I have chosen to believe that the people who knew Jesus experienced him as alive three days after his death. That experience literally changed their view of the world, the way they see life and think of themselves. It profoundly effected the way they chose to live their lives. "

I think of the final scene of Steven Spielberg's movie, "Schindler's List". Those whom Schindler had helped escape from the death camps during the holocaust one by one pass by his grave as a tribute to what he had done for them. He saved them from death. He gave them a chance at life. If he hadn't done what he did, they would have ended up in ovens like the other six million of their people. Now, it is hard for me to imagine that any one of them would ever ignore what Schindler had done for them. They had to remember. They wanted to remember. I can't imagine a day going by when they didn't recall just how fortunate they were.

As we celebrate Easter, I am actually embarrassed by how the way Jesus' death and resurrection has been trivialized by our society. It's not really about bunnies or eggs. That's like saying "Schindler's List" was about blue birds and muffins. It's ridiculous.

Jesus was no fool. He knew this. That is why he took bread and wine in his hands at the Last supper, changed them into his Body and Blood and said, "Do this in memory of me". We can't forget. There is too much at stake.

Today is Holy Thursday and as we enter into the Triduum Lent will be over. Reflecting back, how was your Lent? For me, Lent was pretty rough. On Ash Wednesday I started out feeling good. I knew what I wanted to fast from, how I would give alms, and where I wanted to focus my attention to draw closer to the Lord. All I had to do was simply do. However, it wasn’t easy.

This year I chose to give up social media and sweets. I chose these things because I often turn to them for distraction and comfort when I’m stressed, tired, or bored. I figured if I gave up these things it would make more space for Jesus. What I didn’t realize is how dependent I was on them. It was pretty hard to go without these things and it seems silly but I really was attached. I think throughout the pandemic with so much loss, especially of novelty, fun, and seeing friends, I used social media and sweets as a replacement. So when I lost my sources of instant gratification it really got to me and it felt horrible.

I started to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. The cloud of deception that I was doing fine was lifted as my coping mechanisms were gone. I was left with the reality that I hadn’t allowed Jesus to help me the way I could have. Ouch! I couldn’t believe it. I work at a church, I’ve been taking classes on catechesis, I’ve been learning more about the liturgy, and yet I wasn’t practicing my beliefs and values the way I thought I was. I felt like I was walking in the desert, thirsty, weak, and lost. How did this happen? I weep now just thinking about it because I thought I was making space for God. I pray daily, I go to Mass, I read scripture. However, I wasn’t doing those things wholeheartedly nor was I inviting the Holy Spirit into all areas of my life.

Thankfully, I haven’t lost my faith and trust in God. His grace keeps me hopeful and allows me to persevere. I may be a bit of a mess right now but I know it took this reality check for me to refocus. Jesus is always at the center of my life, but I can’t just believe it or think it. I have to show it through my behaviors, intentions and habits. So as Easter approaches I will renew my baptismal promises but I will also continue the spiritual “spring cleaning” that started in Lent. Lent was rough but honestly, it was perfect. It helped me realize what in my life I need to surrender to God.

-Stephanie Nguyen, Children's Faith and Family Formation

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.

Beginning Sunday April 11th reservations for

Groups of up to 15 can sit together – please indicate groups at registration.

If you are sitting with a group you must arrive together or wait for your whole group to arrive to be seated.

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.

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

A huge thank you to all those who are helping us get our Prepares program up and running. Thank you for the gift of your time, your donations, and gifts of all things baby to 5 years old. Prepares is our outreach to families with children 5 and under. We launched the program on Valentine’s day 2021. We are still looking for donations. All sizes of diapers is what we need most. We are also looking for children’s clothing size 4 to 7. You can see our website for a more comprehensive list of needs. Please watch the bulletin for a note from our Prepares Director Tammy Schaffer.

Pedro Lisua

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.

Please return your Rice Bowls to the Check in Desk at any of our Holy Week Masses. You may also drop off you Rice Bowls in the Parish Office M-TH from 10 am-3:30 pm or mail a check to 30525 8th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003

Ways to give: