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15226 21ST AVE. SW, BURIEN, WA 98166
PO BOX 929, SEAHURST, WA 98062
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Make a Resolution | New Bible Study | Tripledemic | Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament of Eucharist | Laudato Si | A new year, are we done with the old one?
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From the Pastor
Dear Parishioners,
Happy New Year! I certainly pray that it will be a happy one. With the flu and Covid coming back strongly, it does not seem to be getting better. There must be some hope for the future that things will get better and that we will be blessed with new life. I do not know about you and New Year Resolutions but I usually do not make them because I forget what I resolved to do and therefore do not put much effort into it. I am sure that if I did make more of an effort, life would be better for me and those around me.
January the First, as far as church celebrations go, is more about Mary, the Mother of God. I am not sure if that is the first inclination for you as you celebrate January the First. For most of us, it is about the New Year. I grew up with the Japanese tradition that we greet the New Year with a formal breakfast to toast in the New Year. Then there is feasting all day. The head of the household, my Dad, would go visit family relatives and friends to eat and drink to celebrate the New Year. At home, my Mother would greet those visiting us. There was food on the table all day with drinks like Japanese Sake or some other drink. People were coming and going all day long. There was eating and drinking all day long. I think that only the men drank. My Mom had to serve food and entertain visitors and if she were drinking, there would be no one to answer the door, except for the children.
Whatever your tradition, I hope that somewhere you are able to give thanks to God for the blessings of the previous year and to pray that the New Year will be filled with blessings as well. What better way to give thanks to God than by going to Church to celebrate Eucharist, giving thanks to God for the Love that Jesus brings into our lives.
In the Peace of Jesus,
Fr. Dick Hayatsu
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Parish Staff
Pastor and RCIA
School Principal
Office Manager and Pastoral Assistant for Outreach
Bookkeeper
Pastoral Assistant for Administration
Facilities Supervisor
Pastoral Assistant for Faith Formation and Baptism
Pastoral Assistant for Liturgy
Pastoral Assistant for Music
Pastoral Assistant for Technology Outreach
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Stewardship of Treasure Report
Year to Date Report
Year to Date Report
July 1 through Dec 18, 2022
Sunday Goal: $458,325
Sunday Actual $441,648 (16,677)
Dec. Goal: $74,025
Dec. Actual: $54,464 ($19,561)
Thank you for your continuous and generous support of St. Francis of Assisi Parish!
God bless you!
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Events and Happenings
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK of Jan. 2nd thru Jan. 6th
Monday, January 2nd - Office is Closed
Mass, Church 9:00 AM
CYO Practice, Family Center 3:30 PM
Tuesday, January 3rd
Mass, Church 9:00 AM
CYO Practice, Family Center 3:30 PM
Knights of Columbus, Parish Hall 7:00 PM
Scouts, UP1, 2 7:00 PM
Wednesday, January 4th
Girl Scouts, UP1, 2:10 PM
CYO Practice, Family Center 2:30 PM
Cub Scouts Wolf Den, UP2 6:00 PM
Adult Basketball, Family Center 7:00 PM
Thursday, January 5th
Mass, Church 9:00 AM
Rosary, Church 9:30 AM
Girl Sc outs, UP2 3:00 PM
CYO Practice, Family Center 3:30 PM
Knight s of Columbus, Parish Hall 7:00 PM
Friday, January 6th
Mass, Church 9:00 AM
Dominican Sisters, UP2, 3 11:00 AM
Adoration of the Eucharist, Church 3:00 PM
CYO Practice, Family Center 3:30 PM
Saturday, January 7th
CYO Basketball, Family Center 8:00 AM
Family Religious Education, UP2 3:30 PM
Confessions, Church 4:00 PM
Mass, Church 5:00 PM (live streamed)
Sunday, January 8th
Mass, Church 8:00 AM
RCIC, UP2 9:00 AM
Mass, Church 10:00 AM
Children's Liturgy of the Word, UP1 10:00 AM
Breaking Open the Word, UP1 10:30
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Tripledemic - We received correspondence from the Seattle Archdiocese this week regarding the tripledemic (COVID, flu and RSV). They advised us that the numbers of these illnesses are up in communities as well as in the elderly, the youth , and young children. There has also been an increase of illness in those certain categories of people who have compromised immune systems.
Local hospitals have seen an increase in patient visits who are experiencing respiratory illness and flu symptoms. Local and State Health Departments are recommending that masks should be worn while indoors. This by no means is a mandate. It is simply a suggestion based upon science, statistics and what they believe would be prudent. We will have masks available for you in the vestibule should you wish to use them.
Again, this information is just a suggestion . It is not a requirement or a mandate.
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For those of you attending Mass in person, we offer a paper bulletin. It is similar, to this emailed version.
Here is a link you may use to download that pdf file: Bulletin
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Stewardship and Administration |
Our Administrative Staff; John Eisen, Linda King, Mary Ingersoll, & Dan Payne wish you a Happy New Year!
Unity Place New Carpet:
The carpet in Unity Place has zero adhesion to the concrete and the and the wear and tear is obvious. The decision was made to replace it. Instead of using rolled carpet, we chose to use carpet squares. This allows a piece to be replaced if it becomes damaged. The cost includes the removal and disposal of the existing carpet. The installation date has yet to be determined.
Facilities Committee meets via Zoom on Monday, January 9th at 6:30-7:30 PM.
Finance Council will meet via Zoom on January 10th at 7:00- 8:30 PM.
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Making Sunday Giving Easier: For fast access use the QR code. Point your smartphone camera to the QR code and say yes.
Giving QR code:
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LITURGY AND LITURGICAL MINISTRIES -
Blessings, love and joy for your New Year
We will be celebrating Epiphany January 7th and 8th at our usual Mass times.
You might have heard the word Epiphany before, I'm sure you have. The Christian Feast Day known as Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day, commemorates the manifestation of God in His Son, as a human, in Jesus Christ.
What is the spiritual meaning of Epiphany? It stems from a Greek word meaning to manifest or to appear. The illuminous star appeared to the three Magi. It was larger than any star in the sky, and they knew immediately that its presence had a great purpose and meaning. They had experienced an epiphany. They were so intrigued, and convinced that this star had great meaning, and that something miraculous had just happened. They all decided to follow the star, carrying presents for the occasion of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Although Epiphany is not a Holy Day of obligation, it is still a wonderful day to learn more about, and to delve deeper into the lives of the Magi Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.
None of the Magi were actually Kings, instead they were likely kingly advisors as in Daniels Day. The whole story is such an enchanting and interesting lesson. Scripture about the Magi can be found in the book of Matthew, Daniel and Numbers.
Blessed and meaningful Epiphany.
The Christmas Decorating of 2022 was such a wonderful event. Such absolute joy and delight, these fabulous women and men came together to create the beautiful Christmas decorations for our church. Huge thank you to the following:
Lisa Alexander
Mel Batt
Sheila Casey
Madeline Davilla
Paula Dugger
Laurie Fleehart
Rick Fleehart
Pat Foley
Florence Fosnick
Lil Isernio
Ivy Le
Toni Lysen
Linda King
Maria Montanez-Mitchell
Kay Mooney
Lory Newsom
Jim North
Dan Payne
Barb Purdue
Faye Roerick
Ruth Rossi
Romela Tittered
I was overcome with joy and sincere gratitude. We had a plan, but I wanted everyone to "shine," doing what they enjoyed most. St. Francis of Assisi is our Parish and our church family. I wanted the church Christmas environment to be a reflection of each and every person who participated in decorating and bringing their own design details into the creation. My heartfelt gratitude and appreciation.
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"Save a Little Bit For Yourself " ~ I'm sure that we've all felt like we've been in a wee bit of a "whirlwind," over the last few months. It's absolutely ok to pause, take a breath, and take a bit of a respite after all of the Christmas rush , joy and maybe a little stress.
One phrase from our recent Penance Service struck me, and settled in as I wrote it. Remember that our mind, body and spirit are the holy temple of the Lord. What we do , and choose not to do for ourselves, we are doing to our Lord, as He resides in us.
Please heighten your awareness about your stress. How are you feeling and how are you managing it? How are you feeling in every day life, and how is your body, mind and spirit responding to "living life on life's terms?"
Build, embrace, and enhance relationships that are healthy for you. You are a precious and important child of God. You deserve to be treated kindly, respectfully, and compassionately. Save a little bit for yourselves.
January 1, 2023 ~ The Feast Day of The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God ~ Mass is at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament of Eucharist ~ The First Friday of the month (January 6th) from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
If you have never attended, please pray about doing so. It is a most holy and sacred time for you and our Lord. Write down a list of things or topics that you need his intervention with. Please come and spend some time with us in prayer or thanksgiving. Prayers is also about being open to listen. Listening with both ears and your heart, it is a beautiful way to enter into the very presence and essence of the Blessed Trinity. God the Father, God the Son and the comforter, the Holy Spirit.
The sign up sheet will be in the vestibule. Thank you for your consideration.
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"Living With Christ" ~ Let my consolation, and my comfort bring joy to your soul. When anxiety is welling up within you, come to me, and pour out your heart. Then sit quietly in my presence, while I comfort you, helping you see things from my perspective. I remind you of your heavenly destination, for you are indeed on your way to glory. I infuse my joy in my peace into your heart, mind, and soul.
When you were joyful, this changes the way you view the world around you. Even though you see much darkness, you can also see the light of my presence continuing to shine. Moreover, the joy in your soul gives you buoyancy, enabling you to rise above the countless problems, you may face. Once you again, this perspective, you will discover that you can comfort others in the midst of their travels. They will find a gnu, the consolation that you have found in me. This, usually becomes contagious, infecting those around you with joy in their souls.
Psalm 94:19
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
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You remain in my thoughts and prayers
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My most sincere apologies that it was necessary to cancel this celebration this year. We made the best decision at the time that it was made, with everyone's safety being paramount and the weather forecast we were assessing at the time.
We are planning to have a potluck after the first of the year. The same culture, foods and fellowship will be available. Please let me know if you are interested. No specific date has been set.
Kathi Swan
Pastoral Assistant for Liturgical Ministries
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Outreach
I delivered all the wonderful donated items from our Advent Giving Tree the week before Christmas. You ALL are amazing! I really wanted to show off your generosity and each time I would pull an item out I would be filled with such joy. Your kindness is extraordinary! The recipients were over the moon with everything they received.
The Cold Weather Shelter activates when the temperature is 32 degrees for 12 hours or more and/or 3 inches of snow. They provide a warm, dry, and safe place for men and women to get off the streets, get a good nights rest and nutritious food.
Do you enjoy cooking for large groups? We could really use some folks to sign up for dinner prep/service in the kitchen. Drop us a quick note here in messenger or at shelter.highlineumc@gmail.com if you want more info, we can provide the ingredients and even recipes to follow.
You can also request to be added to their mailing list to be notified when the shelter activates and upcoming opportunities.
If you are curious about what volunteering might look like,
please feel free to reach out to me. I am happy to answer any questions.
Next weekend January 8th, St. Francis of Assisi Parish will be serving at Transform Burien. We prepare and serve a hearty and nutritious meals to our neighbors in our community. If you are interested in participating please use the QR code to sign up. We would love to have your help.
Point your smartphone camera at this QR code to sign up at Transform Burien:
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St. Vincent dePaul
The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Seattle-King County urgently needs volunteers for its Call Center located at the main office - 5940 4th Avenue South, Seattle. As the cold weather and holiday season approaches calls to the Society have increased. Volunteers will be given free customized training from the comfort of their home via the internet.
Volunteers who speak another language beside English are also very much needed. If you are interested, please contact our St. Francis of Assisi parish conference Vice- President Pat Pomeroy at 206.280.6115.
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Faith Formation
Make a Resolution!
Happy New Year! The Church celebrates the New Year with the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. From our vantage point in the 21st century, the idea that Mary is the mother of God sounds routine. No Catholic questions the pronouncement, but this was not always so! Early in church history, the bishop of Constantinople, Nestorius, taught that Mary was mother of the earthly Jesus, but not the divine Jesus, in effect splitting Jesus into two distinct persons. The bishop of Rome (a.k.a. the Pope) condemned this view as heretical, not in keeping with the faith passed down from the apostles. We owe our view of Christ as fully man, fully divine to Pope Leo the Great. Mary retained her title of Mother of God, thanks to his intervention.
If this is the sort of information you find interesting, then please consider signing up for the twenty-week History of the Church course being offered on Wednesday evenings starting January 18th. (xandria_eykel@yahoo.com) Perhaps it is not the history, but the teachings of the church that you would like to explore more fully. See below!
Ascension Press is offering a free daily study on the Catechism of the Catholic Church presented by Father Mike Schmidt. (www.ascensionpress.com) If your time is limited, then consider setting aside Lent (coming soon!) as a period of reflection and take the 5 week No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion course. (More information coming soon!)
Exploring our Catholic faith is important for our whole life. Many of us make New Year resolutions with the hope of improving our physical life. How many times have you heard (or made?) resolutions about losing weight, exercising more, saving money, etc.? All well and good, yet might we also consider our spiritual health? What might a resolution that would help you grow closer to God look like? Do you pray daily? Of any habit you might develop, spending even ten to fifteen minutes a day in silent communication with God is the one guaranteed over the course of a lifetime to bring you the most growth spiritually. Choose a set time, make it simple, but keep the date with God! Already there? How about a study? Time spent with God, time spent learning about our history and faith is never wasted. Make a resolution!
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Online Outreach and Technology News
A new year, are we done with the old one?
Did you ever think we would get to 2023? There has been so much going on in the world and in the US. Many online personalities were saying we were going to have a civil war. But it is their job to rile us up for better ratings – remember, the “news” shows are often just opinion shows, they need the viewer reacting, or they go off the air. Most of the media outlets are on all the social media channels. “Where do you get your news?” is a question often asked, “Facebook” is often the answer. News services and opinion services post small bits of videos to Facebook and YouTube (among others) to get you to click on their page. Each click confirms to the all-powerful computers that the news/opinion services are important. The more clicks and really the more subscribers the services have, the more money they can make. This means the more outrageous the title, the more clicks: “click bait”.
YouTube and Face book have threshold for monetization of your channel. For example, YouTube requires 1,000 subscribers before they will begin monetizing your channel. Lucky for us, we have around 330 subscribers to YouTube. As a church and non-profit, we have a love-hate relationship to monetization. It is better that we do not make money on our YouTube or Facebook channels. The biggest problems are the type of ads that Facebook or YouTube will add to our videos. We have no control over what the types of ads they will place. I have had experience in attempting to monetize a podcast for a priest around 10 years ago. The ads were all anti-Catholic with lawyers asking if you had been abused… I wonder if that has changed?
Another issue with monetization is our non-profit status. We are part of the Archdiocese of Seattle, we are not our own entity, that makes things like collecting money much more difficult to work out.
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We appreciate the support of the fine members of the business community whose ads appear on the back of the bulletin. With their generosity we are able to have a printed weekly bulletin at no cost to us from LPi. |
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ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL
Our school’s Open House will be Sunday, January 29th, after the ten o’clock Mass. Please join us and invite any families that you know might be interested in attending St. Francis of Assisi School next year to come and see our school or go to our website to learn more.
Thank you for supporting our school.
Happy New Year,
Rosemary Leifer
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LIFE, JUSTICE AND PEACE
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Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for our New Year. With the 2022-year ending, and 2023 just beginning, it’s a good time for reflection and contemplation.
Let’s be thankful for all the special gifts we’ve received, for our good health, and the loving-kindness we’ve shared. Recall the times of confusion helplessness, when we felt isolated, alone, small, and lost. Remember, too, that our recovery from the confusion and helplessness came from prayer and contemplation. We acknowledged a need for the connection with our Higher Power and summoned God to bring into our life’s strength and understanding.
As we look forward, our state of humanity may cause us concern. Whether it’s climate change, war, homelessness, addiction, gun violence, in any event we face chaos! We often flutter from one issue to another, desperately seeking an ever-elusive satisfactory solution. As a product of contemporary culture, just like everyone else, we spend too much time and energy worrying about things.
So, what can be done?
Everyone structures their happiness within a lifestyle. From day-to-day we make individual choices about things we’d like to do. Surrounding these small daily choices are major decisions we make about our individual lifestyle.
We have the freedom to choose a poor lifestyle that includes tobacco, alcohol, drugs, no exercise, and a diet heavy in processed foods. Better choices can be made, choices that involve pure foods, exercise, not smoking or doing drugs, and honoring the environment. What is the best lifestyle? This can be a life-changing question, and, if taken seriously, it can transform the very notion of what it means to be happy.
In Laudato Si, Pope Francis touches on a theme that resonates with many people of our day, who long for a life free from “the obsession of consumption.” The Pope goes on to say we need to take up an ancient lesson, found in different religions and in the Bible. It is the conviction that “less is more.” A constant flood of new consumer goods can baffle the heart and prevent it from cherishing each thing and each moment. To be serenely present to each reality, however small it may be, opens us to much greater horizons of understanding and personal fulfilment. Christian Spirituality proposes a growth marked by moderation and the capacity to be happy with little. It is a return to that simplicity which allows us to stop and appreciate the small things, to be grateful for the opportunities which life affords us, to be spiritually detached from what we possess, and not to succumb to sadness for what we lack. This implies avoiding the “Dynamic of Dominion” and the accumulation of pleasures (Laudato Si, paragraphs 222-227).
The lifestyle the Pope proposes is a way to slow down our lifestyles and live it more intensely. Like a minimalist lifestyle. That just means before we make a new purchase or a commitment we ask ourselves: “Will this really enrich my life, or will it distract me more?”
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DID YOU KNOW?
St. Francis of Assisi Parish is a Formed Subscriber, which means all parishioners can stream the videos and programming available for free! Follow the instructions below and use our ZIP code, 98062, to find our parish. Sign up and start watching great Catholic videos and programs for adults and kids.
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PRAYER WORKS
In times of joy and sorrow we find ourselves reaching out to God. Sometimes we feel the need of a little extra prayer support. Our Prayer Ministry is designed to give anyone who desires the opportunity for others to pray for their needs. The process is simple. Use the request button below to submit your prayer request. Your intention will remain within the privacy and confidentiality of the prayer team ministers unless you request otherwise.
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EVERY LITTLE BIT CAN HELP (E.L.B.C.H.)
(ELBCH) Every Little Bit Can Help is a group of volunteers that began when they pitched in to furnish the apartment of a resident leaving St. Martin de Porres shelter (run by Catholic Community Services of Western Washington) using only extras and no longer needed items from their own households. What began as a favor has evolved into this St. Francis of Assisi Parish Ministry.
ELBCH has a mission to help those in need - emerging from homelessness or a similar life transition. When moving into new living quarters, the goal is to transform empty space into living space, to help our clients create a home using donated furniture and household goods through a process that grants individuality, dignity, and choice to each client. There are two rules of thumb: “What would I need?” If I was moving into an empty studio or 1-bedroom apartment, as well as “Is it in good enough condition that I would consider giving it to a friend or a family member?” Donated items may be dropped off or picked up by prior arrangement.
Donation Lists:
Dining: dishware, silverware, drinking glasses, coffee mugs, serving dishes, etc.
Cooking: frying pans, pots with lids (small & medium), spatulas, large spoons, measuring cups, can & bottle openers, etc.
Small Appliances: microwaves, toasters, crock pots, toaster ovens, coffee pots, etc.
Furniture: sofas or loveseats (no sleeper sofas), easy chairs/recliners, chest of drawers, small dining table & chairs, end tables, coffee tables, lamps (standing & table), etc.
Sleeping: clean single or double mattresses/box springs and bed frames
Entertainment: flat screen televisions
Bedding: single or double sheets, pillows, blankets, etc. Bath: bath & hand towels, washcloths, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, floss, shaving cream, hand lotion, etc. Cleaning: kitchen drying towels, kitchen garbage cans, garbage bags, brushes, dish drainers, brooms, dust pans, hangers, etc.
ELBCH rents a small storage space where donated items are kept until needed by a client. Contact Linda at the Parish Office if you have items to donate to schedule a donation drop-off or pick-up, and if you are able, a small donation of $25 is suggested to cover our transportation and warehouse the expenses.
Or call or text Mark Smith at (206) 291-8083 or Tim Crawley at (206) 551- 3023 if you have questions, for more information or how to get involved.
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Please support our Little Free Pantry
The Little Food Pantry is located on the west side of the church near the sidewalk. This little pantry has been such a blessing for so many, as we have noticed it being utilized more and more. If you feel so inclined to donate a few items to support our local community in their need, please consider items that don't require cooking such as pop top meals in a can, tuna fish, peanut butter, protein shakes, granola bars, fruit in a pop top can, etc.
Feel free to add the items yourself or drop them off in the parish office. Thank you so much for showing your support and generosity to our neighbors.
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Hospitality House is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. Your donation is tax deductible.
Questions? Contact Sheenah Randolph at (206) 242-1860 or
Hospitality House enjoys the support of over 500 volunteers each year. The generous support of our volunteers helps us to save over $80,000 each year.
There are many ways to help out at Hospitality House. These are just a couple opportunities. Meal Program: This provides our clients a meal each night of the year. Volunteer overnight: Friday and Saturday nights the shelter is staffed by volunteers. Please visit their website for more information.
Support Hospitality House!
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Rachel’s Corner
Hope and Healing After Abortion
“Cling to God and leave all the rest to Him: He will not let you perish. Your soul is very dear to Him, He wishes to save it.”
-St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Call us and allow yourself to be embraced by His merciful love that remembers not your past. Let God teach you how to trust Him and to once again cling to Him in all things in your life.
English: (206) 920-6413 / Español: (206)-450-7814
Project Rachel is a program of Catholic Community Services.
You are loved with an everlasting Love!
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