The Cornerstone
7th Sunday of Easter | Solemnity of the Ascension
May 16, 2021
Saint Boniface Church — Uniontown, WA 
Dear Friends in Christ,

This past week, I made my annual pilgrimage to Pullman, the Palouse, and Idaho. Always have to go and pray for a good football season and to stock up on Cougar cheese. As I was driving through the wheat fields, I stopped in for a visit with the Lord at Saint Boniface Church in Uniontown, just south of Pullman. The last Mass I attended there was a funeral for a WSU classmate who died suddenly while running the Bloomsday race in Spokane in 1985. I always think of that when I visit and pray for my friend Chuck. But this time, something else caught my eye that made me look forward to this Sunday’s Solemnity of the Ascension. Saint Boniface Church was built in 1910 and consecrated by Seattle Bishop Edward O’Dea. Right outside the front door, in the concrete, is the Latin inscription from the photo above: Domus Dei – Porta Coeli, which translated means “House of God – Gate of Heaven.” This was a common inscription found on or around the doors of many churches in the last century, including Saint James Cathedral in Seattle. It is the constant reminder to us that the sacred space of the church contains the realities of the liturgy, which truly are our “gate” to heaven and God. 

Every time the Mass or other sacraments are celebrated, a “portal” to heaven is opened and we on earth are united are with God and the angels and saints in heaven. It is then that we share in the foretaste of the heavenly realm. What made that possible? Well, the Lord’s Ascension into heaven opened up for us the way to follow Him; that we as the Body of Christ would rise to glory and dwell in eternal communion with God and each other. That my friends— is heaven. As our opening Collect says: “Gladden us with holy joys, almighty God, and make us rejoice with devout thanksgiving, for the Ascension of Christ your Son is our exultation, and where the Head [Christ] has gone before in glory, the Body [the Church] is called to follow in hope." Amen!

Blessings for the week ahead,
Fr. David Mulholland
Pastor
Annual Catholic Appeal
A Future Full of Hope: Passion for our Faith, Promise for our Future, Care for our Community, and Love for our Family

Some of you have already made your donation, and we thank you for your generosity. If you haven't hit the play button below to learn how the Annual Catholic Appeal supports Youth Ministry. Then prayerfully discern your gift and make your donation in the pre-paid pledge mailer, by calling the Seattle Archdiocese Annual Catholic Appeal office at 800-809-4921 or click DONATE button below to give online.
GOAL $109,540
RAISED $24,648
22% to goal
GOAL $42,123
RAISED $19,962
47% to goal
GOAL $15,368
RAISED $950
6% to goal
LITURGY
In-Person
We have put many precautions in place to make sure that the celebration of Mass during the pandemic is safe. The following are important instructions. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
  • Reservations are currently not required for daily mass or weekend liturgies unless otherwise noted.
  • Ushers will assist in seating, as needed, to ensure physical distancing and to seat as many faithful as possible within COVID-19 capacity restrictions.
  • Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis until we reach maximum COVID-19 capacity.
  • When capacity is reached in the sanctuary at St. Patrick and St. Rita of Cascia parishes, seating will be in the church hall. When capacity is reached at Holy Cross parish, attend liturgy on a different day and/or time.
  • Masks must be worn at Mass except when receiving Holy Communion. Your mask needs to cover both your nose and your mouth at all times.
  • If any member of your household is unwell, join us on our livestream.
Livestream
The Mass is livestreamed on Sundays at 9 am from St. Patrick Church. It's also livestreamed on Holy Days and funerals as announced, all-school Masses at 9 am on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month through June. Subscribing to our YouTube Channel is not necessary, however, it allows you to set reminders to participate. Remember to make your weekly offertory gift with Online Giving or mail it to the parish office.
St. Patrick Church Schedule Changes

Mass of Gratitude
Reservations are required for the Mass of Gratitude on May 21 at 9 am honoring legacies of vocation to Catholic Education for Chris Gavin, Mary Larsen, Melissa Ruby, and Miss Cindy.

7 PM Mass
The 7 pm Mass on Sundays goes on summer hiatus. The last Mass before the hiatus is on June 27. Mass resumes on August 15.

Memorial Day Mass
Our nation pauses each year to remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives in the service of our nation. Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service and reflects on the freedom we enjoy today because of their sacrifice.

May 31, 2021 | 11 am
Calvary Cemetery
5212 70 Street West
Tacoma, WA 98467

Please join us in person to salute our military heroes who have died in service to our country. Mass will be celebrated by Fr. David Mulholland in front of the memorial altar. In the event of weather, Mass will at the Mausoleum.
While the dispensation from the Sunday obligation is still in effect, receiving Holy Communion at Easter is a privilege and obligation treasured by Catholics. The Archbishop strongly encourages all the faithful of the Archdiocese of Seattle to make an Easter Communion at any Mass, whether weekday or Sunday, during Easter Time, which continues through Pentecost, May 23, 2021.
MASS INTENTIONS
May 18 | 9 am
for the repose of the soul of
Rick Killeen

May 19 | 9 am
for the repose of the soul of
Donna Breikss

May 20 | 9 am
for the repose of the soul of
Josephine Terranova

May 21 | 9 am
for the repose of the soul of
Lenore Jacinto

May 22 | 5 pm
May 23 | 9 am & 11 am & 7 pm
for the people of the parish
May 17 | 9 am
for the repose of the soul of
Kurt Ratherbun  

May 19 | 5 pm
for the intentions of
Phyllis Secress

May 20 | 9 am
for the intentions of
Hailey Middleton 

May 21 | 9 am
for the repose of the soul of
Mary McInerney

May 22 | 5 pm
May 23 | 10 am
for the people of the parish
We pray for our sick, especially Baby Kamari, Valerie Goodale, Mike Boulware, Rob & Diane Reider, Dave Beardemphl, John Tulare, Michael Strong, Barbara Hernandez, Denis Timmerman, Carol Healy, Betty Knoll, Dan Lindley, Michael Pfannenstiel, and Christopher Jurich
ST. RITA of CASCIA
Letter from the Archbishop
The Archbishop shares an update on the Strategic Planning efforts within the Pierce Deanery. Read the Archbishop's most recent letter to St. Rita of Cascia Parish. Learn more
OUTREACH
Support Seminarians
The Knights fo Columbus Tacoma Council 809 sponsors and supports four seminarians annually. The Knights have not been able to host fundraising activities since the COVID onset. Pancake Breakfasts and other events generated funds to support ministries, projects and to provide moral, financial, and spiritual support to our future priests and religious at all stages of their formation.

We are grateful for the support that parishioners dedicate to our fundraisers, like the Pancake Breakfasts. Sadly, we cannot currently offer up our delicious pancake breakfasts. Hopefully, we can start back up in the fall. If you wish to donate to support our seminarians send a check payable to K of C 809 to the address below. Please write in the memo section of the check which ministry you're supporting with your gift.
Knights of Columbus
PO Box 6827
Tacoma, WA 98417-0381

To learn more, email Andrew Kormos, Grand Knight, Tacoma Council 809.
Turning the Page: The Story of Next Chapter
Hit the play button to discover how local nonprofit Next Chapter is tackling the issue of homelessness in greater Pierce County. Co-founders Monique (Mo) Patterson and Kathryn Hedrick, and Next Chapter clients, share their stories of resilience, hard work, and community in their journey to house single mothers and their families.

The film dives into Mo’s experiences with homelessness, the founding of Next Chapter, (did you know they got their start at St. Patrick Parish) and talks about the Morgan Motel that Next Chapter purchased and renovated. Learn more about and support Next Chapter.
CELEBRATING VOCATIONS
Mass of Gratitude
We're celebrating the Legacies of Vocation to Catholic Education honoring soon-to-be retirees; Chris Gavin, Mary Larsen, Melissa Ruby, and Miss Cindy at a Mass of Gratitude at 9 am on May 21 at St. Patrick Church. Reservations are required! The mass will be livestreamed. All are welcome.
Appreciation Parade
Decorate your vehicles, make your signs, make bouquets from your garden and join the drive-through Appreciation Parade from 3:30-4:30 pm at St. Patrick School in honor of our retiring staff. Well-wishers must wear a mask and remain in their vehicle.
FAITH FORMATION
First Holy Communion
Congratulations to the children who received their First Holy Communion in April.

You are the light of the world— like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:18 
Explore the Catholic Faith
The Easter season is the perfect time to learn more about Catholicism.

If you’ve been thinking about becoming a member of the Catholic Church, or you're interested in learning more about the Catholic faith join us Wednesdays at 7 pm in the atrium at St. Patrick Parish Center.

No RSVP needed. All are welcome. To learn more email Kim Ward.
FORMED
This weekend we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. Enter more deeply into this mystery through an art piece with a theological explanation and discussion on FORMED.

Formed has been described as Netflix for Catholics, but it's so much more. Check it out. It's free— as our gift to you. Formed is available on your phone, tablet, laptop, just sign up:
  1. Click HERE to get started, then...
  2. Enter zip code 98403 or for parish enter St. Patrick [regardless of your parish affliation]
  3. Enter your email and you are in!
CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Spiritual Direction

We say that the catechist is not the teacher but Christ is. The primary role of God communicating to the individual and each person’s unique response is respected.

Read more
www.cgsusa.org
To learn more about the atrium at St. Patrick Church and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd approach to faith formation email Kim Ward, Pastoral Assistant for Faith Formation, or call 253-274-4108. We’d love to talk with you! 

Registration for the 2021-2022 atrium year opens in mid-August 2021. Visit the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd national website to learn more.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit Novena
The archbishop invites Catholics to pray a novena to the Holy Spirit
leading up to Pentecost for the intention of the renewal and spread of the faith. On the feast of Pentecost, May 23, Archbishop Paul D. Etienne will announce a new pastoral plan for the Archdiocese of Seattle.

Year of St. Joseph
With the Apostolic Letter Patris CordeWith a Father’s Heart, Pope Francis recalls the 150th anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a Year of St. Joseph to conclude on December 8, 2021.

Celebrate this year dedicated to a loving father. Increase devotion to this incredible saint through the many resources available on FORMED.
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.
~ Pope Francis, Patris Corde
Adoration
Archbishop Etienne began Year of the Eucharist on the Feast of Corpus Christi for the Archdiocese of Seattle and asked us to spend this time pondering the true presence of Jesus's Sacred Body and Blood in the Eucharist. Read his pastoral letter, "The Work of Redemption." Join us for Adoration. Click the parish links below to view adoration schedules and to sign up to keep watch for an hour.
STEWARDSHIP
ONLINE GIVING got an upgrade to a newer, easier-to-use platform!
If you currently give online you should have received an email with instructions on how to log into the new system. Best of all, your existing donation information will be migrated over so you will not have to set up your gifts again! Email us if you have any questions or need assistance.
Online Giving is a trusted option to continue to support your parish and its mission whether you are attending mass in-person at the parish or worshipping at home on the livestream. Your support can still happen regardless of where you are.

Did you know that Fr. David uses Online Giving? It is safe and simple. Special collections and holy day gifts can also be made with Online Giving. Click your parish link below.
ADVOCACY
The Cornerstone Catholic Conference
The bishops of Washington State invite you to attend the virtual Cornerstone Catholic Conference on October 30. Fr. Robert Spitzer and Gloria Purvis will present their keynote addresses in English, and the Washington bishops will be hosting a panel. Fr. Agustino Torres and Brenda Noriega will present their keynote addresses in Spanish. Pedro Rubalcava will provide music. Spanish interpretation will be provided, and some workshops will be offered in Spanish. There is no charge for this virtual conference, although donations are welcome. Registration is opening soon.
ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Welcome New Teachers
We are happy to welcome four new teachers to the St. Patrick Catholic School community for the 2021-2022 school year. Check out the bios of Kate Chambers (3rd grade), Braeden Neal (6th grade), Hailey Maher (7th grade, MS ELA), and Autumn Ward (8th Grade, MS Math)— you might recognize a few from the parish community!
View video of Mary Crowning at Church
View video of Mary Crowning at Grotto
Crowning Mary
It is our school tradition that an 8th-grade girl crowns Mary along with two attendants and that the 8th-graders serve as lectors and readers at Mass. After crowning Mary at the church, students crowned Mary in the school grotto and prayed the rosary, a traditional Marian devotion.
Building Safety & Renovation Capital Campaign
There will be nothing more transformative in our time at St. Patrick Catholic School than this project. Our faculty and staff are committed and have collectively invested $10K. We need to raise a total of $4.5M to fully fund the project. Together let's raise the roof for Catholic Education.

To learn more about the Building Safety & Renovation Appeal:
  • watch the campaign video
  • listen to Principal Chris Gavin's witness talk
  • read Principal Chris Gavin's letter to the community
Extended Care Director Postion Open

Apply today or share with a friend!

Read more
www.saintpats.org
We're Working Remotely
Our staff is working remotely. Call or email us and we will get back to you promptly. Send an email to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 253-383-2783. Messages are checked regularly and will be routed to the appropriate staff person.

If you need the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, call 253-383-2783, extension 4102.
Archdiocese of Seattle Statement on COVID-19 Vaccines
By the instruction of the Holy See and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the use of all current COVID-19 vaccines during this pandemic is morally acceptable. It is not only important for one’s personal health, but it is also our responsibility to care for the common good of the broader community, and getting a vaccine is one way to do so. Everyone 12+ is eligible to receive the vaccine. Do so knowing that it is morally acceptable to receive whichever vaccine is being offered.