Celebrating A Wonderful Way To Be A Catholic | | |
Emmaus ECC Newsletter
January 9, 2026
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The Baptism of Christ Jesus
Into New Life and into Ministry
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Preparing for Mass over Zoom: If attending by Zoom create a sacred space for yourself and your family. It is helpful to light a candle and put down a small cloth where you will place your bit of bread and wine. Download and print the worship aids. We gather at 10:00 am and mass begins at 10:30 am. Request Zoom link HERE.
Come to Church: All are welcome! When you ask people how they found us, the answer is often that they heard about us from a friend. Be that friend. Invite them to come with you to mass in our Sacred Space. We encourage you to come in person if you can. Advent is the best time to bring newcomers to church. We can all begin the new year together!
Diocesan meeting: January 12th at 6:30 pm. If you are interested in attending our open meetings, let Bishop Kedda know.
Modern Mystics Book Group. Our next discussion is this Sunday, January 18th, at 1:45 pm by Zoom. We will be discussing chapter eight of the book, Tears of Things by Richard Rohr. Contact Deacon Connie or Bishop Kedda if you want to join the group.
Compassion Meditation: Next gathering is January 27th. They are meeting at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd this winter. Please arrive at 7:15, meditation begins at 7:30 pm. 1601 North St SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Food Bank: Our support is still crucial! Please bring canned goods and other non-perishables to church with you on Sunday and put them in our food bank bag. To donate to the Thurston County Food Bank, go HERE. Your generosity means families in our community will have the resources they need.
Synaxis: During this difficult time in our country Bishop Kedda recommends prayer time based on the readings of the day. One opportunity is Synaxis that takes place every day at 3:00 pm Pacific time and is sponsored by the Franciscans of Reconciliation. Use link HERE. Come join us for prayer.
Dispute Resolution Center: Online Training on January 27th. "Impactful Conversations -- Giving and Receiving Feedback." 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Go HERE to find out more. Cost is $75.
Old Catholic Theology Summer School in Utrecht: July 5-10; 12-17, 2026. Plan ahead! See the information HERE.
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Websites to visit often: Bookmark our community website HERE and also our diocesan website HERE.
Follow Interfaith Works on Facebook HERE.
Facebook Page: Stay in touch! Visit our Emmaus ECC Facebook page for news during the week HERE. Visit the PNW Diocesan page HERE.
Bishop Kedda's blog: You can check it out HERE. Right now, she has started a series of reflections on her book All Creation Waits. Much has happened as the years have gone by -- how much of what she wrote is still relevant today.
If you have suggestions for how our community of Emmaus could be reaching out into our neighborhood to make a difference, contact Deacon Connie and share your ideas.
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Jesus,
you are baptized,
and
the very heavens
are opened.
We see the holy dove
and hear the
Father’s
voice
on
high.
Let us come
up from the water too,
into a new life of
your Spirit
and of your
love.
And take
the grace of our
Baptism to everyone
on earth.
The Sunday Website at St. Louis University
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The Baptism of Christ Jesus
You Are My Beloved
With this feast on Sunday, we have entered the season of epiphanies. Next Sunday will be the second Sunday. In our Christian understanding epiphanies are revelations of a God who comes for everyone, and they are revelations of Christ Jesus as the light for all nations. The baptism of Jesus is another epiphany.
Matthew’s perception of how God works in our world shifted because of his encounter with Jesus. He realized that Christ, the light of God, comes for everyone and then he found a way to illustrate this realization through story. Let’s remember that every story in the gospel is true, and some of them actually happened. Last Sunday we heard the story of the visit of the magi and learned that God is a God for everyone. We also learned that Jesus comes as a rival power to all the powers of this world. Jesus comes to restore broken relationships between groups of people who have been hostile to each other.
For Matthew the coming of Christ is a political event. Jesus is a rival to the rulers of this world and comes to overturn unjust systems. Jesus is the new Moses who will lead those who follow him into a new covenanted relationship with God. Once again God calls a motley group of people and plans to form them into a new kinship. We call this new kinship the Body of Christ. Baptism is the sacrament that we consider the gateway into the Body of Christ.
In the Eastern Churches it is the Baptism of Jesus that is celebrated as the foundational Epiphany. When Jesus came up out of the water the heavens tore open, and the Holy Spirit descended. The way we see the created world was forever changed as the presence of God was revealed in a new and everlasting way in and through Christ Jesus. We know that God is with us always. This baptism also marked the beginning of the ministry of Jesus. The words of God are intimate and personal, “You are my own, my Beloved One. On you my favor rests.” These words would equip Jesus for everything that came next.
Baptism gives us our identities, too. Our baptisms, when fully embraced, can equip us for everything that comes next in our lives. We are baptized into Christ, becoming the children of God and members of the Body of Christ. We become God’s beloved ones on whom God’s favor rests. This is before we have done anything. It is how God sees us. We are beloved.
Across the country people are reacting and reflecting on the events in Minnesota and Oregon, at the killing of people by ICE agents. There have been nine ICE shootings just since September. The divisions that exist in our country have been exasperated. People are marching in protest and in vigils across the country. In this season of Epiphanies our eyes have been opened to the true condition in our country. We are at a cultural moment when our very identity as a united people is in crisis. In my distress and grief over this situation, I try to remember that every crisis is more than a conflict. It is an opportunity. Our country can tip toward greater unity – to forming a more perfect Union and establishing justice for all – or we can further devolve into bitter camps.
At his baptism, when Jesus came up out of the water the heavens tore open, and out of that breach between heaven and earth came the Holy Spirit, coming upon and into Jesus. Nature itself was changed as creation’s covenant with God – a covenant of relationships – became present in a new and everlasting way. We have a covenant in the person, in the flesh of Christ Jesus. There could be no greater agreement between God and creation than the coming together of God and flesh. We know that God is with us always, especially when we are at our lowest moments.
The season of epiphanies is about God revealing what God is like and what God is doing through Christ who is Emmanuel, God with us. As we enter this season, we are challenged to be open to deeper insights and understandings. Our search for God is never-ending. There is always more that God yearns to share with us, but God, who comes for everyone, does not force us. We need to be open to receive.
The world is troubled. There are tyrants who turn to violence when they are frustrated or thwarted in their goals. There are many well-intentioned people who are fooled by misinformation into having a distorted view of reality. We need the light of Christ to guide us. We can be comforted knowing that God is still at work for the sake of the world and through our baptisms God is forming us to do God’s work.
We cannot allow the world to define us so that we get boxed into one camp or another. We must remind ourselves of who we are and what we are called to do. We are to be, with Christ, a light to our nation. We are to be a peace and justice Church. As followers of Christ, we are in the best position to do the work that helps tip our country toward greater unity, toward justice, so we may have peace. We need to be working toward reconciliation and restoration of relationships. I am not sure how this is to be done or even have any assurance that more violence is not in our future. But we are each called to do something – some little something – to partner with God to create the Beloved Community. Let us do the work of creating communities of justice, peace, and love where broken relationships can be healed, where the walls that divide us can come down.
Mother Kedda
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Remember that all through history, there have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they seem invincible. But in the end, they always fall. Always.
~Mahatma Gandhi~
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On Being a Different Kind of Catholic Church
I received this message from Bishop Tomasz Jordan Puchalski of the Reformed Catholic Church in Poland. I ask you to take time to read it. We all need to know our faith tradition. As you are aware, we are in full communion with the Reformed Catholic Church in Poland, and we too are rooted in the Old Catholic faith tradition:
My dearest sister,
I wrote a reflection on today’s sad commemoration. Maybe you can share your thoughts about this:
On July 18, 1870, during the First Vatican Council, two dogmas were proclaimed: the dogma of papal infallibility and the dogma of the pope’s universal jurisdiction. This decision, expressed in the constitution Pastor aeternus, declared the Bishop of Rome infallible ex sese, non autem ex consensu Ecclesiae – by his own authority, not by the consent of the whole Church. For many, this marked a turning point, dividing the path of the ancient, undivided Catholic Church from the newly emerging vision of the Catholic Church under the leadership of the “new papacy.” For this reason, this date is also particularly significant for our Old Catholic community of the Reformed Catholic Church in Poland.
Although our Church is not formally a member of the Union of Utrecht, it fully embraces the Declaration of Utrecht from September 24, 1889, which states:
“We hold fast to the faith of the ancient Church, as expressed by St. Vincent of Lérins: We hold that which has been believed everywhere, always, and by all; for that is truly and properly Catholic.” This principle forms the foundation of our position regarding the papacy.
Read the whole message HERE.
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Interfaith Works Homeless Services: Donation drop offs can be taken to our admin office 110 11th Ave SE 10am-4pm, Mon-Thurs
Thanks so much!
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The Emmaus ECC Statement Against Racism
Our faith calls us to racial justice. We recognize that our faith demands that we transform our beliefs, values, systems, and commitment to racial equity. Scripture has given us the way for such healing to occur, and the responsibility to pursue it.
Our faith calls us to lives of charity, advocacy, and action on behalf of marginalized people. In the Pacific Northwest, we are especially committed to justice for Indigenous, Latina and Latino, African American, and Asian communities, whose oppressive histories and realities are well-documented.
We value the voices of people of color in this calling and in these efforts. We believe all people are loved equally by God our creator. We commit to partnering with ecumenical, interfaith, and civic initiatives to pursue racial justice in our local communities. We will seek solidarity with broader initiatives but will not wait on them in order to act. “The time is always right to do what is right” (Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King).
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ECC Statement on Race:
Our nation is in desperate need of racial healing and transformation. The healing process cannot begin until the truth of our country's past and present sins are confronted. As people of Christian faith, we acknowledge and renounce both past and present dehumanizing, oppressive, abusive, enslaving, violent and lethal actions and inactions against African American communities. We proclaim that it is time for metanoia – turning away from evil and turning toward God's liberating love.
As members of the ECC, we believe in the power of communication to heal and that the search for truth can lead to justice. As such, we pray that our country will begin a process of truth-seeking that will lead to long-term reconciliation. We in the ECC pledge to begin a deliberate and transparent truth-telling process within our own faith communities.
Jesus, the heart of our faith, lived and died for love. He showed no partiality. God's community is diverse and totally integrated. We pray for God's guidance and mercy as we work to attain racial justice and build the beloved community, walking together the path paved with truth, love, equity, and justice. In the prophetic tradition, we boldly proclaim, "Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream." (Amos 5:24)
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Good
Shepherd
Ministry
Contact Fr. David Gerardot HERE.
Phone: 360-789-5149
For a description of Good Shepherd Ministry go HERE.
For the news and information on Good Shepherd Ministry go HERE.
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Joe's Environmental Tip
Whether alone or with family or friends, take a walk in a park or waterfront and appreciate the beauty God has given us in all creation. Pray for creation in your daily prayers: Include thankfulness for creation, for protection of our common home, and for people suffering impacts of climate disruption or other ecological issues. Take time periodically to pray outdoors.
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Elevator speech: An Ecumenical Catholic is someone who wants to engage deeply with the example of the early Church, when congregations were small, inclusive, participatory, and centered on Christ’s message of love, collaboration, and service. Ecumenical Catholics believe that God is present in all things, and that to know and care for all the people, the earth, and all the living things around us is how God wants us to serve Them. (Submitted by Beverly Marshall-Saling).
ECC YouTube Channel: Go HERE for videos of the 2022 ECC Synod. You can also catch the "Parade of Parishes" which shows off what various ECC communities are doing to be churches in action. It is awesome to see other ECC communities around the country.
ECC Ecclesiology: HERE.
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ECC Diocese of the Pacific Northwest
Vision Statement
Ecumenical Catholics of the Pacific Northwest
Restoring relationships of justice, peace, and love
with God, with one another, and with all of Creation
by living out our baptismal ministry as the Body of Christ.
Mission Statement
We are the Ecumenical Catholic Church of the Pacific Northwest embracing a network of sacramental communities in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. As authentic Catholics we celebrate our continuity with the undivided Church of the first millennium and believe that salvation is offered to all. Our unity is built on scripture and the Nicene Creed, and Eucharist is the visible sign of that unity. We are in communion with the association of Churches known as the Ecumenical Catholic Communion and function within the generous parameters of the ECC Constitution.
We Believe
We are the People of God, baptized in Christ – bishop, priests, deacons, and laity – who believe that all people are unique and sacred. We believe that all people possess valuable gifts and talents to be shared. Participation of all the baptized in the work of the Church is essential to our call as the Body of Christ serving in this region. Therefore, we are a synodal Church.
We Offer
The ECC Diocese of the Pacific Northwest offers a joyful way of being Catholic focused on love, not guilt. We welcome all people and offer unity with diversity. We commit ourselves to dialogue and cooperation with others. We believe we have a responsibility to be open to ecumenical dialogue with all the baptized, and we support interfaith cooperation and understanding.
We do
We join together as Church to follow the messianic call of the Holy Spirit to form sacramental communities, to preach the good news of salvation and liberation to all, to offer a refuge in Christ for those who suffer prejudice, and to conform our lives to the example and teachings of Christ Jesus. The setting in which we live fosters an awe of God’s majestic creation, and respect for the land, water, and mountains, as well as the diverse animal life, and all the people who lived on this sacred ground before us.
Distinctions
We are the people of God who seek to dive deeper into the Catholic faith handed down to us by our ancestors from the teachings of the early Church. We believe that anyone who is gifted and called by God, qualified for ordination, and is called by a community, may present themselves for ordination. We believe that marriage is a partnership for the whole of life, and if two adults intend to commit themselves to such a union, they may celebrate a sacramental marriage. We believe that persons have the right to follow their sincere and informed consciences in moral decision making. We recognize that only the Holy Spirit possesses infallibility. No human or institution can claim this.
The Diocesan Constitution may be read HERE. See Website HERE.
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Contemplative Prayer/Scripture study: noon on Thursdays at St. John Episcopal Church. Contact Fr. David for more information.
Sundays we gather at 10:00 and mass begins at 10:30. All are welcome to join us! You are also able to join us by Zoom. Email Bishop Kedda for a link.
Thursday study group: 6:30 pm by Zoom with Oregon Episcopalians.
Synaxis: Every day at 3:00 pm. Sponsored by Franciscans of Reconciliation. Use link HERE. Come join us for prayer.
Diocesan meeting: January 12th at 6:30 pm
Modern Mystics Book Group: January 18th at 1:45 pm by Zoom.
Ash Wednesday: February 18th
Get to Know a Muslim: First Fridays of every month. Open invitation to join them 1:00 to 3:00 pm. For more information read their flyer HERE.
Enter into Friday Stillness: Fridays. Contact Rev. Kathleen Bellefleuille-Rice for more information.
| | Emmaus ECC | Member of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion | www.emmaus-ecc.org | |
NOTICE
The Sacraments of Marriage, Reconciliation and Anointing, are available upon request. Contact us about Funerals and grave side services. Preparation is required for Baptisms -- for parents when children to be baptized are below age seven; for those over age seven, our community supports the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Our priests are also happy to meet with you individually, and confidentially, to discuss any spiritual or pastoral concerns you may have.
Bishop of the ECC Pacific Northwest Diocese
We Support Marriage Equality
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