FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR

May 16, 2021

Dear friends in Christ,

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

This weekend we observe the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord.  A few years ago, I came across this reflection of Pope Francis on the Ascension.  I think it still speaks to us today in these days as we begin to recover from COVID and its effects.

 "The Ascension of Jesus into heaven acquaints us with this deeply consoling reality on our journey: in Christ, true God and true man, our humanity was taken to God. Christ opened the path to us. He is like a roped guide climbing a mountain who, on reaching the summit, pulls us up to him and leads us to God. If we entrust our life to him, if we let ourselves be guided by him, we are certain to be in safe hands, in the hands of our Savior, of our Advocate...the Ascension does not point to Jesus’ absence, but tells us that he is alive in our midst in a new way. He is no longer in a specific place in the world as he was before the Ascension. He is now in the lordship of God, present in every space and time, close to each one of us. In our life we are never alone; we have this Advocate who awaits us, who defends us. We are never alone; The Crucified and Risen Lord guides us…" POPE FRANCIS

Two key points Pope Francis makes are that we are not alone, Jesus is with us, even close to us and that the Lord Jesus is like the roped guide pulling us up to himself, pulling us up to God.  So, let us look for that “guide rope” and cling to it as we experience these uncertain times.  He will keep us on the right path. The Lord will help us through this but much more than that!  If we let him, he will help us grow more like him, and he will use this moment to transform and renew us.

An older version of the preface of the Ascension put it this this way: “Christ, the Mediator between God and man, Judge of the world and Lord of all, has passed beyond our sight,

not to abandon us but to be our hope.

TRANSITIONS

Wishing Mandy All the Best!

After 24 years here at St. Jude, Mandy has decided to retire and enjoy more time with family and friends.  She has been a wonderful part of the fabric of St. Jude, and has welcomed parishioners and visitors with her warmth and smile.  She is here on Monday mornings until May 24^th, if you would like to stop by and say farewell.  We will miss her day to day presence here, but happily we will still see her around as a parishioner.  We wish her all the best in her retirement.

Rick Casolary is taking on a new role

After 20 plus years leading our Family Faith Formation, Youth Ministry and Confirmation programs, Mr. Rick has decided to take on a new role.  Rick has done a fantastic job in all of these programs and I am particularly grateful for the creative work he has done making everything virtual this past year.   This past year, Rick asked if he could take on a new challenge.   I am very grateful that he has agreed in the coming year help us revitalize our ministries as we come out of COVID and to coordinate our celebrations of the Church’s 40^th Anniversary of Dedication.   Rick will be doing a variety of things around the parish, but most especially he will be recruiting new volunteers and finding new ways for us to minister in the post COVID world.   I am so grateful he has agreed to bring his enthusiasm to this new role.  I can’t begin to thank Mr. Rick enough for all he has done for our Faith Formation programs. 

PLEASE SUPPORT THE ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL

The Annual Catholic Appeal is a combined effort of the 169 parishes in that support the outreach of the Catholic community in Western Washington. The appeal funds Catholic social ministries, programs for youth and young adults, recruiting seminarians and training new priests, Catholic schools and faith formation, plus administrative support for parishes in areas such as liturgy, evangelization, human resources, and much more.  These are essential things we need but cannot do on our own as a parish.  In these challenging times your support of these ministries is needed all the more.  Please make a pledge today.  Last year’s average gift was between $400-500.  Some people’s may be able to do more, some people less. Please know that your gift, whatever the amount will be a big help.  Please mail in the envelope you received in the mail, or give online, or call in your gift to the ACA office at 800-809-4921. Thank you!!

FRIDAY NIGHT ROSARY

A reminder…. During the month of May, we are livestreaming every Friday night at 7pm.  Let’s come together as a family of faith and pray together asking Mary’s aid in these times.

You can also join us in person at Holy Innocents.

May God bless you and your family in every way!

Fr. Johnson