Yesterday found me at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Vancouver for the installation of Fr. Jose Alvarez, the new pastor of this parish family, which includes Sacred Heart in Battle Ground, St. Joseph the Worker in Yacolt, St. Philip in Woodland and St. Mary of Guadalupe in Ridgefield. Approximately 1,300 people were present for the Mass and included representatives from each of the parishes.
Congratulations Fr. Jose and the entire parish family!
The readings for this 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year A) seemed quite appropriate for the occasion, as well as for the present Archdiocesan wide reorganization of parishes.
The Prophet Ezekiel spoke of a watchman – not a bad name for a pastor – who is to listen for the voice of God and then is to speak God’s Word to the people. Thus, a primary responsibility for pastors is to spend time in silence – in prayer in order to lead God’s people with Sacred Teaching. The Gospel of the day, also spoke of the role of the disciple as one who governs the community with the authority of Sacred Teaching.
The outcome of such discipleship is to grow in greater conformity to Christ, or as St. Paul said in the Second Reading from the Letter to the Romans, to love. In essence, each of our parish families are in a heightened state of prayer for the sake of discerning the voice of God, the promptings of the Holy Spirit, so that we may grow in unity and more effectively carry out the mission of the Church – to follow Christ more closely.
I read something recently which drew attention to the greek word Jesus used when encouraging others to ‘follow’ him. In Greek, this word does not just mean to follow from a distance or to simply be familiar with Jesus’ teaching and find it admirable or interesting. Rather, the word means to follow closely, to accompany and or to imitate. Thus, for me as a bishop, for every priest and pastor, and I would propose for every baptized person, this means an intimate relationship with Jesus. This “following” is an invitation to became a ‘best friend’ of Jesus, so much so that our life reflects him to others.
Part of my own ‘following of Jesus’ in recent weeks has taken me to a variety of ministry settings which I wish to share with you here.
Two weeks ago I spent a morning at Seattle’s Children’s Hospital. (Note: photos are used with permission of families)
As one of my colleagues said of Seattle Children’s Hospital: “Its such an amazing – yet sad place.” I was accompanied by a regular volunteer and one of our chancery staff who coordinates much of our pastoral outreach. We probably visited a half dozen families and their children. Most of these children have critical health issues. Many like the infant above are also quite young. One child we visited has spent two and a half years in this hospital – the only place she has known. I was told of another child who lived her whole life there until she died at the age of six.
It is always humbling and rewarding to listen to the parents or family members as they share their struggle. At the same time they have such resilient faith and are generally quite open about their deepest need from God. We prayed with all of these families, offered the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and shared Holy Communion with those able to receive the Blessed Sacrament.
Another interesting note about Seattle Children’s Hospital is this is where the miracle took place of Jake Finkbonner’s healing through the intercession of now St. Kateri, which led to her canonization!
A few days after the visit to the Children’s Hospital I drove to Vancouver to visit Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic High School where I spent the morning and celebrated a Mass with the entire school community. I am impressed with how engaging they are, from their participation during Mass to their greetings in the halls and classrooms. Good things are happening here!
Earlier this week we had a nice crowd at the Cathedral for the annual Mass of Creation to kick of the Season of Creation. As you see in the photo above, we concluded with a processing to the new icon of St. Kateri for a prayer. After Mass a small group gathered for lunch and a listening session on how to better care for our common home.
This summer I also had the rare opportunity to celebrate a couple of weddings. I am extremely encouraged by this new generation of young adults and how seriously they take their faith. God is truly up to something!
Finally, this week we held the first presbyteral council meeting of this new season. As you can see from the photo, a young generation of priests is also on the rise! I am grateful for the many good things God is doing in the Archdiocese of Seattle and for the many people who serve us well, especially in their consultative voices to me as the Archbishop.
Keep living the faith, everybody! God bless you.
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