting the good fight on earth and merit to receive with him a crown in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever"    Amen!  

(taken from the collect prayer for St. Ignatius)

 

St. Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us!

Greetings from the NPM Convention...

...sort of anyway. 

If I were really in Washington, DC for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) Convention, I would be blogging about it more than just this one post.

This picture is from the NPM Facebook page.

And so are these video clips from the opening ceremony of the NPM Convention (just a warning that the young lady in the beginning is just a little bit too excited for Convention, but then again, I probably would be too!)

Earlier today I was in touch with one of the music directors from Tacoma who is in attendance at Convention, and invited her to write an article for our next Liturgy Line newsletter about her experience. I'm very excited to read it! In the meantime, I'll stick to following posts on Facebook.

More Musings

The long-awaited arrival of the new Archdiocesan Director of Liturgy is here! Andrew was in the office for a few hours last Friday morning to get his id badge, parking pass, finish signing papers with HR, get his computer and email set-up, etc. Tomorrow he'll begin his new ministerial position full-time. But I can already tell why he was the unanimous choice of the search committee! He is a great person and I look forward with even more joy, hope, and excitement in ministering together. Now the real time of transition begins...prayers are appreciated!

But on a lighter note, last Saturday morning we had a moving party for Andrew and his family. We're ever-so grateful for those who took a few hours to babysit his two beautiful children and move furniture, boxes, toys, and some other items. This is just a sneak peak into the "other items" we unloaded off the moving truck and into his family's new home in Shoreline. Pretty neat stuff, if you ask me!

                         



This week is the NPM Convention in Washington, D.C., in which three people (that I know of anyway) from the Archdiocese are in attendance. Please hold them, and all participants in prayer. For those of us who wish we could participate in this national gathering, the Pray Tell blog will be live-streaming some of the sessions.

Here's a very informative summer issue of the liturgy newsletter from Diocese of San Jose Worship Office. I think I have some ideas for the next issue of our very own Liturgy Line. A fun note, last Sunday the 21st, the director of worship for San Jose, Diana Macalintal, made a surprise visit to the Chapel of St. Ignatius in Seattle. She is the same Diana Macalintal that I had the grace-filled opportunity to have breakfast with one day when at the Religious Education Congress in Anaheim last February.

In the newsletter included a pretty neat podcast from Diana providing a run-down of Pope Francis' encyclical Lumen fidei and what may be important for all who prepare liturgy to know about the document.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Emmett Carroll, SJ, Pastor of St. Cecilia on Bainbridge Island, who died unexpectedly last week. His Funeral Mass will be tomorrow evening, 7:00pm at St. Cecilia. Archbishop Brunett will be the main celebrant and Father Patrick Howell, SJ will offer the homily. Eternal rest, grant unto the soul of Father Emmett, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

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."

Jersey Job Opportunity

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen (which just so happens to be where our former Associate Director and a good friend now ministers) is now hiring a Program Coordinator for their Worship Office.

Maybe you are interested in applying or know someone who may be? Please spread the word to others.

Let us pray that the Holy Spirit may guide them and their ministry to the liturgical leadership of Metuchen.

Monday Musings

Today the new Archdiocesan Liturgy Director begins a long and adventurous family road trip westward from North Carolina, on this the memorial of St. Bonaventure. May the intercession of the seraphic Doctor bring Andrew and his family a good trip to Seattle (and to all the stops in between.) Please hold him and his family in your prayers. We look forward to welcoming him in our Archdiocese in a few weeks (he officially begins August 1st!)

[As a tangent, Andrew and I have a mutual friend getting married at Mary, Queen of Peace in Sammamish on July 27th so I will have the privilege of meeting him on Friday the 26th, and then seeing him again on Saturday and Sunday for the wedding festivities (the bride, who currently is on staff at MQP for children and family ministry, studied with Andrew at Notre Dame and she was also the former youth minister at St. Paul's parish.)]

Our interim director for this past year had two small bouquets of flowers delivered to me and Teresa today for all of our work in this past year of challenging transitions. Each of us are displaying the beautiful bouquets on our desk for the week (hopefully longer, if they last.)

In today's mail I received an informational packet on the Diocese of Boise's first ever Eucharistic Congress to be held on Friday, September 6 and Saturday, September 7. My friend's wedding, which I'm altar serving at, is scheduled for that same Saturday at Noon, so not sure yet if I can make it work to attend both events. Maybe you can? And if not, our Archdiocese plans to sponsor it's very own Eucharistic Congress in a year or two.

 

And the best for last, check out these pictures of what I consider to be a pretty awesome find, going back to 1973 supposedly! These gems are keepers!

 

I do...with the help of God

During the Rite of Ordination, the candidates make several promises, in which they respond "I do" except for the last promise, where the candidates responds "I do, with the help of God."

For those of you who were at Father Mark's priestly ordination last month, you may recall a memorable moment when Father Mark forgot to say "with the help of God" but after a few seconds of silence, he added on this forgotten phrase with laughter from the assembly once everyone realized he had forgotten the phrase.

I've since learned that Father Mark was counting the promises with his fingers in order to remember when to say "with the help of God" but he lost count sometime during the Rite. Thankfully, two of the Masters of Ceremony (and maybe even the bishop) whispered to Father Mark before he realized the mistake.

If you click the video below, right after Father Mark says "I do" you'll notice his fingers moving, indicating his counting. It was a good laugh (for me anyway) to re-live this moment of the rite, knowing that Father Mark was counting with his fingers, then knowing that he had lost count.

Thanks to Father Mark's sister, Mary Jane, who took this video (in addition to the other videos below.)

A suggestion I have, albeit a bit late for Father Mark, is that instead of counting with fingers, to remember a key phrase in the promise that is associated with adding "with the help of God." (i.e. "Christ the High Priest" might have been a good one to remember.) Hopefully this suggestion is not too late for future ordinands.

To view other video clips from Father Mark Kiszelewski's ordination to the priesthood and Mass of Thanksgiving, simply click here to go to Mary Jane's youtube channel for the eight additional clips.

If you watch the videos closely, you'll see some additional light-hearted moments from the Ordination Mass, like in Video # 2 at 0:24 with some good commentary about Father Mark laughing because we put a cushion for him kneeling during the Laying on of Hands, Video #4 at about 0:03 the bishop nudges Father Mark with his elbow and in Video #5 which you'll see Father Mark is a bit anxious for the recessional.

But of course, please view these videos not because of these hilarious moments or to get a good laugh, but because of the beauty within the ritual itself!

Thanks to Father Mark's brother, Matthew, for forwarding these videos to me. And lastly but most importantly, thanks to Father Mark for being a great friend to me over the past few years and for whatever other moments we can laugh about in the future! Ad multos annos, Father Mark!

Ad multos annos

Today is the anniversary of priestly ordination of Archbishop Emeritus Alex J. Brunett, and Monday is the anniversary of priestly ordination of Archbishop J. Peter Sartain.

My prayer today for the both of them, and for all priests, comes from Sacred Scripture:

Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word with the imposition of hands of the Holy Spirit.

1 Timothy 4:14

100 years

The Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Tacoma will celebrate it's 100 year anniversary of the church building. The structure turned 100 on June 16, 2013. Archbishop Sartain will celebrate Mass at the parish this Saturday, July 13th at 5:00pm.

View a message from the pastor of the parish, Father Nick Wichert, for more information on the celebration and a brief history of the church.

Not so quiet days of July

While most parishes and schools are experiencing some quiet days of summer, there have been lots going on since my last post, but I'll only be highlighting a few:

• The Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act, calling it unconstitutional. As one archdiocesan priest commented with posting this article, "if you want your priest and your parish to be faithful, it is imperative to call attention to the issues at hand and to support preaching & practicing the Truth"
• Pope Francis has published his first encyclical "Lumen Fidei" (The Light of Faith)
• Pope Francis also signed canonization decrees for two former Popes, John Paul II and John XXIII

For a little more lighter fare:

• Many priests and parishes began the new fiscal year with new assignments. (just ignore the "draft" watermark, as I'm not able to remove it from the document)   Let us continue to pray for these priests and parishes going through transitions!
• My good friend, John Michael Reyes began in his new ministerial position as the Campus Minister for Liturgy at Seattle University last week. We first met when he and I coordinated the Youth Convention Mass a few years ago. Since then, he has been a great friend to me over the years and we continue to share ministerial stories together.
• After Priest Days (June 16-20) I took a week of staycation. Then after being in the office for only three days last week, I begin another staycation today. And...wait for it...I will have my last summer staycation August 5-9.
• Most priests probably know this already, but there is a minor change to the collect of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, whose feast day is July 14th. Instead of saying "Blessed" we will now pray "Saint"

I hope your first few days of July have gone off to a restful and relaxing start and I pray that the rest of the summer is a great one!

At the Chapel of St. Ignatius

Today I made a return to the Chapel of St. Ignatius, where I served as a student sacristan during my years studying at Seattle University. (Since the new Campus Minister for Liturgy begins tomorrow and with many of the current sacristans away for the summer, I was asked to assist for the 11:00am Mass.)

At the Mass, we also celebrated a Rite of Baptism for baby Kennedy. Father Peter Maher, a diocesan priest from Sydney in Australia, was the main celebrant.

Another grace was seeing three fellow alum (George, Nick, and Yuni) who were fellow student sacristans with me...some number of years ago!

The Vision of Forum

I received this email from Jim Schellman of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate, which ceases to exist at the end of today. It includes information on the "Friends of Forum" which will continue on the vision of Forum:

"Visit http://friendsofforum.org/ 

-The online presence and legacy site devoted to the vision of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate

-Share what the NA Forum has meant to you

-Access foundational initiation articles

-Find current printed resources

-View the final and past NA Forum newsletters for loads of information and resource reviews

-Utilize discernment charts and overviews of the RCIA

-and more

Friends of Forum is also creating a new Facebook page to continue to support each other in this inspiring and necessary ministry."

Liturgy News

Just sent this email out to some 500+ contacts throughout the Archdiocese who subscribe to receive our office newsletter and liturgical happenings throughout the Archdiocese. Contact me if you haven't receive this email and are interested in receiving future emails.

Archbishop Sartain will celebrate Mass in memory of the deceased bishops of the Archdiocese on Thursday, June 27th at 5:30pm at St. James Cathedral. This Mass is celebrated annually near the anniversary of the death of Archbishop Thomas Murphy (June 26th, 1997). All are welcome.

Priest Days Jubilarians

Honoring the priests celebrating their 25th, 50th, and 60th anniversary of ordination!

Almost time to leave the Ocean...

...almost!

We're well into Priest Days and it's been beautiful weather for most of the time. Since our office is not selling liturgical books this year, in between the liturgical celebrations I've had the opportunity to take time off to go to the beach! After six Priest Days, this is my first time going to the beach. Best part of all: I was able to pick up some shells that make for great worry stones!

I've taken more pictures of the beach and the gorgeous weather than the liturgical celebrations.



(L) At the beach yesterday afternoon.  (R) The view from my hotel room at Ocean Shores for Priest Days!

A glimpse of the liturgical celebrations for Priest Days: Mass is celebrated every morning, except today, plus mid-day prayer and evening prayer. Monday night we remembered the priests who died in the past year during a memorial service, and last night there was an opportunity for the priests to go to Confession.


There was no morning Mass today because later this afternoon there will be a Mass celebrating the Jubilarians who celebrate their 25, 50, and 60 anniversary to the priesthood.Maybe for the Jubilarian Mass, since I'm not altar serving, I'll be able to take some pictures of the liturgical celebrations.

Now, I still have two hours until I need to return to the convention center to begin setting up for Mass. There is a nice ice cream shop next to the convention center I haven't been to yet this year! This is the first year (of six) that I've been able to enjoy my time at Ocean Shores and it feels so relaxing and peaceful. Can someone remind me of the actual reason why I came down here?

Priest Days has begun

All day yesterday was set-up for Priest Days.

Thankfully, our office is only responsible for the chapel and liturgical celebrations. I wouldn't want to have to worry about registration packets, meals, optional sessions, and various arrangements for the speaker, Fr. Tom Rosica, C.S.B.

Back to the chapel, here's a sneak at the before and after:

 

 

 

And the first full day of Priest Days (9:00am Mass, midday and evening prayer, and a memorial service remembering the deceased priests of this past year) has completed.

More to come...

Congratulations class of 2013!

Before the Priest Days blog posts from Ocean Shores begin, I wish to congratulate all the graduates of the class of 2013, especially those from Seattle University as they celebrated their Baccalaureate Mass this afternoon at St. James Cathedral.

Father Mike Bayard, SJ, Director of Campus Ministry at SU asked me a while ago to assist at their Baccalaureate Mass,which I was glad to do. Father Mike was and continues to be an important part of my formation as a lay minister in the Church, that being miter and crosier bearer for the Mass is the least I could do for him. Thanks, Father Mike! Your priestly ministry makes a positive difference in the lives of the students (and alumni!)  

My prayer for him (and for all of us reading this post) is that we all remember the work we do makes a positive difference in someone's life, whether we realize it or not. We plant seeds for the students, and among each other, that will bear great fruit in the future!  

Father Mike with a SU '13 graduate

 

Priest Days preparations

Gathering liturgical furnishings to convert a meeting room at the Ocean Shores Convention Center into a worship space for Priest Days next week is no easy task...but boy is it a lot of fun!

This is the conference room next to our offices, where we gathered all of the vessels, linens, furnishings, and vestments that we'll be bringing to Priest Days next week. Priest Days is the annual meeting and retreat for the priests in the Archdiocese of Seattle, where they will be discussing...wait for it...the new evangelization.

Please pray for all the priests in the Archdiocese as they begin Priest Days soon!

Ordination of Mark Kiszelewski

Last Saturday, Archbishop Sartain ordained Mark Kiszelewski to the Priesthood.
Here's the photo album of the Ordination Mass courtesy of St. James Cathedral's website.

If you prefer less quality pictures from the Ordination Mass, check out my picasa web album, which also includes pictures from Father Mark's Masses of Thanksgiving at St. Therese and Christ Our Hope in Seattle.

Congratulations, Father Mark. Ad multos annos!

Happy Birthday, Archbishop Sartain!

Today is Archbishop Sartain's 61st Birthday!

May the Lord continue to guide him as he shepherds the people entrusted to his care, as a steward of God's mysteries.

God's presence in the world!

Here are a few pictures taken from the Corpus Christi Procession at Holy Rosary Parish in Tacoma.

Was almost brought to tears at being reminded of this reality of God's presence in the world.
     God is still with us,
     God hasn't abandoned us,
     God still loves us and cares for us,
     God wants to bless us and be with us!

Coming Celebrations

This Sunday, the Church celebrates The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi, Latin for Body of Christ)

My sister and I will be at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Tacoma, where they will hold a Corpus Christi Procession beginning at Holy Rosary to St. Joseph, then back to Holy Rosary.

Here is a video from a Corpus Christi Procession in 2012 when Archbishop Sartain was the presider, and one from 2009 when Father Maurer was the presider. Both at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Bremerton. 2009 was the first year Our Lady Star of the Sea held a Corpus Christi Procession, after the Mass of Thanksgiving for Father Maurer's Ordination to the Priesthood.

And on that note, next Saturday, June 8th is Deacon Mark Kiszelewski's Ordination to the Priesthood. An update to a recent blog post is that Father Mark Kiszelewski will offer a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, June 16th at 9:00am at St. Luke in Shoreline.  Let us continue to hold Mark and all seminarians in our prayers.

A blessed Memorial Day

Let us take a moment to pause in prayer this Memorial Day, courtesy of A Concord Pastor Comments blog.

Prayer for Oklahoma

"Let us pray for the victims...and the missing, especially the children, struck by the violent tornado that hit Oklahoma City yesterday. Hear us, O Lord."

- Pope Francis, during the Prayers of the Faithful at his morning Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae

For those who are able to attend, St. James Cathedral will hold a special Mass this Friday (May 24th) at 12 Noon for the tornado victims.

Happy Pentecost!

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of your love.

 

Habemus Director of Liturgy

Archbishop Sartain has appointed Mr. Andrew Casad as the Director of Liturgy for the Archdiocese of Seattle. He will begin on August 1st. Read more about him on the Pray Tell Blog. (He's pictured without the bill)

Andrew currently serves as the Director of Liturgy and Catechumenate at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and holds a Master of Theological Studies in liturgical studies from the University of Notre Dame (2003). Andrew is also an online course facilitator for Notre Dame’s Satellite Theological Education Program and gives workshops throughout the Diocese of Raleigh.

Please continue to pray for Andrew, his wife and children during this time of transition for them. I also ask your continued prayers for the Liturgy Office and for the entire liturgical life of the Archdiocese of Seattle.

Thank you for those who continue to provide me with hope, strength, and encouragement, especially during this difficult year of transition. This is only the beginning of this new and exciting chapter. One of my favorite movie quotes profoundly articulates what is in my heart. 

As we approach the celebration of Pentecost, let us pray that the Holy Spirit's love will rest upon us and strengthen us to be loving and wise in furthering the gospel of Christ. 

Come, Holy Spirit!

Welcome Bishop Burns!

The Most Reverend Edward Burns of Juneau, Alaska arrived in Seattle last week. He will celebrate a small handful of the Confirmations in the Archdiocese.

He is pictured below, anointing a young parishioner at St. Andrew Parish in Sumner.

Ends and Beginnings

An announcement came in my email today from the North American Forum on the Catechumenate announcing their dissolution, effective June 30th. Jerry Galipeau writes his take on the ending of Forum on his blog.

And Archbishop-Emeritus Alex J. Brunett will "end" his time as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Oakland. Pope Francis has appointed Father Michael Barber, SJ (the one who currently serves as the lead spiritual director of Boston's St. John's Seminary...just wanted to clarify that since apparently there are three Michael Barber, SJ's in the US) as Bishop of Oakland. Brunett served as Oakland's Apostolic Administrator since October of last year.

There are also a number of official assignments (just ignore and accept my apologies for the "draft" watermark) that will soon take place around the Archdiocese of Seattle. Let us especially pray for these priests and the parishes and communities that are greatly impacted by the priests who will soon end their time of service at their specific community.

A couple of hours ago, Tony V. called me and we spoke for a good hour and a half about various ends and beginnings in our lives, and leave it to him to tie it into Liturgy somehow by reminding me of what it means to live out the Passion and Resurrection of Christ: life is changed, not ended.