Cathedral Bulletin | December 15, 2020
Scroll down for: Register for Masses this weekend; Poem of the Week; Advent Giving Tree; Cathedral face masks; Christmas Mass Schedule
Update from Father Ryan
Dear Friends,

I want to share with you the good news that construction has at last begun on the prayer garden on the north side of the Cathedral which will be the site of the Cathedral Columbarium. The necessary permits have been wending their way through the appropriate channels at the city for many months now, and were held up largely because of Covid-19. The construction involves removing part of the retaining wall in order to enlarge the space and create an attractive plaza on the north side of the Cathedral. Eventually, the area will be landscaped and we expect to install the actual columbarium niches in the New Year.

You may recall that the vast majority of the funding for this project is coming from your generous gifts to the Archdiocese’s Called to Serve as Christ Campaign. The Cathedral’s goal for that campaign was $3.24 million, and the rebate is anticipated to be around $468,000. This, along with a generous grant from the Norcliffe Foundation, will cover the costs of the project, which is estimated to be $630,000.

It’s very exciting to see the work underway at last! As we move along, we will be in touch with you about the columbarium. Many of you have already made inquiries about purchasing a niche.

One more thing, and I want to share this with you because I think it will make you feel even more secure about attending Mass in the Cathedral during this time of the pandemic. This past week, we installed an ionization system in the Cathedral’s air handling system. The purpose of the system is to kill viruses, bacteria, and mold, and to actively purify the air as it moves through the building. Not only will the new system be much more reliable as far as fresh air flow is concerned, it also means we won’t have to keep all the doors open during these cold winter months!

Father Ryan

Register for this weekend's Masses
There are FOUR options for public Mass in the Cathedral this weekend (click on a date/time to register).
 

We have put many precautions in place to make sure these celebrations are safe and comfortable. This is not business as usual! The following are important important instructions for those who wish to take part in Mass:
 
  • Registration is required, and registered persons will be checked in as they arrive. The Archdiocese of Seattle recommends registration both to limit the numbers in attendance and to provide for contact tracing should we learn that anyone present has been exposed to Covid-19.
  • Masks/face coverings must be worn throughout the Mass except when receiving Holy Communion. Your mask needs to cover both your nose and your mouth at all times.
  • On arriving at the Cathedral, you will be greeted by staff who will check you in and show you your place for the Mass. You will NOT be able to choose your own place to sit, nor will you be able to move about the Cathedral once you have been seated. Household groups will be seated together. We thank you for your patience and understanding.
 
You will notice a number of changes to the Mass. All these changes are designed to ensure our safety as we gather together for Mass:
 
  • The Sign of Peace will not be shared, and Communion will not be offered from the cup.
  • Communion will be given only in the hand, not on the tongue.
  • There will be no congregational singing.
  • Because we are not able to gather or socialize following Mass, we ask that you depart quietly after the celebration.
 
Please remember that there is no obligation to attend Sunday Mass at this time. While we do our utmost to make the Mass safe, anyone who attends does so at their own risk. Particularly vulnerable persons are strongly encouraged to continue to shelter in place. Anyone who is experiencing any symptoms whatsoever, such as fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, MUST remain at home out of consideration for the health and well being of others.
Livestream Masses this weekend
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 20, 2020

8:00am
MASS with Archbishop Etienne
Streamed on the Archdiocese of Seattle Vimeo/Facebook pages

________

10:00am
MASS with Father Ryan
Streamed on the Cathedral Vimeo/Facebook pages

Livestream Readings and Carols

Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 6:30pm

 A Service of Readings and Carols – from our homes to yours!

Although we can’t fill the Cathedral with candlelight and voices as we have in the past, we can still be together in expectant prayer and song awaiting the birth of the Christ child. This year’s online-only liturgy presents intimate offerings from the homes and families of some of our lectors and youth and adult choristers, with congregational carols led by organ and Cathedral cantors in the beautiful setting of St. James Cathedral. All readings and music are pre-recorded for broadcast, and you’ll be able to download a worship aid to sing along with the carols. Please join us for this beloved Advent tradition!

The Dedication of St. James Cathedral

Mass of the Dedication
of St. James Cathedral

Monday, December 21 at 5:30pm

St. James Cathedral was dedicated for worship on December 22, 1907, and rededicated on the same day in 1994. At a special 5:30pm evening Mass on Monday, December 21, Father Ryan will celebrate this special anniversary. Mass will begin with a procession to light the twelve dedication candles at the entrances to the Cathedral. All are welcome without prior registration – sign in at the Terry and Marion corner of the block.
Advent liturgies
WEEKDAY MASSES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Monday—Saturday, the 8:00am Mass is open to the public without prior registration. On Tuesdays, 8:00am Mass is followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, concluding with rosary at 12 Noon.
 
CONFESSIONS IN ADVENT Traditionally, Advent is a time to confess our sins as part of our preparation for Christmas. We have expanded hours for confession this month for those who wish to do so. Please note these special times for confessions: Confessions will be heard on Saturdays, December 5, 12, and 19 at 2:00pm in the Cathedral Chapel. Confessions will also be heard on Wednesday mornings, December 9, 16, and 23, following the 8:00am Mass. All are welcome without appointment or registration.

VESPERS AND BENEDICTION on Sunday afternoons at 4:00pm is open to the public. No advance registration required.
Christmas Mass Schedule
Registration will be required to attend Christmas Masses, and attendance will be strictly limited to 200 persons at each Mass. Registration will open on Monday, December 21.

Masses marked with an asterisk will be livestreamed--
* = livestreamed on St. James Cathedral Facebook/Vimeo
** = livestreamed on Archdiocese of Seattle Facebook/Vimeo)
Giving Tree
Our annual Giving Tree is online this year! As you're doing your Christmas shopping, please consider picking up one or two items to be donated to a person in need, whether it's diapers, socks, a toy, or a gift card.

Items can be dropped by the Parish Office Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm, or can be shipped directly to the office: St. James Cathedral, ATTN Patrick Barredo, 804 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104.

Poem of the Week
John Donne, "At the round earths imagined corners"

Scott Webster reads the poem by John Donne, and Corinna Laughlin provides context and commentary.
Sacrificial Sunday Giving
Sacrificial Giving is all about giving back to God what God has given to us. Through our gift to the parish, we reach out—together—in the name of Christ to the poor, the elderly, and the immigrant. We celebrate in a powerful way the mysteries of our faith; and we provide a refuge to so many who live on the edge of loneliness in these trying times.



Thank you for your prayerful response and for all the ways you make this parish family what it is!
Children's Epiphany Event on January 2
Drop by the Cathedral on Saturday, January 2 for a special event for Cathedral families in celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord!

Information, Brenda Bellamy.
Take another look at the Catholic Church
Information, Rosanne Michaels, rmichaels@stjames-cathedral.org
While supplies last--Cathedral face masks!
Cathedral facemasks are available for $14 each (includes tax and shipping) while supplies last! Sturdy three-layer masks from SockFancy. To order a mask, make your payment online here and indicate "Face mask" in the memo line. Information, Maria Laughlin, 206-382-4284.
St. James Cathedral
804 Ninth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
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