16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 26 – Memorial of Saints Anne and Joachim

On Saturday, July 26, 2025, is the patronal feast day of our St. Anne Parish. In honor of this occasion, we would like to share a brief reflection on the life of Saint Anne.

“Saint Anne is the mother of Mary and, therefore, the grandmother of Jesus.

The name Anne originates from Hebrew and means “Yahweh has shown mercy.” It symbolizes love, grace, and charm. Although Anne and her husband Joachim are not mentioned in the New Testament, their story is found in the Protoevangelium of James, an early Christian apocryphal text.

According to this text, Anne and Joachim longed for a child for many years but remained childless. They prayed fervently to God, and after a long period of waiting, an angel appeared to Joachim in the desert, announcing the birth of a daughter. Anne, too, received a vision and the promise of a child chosen by God. When they shared their experiences, their joy was complete. Nine months later, their daughter Mary was born. At the age of three, they brought her to the Temple in Jerusalem—an event commemorated by the Feast of the Presentation of Mary on November 21.

This story echoes other biblical accounts of miraculous births, such as that of Abraham and Sarah. Just as an angel appeared to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus, so too did angels appear to Anne and Joachim with the joyful news of Mary’s birth.

In 1481, Pope Sixtus IV added the Memorial of Saint Anne to the Roman calendar. Later, in 1584, Pope Gregory XIII designated July 26 as her official feast day.

Saint Anne is venerated as the patron saint of mothers, homemakers, and various trades, including miners.”

Freely translated from a text by Margret Nußbaum

Over the course of six Sundays, this bulletin series will highlight key teachings from Rerum Novarum and explore their relevance in today’s world. As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, may Catholic social teaching continue to guide us in shaping a just and humane future amid rapid technological change.

Building Community in a Time of Isolation

Rerum Novarum was written in a time of class division and social unrest. Pope Leo XIII called for solidarity between rich and poor, worker and employer, individual and society. He reminded us that all people are part of one human family.

Today’s technologies offer connection—but often at the expense of community. Social media can isolate, echo chambers can divide, and digital overload can numb our hearts. The Church calls us to authentic relationships and real presence.

Pope Leo XIV has an opportunity to lead the Church in reweaving the fabric of communion—starting in our parishes, families, and workplaces. Solidarity is more than a slogan. It is a way of life.

Reflection Question:

How can I be more present—truly present—to the people around me in an increasingly digital world?

P.S. Rerum Novarum is downloadable at many sites. The original can be found at: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals.index.html

Click here for Mass Time Schedule & Mass Intentions.

Sacred Heart of Jesus offers Sunday Mass with an ASL interpreter.

Sunday, July 20th – (Zoom)

Sunday, July 27th – (Live)

Sunday, August 3rd – (Zoom)

Sunday, August 10th – (Zoom)

Sunday, August 17th – (Zoom)

Join us for our Parish Family Summer Picnic Potluck! This year, it is being hosted by St. Anne on July 27th after the 11am mass, and we’d love for everyone in our parish family to join us! It’ll be a great afternoon of yummy food, games and activities for kids, and a great way to meet friends.

You can sign up through the link here or you can sign up in person at any of our parishes. Just look for the signup sheets in the gathering areas outside of the main church!

We’re also looking for some help with set up and clean up. If you’d like to share some of your time and talent with us, please reach out to mabadir@nwseattlecatholic.org to let him know that you’re willing to help.

See you at the Parish Family Picnic!

Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of Fatima and St. Anne Parishioners,

I have been working on wrapping up the 2024-2025 fiscal year for the three parishes and found some consolation in this weekend’s Gospel. I have always connected more strongly with Martha vs. Mary, but I am going to try and keep the Lord’s words in my mind especially as we are in summer and hopefully a season of rest. “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing.”

Speaking of rest – I will be on vacation for three weeks at the end of August and early September so there will be no August spotlight but there will be lots of financial updates in the fall for you.

A couple of points I want to highlight are:

• – I heard from folks that as the parish family starts using more QR codes it would be helpful to have a little “how to” guide available. Please refer to the one in this spotlight as a resource for you – I hope it is a helpful tool.
• – During the next few weeks donors who have provided the parish a gift between January and June 2025 will be receiving an email notification of their mid year giving statement. This is great way for us to catch any errors mid year in advance of the tax letters that go out in January. It also helps as a check in for donors around what they have pledged. Additionally in case an online transaction hasn’t been completed, it is a great way to check in on the banking information on file. Please contact the parish office if you have any questions or updates to share.

God bless,

Brigid

A heartfelt thank you to everyone in our parish family who has contributed so far. Your generosity supports ministries across Western Washington and helps fund vital rebate projects within our parishes.

Where We Stand (as of July 17th):

• – Sacred Heart of Jesus – Raised: $38,855 Goal: $22,186 Status: ✅ Goal Reached! Participation Rate: 17%
• – Our Lady of Fatima –Raised: $110,239 Goal: $88,299 Status: ✅ Goal Reached! Participation Rate: 30.7% ✅ Participation Goal Reached!
• – St. Anne – Raised: $76,862 Goal: $103,380 Status: In Progress Participation Rate: 29%

Learn more about our parish family ACA, rebate projects and how to participate.

Become a Lector and help bring Scripture to life during Mass. Your voice can inspire, uplift, and deepen the faith of our parish family.

Serving as a Lector is also a great way to grow in confidence and improve your public speaking skills—all within a supportive and faith-filled environment.

We are currently seeking Lectors for all three of our church locations.

The time commitment is flexible—just one Saturday or Sunday Mass per month.

If you’re interested in joining this meaningful ministry, please contact your parish office.

After School Care Part Time Aide

St. Anne School is looking for part time After-School Care Aides working with Pre-K through 4th grade students (ages 4 -10).

Playground Monitor

St. Anne School is looking for a Playground Monitor to work Monday through Friday from 11:40 – 1:10 pm when school is in session.

To learn more about these paid opportunities please follow the links.

At the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Location

At the Our Lady of Fatima Church Location

At the St. Anne Church Location

For information about any of our ministries, please contact the regarding parish office.

If you need to correct any information or want to add a ministry of your parish, please email bbumbarger@stanneseattle.org

We offer monthly Baptism preparation classes. If you’re interested in learning more or would like to register, please contact one of our parish offices.

Click here to find events in our archdiocese.