Dear St. Gabriel Parishioners:
… Happy the Feast of “The Ascension of the Lord into Heaven” …
This Feast Day reminds us that even though Jesus has ascended into Heaven, Jesus still is the “source of nourishment” that we receive everyday when we “do this in memory of Him – the celebration of the Eucharist”. What a truly “special gift” that we have in Jesus Christ who offers us the opportunity to share in “His Divine Life” and to be formed into “His Body”. May each of us set aside a special moment on this Feast Day or this coming week to give thanks and acknowledge this special moment to be in the presence of our Lord and anticipate the renewal of the Holy Spirit in Feast of Pentecost.
As our Nation celebrates Memorial Day this long weekend, I’m reminded of the “great sacrifices” that our American soldiers have given in every generation to ensure the value of Peace and Freedom. Along with the dedicated parishioners from both parishes, celebrating Eucharist and visiting veterans almost every Wednesdays at Retsil Veteran Home (still restricted to the Ministry Team only with protocol of Covid-19 to protect a vulnerable population there), I’m reminded of this reality. Growing up in a war time, I’ve been privileged to witness and learn the “great heroics and sacrifices” of these men and women in helping defend and promote freedom in Vietnam and in many other parts of our world. May the Triune God – the Father, the Risen Christ and the Holy Spirit’s Peace and Blessings - continue to guide and protect our nation and the whole world.
CONGRATULATION ON YOUR 60TH (1962-2022) ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY TO THE PRIESTHOOD … FR. RON BELISLE. Fr. Belisle writes: “We have walked together, some of you for all 60 years of my priesthood; we have worked hand to hands. Psalm 34 invites you all to: “Glorify the Lord with me”. A Mass of Thanksgiving at Prince of Peace will be on Sunday - June 5, 2022 at 9:30 AM Mass.
“A word of thank” to the many families who have pledged and turned in your commitment envelopes to the Parish or Archdiocesan Office to support the Annual Catholic Appeal 2022 again this year. Your continue supports are the testimony of the commitment for us to be “Church” today in our time. If you didn’t have an opportunity of filling your commitment envelop, 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.
Please remember to pray for Sylvester Chanda (a Seattle Seminarian), who will be ordained on Saturday, June 4, at 10:00 AM at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Seattle. Sylvester is being ordained to the transitional diaconate, which means he is in formation to become priests for the Archdiocese of Seattle. For more information on priesthood in the Archdiocese of Seattle go to www.seattlevocations.com
Thanks to the “Legion of Mary” members and devoted parishioners for leading the most tradition prayer in honor of our Blessed Mother Mary during the month of May. Most especially on Memorial Weekend, the “Patriotic Rosary” with the lifting up of all people in the 50 states and the work of different branches of the government truly fitting in the spirit of that Holiday. Thank you for all you do in ministry to the people at St. Gabriel and invite others to continue further the work of Christ and His Mother, Mary.
Youth Groups – Middle and High School – are having gatherings and movie nights. Please check the bulletin or contact our new Youth Minister, Marilyn Flores.
May the Joy and Blessing of the Easter Season continue to help us actively involved in the Ministry of Jesus in our Church’s today.
Christ’s Peace,
Fr. Phuong Hoang