THE CORNERSTONE

September 10, 2023

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

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On 9/11, we commemorate the big happenings that took place there. But not just the demonic attacks of terrorists. Like the cross of Christ, we also remember the sacrifice that took place there and in Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Afghanistan, Iraq, and many other places as well; sacrifices where first responders of all kinds, medical people of all kinds, military people of all kinds, and just ordinary people of all kinds sacrificed their time, effort and sometimes their lives, for another and our nation. 

At the root of this and all sacrifice is love. Love for another. Sacrifice is redeeming, and it is holy. That's why the symbols of loving sacrifice are powerful and worthy of our attention. Gazing upon them inspires us to do the powerful actions they represent.

Let us never forget.

—Fr. David Mulholland—

Pastor's Letter | The Cornerstone | September 12, 2021

Partners in the Gospel

As part of Partners in the Gospel, the Archdiocese of Seattle released the proposed list of parish families.

We invite you to join us for an input session to discern our proposed parish family and discuss and provide feedback.

September 26 | 6:30 pm

October 1 | 12:00 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Church Hall

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September 27 | 6:00 pm

October 1 | 11:00 am

Holy Cross Catholic Church

Parish Hall

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Listen to Archbishop Etienne's message about the Partners in the Gospel Input Phase to learn more.

Troop 299 Treasure Bazaar

Did you know many of our young parishioners are members of Saint Patrick Catholic Church chartered BSA Troop 299? Please support them!

September 9

7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Parking Lot

Find treasures amongst new and gently used items, including kitchen and housewares, sporting and outdoor equipment, holiday and seasonal decor, tools, furniture, toys, games, luggage, art, and more!

Holy Cross Sale

Holy Cross hosts a quarterly sale to raise funds for charitable works. Check out some of the new and gently used items!

September 9

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Holy Cross Catholic Church

—upcoming sale—

December 1 - 2

Share

Shop Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm with a $5 bag sale on Saturday from 2:00 pm - to 4:00 pm.

Sale Preparation

Volunteers are needed to prep for upcoming sales!

Tuesdays

10:00 am - 2:00 pm 

Holy Cross Catholic Church

Cub Scout Join Night

Cub Scouts for girls and boys, in Kindergarten through 5th grade, focuses on independence, physical fitness, outdoor activities, and learning valuable life skills.

September 13

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Church Hall

Dens will be working on badges, so you'll get the real feel and hands-on experience of Scouting. Plus, free pizza and games for everyone while you learn more about Cub Scouts.

To join online click the REGISTER button below and enter the parish zip code 98403 to find Saint Patrick Catholic Church-sponsored Pack 299.

To learn more, email Jen Van Vechten or call Cubmaster Jaremy Brown at 407-766-5445

BSA Troop 299 Boys & Girls

Sixth graders and up are invited to join Scouting BSA Troop 299 for Boys and Scouting BSA Troop 299G for girls. 

Mondays | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Parish Center

Website 

GIRLS

Troop meetings are year-round. Scouts participate in camping trips monthly.



To visit or learn about the girls' troop, please email Scoutmaster Valerie Pettit or call 940-206-1941.

BOYS

Celebrating its 100th year of Scouting in 2020, the troop enjoys monthly outdoor outings, attends regional summer camps, and contributes to the local community and parish through service.

To visit or learn about the boys' troop, please email Scoutmaster Chris Rousseau or call 971-404-5917.

Council 16667

The Knights of Columbus Council 16667 meets on the second Wednesday of the month.

September 13 | 7:00 pm

Holy Cross Catholic Church

Parish Hall

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Pray the Rosary

Join the Knights of Columbus Council 809 to pray the Rosary, especially if you want to learn to pray the Rosary or have a particular intention you'd like to pray for. Need not be a Knight!

every 2nd Thursday

September 14 | 6:30 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Church Hall

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A potluck follows the Rosary. People with last names starting A-M bring a small entrée or salad, and N-Z brings a dessert or appetizer.

Middle School Youth Group

Grades 6-8 students are invited to build a relationship with Jesus.

High school students, young adults, and the young at heart are invited to support the Youth Group in leadership roles. See the article below for details.

starting October 5

Thursdays | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Parish Center

Parents and family members are invited to meet the leaders at the first session.

—save the dates—

October 5, 12, & 19

November 12, 9, & 16

December 7, 12, & 14

The first few sessions will be games-heavy to build community. The weekly schedule always includes:

• Dinner
• Games
• Topic introduction
• Small group discussion
• Adoration

Volunteers Needed

Middle School Youth Group starts on October 5.



High schoolers, young adults, and young-at-heart volunteers are needed.

Volunteers receive mentorship and provide program input during monthly leaders' meetings held on the last Thursday of the month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm and on the other Thursdays of the month at the same time, will

• provide mentorship and input during Middle School Youth Group meetings in small group settings
• demonstrate the game(s) of the week.
• help with the setup and breakdown of dinners and games.
• attend and support larger events.

If you are interested in volunteering or are considering volunteering, fill out the Volunteer Form to get started.

Holy Cross Feast Day Celebration

To exalt the Cross of Jesus is to admire and appreciate what the cross symbolizes for the parish of Holy Cross.

It is a day to honor the cross of Christ Jesus and the patron feast, a solemnity for Holy Cross Catholic Church celebrating 108 years!

Let's celebrate together at Mass, followed by lunch.

September 17

Holy Cross Catholic Church

10:00 am | Mass

11:15 am | Lunch

Chef Eugene has prepared a special feast of

• Pasta and Meatballs
• Salad
• Garlic Bread
• Dessert

This complimentary lunch is sponsored by Holy Cross parish and facilitated by the Knights of Columbus Council 16667 and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court 2003.

Funeral Mass

for

—Frank Bishop—

September 18

Rosary | 8:15 am

Funeral Mass | 9:00 am

Holy Cross Catholic Church

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Support Pack 299

Cub Scout Pack 299, chartered by Saint Patrick Catholic Church & School, hosts a Chili Cookoff & Silent Auction to benefit the scholarship fund for scouting families. 

October 8

2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Church Hall

Bid on silent auction packages as you sample over 25 varieties of homemade chili.

Silent Auction closes at 4:00 pm, and winners will receive their packages to take home that evening.

ALWAYS scroll to the bottom of The Cornerstone; you might need to click view the entire message if the email was clipped or view it as a webpage in the browser to stay informed about important news, events, and programs. You'll know you've reached the bottom of this edition when you see our photo highlight.

40 Days for Life

The visible, public centerpiece of 40 Days for Life is a focused, 40-day prayer vigil outside an abortion facility in the community. It is a peaceful and educational presence. Those called to stand witness send a powerful message to the community about the tragic reality of abortion.

—Kickoff—

September 16 | 11:00 am

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Church Hall

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—Fall Vigil—

September 27 - November 5

Tuesday - Sunday

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

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public right of way at

Cedar River Clinics

1401 Martin Luther King Jr. Way

To sign up, email 40 Days for Life.

For more information, visit 40daysforlife/Tacoma.com.

NEW Pushpay Giving Online

Thank you for your consistent giving to our parish. We are grateful for your continued generosity and are excited to announce a new way to give. We value our parish community and want to ensure everyone knows about our new giving platform.

Along with most of the parishes in the Archdiocese of Seattle, we are moving away from Our Sunday Visitor (OSV) Online Giving and EFT services. The Archdiocese has spent over two years reviewing giving platforms and has chosen to contract with Pushpay. We strive to be good stewards of your financial gifts and believe the significantly lower processing fees offered through Pushpay will allow your gift of treasure to support our parishes' mission further. As always, security is a top priority. 

We aim to complete this transition process to Pushpay by November 1, so we need your help moving your current OSV Online Giving and EFT gifts. 

Online Giving (credit cards or bank account)

If you currently donate online (via OSV), please follow the instructions below to set up your recurring gift through Pushpay and cancel your donation through OSV.

EFT (bank account only)

If you currently donate through EFT (via the Parish Office), please follow the instructions below to set up your recurring gift through Pushpay. Then, email Michelle Carpenter, if you are a Saint Patrick parishioner, to discontinue your EFT donations. Email Georgina Rawlings if you are a Holy Cross parishioner to stop your EFT donations.

Weekly Collection Needed

$19,811

9/3/23 Collection

$21,588

Needed Year to Date

$198,110

Actual Year to Date

$192,631

Weekly Collection Needed

$5,770

9/3/23 Collection

$6,367

Needed Year to Date

$57,700

Actual Year to Date

$65,245

Special Collection

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development [CCHD], taken up this month, is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by funding community programs that encourage independence.

You are essential to its success. Your generous donations will give those in poverty the support they need to make lasting changes.

Together, we can make a difference in families and communities across the United States. Please donate prayerfully and generously using your parish DONATE below or via an offertory envelope at Mass.

—GOAL—

$118,051

93% of the goal

with 233 of 822 households pledging an average gift of $472

—RAISED—

$110,057

—GOAL—

$42,972

93% of the goal

with 137 of 294 households pledging an average gift of $305

—RAISED—

$42,215

We're almost there!

Your gift helps us do much for our parish and the wider Catholic community by supporting outreach ministries, education, faith formation, and funding shared services that directly support our parishes.

We rely on these centralized services, like human resources, parish financial services, liturgy guidance, communications, and more, so we can continue to focus on our pastoral work here at the parish.

Please look at the annual report to learn about all ministries in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

If you have already donated— thank you. Please inquire with your employer about a matching gift to double or triple your donation!

If you haven't, click the DONATE button above to make your pledge. It is safe, secure, and convenient. There are several options: Ongoing Recurring Gifts, Monthly Pledge Gifts, One-Time Gifts, Stock, DAF, or IRA Gifts.

Dear Parishioners,

My name is Leigh Ann Zehnder. My husband Matt and I have three children. We decided to send our children to Saint Patrick Catholic School in 2017 when our oldest daughter, Effie, was entering Kindergarten. As a non-native Tacoman, I had no ties to the school but had heard much from neighbors and friends about the lovely community. Early in the school year, Effie came home celebrating the praise she had received from her teacher for 'shining God's light.' When I asked her to tell me more about what that meant, she explained that she had shared with and been kind to a friend. Effie had a fantastic first year. 

We now have three children enrolled, and as each year goes by, their understanding of what it means to shine God's light deepens. Today, Effie tells me that shining God's light happens when we show love for all of God's children; even when we can't see God, the love we share lets us know He is with us. James, entering second grade, tells me that shining God's light includes praying for everyone and helping whenever we can. Nora, who will start Kindergarten this year, tells me that God's light is kindness and love. 

There have been many unexpected gifts that have come with joining this special community. Our children have been challenged to learn, grow, and achieve their best. They've had opportunities to form friendships and develop new interests and skills with the support of the most dedicated teachers and administrators. I find peace knowing that our community of parents and caregivers acts as a village to guide and help develop our children. I cherish the experience of watching my children's growing understanding of our calling to shine God's light. I have watched their capacity for empathy, kindness, and service expand year after year, and for this, I count Saint Patrick Catholic School as one of my most treasured blessings. 

The hymn "We Are Called" so beautifully reminds us of God's invitation to live in the light - to shine with the Lord's joy and love. The words of the hymn also remind me of our responsibility to continue the generous tradition of our Annual Fund. With my husband Matt, we invite you to support our school. This year brings a new opportunity to contribute to the fund that supports our school's mission and allows a community of children to learn and grow in academics, character, and spirituality. We thank you for everything you do to make this community so loving, supportive, safe, and vibrant and for supporting the Annual Fund at your greatest capacity. 

I look forward to meeting you at Mass soon when we give our witness talk at your parish!

With love,

Leigh Ann and Matt Zehnder

Chairs, Annual Fund 2024 

Youth Confirmation Prep

Are you a 7th-12th grader, age 12-17, baptized into the Catholic Church who has received First Eucharist and is now discerning the Sacrament of Confirmation? 

—starting October 8—

Sundays | 10:30 am - 12:15 pm

following the 9:00 am Mass

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Parish Center

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Student/Parent Meeting

October 1 | 10:30 am

Bishop Frank Schuster will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation at a Saturday Vigil Mass in early February 2024.

Confirmation Prep Registration

Register by September 15. Confirmandi need their Baptism information and your Sponsor's name to complete this registration form. Bring a copy of your baptismal certificate to the first class.

Learn More

To learn more, email Confirmation Leaders Meg Hannan and Brian Donovan.

Christian Initiation

Are you interested in joining the Catholic Church? Register for Christian Initiation sessions.

Tuesdays | 6:00 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Parish Center

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First Communion Prep

Second Grade (7+ years of age) is (usually) when baptized Catholic children prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.

If the child is not baptized or baptized in another Christian denomination and would like to pursue the sacraments for and with the child, there is a sacramental preparation process that will meet your specific needs. We will happily assist you and your family on your faith journey.

First Communion Prep Registration

Register by September 17. The first sacramental prep meeting is on September 20 at 6:30 pm in the Parish Center at Saint Patrick Catholic Church.

Learn More

Email Meg Hannan, Baptism & Faith Formation Coordinator, or call 253-274-4112 to learn more about Sacramental Preparation for Baptism, First Holy Communion, Reconciliation, and Confirmation.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)

CGS is an approach to faith formation where children 3-12 years old are formed in the Catholic faith in a sacred space called the ‘atrium.

CGS - Program Registration

Current and new families can enroll for sessions from October 2023 to May 2024.

Learn More

To learn more about CGS at St. Patrick Catholic Church, visit the atrium, serve or train as a catechist, email Kim Ward, CGS Coordinator, or call 253-274-4108. 

For more information, visit the national CGS Association and the local consortium website, The Sheepfold.

Do you need a ride to Mass?

We have a few volunteers who have expressed interest in helping transport parishioners who cannot get to Mass independently. 

Those being transported must live within five miles of Saint Patrick Catholic Church. 

Please email Laura Dougherty or call 253-274-4109 to make arrangements.

Support Pregnancy Aid

Pregnancy Aid serves the well-being of families with children in and beyond the womb by providing material and emotional support.

Volunteer

Volunteers are needed on Saturdays.

Donation Needs

The following items are needed

• Diapers — Newborn, Size 3-6 diapers & Pull-Ups
• Baby wipes
• Toddler clothing 3T to 5T
• Unexpired infant & toddler car seats
• Baby toiletries for layettes
• monetary donations

Donation Drop-Off

Please call 253-274-4100 to make sure a volunteer is available to accept your donation.

Monday, Wednesday & Saturday

10:00 am - 1:30 pm

Pregnancy Aid | 902 Market Street

Follow Pregnancy Aide on Facebook for updates on urgent needs.

Stephen Ministry

Are you physically, emotionally, or spiritually going through a tough time? Are you struggling with a personal crisis or challenge? Feeling isolated or lonely?

Consider inviting one of our parish's trained Stephen Ministers to walk alongside you during this difficult time.

For more information, email Laura Dougherty or call 253-274-4109.  

1123 North J Street

Tacoma, WA 98403

253-383-2783

—Mass Times—

Saturday Vigil Mass

5:00 pm

Sunday Mass

9:00 am | 11:00 am | 7:00 pm

Daily Mass

Tuesday - Friday | 9:00 am*

*except at 11:00 am on the first Friday of the month from October - May for Senior First Friday Mass & Lunch

Mass with the Saint Patrick Catholic School every Thursday September - June



—Confessions—

Saturday | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

—Office Hours—

Tuesday - Thursday

9:30 am - 3:30 pm

5510 North 44th Street

Tacoma, WA 98407

253-759-3368

—Mass Times—

Saturday Vigil Mass

5:00 pm

Sunday Mass

10:00 am

Mass in Samoan

12:00 pm | 2nd & 4th Sunday

Daily Mass

Monday | Thursday | Friday | 9:00 am

Wednesday | 5:00 pm

—Confessions—

Saturday | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

—Office Hours—

Monday - Friday

8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Bible Study

Studying scripture in a group leads to more profound discovery. Join Deacon Bill Eckert in a bible study on the Gospel according to John. You'll get an overview of the Church's approach to scripture and interpretation.

Tuesdays

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Holy Cross Catholic Church

Parish Hall

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Bring your bible. Liturgically themed refreshments are provided by a generous parishioner! All are welcome. Need not be a parishioner or Catholic! Bring your friends.

Women & The Word

Ladies of any age are welcome. Bring your coffee and join us as we reflect on God's Word.

Thursdays

7:00 am - 7:45 am

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9:30 am - 10:15 am*

*Moving to 10:15 am

starting September 21

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Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Parish Center

All are welcome. Need not be a parishioner or Catholic! Bring your friends.

Eucharistic Adoration

Rest in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist! It'll change your life. All are welcome. Sign-up is required.

—CHAPEL at Holy Cross—

Perpetual Adoration 24/7

To sign up

• call 253-759-3368
• email us
• view open hours

—Saint Patrick Catholic Church—

Mondays | 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

sign up

Holy Hour for Life

Join us for Eucharistic Adoration, prayer, and confessions.



Every 1st Friday

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Holy Cross Catholic Church

—save the dates—

October 6, November 3, December 1

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Source + Summit

Come together to grow in fellowship through worship, music, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This night is for you, your family, friends, and neighbors, young or old.



Every 1st Wednesday

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

—save the dates—

October 4, November 1, December 6

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If Adoration sounds daunting, don't worry. We'll explain what Adoration is, grow together experiencing the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith, and meet Jesus where you are!

—Schedule—

6:30 pm | Dinner in the Church Hall

7:15 pm | Adoration & Worship Music

7:30 pm | Reflection topic presented

8:00 pm | Adoration ends

To learn more, email Lauren Muraski or call her at 901-287-9065.

Holy Cross Choir

Come love God through song with the Holy Cross choir.



“He who sings praise is not only singing but loving Him about whom he sings.” —St. Augustine of Hippo— 

Wednesdays | 6:30 pm

Holy Cross Catholic Church

Choir Loft

If you are new to the choir or would like more information, please email or call Erica Minneman, Music Director, at 253-310-7508.

Social Hour

At Holy Cross Catholic Church, Social Hour is hosted after the 10:00 am Sunday Mass as scheduled.

—1st Sunday—

St. Peter Chanel Samoan Ministry

—2nd Sunday—

Knights of Columbus Council 16667

—3rd Sunday—

Altar Society 

—4th Sunday—

Catholic Daughters of the Americas 

— 5th Sunday—

CDA or Knights

At Saint Patrick Catholic Church, Social Hour after the 9:00 am Sunday Mass is on hiatus for the summer.

We'll resume on September 17, not September 10, as initially posted.

Volunteer

If you are interested in hosting, email Laura Dougherty. There is no out-of-pocket cost to host. The Parish provides the donuts and coffee— your family sets up, serves, and cleans up.

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic fraternal service order founded by Michael J. McGivney in 1882 for practicing Catholic men.

—Council 809 News—

Knight of the Month

David Cross

Family of the Month

Andrew & Ann Kormos

Knight Tidings Newsletter

September 2023

—coming up—

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

9:00 am - 11:00 am

October 29

December 31

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—standing meetings—

Meetings are held at 6:30 pm in the Church Hall at Saint Patrick Catholic Church or via Go to Meeting virtually.

ROSARY

2nd Thursday of the month

except for July & August

OFFICER PLANNING MEETING

3rd Tuesday of the month

MEMBERSHIP MEETING & SOCIAL

4th Tuesday of the month

To learn more, call 253-380-4000 or email the Knights. Follow on Facebook.

Youth & Young Adult Events

Deepen your relationship with God!

Synodal Gathering

Join youth and young adults around the Archdiocese as we pray for the Church and prepare for the Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October.

September 22

St. James Cathedral, Seattle

Register

Youth Convention

Join hundreds of high school youth to experience God through community and joy, learning, and prayer!

November 4

St. Michael Church, Olympia

Learn More

Mass Consumption

Young adults are invited to delve into the Word and share faith while discussing the daily readings.

Mondays

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Parish Center

Facebook Group | Instagram

Learn More | Email

Men's Prayer Group

Men of all ages gather to read the day's scripture and a reflection from Word Among Us.

Fridays

6:45 am - 7:30 am

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Church Hall

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They also read and discuss books focused on faith. Past reads include Weight of Glory by CS Lewis, Mercy: What Every Catholic Should Know by Daniel Moloney, and He Leadeth Me by Fr. Walter Ciszek, which Fr. David highly recommended.

—MASS INTENTIONS—

September 12 | 9:00 am

for the repose of the soul of  

Celine Noronha

September 13 | 9:00 am

for the repose of the soul of   

Stan Naccarato

September 14 | 9:00 am

for the repose of the soul of 

Bryce Holbrook

September 15 | 9:00 am

for the repose of the soul of   

Vivian Bosse

September 16 | 5:00 pm

September 17 | 9:00 am 11:00 am 7:00 pm

for the people of the parish

September 11 | 9:00 am

for the repose of the soul of  

Carol Wynkoop

September 13 | 5:00 pm

for the repose of the soul of   

Dennis Hickey

September 14 | 9:00 am

for the repose of the soul of 

Fr. John Renggli

September 15 | 9:00 am

for the intentions of    

Yvonne DePaul

September 16 | 5:00 pm

September 17 | 10:00 am

for the people of the parish

We pray for our sick,

Paul Keller, Bob Lane, Anna Maria Fabre, Tom Ngo, Jeanette Burton, Chris Webber, Georgeann Cukjati, Doug Jones, Jlynn Callahan, Angie Olson, Angie Allen, Ann Kormos, Joan Bruce, Jim and Cindy Fish, Barbara and Ralph Tomberg, Patricia Smurro, Tagi Leau, Andre Franco, Michelle Devettori, Janet McIntyre, Norm Christenson, Toni Mineo, and Marla Grassi



We pray for our dead,

Tony Chelemedos, Tom Holt, John Murphy, and Joyce Hunter

We are grateful for the Knights of Columbus Tacoma Council 809 generous support of the 3rd annual Saint Patrick Catholic Church picnic.

The Knights provided hotdogs, hamburgers, buns, and beverages this year. They barbequed the hotdogs and hamburgers and served food.

Thank you, Dennis Brooke, Andrew Kormos, PGK, Rich Vierra, GK, Ted Schlatter PGK, Henry Heritage, Justin Farias, Jim Leggett, Jimmy Leggett, Chris Constantine PGK, Mike Turco, Steve Brosseau, and Kim Althoff.

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How to Reach Us

Email [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 253-383-2783. Messages are checked daily and routed to the appropriate staff person. If you need the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, call 253-383-2783, extension 4102, and leave a message.