Dear Parishioners:
- In the midst of a very uniquely Lenten Season due to the Coronavirus suddenly spreading across our nation and the world, I hope that you have found at least a reasonable routine while living in the recommendation of “social distancing” and the Holy Mass suspended for the time being. Here are some spiritual ways that I want to further suggests with what you may already have doing with your family.
- Archbishop Paul Etienne is celebrating daily Mass at 8:30 AM or you could watch anytime after the Live Mass is over (check the website in this bulletin).
- To demonstrate our solidarity with everyone who is impacted by the coronavirus, the Archdiocese recommend churches ring their bells at noon. At this time, we ask that you encourage people to pray the Angelus as a family in their homes and conclude with the prayer to Our Lady of Seattle (see these prayers below).
- We are hoping to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet with our Parish at 3:00 PM on Monday-Thursday which will be streamed on the Parish Facebook Page.
- Pray the Stations of the Cross with our Parish at 3:00 PM on Fridays which will be streamed on the Parish Facebook Page.
- Celebrate live-stream Mass with our Parish at 11:00 AM Mass on Sundays which will be streamed on the Parish Facebook Page.
- Gabriel Church is open for private prayer from 10 AM - 12 PM and
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM. Resources for prayers are available at the Chapel.
- Please continue to pray for the Elects and Candidates of our parish and the universal Church. The Church intensifies our Lenten Season for all people and especially, the preparation of the Elects through a period of purification and Enlightenment call the
The three stories of the last three weeks of Lent (March 15, 22 and 29): “Jesus encountered the Samaria Woman at the well”, “Jesus opened the eyes of a man born blind” and this Sunday: “Jesus raised Lazarus from the death” from the Gospel of John truly prepares us for the Holy Week (Palm Sunday - next week and The Triduum - Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday).
The meaning of these Gospel’s passages lead us to focus specially on the “person of Jesus” who invites all people to receive “Living Water”, to see not merely with human eyes but through “the eyes of Faith” and ultimately the recognize the “anointed of God – Jesus Christ” who desires to give “New Life” to those who is willing to die to sins in order to receive an “everlasting Life” with Christ.
Let us continue with all the “Catechumens and Elects” to deepen our Faith and to choose to receive this gift of “New Life” as we approach the Feast of Easter soon.
- A journey through Lent will lead us to the experience of God’s loving presence in His Mercy and Forgiveness; therefore, be mindful of the spirit of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. May the Grace of this Sacrament will lead us to a fruitful Lenten Season.
The Angelus Prayer
- The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
- And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen
- Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
- Be it done unto me according to thy word.
Hail, Mary, full of grace … …
- And the Word was made flesh.
- And dwelt among us.
Hail, Mary, full of grace … …
- Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
- That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by his passion and cross be brought to the glory of his resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Prayer to Our Lady of Seattle
Holy Mary, we come to you as spiritual children in great need, seeking your intercession, and asking that your mantle of love surround us to console, protect, and lead us to your Son Jesus.
We entrust all of God’s family, especially the church in Western Washington, into your immaculate hands. With your Son Jesus’ gentle power, you can undo any knot in our church, and in the lives of believers, who entrust themselves to your care.
Today I especially entrust to you … (mention request/coronavirus here), and I ask that - through your intercession, and that of St. James, our guardian angels, and the faithful in our Archdiocese – We may be free from every spiritual and temporal ill, and be safely led to the encounter of your Son’s mercy, sacred heart.
Our Lady of Seattle, Undoer of Knots, pray for us!
Christ’s Peace,
Fr. Phuong Hoang