Today’s Gospel begins: “When Jesus entered Capernaum,” (Matthew 8:5-11) It is a very accessible detail for us. Advent helps us prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ, who entered the world as the Son of God. Perhaps a helpful way for us to enter Advent is to allow Jesus to Read more…
In his Letter to the Philippians, St. Paul says: “I hold you in my heart, you who are all partners with me in grace”. This expresses well my own sentiments as a bishop and pastor, and the ongoing mission of the Church to be in close contact with our people. Read more…
I was quite taken by the Prophet Amos in Sunday’s first reading: Woe to the complacent in Zion! Lying upon beds of ivory, stretched comfortably on their couches, (Amos 6:1,4) Do you remember those early days of COVID when we went into to lockdown mode? I have vivid memories of my neighbors Read more…
Happy Easter! I pray you experience the grace of new life that is ours in the Risen Christ! Please be assured of my deep gratitude to all our priests, deacons and liturgical ministers, choirs and volunteers who helped with all the liturgies during this Holy Week. I pray the celebration Read more…
Last night the Archdiocese of Seattle gathered at St. James Cathedral to celebrate the Chrism Mass. What a beautiful celebration of faith and mission! You can read my homily below, or watch the video which is also included. Check back later for more photos (I hope!) Blessings upon each of Read more…
Yesterday evening, members of the Black Catholic Advisory Circle (BCAC) hosted me for a lovely dinner and an opportunity to learn more about their work to serve the Black Catholics of the Archdiocese of Seattle. They are a very dedicated group of Catholics and energetic in helping their members and Read more…
This past week I was fortunate to make it to a few more places for pastoral visits. Thursday evening I had dinner with seven of our priests in Northern Deanery. Thanks to Fr. Cody Ross for hosting us at Sacred Heart in Bellingham. I believe that was the sixth such Read more…
This has been a grace-filled week in the Archdiocese of Seattle! Today, we celebrated the last of nine Rites of Election, formally calling over 1,000 people to receive the Easter Sacraments this coming Easter! This is such a beautiful celebration, and with each one celebrated this week, I received much Read more…
Brothers and sisters in Christ, as we enter another Lenten season on Ash Wednesday, March 2, it is helpful to place it in the broader context of the reality of Christ. Through the will of God and the work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was born into the world through Read more…
On this wintry morning from Seattle, I wish all of you a blessed feast of the Holy Family! First I wish to draw your attention to a letter to couples released today by our Holy Father, Pope Francis. It is a beautiful reflection on the life of faith, love, marriage Read more…