5th Sunday of Easter

Dear Parishioners, dear Friends,

For a Better World

I believe this motto captures one of the core ideas of Christianity. Already in the creation story, God entrusts humans with the responsibility for their world. Often this is reduced to environmental and nature conservation. But I believe this mission is much broader and meant to encompass the whole world, everything that exists – the whole creation. And since the world is no longer perfect like in paradise and “only” needs to be preserved, the mission now is: to make it better. Not in the sense of optimizing, maximizing, perfecting, but in the sense of healing, reconciling, uplifting, sharing, giving hope.

It is about making the Kingdom of God visible in this world – through our actions, our words, our interactions. “For a better world” means: not looking away, not waiting, not resigning, but getting involved, shaping, taking responsibility. In small ways and large. In the family, at work, in the community, in society.

This is not a mission only for individuals or particularly committed people – it is a common path for all. Because being a Christian always means: being on the way together, carried by the hope that our efforts are not in vain. That God himself walks with us – and works through us.

The Annual Catholic Appeal is one way we walk this path together.

Through our shared support, we reach beyond our individual parishes to serve those in need, support vocations, educate future leaders, and build up the Church across our archdiocese. Every gift, no matter the size, is a step toward a better world—rooted in faith, hope, and love.

The hope that God walks with us and works through us has been especially close to my heart this month. As my family and I will move to Germany (more on that in this bulletin), I’ve found comfort in trusting that God’s presence isn’t bound by place. My prayer is simple: wherever I go, may God walk with me—and continue to work through me.

I wish everyone a continued blessed Easter season,

Barbara Bumbarger

for the Parish Family Team

“Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.”

— John 13:34

As Jesus prepares to face the Cross, He gives His disciples a new commandment: love—not just as a duty, but as a reflection of Himself. “As I have loved you,” He says. That love is sacrificial, enduring, life-giving.

This is the heart of Easter. Christ’s death and Resurrection reveal the depth of God’s love, and His command to love is not a burden, but a gift. To love like Christ is to become part of His risen life.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are called not only to receive God’s love—but to share it. Love is the face of hope in action. When we love generously, we point to something greater than ourselves. We become signs of the Resurrection.

Pope Francis reminds us: “The Christian life is about loving with Jesus’ heart, seeing others with His eyes, and serving them with His hands.” The world will know we belong to Christ not by our words, but by our love.

This Easter, let us begin again. Let love be the measure of our days—the mark of our discipleship and the source of our joy. In Christ, all things are being made new. Let that newness begin in us.

Click here for Mass Time Schedule & Mass Intentions

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

Sunday, May 18th – 10:00AM (Zoom)

Sunday, May 25th – 10:00AM (Zoom)

Sunday, June 1st – 10:00AM (Live)

Dear Parish Family,

I write you today with a mixture of gratitude and sadness to announce that our Director of Communications, Barbara Bumbarger, will be stepping down from her position at the end of this month. Her last day with us on site will be Saturday, May 31st, as she and her family prepare to return home to Germany.

Though Barbara has only been with us for just over a year, her presence has made a lasting impact. Her competence, creativity, and calm spirit brought clarity and warmth to everything from parish announcements to digital outreach. Beyond her skill, she was a true joy to have on staff—a colleague who radiated kindness and dedication in every task she undertook.

We are grateful that Barbara has generously offered to continue supporting us remotely by assisting with the bulletin during this time of transition. As our Parish Family Leadership Team reflects on how best to cover her remaining responsibilities, we move forward with confidence, thanks to the solid foundation she helped establish.

Please join me in offering prayers of gratitude for Barbara’s service and asking God’s blessing on her and her family as they begin this new chapter. Let us also pray for our parish family, that we may continue to communicate the love and truth of Christ with the same excellence and joy she shared with us.

Barbara, we will miss you dearly. May our Lord Jesus, Blessed Mother Mary, and St. Anne bless and reward you for your service and be with you always.

In Christ,

Fr. Freitag

Pastor

Dear Parish Family,

What a joy and privilege it has been to serve this community! It’s not every day you find a workplace you genuinely look forward to each morning—but this parish family has been just that for me. The reason is simple: you care.

As I’ve been preparing for my departure and reflecting on why it’s so hard to leave, one phrase keeps coming to mind: Because they care. Like a true family, the members of this parish family—parishioners, staff, and clergy alike—care deeply. We may not always agree on what we care about or how we express that care, but the love and commitment are unmistakable.

It has been a beautiful experience to witness the first steps of this parish family coming together. Are we perfect? Of course not. But this was only the first year. As Christians, our mission is to grow, to make things better. We strive to do our best—and we do so with open hearts.

What brought me the most joy wasn’t just the work itself, but the spirit of encouragement, generosity, and hope that lives in this community. That spirit is what makes this place so special.

I’m truly grateful for the kind words Fr. Freitag shared within this bulletin—they mean a lot to me.

As I say goodbye, please know that I carry this community with me. I leave with deep gratitude, meaningful memories, and a renewed sense of purpose. I have great respect for the work you continue to do, and I’m truly thankful to have been part of it.

Warmly,

Barbara Bumbarger

Director of Communications

The photo shows from left to right: Barbara, Brigid, and Jessica on Barbara’s first official day with the team.

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

What an eventful and exciting month it has been – Triduum, the passing of Pope Francis, kick off of the ACA, and the election of Pope Leo! I am sure I am not alone in looking forward to the summer months and the adventures (and hopefully some relaxation) they will bring.

This month, I have an update on the Annual Catholic Appeal for all three parishes as well as a touch point on the finances across the parish family. Right now I have March and April to share – please be mindful that we haven’t settled the shared expenses between the parishes since December 2024 and that does impact the data.

God bless,

Brigid

_______________________________________________

Annual Catholic Appeal Status as of May 15

The Annual Catholic Appeal goals are set based on a parish’s ordinary income from the previous year. This is why we have such a variety of goals across the parish family.

• Sacred Heart of Jesus (371 registered households)

  • Financial goal is $22,186; Participation goal is 20%
  • Status: $10,843 raised; 5% of families contributed

Learn more about Sacred Heart of Jesus’ ACA

• Our Lady of Fatima (856 registered households)

  • Financial goal is $88,299; Participation goal is 30%
  • Status: $49,390 raised; 20% of families contributed

Learn more about Our Lady of Fatima’s ACA

• St. Anne (541 registered households)

  • Financial goal is $103,380; Participation goals is 38%
  • Status: $22,170 raised; 11% of families contributed

Learn more about St. Anne’s ACA

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed! Please check out the envelopes in the pews for more information or use the links to donate!

Here is a summary of March revenue and expenses for Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Here is a summary of March & April revenue and expenses for Our Lady of Fatima.

Here is a summary of March & April revenue and expenses for St. Anne.

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