Dear Parishioners:
- We’ve begun our limited public Mass last weekend. I’m echoing the sentiments of many parishioners who are prepared and ready for limited gathering for Eucharistic Celebration again ... It’s great to be back! What a JOY it is to see a familiar face of many of you, a family of God in this St. Gabriel Parish Community.
I want to thank our Dean of the Olympic Deanery, Fr. David Young (St. Olaf Parish) and Archbishop Etienne for approval of our parish plan for re-opening, our own parish Staff who spend a lot of time to draw up the parish plan to make sure it’s an safe environment for everyone and also, willing to be Covid-19 supervisors for the parish and many parishioners who were willing to go through training and helping at Masses this last weekend through the many changes and new procedures. Most of all, we had a very smooth re-opening, thanks to all parishioners who came to Masses and followed through these new changes.
This is only the first re-opening in Liturgical Celebrations. The second re-opening is for Parish Office. The parish staff will go through training and new procedures as we attempt to be opened soon. The third re-opening will be for parish-groups for meetings and activities.
… … Happy Fourth of July – Independent Day … …
(Observed, this year on Friday, July 3)
On this 244th year of celebrating “Independent Day”, we give thanks to God for the many blessing that our nation has received. Once again, we join in one voice to ask God for continuing blessings for our nation and most especially for all people to live the ideals – “Life, Liberty and pursuit of Happiness” according to God’s way as we share with one another and the whole world community. May our individual family and our whole nation’s celebration help unite us together in a deeper appreciation for this special blessing Day.
- The Church resumes the Thirteen Sunday In Ordinary Time readings this week.
Four stories of chapter 4 describes in some way the power of God, through the prophet Elisha, breaking into hopeless situations and shattering them with a word of life. One of those narratives is about a couple from the village of Shunem who provide food and lodging for the prophet Elisha; he in turn promises them a son, even though they had been married for a long time and remained childless.
The couple cares for a stranger who had impressed them by his dedication to God, prayer and social concerns. They interrupt their ordinary activities and private lives to care for Elisha, first with food at their table, then with overnight accommodations. And in their giving to him, they received so much more in return – the promise of new life, despite the bitter years of barrenness. Their own gift to Elisha was magnified beyond their comprehension!
Jesus, in the Gospel reading, tells us that whenever we practice works of mercy, forgiveness, kindness, we are doing these things to him. He fully identifies himself with the needy, the marginalized and the dependent; the hungry, the thirsty, the strangers, the naked, the sick and the imprisoned. Jesus’ reign completely overturns our notions of earthly kingship. The kingship of Jesus consists of ultimate service, even to the point of laying down his life for others.
- As the month of June comes to the end this coming week, the Church celebrates the Feast of the two great Apostles – Peter & Paul - Apostle Peter, to the Jews and Apostle Paul, to the Gentiles. Apostles Peter and Paul loved and had a message for the whole world as they witnessed and died in Rome. This special feast day reminds us of our unity in our Church throughout the world.
- “A word of thanks” to the many families who have pledged and turned in your commitment envelopes to the Parish and Archdiocesan Office to support the Annual Catholic Appeal 2020 again this year. We’ll be closer to our parish goal with your help today; your continue supports are as the critical testimony of the commitment for us to be “Church” today in our time. If you didn’t have an opportunity of filling your commitment envelope yet, please join with many of your parishioners to pledge toward our parish goal. Please see the bulletin to see how close we are to meet our parish personal goal.
- While enjoying the “Summer rest”, please don’t forget our parishes – Gabriel and Prince of Peace. Also, consider, a special VIRTUAL Summer Bible School for your children; please check the bulletin for more details.
Christ’s Peace,
Fr. Phuong Hoang