Eternal Rest, grant unto them

Yesterday was the Funeral Mass for Fr. Michael J. Ryan a former pastor of St. Paul's in South Seattle during the 80's.

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.

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.

He is risen, Alleluia!

Lots have been going on since we began the Easter season, rejoicing with the praises of all God's faithful people:

two popes were canonized on Divine Mercy Sunday,

priest assignments 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),

seminarian Dean Mbuzi, a native of Zambia (pictured below with Kathleen, the president of the ACCW), 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.

publicity and preparation for the Cantor Intensive our office is co-sponsoring with the Seattle Chapter of NPM kicked off,

seminarians from the North American College in Rome did a fun tap dance number at last month's Rector's Dinner, video courtesy of a post from Fr. Jacob Maurer's blog,

"Confirmation season" began,

and so has the time in which many second graders (including Deacon Jeff Greer's grandson) receive Holy Communion for the first time,

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.

Let us pray for them and all candidates for Confirmation.

"All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by water and the Holy Spirit you freed
your sons and daughters from sin
and gave them new life.
Send your Holy Spirit upon them
to be their Helper and Guide.
Give them the spirit of wisdom
   and understanding,
the spirit of right judgment,
   and courage,
the spirit of knowledge and reverence.
Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe
   in your presence.
We ask this through Christ our Lord."
            (from the Rite of Confirmation, The Laying on of Hands)