SCROLL DOWN FOR:

• Special message from Father Ryan
• The 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time (livestream links)
• Notice about parking this weekend October 14-15
• Partners in the Gospel public input concludes October 14
• Poem of the Month: Stevie Smith "The Heavenly City"
• Living Neighbor-Love: series begins October 18
• Candidate Forum on Homelessness, October 19
• Mass for the Deceased Homeless, November 9
• Annual Report to the Parish 2022-2023
• A music video featuring the Cathedral!
• Other News and Notices
• Next Sunday's bulletin and last Sunday's bulletin

Dear Friends,

Even before the horrific attacks on the State of Israel by Hamas terrorists—accompanied by the cruel kidnapping of unsuspecting, innocent civilians—the world had already appeared to be spinning out of control. Think of the unjust and seemingly endless war Russia is waging on Ukraine; think of the tragic plight of millions of migrants across the world living in inhuman conditions, fleeing violence and unspeakable poverty; think of the climate crisis that, to quote Pope Francis’ recent words, is “bringing the world near the breaking point.”

Shortly after the rockets and missiles began to fly, I reached out to our friends and neighbors at Temple de Hirsch Sinai to assure them that we are united with them in sorrow and in prayer. The fact that the attacks took place just as the Jewish High Holy Days were drawing to a close adds a sense of sacrilege to outrage. Our hearts go out to them.

I am writing these words from Rome early in the week and have no idea how things will stand—how many lives will have been lost, how many hostages will have been taken—by the time you read them. But this I do know: you will be earnest in your prayer for all the victims of war as well as for a speedy end to the hostilities.

We are all aware, of course, that this war does not come out of nowhere: that a painful history far too long to recite, with incalculable human suffering, underlies the present moment. But terrorism cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. My prayer and my hope is that out of the terrible tragedy unfolding before our eyes, voices of reason will arise and wisdom will prevail, bringing about a just solution to this decades-long nightmare. May it be so.

Being in Rome while the Synod is unfolding, I can’t help but believe that Pope Francis’ vision for the Church—a community of believers on a great pilgrimage through time, attuned to the voice and the workings of the Holy Spirit, and listening in love to one another—this grand vision for the Church is what our world needs as well. We are all God’s beloved children—Jews, Christians, Muslims; Israelis and Palestinians; people of every religion, race, color, and nation, poor and rich, straight and gay, conservative and liberal, young and old. God has a dream for all of us, a dream beyond our imagining, a dream of unity, harmony, and peace.

But, my friends, God is depending on us—all of us—to make that dream come true.

Father Ryan

Saturday, October 14, 2023

5:30pm MASS

Sunday, October 15, 2023

8:00am MASS

live-streamed on VIMEO | FACEBOOK

10:00am MASS

live-streamed on VIMEO | FACEBOOK

12:00pm MASS

4:00pm Vespers with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

5:30pm MASS 

The Cabrini Garage will be closed for maintenance work on Sunday, October 15 for the 8, 10, and Noon masses. It will reopen for Vespers and the Sunday 5:30 Mass. Free parking will be available for the morning Masses at the Madison and Marion garage across Boren Avenue. Please look for signs and traffic marshals to direct you this coming Sunday.

Father Ryan offers a brief overview of how Partners in the Gospel

could impact St. James Cathedral

PARTNERS IN THE GOSPEL is a strategic and pastoral planning effort taking place across the Archdiocese of Seattle in the coming months. Most of our parish and mission churches will become part of a “parish family” under a single pastor. Each family will be served by one, two, or more priests. A “Current Reality” video is available, which explains more about the changing realities for the Church in western Washington and how Partners in the Gospel will help us respond to the times. Currently, consultation is underway with parish staff and leadership groups across the Archdiocese. Public consultation about the proposed family groups is underway.

Your input is absolutely essential as this process will impact the Cathedral and surrounding parishes for decades to come. Offer your feedback online here.

Find more information about Partners in the Gospel, including helpful videos, at Partners in the Gospel (stjames-cathedral.org).

Stevie Smith's "The Heavenly City"

Lisa Matchette reads the poem and Corinna Laughlin offers commentary

Annual Report to the Parish 2022-2023 (PDF)

Seattel artist Heather Choate Davis recently created this video as a "labor of love." The music video tells the story of the impact of sacred space and includes beautiful footage of the Cathedral.

HOSPITALITY AFTER SUNDAY 10:00AM MASS Join us in Cathedral Hall for almond pinwheel pastries from Macrina Bakery, fresh fruit, and the chance to visit with fellow parishioners.

SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR THE SOLANUS CASEY CENTER  As you leave the Cathedral, the ushers will be at the doors to receive any offering you are able to make in support of the Solanus Casey Center. This ministry, which is carried out by the Cathedral in collaboration with Catholic Community Services, helps connect homeless and poor people with resources in the Seattle area, and has a special ministry of helping pay for ID cards and providing assistance with necessary background paperwork.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL THANKS YOU An older woman works part-time to supplement her social security income so that she can comfortably cover her expenses. When she experienced a health issue and incurred extra medical expenses, she found she was short of rent money. This neighbor had a history of always paying her rent and anxiously wanted to avoid receiving an eviction notice. The woman called the St Vincent de Paul Helpline requesting assistance (206-767-6449 or online https://svdpseattle.org/get-help/online-help-request-form/). With your support we were able to help with her rent and avoid receiving an eviction notice. Information, Jo Ann Wiesner, 206-291-4012 or wiesnerjo@gmail.com.

BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE As we prepare for All Souls on November 2, a book of remembrance has been placed near the Mary Shrine. Please record the names of deceased loved ones. This book of remembrance will be carried in procession at the solemn Requiem Mass of All Souls.

THE SYNOD CONTINUES! Synod delegates, including our own Archbishop Etienne, continue to meet as they reflect on the three themes of the Synod: Communion, Mission, Participation. The Synod assembly continues until October 28. Please pray for the Church during this historic Synod. You are invited to stop by the Place of Prayer near the Shrine of St. John XXIII, light a candle, and pray!

CHILDREN’S FAITH FORMATION Our Children’s Faith Formation program began Sunday, September 24. It’s not too late to join! Information and enrollment, Tami Kowal at 206-219-5822 or tkowal@stjames-cathedral.org.

FIRST COMMUNION FOR CHILDREN The Archdiocese of Seattle requires a 2 year preparation period for the sacrament of First Communion and First Reconciliation. Usually children start preparation at age 6 or 7. Session began on September 24. Information and enrollment, Tami Kowal at 206-219-5822 or tkowal@stjames-cathedral.org.

CONFIRMATION FOR YOUTH The Archdiocese of Seattle has reduced the age for the sacrament of Confirmation to age 13. If your child will be 13 years of age by the end of April 2024, now is the time to enroll them in Confirmation sessions for preparation. Sessions began on September 24. Information and enrollment, Tami Kowal at 206-219-5822 or tkowal@stjames-cathedral.org.

WEEKLY MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS GROUPS Every Friday of the month, 10-11:30am the Mental Health and Wellness Ministry will be having different groups for mental health support, including art, board games, a mental health support group, mindfulness, yoga, and prayer, and a movie. Held in the Pastoral Outreach Center. Registration and information, Anisa Ralls, 206-382-4269 or aralls@stjames-cathedral.org.

REGISTER FOR YOUTH MUSIC We have an ensemble just for you! All children and youth in grades 1-12 are encouraged and welcome to register for Youth Music. To learn more or register, visit the Youth Music page on the Cathedral website at https://www.stjames-cathedral.org/music/youthmusic/default.aspx. Information, Youth Music Office, youthmusic@

stjames-cathedral.org or 206-382-4876.

FAITH FRIENDS INCLUSION MINISTRY 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 as opportunities for friendship with other youth. Sessions began September 24. Information, Leticia Escobar, 206-619-0816, faithfriends@stjames-cathedral.org.

DAMIN SPRITZER ORGAN RECITAL Friday, October 27 at 7:30pm. Internationally acclaimed concert organist and recording artist Damin Spritzer brings her artistry to the St. James Cathedral organ. Organists’ Review has described her performances as “spellbinding…and fascinating…on so many levels.” Tickets, a suggested donation of $20 ($12 students/seniors) or pay what you can, are available online at www.stjames-cathedral.org/concerts/2023-10-27-Damin-Spritzer or at the door. For more information, contact the music office at musicoffice@stjames-cathedral.org or 206-382-4874.

CARE FOR CREATION TIP OF THE WEEK Some forecasters predict that we are in for a cold and wet winter. Now is a good time to weatherize your home. Not only can you save money by saving energy, but you can also improve the comfort of your home. Information, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherization 

OCTOBER IS RESPECT LIFE MONTH The U.S. Bishops are encouraging a novena to pray for the protection of human life, from conception to natural death. Each day of the novena features a different pro-life prayer intention which is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. Registration, https://www.respectlife.org/respect-life-month.

TOILETRY DONATIONS If you are traveling and staying at a hotel, consider bringing the small toiletries back to St. James. There is a donation bin located in the Cathedral Bookstore. Our St. Vincent de Paul conference packages the toiletries and distributes them to those in need. Thank you!

SANDWICH MAKING MINISTRY Healthy sandwiches can be made at home and then brought to the Cathedral to share with men staying at the St. Martin de Porres Shelter. This is a great activity for families with young children, people with busy lives, and anyone who is not able to go out and serve. Information, Patrick Barredo, 206-382-4515 or pbarredo@stjames-cathedral.org.

OPERATION NIGHTWATCH supports homeless men and women by providing shelter meals. A St. James team is being formed to cook and serve dinner for 150 people on the third Tuesday of each month, 6.30pm-9.30pm. Information, Peter Burns, 206-264-2082 or pburns@stjames-cathedral.org.

VISIT THE CATHEDRAL BOOKSTORE Located off the Archbishop Murphy Courtyard on the south side of the Cathedral, the Cathedral Bookstore is open weekdays 11-3 and after each weekend Mass. The Bookstore offers a wide variety of items: Catholic books for children and adults—history, spirituality, theology, and more; gift items and religious articles like rosaries and saints’ medals; Cathedral souvenirs, including postcards, notecards, books, magnets, keychains, and more. Now in stock: saint socks! Through its revenue, the bookstore supports many of the ministries of the Cathedral, including outreach ministries and arts programs. Information, Caroline Okello, 206-654-4650 or cokello@stjames-cathedral.org.