February 7, 2025
ST. CATHERINE WINTER SYNOD
After the vigil and morning masses on Saturday, February 22nd, and Sunday, February 23rd, St. Catherine will host our next Synod. This Synod will be an opportunity to pray collaboratively and have a dialog about our experiences in the life of the parish as we move on our journey of faith. We will follow the approach used during our 2022 and 2023 Synods. Refreshments will be provided.
Please RSVP if you haven't yet so that we will have enough food and moderators. To RSVP, you can use the link below or call the St. Cathrine parish office at 206-524-8800.
Training will be provided. More details will be available soon. Thank you in advance for participating in this important ministry!
ARCHDIOCESE OF SEATTLE CELEBRATING 175TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR
The Archdiocese of Seattle will celebrate its 175th anniversary from January to May this year. We will mark this anniversary with special Masses and a Season of Service. Learn more at archseattle.org/175.
Dear Friends in Christ,
The “Partners in the Gospel” strategic plan invites us to identify as a family of four parishes in the process of eventually becoming a single canonical parish. Part of that process is still belonging to our immediate parish family while also beginning to relate more and more to our extended family of parishes.
Part of our extended family, as Catholics, includes those who belong to the various ethnic groups that make up our society. For the past 55 years, February has become known as “Black History Month,” a time to celebrate the important people and events of the African American Community in our country and our church. One such figure was Sr. Thea Bowman OSF, whose cause for canonization has begun in the Catholic Church. She was a teacher, preacher, and liturgist who sang of the goodness, beauty, and truth of Black People in our church and society. I had the great privilege to hear Sr. Thea speak years ago before she died of cancer at the age of 53. On that occasion, she said the following: "I think the difference between me and some people is that I'm content to do my little bit. Sometimes, people think they have to do big things in order to make a change. But if each one would light a candle, we'd have a tremendous light." Please join me in celebrating the presence and gifts of our black brothers and sisters everywhere.
Our extended church family also consists of many faithful and gifted women whom we increasingly recognize as having gifts of spiritual leadership in our parishes. Catholic women have served in various parish ministries for centuries as religious and lay volunteers. A new moment is before us where the pastoral leadership of our faith communities will increasingly be offered by capable and dynamic Catholic women. This is a partnership and collaboration I wholeheartedly support through many efforts, including those of our “Phoebe Circle,” who advocate for more opportunities for Catholic women to offer their leadership gifts in support of the life of our church. This weekend at some of our Masses, we will be blessed to hear a reflection by Manon Cypher, a member of St. Bridget Parish, a parent of children at ASB school, and a theology teacher at Bishop Blanchet High School.
Praise the Lord for the rich and diversified gifts we share as the family of God!
Fr. William Heric, Pastor
Assumption | St. Bridget | St. Catherine of Siena | Our Lady of the Lake
Holy Mary, Mother of God…pray for us!
St. Bridget of Kildare…pray for us!
St. Catherine of Siena…pray for us!
Live Jesus in our hearts…forever!
We, the community of St. Catherine, are called to follow Jesus and imitate his way of life. Our mission is to continue the work of Jesus Christ.
You can only pick one of the following for the rest of your life:
Pizza
- View Details
Tacos
- View Details
Ice Cream
- View Details
Pasta
- View Details
Scroll down to the bottom to see the answer to last week's question.
SATURDAY 2/8
The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reconciliation @OLL - 4:00 pm
Vigil Mass @OLL - 5:00 pm - Fr. Duc
Anointing of the Sick - 6:00 pm
Reconciliation @STC - 4:00 pm
Vigil Mass @STC - 5:00 pm -Fr. Bill - St. Phoebe Circle Reflection
Anointing of the Sick - 6:00 pm
SUNDAY 2/9
The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday Mass @AP - 9:00 am - Fr. Bill - St. Phoebe Circle Reflection
Sunday Mass @STB - 9:00 am - Fr. Bob - Denny visiting as Deacon
Esperanza Information Table @STB- 10:00 am
Sunday Mass @OLL - 10:30 am - Fr. Duc
Sunday Mass @STC - 10:30 am - Fr. Bill - St. Phoebe Circle Reflection
MONDAY 2/10
Adoration @STB - 3:00 - 10:00 pm
TUESDAY 2/11
Daily Mass - 9:00 am
WEDNESDAY 2/12
Social Seniors @STB - 11:00 am
THURSDAY 2/13
Daily Mass - 9:00 am
FRIDAY 2/14
Valentine's Day
SATURDAY 2/15
The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reconciliation @OLL - 4:00 pm
Vigil Mass @OLL - 5:00 pm - Fr. Bill
Reconciliation @STC - 4:00 pm
Vigil Mass @STC - 5:00 pm -Fr. Duc
SUNDAY 2/16
The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday Mass @AP - 9:00 am - Fr. Duc
Esperanza Service Trip Info Table @AP - 10:00 am
Sunday Mass @STB - 9:00 am - Fr. Bill
Sunday Mass @OLL - 10:30 am - Fr. Bill
Sunday Mass @STC - 10:30 am - Fr. Duc
Presider schedule subject to change.
Sunday, February 9, 2025 | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time| Luke 5:1-11
Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus climbs into Peter’s boat without asking permission. He simply commandeers this vessel that is central to the fisherman’s life and commences to give orders. This represents something of enormous moment: the invasion of grace.
Though God respects our relative independence, he is not the least bit content to leave us in a “natural” state. Instead, he wants to live in us, to become the Lord of our lives, moving into our minds, wills, bodies, imaginations, nerves, and bones.
This commandeering of nature by grace does not involve the compromising of nature but rather its perfection and elevation. When Jesus moves into the house of the soul, the powers of the soul are heightened and properly directed; when Jesus commands the boat of the natural human life, that life is preserved, strengthened, and given a new orientation.
This is signaled symbolically by the Lord’s directive to put out into the deep water. On our own, we can know and will within a very narrow range, seeking those goods and truths that appear within the horizon of our natural consciousness, but when grace invades us, we are enticed into far deeper waters.
Though God respects our relative independence, he is not the least bit content to leave us in a “natural” state. Instead, he wants to live in us, to become the Lord of our lives, moving into our minds, wills, bodies, imaginations, nerves, and bones.
This commandeering of nature by grace does not involve the compromising of nature but rather its perfection and elevation. When Jesus moves into the house of the soul, the powers of the soul are heightened and properly directed; when Jesus commands the boat of the natural human life, that life is preserved, strengthened, and given a new orientation.
This is signaled symbolically by the Lord’s directive to put out into the deep water. On our own, we can know and will within a very narrow range, seeking those goods and truths that appear within the horizon of our natural consciousness, but when grace invades us, we are enticed into far deeper waters.
Bishop Robert Barron
Explore the goodness, truth, and beauty of the Faith
Your parish has gifted you with full access to the entire library of Word on Fire's feature-length films, and short engaging series through Word on Fire Digital. Click the button below to browse all titles and watch on-demand.
TAX STATEMENT
Tax statements have been emailed this year; if you have not received yours, please check your spam folder. If you do not have an email address, your statement will be mailed to your home. If you have not received your statement by next week or have questions about your statement, please contact Colleen Baardse for assistance.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be offered today, Friday, February 7, at 9:30 a.m. at Assumption and St. Bridget's and Saturday, February 8, at OLL and St. Catherine at 6:00 p.m. If you or a loved one would like to receive this special sacrament, please join us.
HONORING WOMEN'S VOICES
Manon Cypher to Share Reflection at Mass
Inspired by the work of Discerning Deacons and with the support of Father Bill, our Phoebe Circle continues to elevate the voices of women in our community by offering reflections at Mass. Next month, on February 8th and 9th, Manon Cypher—a parishioner from St. Bridget's within our new parish family—will share her reflection. She will speak at the following Masses: Saturday, 2/8, at 5:00 PM at St. Catherine's, Sunday, 2/9, at 9:00 AM at Assumption, and 10:30 AM at St. Catherine's.
Originally from Western Pennsylvania, Manon has lived in Seattle since 2004. From 2002 to 2004, she served as a Jesuit Volunteer in Nicaragua. She currently teaches theology at Bishop Blanchet High School and holds a Master’s degree in Pastoral Studies from Seattle University. She and her husband, Ian, have three children and are active members of St. Bridget Parish, where she serves on the Pastoral Council.
YOUNG ADULT GROUP
Young Adult | Meet & Greet Dinner | Tuesday, February 11th at 7PM
St. Catherine's Benicasa
Ages 21- 39. Did you recently move to Seattle, just graduate, settle in your career, or are funemployed? Let's meet each other to discuss where you are in life and grow in faith. Please RSVP by emailing seattle.gabriela@gmail.com to help plan the amount of food. Or come on a whim and surprise us :)
CATHOLICS IN RECOVERY
Catholic in Recovery (CIR) provides hope and healing for individuals and families seeking freedom from addiction, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. Rooted in the Sacraments and the Twelve Steps of Recovery, CIR supports everyone on their recovery journey and welcomes all into a compassionate, faith-filled community.
CIR will host retreats at Our Lady of Peace Retreat House in Beaverton, Oregon. The Men’s Retreat is March 28–30, and the Women’s Retreat is April 11–13. These retreats offer a chance to encounter God’s healing through inspiring talks, personal testimonies, Twelve Step principles, prayer, and the Sacraments, fostering community and deeper healing.
Scott Weeman, the founder of CIR, discussed the program’s mission on Relevant Radio’s Morning Air. You can listen to the interview HERE.
Though these retreats may not be in your immediate area, we have seen that many individuals are more than willing to travel—whether by car or plane—to attend Catholic in Recovery retreats. Scholarships are available; please contact Catholic in Recovery for additional details.
Thank you for supporting this vital ministry. May God bless you!
Let us pray for our brothers and sisters at Assumption, Our Lady of the Lake, and St. Bridget as we journey to becoming a family of parishes. May the Lord bless us as we discern how to collaborate as Catholics in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout northeast Seattle.
For this, we pray to the Lord! Lord hear our prayer!
Do you have a family member or friend who needs prayer? Please contact Anakaren in the church office to request that their name be listed here.
Starting next week, prayers will be included for up to two weeks. If you'd like to continue the prayers beyond that time, simply contact the parish office to renew for another two weeks. We're here to support you!
PRAYERS NEEDED
Please pray for those
who are ill:
Renita Warn
Please pray for those who have died:
Kathy Lavallee
MASS INTENTIONS
February 10 - 16 - For the Parish
"CENACLE" LENTEN SCRIPTURE SERIES
Introducing the “Cenacle” Lenten series. The word “Cenacle” refers to the “Upper Room,” where Jesus gave his disciples the Eucharist, washed their feet, and taught them of the Father’s love and the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is also the place where Jesus regathered the disciples following his resurrection to “breathe” on them the Holy Spirit and send them out as missionaries.
Robert and Lori Fontana (Assumption Parish) are associates in the modern-day Missionary Cenacle movement. During Lent, they will be hosting a weekly small group Scripture study and faith-sharing series called Holy Week with Jesus and His Disciples in the Cenacle. It will be held at Assumption Parish Hall. This Lenten series begins on Wednesday, March 12 (7-8:30 pm) for in-person sessions and will be repeated on Thursday mornings via Zoom, beginning March 13, 10-11:30 am. To register, or if you have any questions, email Robert and/or Lori.
Robert and Lori Fontana (Assumption Parish) are associates in the modern-day Missionary Cenacle movement. During Lent, they will be hosting a weekly small group Scripture study and faith-sharing series called Holy Week with Jesus and His Disciples in the Cenacle. It will be held at Assumption Parish Hall. This Lenten series begins on Wednesday, March 12 (7-8:30 pm) for in-person sessions and will be repeated on Thursday mornings via Zoom, beginning March 13, 10-11:30 am. To register, or if you have any questions, email Robert and/or Lori.
ESPERANZA SERVICE TRIP INFORMATION TABLE
Planning is in full swing for the youth service trip with Esperanza International from July 27 - August 2nd. St. Catherine volunteer Katie Fleming will be at the following coffee hours to provide information and encourage participation. It is a fabulous opportunity for any current high school sophomore or junior. St. Bridget, Feb 9th; Assumption, February 16th; and St. Catherine, February 23rd. Email or call/text Katie with questions at kjfleming1239@gmail.com or 206-354-5161
FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Wake Me Up, Lord, a Prayer to Recognize Racism
Wake me up, Lord,
so that the evil of racism finds no home within me.
Keep watch over my heart, Lord,and remove from me any barriers to your grace
that may oppress and offend my brothers and sisters.
Fill my spirit, Lord, so that I may give four services of justice and peace.
Clear my mind, Lord, and use it for your glory.
And finally, remind us, Lord, that you said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." Amen.
—This prayer is from For The Love of One Another (1989), a special message from the Bishops' Committee on Black Catholics of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops on the Occasion of the Tenth Anniversary of the Pastoral Letter, Brothers and Sisters to Us, the U.S. Catholic bishops' Pastoral Letter on Racism (1979)
This month, we celebrate Black History Month, honoring the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans. Be sure to pick up a flyer with opportunities to participate in special events, educational programs, and ways to reflect and celebrate throughout the month. Let's come together as a parish community to learn, grow, and honor this important part of our shared history.
6 BLACK CATHOLICS ON THE ROAD TO SAINTHOOD
This special concert will be performed by acclaimed songwriter, composer, and storyteller VaLlimar Jansen. Through story and song, you will learn about the six Black Catholics from the United States on the path to sainthood.
Dates/times:
Friday, Feb. 7th, 7 pm and
Saturday, Feb. 8th, 1 pm
Both performances are at St. Madeline Sophie Church, 4400 130th Place SE, Bellevue 98006. Tickets are $20 and $10 for students. www.bcacseattle.org
If anyone wants to attend the event tomorrow, Saturday, February 8th and needs a ride, we can meet in the St. Catherine's parking lot at 12:15 p.m. If you would like me to pick you up, let me know. I can comfortably drive five people. Katie Fleming, 206-354-5161, call or text.
LUXURY TOWNHOME RENTAL IN CAVE CREEK, AZ
Owned by Fr. Paul Heric (Brother of Fr. Bill Heric)
Escape to the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. This stunning 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath townhome in a gated adobe-style community offers the perfect retreat.
Features:
- Spacious layout with one upstairs master bedroom and two main level bedrooms, all bedrooms with ensuite baths
- Beautiful side patio to enjoy Arizona sunsets
- Walking distance to a golf course, restaurants, and community pool next door
- Fully furnished with a gas fireplace, garage, and additional parking
- Local property manager available for assistance
Short-Term Rental Options: Two-week minimum up to one month in March, 2025.
$205 per night
$205 per night
Contact Fr. Paul Heric to book your stay today.
pheric@dioceseofspokane.org | 509.599.8437
The correct answer is I Have a Dream. Thanks for participating!
We have transitioned to St. Joseph Financial Services, which will now oversee our collections. Starting next week, all parishes will post monthly reports that include collection totals from the previous month.
Please consider giving your gifts online. Click below to give a one-time or recurring gift.
Thank you!
Have something to share? Please fill out the announcement form HERE. Thank you!