ADULT CONFIRMATION Is God calling you to take the next step in your faith life? If so, and you are a baptized Catholic who has not yet been confirmed or received your first communion, this is a wonderful opportunity to grow in faith. The ten sessions will begin Thursday, March 31, 7:00 – 8:30 pm. This will be an in-person class and we will meet in Cathedral Place. Information, or to register, John Simpson at 206-654-4658 or jsimpson@stjames-cathedral.org.
OPUS 7 CONCERT: FINDING LIGHT IN DARKNESS – Saturday, April 2 at 8:00pm. Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble, with special guests Naomi Kato, harp, Kevin Krentz, cello, and Karen Sunmark, percussion, presents a collection of extraordinary works spanning six centuries from some of the greatest European and American choral composers, setting some of the most profound and prayerful texts in the choral repertoire. Composers include Howells, Parry, Schütz, Gibbons; Welsh native Paul Mealor; and Seattle’s own Peter Hallock and John Muehleisen. For tickets and more info about this evening of restorative and inspirational music featuring inspirational texts of faith, hope, and love, visit opus7.org/music/concerts/ or call 206-782-2899. A limited number of pay-what-you-can parishioner passes are available through the Cathedral music office – musicoffice@stjames-cathedral.org or 206-382-4874.
MASS FOR CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. To mark the beginning of this month-long observance, Archbishop Etienne will celebrate Mass on Monday, April 4 at 8:00am. During this Mass, we will acknowledge the sins and failings of the past, pray for all victim survivors of abuse, and strengthen our resolve that every home, school and parish will be a safe place for children.
CHRISM MASS On Thursday, April 7 at 7:00pm, Archbishop Etienne will gather with the priests, deacons, and lay leaders of the local Church to bless the holy oils that will be used in the celebration of the sacraments at Easter and throughout the coming year. All are invited to participate in this special celebration.
PRAYERS TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES The men and women of the Order of Malta will be going on pilgrimage to the healing shrine of Lourdes in southern France at the end of April. They will take with them intentions from local parishes, which will be remembered at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Stop by the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, write your petition on the form provided, and drop it in the box of intentions.
THE OFFICE OF TENEBRְÆ: On Wednesday of Holy Week, April 13, at 7:30pm, we observe the office of Tenebræ (a Latin word meaning “shadows”) in which the sufferings of Christ are foretold in the Lamentations of Jeremiah (musical setting by Tomás Luis de Victoria) and commemorated in the slow extinguishing of candles. The St. James Cathedral Cantorei and the Men’s Chant Choir also offer chanted psalms, Vinea mea electa by Francis Poulenc, and Gregorio Allegri's stirring setting of Psalm 51, Miserere mei, Deus ("Have mercy on me, O God"). The Very Reverend Michael G. Ryan, presider. Please note that the Cabrini Garage will not be open for this liturgy. Limited free parking (~65 spaces) is available in the O’Dea lot. Paid street parking is enforced until 8:00pm.
FLORAL OFFERINGS ARE A WONDERFUL WAY to remember a deceased loved one, celebrate an anniversary, or give thanks for a prayer that has been answered. Weekends open for floral offerings include May 22, July 10, and July 31. Information, Maggie Corrigan, mcorrigan@stjames-cathedral.org or 206-622-3559.
FAITH FRIENDS INCLUSION MINISTRY Do you know a child or teen age 7-18 with physical, cognitive and/or intellectual disabilities? Faith Friends is an inclusion ministry serving children and teens from across the Archdiocese of Seattle. We are a unique blend of our Faith Mentor and Children’s Faith Formation program, and provide Sacramental Preparation, as well opportunities for friendship with other youth. Information, faithfriends@stjames-cathedral.org or stjames-faithfriends.weebly.com.
CRS RICE BOWL STORIES Over the past few weeks, we traveled to Guatemala, Bangladesh and Rwanda, where families are doing some pretty amazing things. We all have dreams. What we do to achieve those dreams makes a difference in our lives and the lives of those we love. Raúl and Lilian achieved their dream of starting a business. Now they hope to grow that business so others can benefit. Noornobi wanted to help his family succeed. Now his niece and nephew can attend school and work towards their dreams. Gloriose and her husband wanted their children to attend a good school. Now they earn enough money to make that happen. Sometimes it takes hard work and a desire to learn new things to succeed. Even though Raúl and Lilian lost many crops at first, they kept trying. Noornobi’s land flooded often before he learned how to keep the floods away. Gloriose learned how to save money and apply for a loan to grow her business and support her family. Although we are in the final days of Lent, there’s still plenty of time to continue the three pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving to grow with God and our sisters and brothers around the world. Just like how children have to practice reading or math or playing their favorite sport or instrument, we have to practice these pillars regularly—even when it’s not Lent. Please note that CRS Rice Bowls will be collected at the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Learn more at www.CRSRiceBowl.org.
JOIN THE CATHEDRAL KITCHEN TEAM The Cathedral Kitchen, which serves 100 meals each weeknight to our homeless and low-income neighbors, is looking to add a new staff member to our team. Responsibilities include oversight of the grocery store gleaning program, working with dedicated staff and volunteers to prepare dinners, and interacting with Kitchen guests. Candidate must have a valid Washington State driver license and be able to lift cases of produce and canned goods. Information, Patrick Barredo, pbarredo@stjames-cathedral.org or 206-382-4515.
