This Lent, I have the honor of learning how to pray with ladies from Mothers and Others. We are watching “Into the Desert: A Lenten Study on Prayer” on Formed. Dr. Tim Gray is teaching us that the reading of scripture is one of the best ways to meet the Lord in prayer. In one of the studies he talked about slowing down when we read scripture. He suggested that we focus on the verbs and nouns, because each word has a meaning. When we slow down, we allow our imagination time to picture and enter into the scripture.

I thought reading scripture for detail would be a great challenge for me. I read for the big picture and fast. I picked Psalm 23. I find it beautiful, but have never really met the Lord there. I focused on, “He will prepare a table for me in front of my enemies.” I really thought about what it means to have a table. A table means eating, and eating at a table makes me think of safety and having time to actually eat at a table. Then I thought about what it means to eat at the table while my enemies watch. I pictured my enemies as the challenging things in my life. Then I put it all together. Often times my life feels on the edge of out of control and chaos. In those moments, God is with me and he has set a table for me. At his table is all I need to live my life well. Most importantly, that table sustains the people that I love better than I ever could.

Perhaps this week you could spend some time praying and asking God to bring scripture alive for you. The Lord loves you so so much. I know that he wants to speak to you and meet you in His scriptures.

Katie Goodson | Pastoral Assistant to Lay Ministry and Evangelization

How many times have you heard it said, “God will provide”? Many of you know it to be true, but have you ever stopped to think about how He provides? If you are talking about providing financially, it usually happens via a windfall” – an unexpected gift of money or support that comes right at the time you need it most. In my work here at the parish, I can’t tell you the number of times God has provided, through you, His people, right when we needed it most. I remember when I had been here just a few months, right in the heart of the financial collapse several years ago, and we were barely able to make the monthly payroll and expense payments. It was frightening. One day a parishioner came into my office and presented us with a check for $40,000, said she had just cashed in an IRA and wanted to help out the parish! I still remember that feeling of astonishment and gratitude, to her and to God. Through the years, God has provided again and again, mostly through bequests from our parishioners – gifts left to us in wills and trusts. The most recent was just a few weeks ago, when, in the midst of this most challenging time, we received a bequest of $30,000 from a parishioner who passed away last year. If you haven’t considered a gift to the parish in your will, I encourage you to do so – God will use it to provide right when it is needed the most!

Blessed Palms will be handed out this year on Palm Sunday. You will receive one if you attend Mass in person, you must be registered to attend Mass in person. You may also pick up a blessed palm by coming to the church between Noon and 1pm on Sunday, March 28th, palms will be passed to you through your vehicle window from a staff member.

ADULT CONFIRMATION IS COMING! 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 weeks of preparation will begin in March. This year’s group will primarily meet by Zoom. For more information, or to register, contact John Simpson at jsimpson@stvincentparish.org.

Our parish is going to be starting the JustFaith Program, “Faith and Racial Healing: Embracing Truth, Justice, and Restoration.” The program is open to all members of our parish. The program will start with a daylong retreat on April 17. Then we will meet every Tuesday for 2½ hours starting on April 20 and continuing for 8 weeks. . If there is a lot of interest we will offer a second time.

This eight-week program guides participants in telling the truth about the history of racism in the United States, that we might work toward true reconciliation with God and restoration with one another. You will need to purchase these three books and a donation of $20 to help offset the cost of the programs. The three books are

If you have any questions or would like to join the program please contact Katie kgoodson@stvincentparish.org or 253-839-2320.

Holy Thursday - 7:30 pm live streamed

Good Friday - 7:30 pm live streamed

Easter Vigil - 8:30 pm live streamed

Easter Sunday - 8:30 am live streamed

Due to large numbers wishing to attend Holy Week liturgies you may attend either Holy Thursday OR Good Friday, you may not attend both.

Please arrive 20 to 30 minutes before Mass begins. If you are not here when Mass begins you may lose your seat.

Email Stephanie Nguyen at snguyen@stvincentparish.org to get involved!

Great news, our Prepares program has begun. Prepares is a nurturing response of the Catholic community in Washington state, open to all, to provide meaningful, local and sustainable support to mothers, fathers, and families as they nurture their children through pregnancy and early childhood. Volunteers at the PREPARES program offer support and activities for families from pregnancy to their child’s fifth birthday. We are looking for volunteers to help and donate items for our Prepares Boutique. If you would like to volunteer please let Katie know. Below is a list of items we need. You can drop them off at the Church before or after Mass or the Parish Office Monday - Thursday from 10am-3:30pm.

Ralph Osman

Mary Maylum

The COVID vaccine is available for all people 65+ and some other groups. Katie can help you find and make your appointment for the vaccine if you meet the following criteria.

If you meet the criteria call the parish office at 253-839-2320 and Katie or a member of our community will help you.

Register on our website, www.stvs.us, admissions.

We are EXCITED to announce we have added TEXT2BID for the Auction! This is a convenient way to register for our event. You will be able to bid and see all items as well as watch the Live Stream.

If you have already registered on the website that is ok. Just be sure to only check out on one or other not both.

Remember to share our link stvs.maestroweb.com and or TEXT2BID 71760 - STVS information to your friends, family and neighbors!

Poor nutrition can lead to devastating long-term consequences for individuals, communities and entire countries. That’s why communities must work together to ensure that all children have access to better food and nutrition. New planting and cooking techniques are helping many communities in Madagascar improve the health and wellbeing of their children. How does your community work together for the good of others? Visit crsricebowl.org to learn more

Ways to give: