FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR
From the Desk of the Pastor September 4, 2026
Dear friends in Christ,
This weekend and next we have some wonderful events happening in our churches:
This weekend:
AT ST ANTHONY – SATURDAY SEPT. 5 AT 5PM,
WE HAVE OUR MONTHLY BI-LINGUAL MASS WITH TAMALE SUPPER AFTERWARDS
Every first Sunday of the month, at the Saturday 5pm Mass at St. Anthony we have a bi-lingual Mass. Usually Deacon Marco preaches in English and Spanish. This month we have a special treat: Rosa and friends are making a Tamale supper afterwards- muy deliciosa!
Next Weekend:
AT HOLY INNOCENTS IN DUVALL SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12 IS OUR ANNUAL BINGO NIGHT AND SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 IS OUR PARISH PICNIC
Saturday night September 12th, on the eve the picnic, join us for our annual bingo night from 6-8pm. There is food, fun, and prizes, and always a great time had by all!
Sunday September 13th from 11:30-2:30 pm. As we come back from Summer this is a great time to get reacquainted with old friends and meet new ones. We have had many new families join the parish over this past year’s and this is such a great way to come together and strengthen the bonds of faith and fellowship among us. It’s a community pot-luck so bring something to share. The Knights of Columbus will be providing their famous BBQ including hamburgers and hotdogs. Come and enjoy a really fun afternoon.
Next Weekend:
AT ST. JUDE IN REDMOND, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13 AT 10:30 AM WE CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF MARY, OUR LADY OF VALINKANNI AND ALL THE WAYS BLESSED VIRGIN MARY HAS MANIFESTED HERSELF ACROSS THE WORLD AS THE MOTHER OF GOD AND OUR MOTHER.
Our Lady of Vailankanni is also known as Our Lady of Good Health. In approving devotion to Our Lady of Valinkanni, the Vatican wrote: “There are beautiful traditions ascribed to the encounters that the Virgin had with poor and sick boys at this place of worship. Thus, the tenderness and closeness of Mary, whom Jesus desired to bequeath us as Mother of all, is manifested.
Through her intercession, Jesus Christ often pours out his strength and restores health to the sick. For this reason, in 2002, Saint John Paul II chose that place for the celebration of the World Day of the Sick. Thus, the same Virgin Mary who manifested herself at Lourdes also manifested herself in India as the Mother of Health.
It is not merely a matter of bodily health, but also one that touches the soul. Contemplating the image of Mary we can all recognize the love of Jesus Christ that can heal our sadness, our anguish and our fears. If we pause before Mary, even in a brief moment of faith and love, her maternal gaze restores peace to us.
The first account, which is ancient, is filled with rich symbolism because the boy to whom Mary showed herself offered her the milk he had brought with him for the Child she was carrying in her arms. This was an expression of the generosity of those who are willing to give something to others, in their own poverty. You do not need to have much in order to be generous. May this call to share, to assist, to be close to those who need us always resonate in this place. Mary loves the generosity of her children, who put into action the words of Jesus: "What you did to one of the least of my brothers, you did to me" (Mt 25, 40).”
The celebrations will begin on Sunday at 10:30 AM in the lower parking lot at with a procession and rosary. All will be invited to process singing and following the statue into the Church. The procession will include images of Mary from around the world from the various different cultures represented in at St. Jude. It will be a celebration of the universality of our Catholic faith and love of the Blessed Mother. Then the rosary will be led in different languages. At 11 am the Mass will begin and it will be followed by a meal downstairs in the parish all. Please join us in asking the Blessed Mother’s protection and healing upon our families and our parish.
Many thanks to all who are working so hard to prepare these celebrations. Come and pitch in too! Many hands make light work. So, I urge us all to rest awhile in the Lord this weekend. Let us pray together, get to know one another, and celebrate our shared Catholic faith.
Blessings on your week!
Fr Johnson
PS: Please be sure to take the Phase 1- Partners in the Gospel Survey! Partners in the Gospel: What Are Our Gifts? | Archdiocese of Seattle Thank you!
