My Dear Friends In Christ,                           

This weekend we observe the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord.  A few years ago, I came across this reflection of Pope Francis on the Ascension.  I think it speaks to us today in our present circumstances:

 "The Ascension of Jesus into heaven acquaints us with this deeply consoling reality on our journey: in Christ, true God and true man, our humanity was taken to God. Christ opened the path to us. He is like a roped guide climbing a mountain who, on reaching the summit, pulls us up to him and leads us to God. If we entrust our life to him, if we let ourselves be guided by him, we are certain to be in safe hands, in the hands of our Savior, of our Advocate….    ….the Ascension does not point to Jesus’ absence, but tells us that he is alive in our midst in a new way. He is no longer in a specific place in the world as he was before the Ascension. He is now in the lordship of God, present in every space and time, close to each one of us. In our life we are never alone: we have this Advocate who awaits us, who defends us. We are never alone: the Crucified and Risen Lord guides us…" POPE FRANCIS

Two key points Pope Francis makes is that we are not alone, Jesus is with us, even close to us and that the Lord Jesus is like the roped guide pulling us up to him, pulling us up to God.  So, let us look for that “guide rope” and cling to it as we experience these uncertain times.  He will keep us on the right path.  The Lord will help us through this but much more than that!  If we let him, he will help us grow more like him and he will use this moment to transform and renew us.

An older version of the preface of the Ascension put it this this way: “Christ, the Mediator between God and man, Judge of the world and Lord of all, has passed beyond our sight, not to abandon us but to be our hope.”

Memorial Day

This weekend also marks Memorial Day.  Let us take a moment to remember all those who have given their lives in service of our nation, defending our freedom, and protection our nations so selflessly.  I will offer livestreamed Mass to remember all of our loved ones at 9:00 AM, Monday.   Please note this change in Daily Mass time for Memorial Day.  Please also that there will not be Church open hours at St. Jude on Monday.  Also, please note that this week there will not be a livestreamed Mass on Tuesday May 26.

Please support the Annual Catholic Appeal

The Annual Catholic Appeal is a combined effort of the 169 parishes in support of the outreach of the Catholic community in Western Washington. The appeal funds Catholic social ministries, programs for youth and young adults, recruiting seminarians and training new priests, Catholic schools and faith formation. In addition, it supports administrative support for parishes in areas such as liturgy, evangelization, human resources, and much more.  These are essential things we need but cannot do on our own as a parish.  In these challenging times your support of these ministries is needed all the more.  Please make a pledge today.  Last year’s average gift was between $400-500.  Please know that your gift, whatever the amount will be a big help.  Please mail in the envelope you received in the mail, or give on line www.seattlearchdiocese.org/donate, or call in your gift to the ACA office at 800-809-4921. Thank you!!

Drive up Confessions…

During phase I of the opening up, we can hear drive-in, or drive through… or drive-by confessions.   The current schedule for drive by confessions is 

Friday nights at Holy Innocents from 6-6:30 pm in front of the Church

Saturdays at St. Jude from 3:00 pm- 4:30 pm  next to the Church in front of the office.

Please sign and support Referendum 90

We continue to need signatures for Referendum 90.  This last session, the legislature passed a bad law which severely curtails local control and parental rights in regards to what is taught in the public schools concerning sex education.  Referendum 90 refers this bill to the people for a public vote before it takes effect.  Archbishop Etienne and the bishops of Washington state are encouraging us to support this referendum and sign the petitions necessary to put it up for a vote.  We will have a tent next to St. Jude, Saturday from 2-3 pm and Sunday from 2-4pm to provide an opportunity for you to sign it.  At Holy Innocents the petition will be available in the Narthex for people to sign during church open hours.  Here is a video by Bishop Mueggenborg on the issue: “Why Catholics should care about Referendum 9”: https://vimeo.com/418281395

Friday Night Rosary

A reminder…. During the month of May, I am livestreaming every Friday night at 7pm.  Let’s come together as a family of faith and pray together asking Mary’s aid in these times.

May God bless you and your family in every way!

Fr. Johnson