Parish News 4/16/25

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A Letter from the Pastoral Coordinator

Dear Families,

Happy Easter!  After journeying together for the 40 days of Lent, we have once again arrived at the celebration of Jesus’s Resurrection.  On Easter, we remember how much we are loved.  In John 3:16, we hear “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life”.   Through the Holy Week liturgies, we recalled the love Jesus has for us, which lead to Him offering His life for us on the cross.  Despite the betrayals, persecution, and mockery He experienced, He offered himself in love and pray for the forgiveness of those who hurt Him.  That is the depth of love and mercy God offers to each one of us!  At times we can become overwhelmed by the difficult circumstances in our lives or the challenges facing our world today.  Easter reminds us that death and sin do not have the last word.  Love does.  Christ rose again, conquering death once and for all.  Let us remember the hope, love, and mercy Jesus offers us today and find ways to bring those gifts into the world during this Easter season!

Peace, Jennifer Ibach jibach@stedwardparish.net

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Moms Faith-Sharing Group

Time.  We often feel like there isn’t enough of it.  And sometimes we look up and wonder how it has gone so fast.  Between work, school, volunteering, and kids, we are frequently so busy that we can’t imagine how to fit in time for rest, relaxation, and just savoring time.  Join us as we explore the ancient concept of Sabbath with author MaryAnn Mckibben Dana, pastor, wife, and mother of three.  Using the book Sabbath in the Suburbs, we will follow the pastor and her family as they attempt a year of practicing Sabbath.  We will read a short chapter each month and, meet to discuss her ideas and suggestions as well as the challenges and fruits of the practice as we try to make time for it in our own lives.  Our next gathering will be on Monday, May 5 at 8am at St. George Parish in the St. Francis Room.  Please read Chapter 9 before we gather.  All are welcome! Contact Jennifer for more information at jibach@stedwardparish.net 

Middle School Youth Group: Beach Cleanup and Ice Cream

All youth in grades 6-8 are invited to join us on Friday, May 9 (note the date change from May 2) for an evening at Alki Beach.  Partnering with A Cleaner Alki, we’ll help do a cleanup on the beach and then head across the street to Alki Ice Cream and Bubble Tea for a tasty treat.  Join us for an evening of fun while we Care for Creation together.  We’ll meet at St. George in the church parking lot at 6pm and be back around 8:30pm.  Sign up by Monday, May 5 at: https://archseattle.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/5077/responses/new

Partners in the Gospel: One Parish Plan Initial Listening Session

We are moving into a new phase of our Partners in the Gospel journey as we begin One Parish Planning, which is a process we will use to discern how we become a new parish.  It asks us, “Who are we?” and “Who do we want to become?”, and invites us to think about our gifts and opportunities to bring the light of Christ to others.  This process has several stages, with many opportunities for community engagement. Specifically, there will be a series of listening sessions to hear directly from you on a variety of topics.  The next phase of this process is called “Who are We?” and will help all of us develop an understanding and appreciation of the history, people, gifts, and ministries that have been central to each parish in our parish family.  All are invited and encouraged to join us for a synodal-style, discernment-based Listening Session on Saturday, May 10 at 9:30am at St. Edward in the Parish Hall.  We will start with light breakfast snacks and coffee, and move into our program at 10am.  The gathering will be trilingual (Spanish-English-Vietnamese) and will consist of prayer, a short presentation, and a chance to share on the parish and parish family level.  Please plan to join us.  We cannot fully answer the question of who we are without your input!    

Active Resistance to Evil: The Triumph of the Cross

How can we apply the nonviolent witness of Jesus to oppose today’s assaults on human rights and dignity?  How would Jesus resist today?  The St. Joseph Parish Pax Christi Chapter invites you to a Presentation and Panel on Saturday, May 3 from 9:30am-12pm at St. James Cathedral Hall on Columbia Street. Speakers and Panelists: Jim Thomas, Annie Fox, and Nick Mele.  Pizza lunch provided and parking available at O’Dea High School.  For more information and to register contact: PaxChristi@StJosephParish.org 

Bayanihan 2025: St. Edward Parish Dinner and Dance

All are invited to Bayanihan, a Parish Dinner and Dance, on Saturday, May 3 from 6:30-11pm at St. Edward in the Parish Hall.  This annual event is a lot of fun and is sponsored by the St. Edward Filipino Guild.  $50/ticket.