FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR

May 29, 2020

Solemnity of Pentecost

Dear friends in Christ,

This Sunday we celebrate the great Solemnity of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples gathered in prayer. The Holy Spirit battered the house like a “driving wind,” and descended up them as tongues or flames of fire. The same Holy Spirit enabled them to speak of the mighty deeds of God and be heard by diverse peoples. This event of Pentecost gave birth to the Church and reminds us of the call we have each received to testify to the goodness, love, and might deeds of God. Each of us has a share in that call because we have been “born again” of water and the Spirit.

And speaking of rebirth…This past week, the Governor announced a modification of policy to allow Churches in Phase I to have outdoor services for up to a maximum of 100 people. Hooray! So, we are working diligently at St. Jude to prepare everything necessary to meet the guidelines so we can have limited public Masses again, hopefully, next weekend. It will be wonderful to be able to celebrate in person again, but please be advised that we will not be back to “normal.” We will not be able to accommodate everyone. Those who are over 65 or vulnerable will still be strongly advised to stay home and participate by live stream. Masks and social distancing will have to be asked for everyone in the congregation. There will be a number of other liturgical modifications, and we will not be able to have congregational singing because of the way it can spread the virus. Communion will be after Mass. Seating will be limited so there will be on an online reservation system. Not everyone will be able to come every week (and no coffee hour or social gathering after Mass). But, nonetheless, we will be able to come together in-person to worship the Lord, and that is no small thing. So, stay tuned for email updates and a video I will put out in the middle of next week on the details.

We do need your help in two important matters however to prepare:

1. We need masks. Everyone will have to wear a facial covering. So, if you don’t have one, please get one. If you can make masks or can provide some masks, please drop them by the parish office. We want to be able to provide masks for folks that don’t have them or forgot them. Many thanks to all those who have already dropped off masks! Many of them are beautiful and I am amazed at how talented you all are.

2. We will need lots of able-bodied volunteers, to help check people in, to keep people socially distanced, and help direct people. Attendees must be under 65 and not have any vulnerable conditions.  We also have to train everyone, so please consider signing up ASAP by sending an email to Sr. Betty - betty@stjude-redmond.org.

To conclude, let us earnestly ask the Holy Spirit to renew us, renew our parish, our nation, our Church. We need it! 

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful

 and kindle in them the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.

And You shall renew the face of the earth. AMEN.

Blessings on your week!

Fr. Johnson

A FEW FINAL NOTES ~

Drive through confessions continue

The current schedule for drive-by confessions is:  Friday nights at Holy Innocents from 6-6:45 pm (in front of the Church) and Saturdays at St. Jude from 3:00 pm- 4:30 pm(next to the Church in front of the office). The Confession Toolkit is available to assist you. 

Referendum 90 needs your help!

We still need signatures on our petition for Referendum 90, which asks for a vote of the people to restoring local control of sex education in the schools.

Sign the petition this Saturday from 2-3 or Sunday 2-4 in the courtyard. Bring a pen and bring a friend! It will only get on the ballot if you help!

Please support the Annual Catholic Appeal

Thank you to all who have gotten your Annual Catholic Appeal pledge in! Your generosity is amazing. We need everyone’s help to make our goal.  To pledge go to: https://www.seattlearchdiocese.org/Stewardship/ACA/Donate.aspxor call-in your gift at 800-809-4921. Thank you!!