Dear Parish Family,

As we enter the month of February, we join our nation in celebrating Black History Month—a time to honor the rich heritage, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans, including those who have profoundly shaped the Catholic Church. This is not just a secular observance but a sacred opportunity for us as Catholics to reflect on the dignity of every human person, the universality of the Church, and the ongoing call to justice and unity in Christ.

Our faith teaches us that we are all made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). This month invites us to celebrate the unique gifts that Black Catholics have brought to the Church, from the witness of African saints such as St. Augustine and St. Monica to the heroic virtues of American figures like Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, Venerable Pierre Toussaint, and Venerable Henriette Delille.

Yet, Black History Month is also a time for reflection. As Catholics, we must acknowledge the struggles and injustices that have been endured and commit ourselves to the work of reconciliation, healing, and justice. The Church calls us to uphold the dignity of every person, work against racism in all its forms, and foster a community where all can encounter Christ’s love.

Let us use this month to educate ourselves, pray for racial justice, and celebrate the beautiful diversity within the Body of Christ. May the example of Black Catholic saints and leaders inspire us to be instruments of unity and peace in our parish family and beyond.

In Christ,

Fr. Freitag

What is a Jubilee?

A Jubilee is a special year of prayer. Jubilees are times for forgiveness, reconciliation, and pilgrimage and are a part of the Catholic tradition. Jubilees ordinarily take place every twenty-five years.

When does this Jubilee begin and end?

Pope Francis will formally open the Holy Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24, 2024 and close them on January 6, 2026. Locally, our observance of the Jubilee will begin on December 29, 2024, and conclude on December 28, 2025.

What is the theme of Jubilee 2025?

The theme of Jubilee 2025 is Pilgrims of Hope.

“Everyone knows what it is to hope. In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring….For all of us, may the Jubilee be an opportunity to be renewed in hope.” —Pope Francis

What are ways to observe the Jubilee?

During the Jubilee, millions of people are expected to make a pilgrimage to Rome to walk through the Holy Doors at one of the four major basilicas. For those unable to travel to Rome, there are many other ways to participate in the Jubilee, through pilgrimage, prayer, and service.

What is the Jubilee indulgence?

The Jubilee indulgence is a traditional part of a Jubilee year. It is a plenary indulgence which can be applied either to yourself or to your deceased loved ones. The ordinary conditions for obtaining the Jubilee indulgence are to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, to pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, and to make a pilgrimage locally or to Rome. You can also obtain the Jubilee indulgence by participating in one of the spiritual or corporal works of mercy. Learn more on the USCCB website.

What if you can’t make it to Rome?

You can make a Jubilee pilgrimage closer to home by visiting St. James Cathedral in Seattle or one of the other designated pilgrimage places in the archdiocese. In each location, you will find a self-guided pilgrimage brochure including special prayers for the Jubilee. Learn more at archseattle.org/Jubilee2025.

Jubilee pilgrimage sites in the Archdiocese of Seattle

St. James Cathedral

Cathedral church for the Archdiocese of Seattle

804 9th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104 stjames-cathedral.org Open 7:30am-6:00pm daily Public tour every Wednesday at 1:00pm For group visits, contact Corinna Laughlin,

claughlin@stjames-cathedral.org

St. Peter Catholic Mission

Historic church and cemetery; burial place of Chief Seattle

7076 NE South St., Suquamish, WA 98392 Open for Mass Wednesdays at 5:00pm, Fridays at 11:00am For group visits, contact Paula Polmanteer, paula@stolafschurch.org

St. Joachim Catholic Mission

Historic church on the Lummi Reservation with a special connection to St. Kateri Tekakwitha

4195 Lummi Shore Road, Bellingham, WA 98226-9289 Open 3:00pm-6:30pm on Thursdays (Mass at 6:00pm) Open 8:00am-noon on Sundays (Mass at 8:30am) For group visits, contact St. Joseph, Ferndale 360-384-3651

Proto-Cathedral of St. James the Greater

Historic church and former cathedral of the diocese

218 W 12th St., Vancouver, WA 98660 protocathedral.org Open daily 9:00am-3:30pm Public tour on the last Saturday of the month at 11:00am

Church of the Vietnamese Martyrs

Newly dedicated church serving the Vietnamese Catholic community

6841 S 180th St., Tukwila, WA 98188 www.vmpwa.org Open M-F:10:00 am-1:00pm, Sat: 9:00am-1:00pm, Sun:11:00am-1:00pm

ARCHDIOCESE OF SEATTLE

archseattle.org/Jubilee2025

Dear Parish Family,

As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, we are reminded of the immense blessings and enduring value of Catholic education. Catholic schools are not just places of academic excellence but sanctuaries where faith and knowledge meet, forming young minds and hearts to know, love, and serve God.

The mission of Catholic education goes beyond imparting information; it strives to form the whole person—intellectually, spiritually, morally, and socially. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, Catholic schools provide students with a firm foundation in faith, preparing them to live lives of virtue and service in a world that desperately needs witnesses to the Gospel.

In Catholic schools, students are invited to encounter Christ daily through prayer, the sacraments, and lessons that integrate faith into every subject. This unique approach fosters a deep sense of purpose, as students learn that their talents and education are gifts to be shared in service to others.

Catholic education also nurtures a strong sense of community. Our parish schools of Our Lady of Fatima and St. Anne partner with families to create an environment where every child feels loved, valued, and encouraged to grow in holiness. Our communities inspire students to develop compassion, integrity, and leadership, enabling them to contribute positively to the Church and society.

As we reflect on the gift of Catholic education, let us pray for our parish schools, teachers, and students, and support their mission to form the next generation of faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Together, we can ensure that this legacy of faith and learning continues for generations to come.

In Christ,

Fr. Freitag

Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Anne Parishioners,

I hope that your year is off to a joyful and peaceful start! In February we will have the information needed to publish a financial update for July – December 2024. I want to make sure I have the accounts settled between the parish family to ensure it is as accurate as possible. For this month, I am providing you an overview of the annual giving calendar we have planned for the year which includes the Annual Catholic Appeal, Parish Stewardship and the national and international collections outlined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. These additional collections are efforts to support the Catholic Church’s works of social justice, evangelization, education, and national and local institutional development – both domestically and around the world.

God bless,

Brigid

JANUARY

Catholic Schools Week

FEBRUARY

Prepares Collection

Church in Latin America Collection

Northwest Catholic/Catholic Communications Campaign

MARCH

Catholic Relief Services Collection

CRS Rice Bowl starts

APRIL

Easter Flowers

Holy Land Good Friday Offering

CRS Rice Bowl wraps up

Annual Catholic Appeal Campaign kicks off

Here are some descriptions provided by the Archdiocese.

Catholic Schools Week: an annual initiative led by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) to celebrate the excellence and impact of Catholic schools. At St. Anne’s the week kicks off on Sunday with a school open house. While there are many ways to support the school, one way is by giving to the school’s endowment that helps with tuition assistance.

A statewide ministry of the Catholic Bishops of Washington State, Pregnancy & Parenting Support (PREPARES) supports parish-based outreach to pregnant and parenting families of all faiths in building healthy support networks. By offering holistic, life-affirming resources, PREPARES provides for the emotional, material, and spiritual needs of families, from pregnancy to a child’s fifth birthday. This collection will help families across Washington build strong foundations for years to come.

The Church in Latin America highlights the faith of Latin America and the opportunities we have to share faith with them. We also recognize the tremendous benefit of having our Latin American brothers and sisters in the Church and the revitalization their fervor brings to the faith. In addition to offering our help and support to the Catholics in Latin America, we have much to learn from them.

Northwest Catholic is the official publication of the Archdiocese of Seattle, mailed 6 times each year to every registered Catholic household in Western Washington. In addition to the print Magazine, Northwest Catholic includes a news website, NWCatholic.org; a weekly email newsletter, and social media outreach. Northwest Catholic’s mission is to promote the new evangelization and form disciples by proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. A percentage of this collection goes to the U.S. bishops’ Catholic Communication Campaign.

The Catholic Relief Services collection supports Catholic Church organizations that carry out international relief and solidarity efforts. Programs include relief and resettlement for victims of war and natural disasters; projects to improve living conditions for the poor; and support services for poor immigrants, The collection supports these six Catholic agencies that prioritize the family and protect the life and dignity of each person: Catholic Relief Services; Migration & Refugee Services; Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc.; Dept. of Justice, Peace and Human Development; the Holy Father’s emergency relief fund; and Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church.

CRS Rice Bowl is a Lenten program has a fundraising component to it, along with resources for prayer, fasting and learning. 75% of donations fund Catholic Relief Services’ agriculture, health and educational projects overseas. 25% is distributed as grants in Western Washington for local anti-hunger projects.

The Holy Land Good Friday Envelope Offering is a Pontifical collection is for the support of the Holy Places, but above all for those pastoral, charitable, educational, and social works which the Church supports in the Holy Land for the welfare of their Christian brethren and of the local communities. The principal purpose of is to help stem the Christian exodus from the Holy Land by providing programs and projects that serve as incentives for Christians to remain.

The Annual Catholic Appeal provides a portion of the financial resources needed for the central budget of the Archdiocese. It funds over 60 ministries and services throughout our Western Washington communities, including pastoral care and outreach ministries, faith formation, Catholic schools, youth and young adults, seminarian education, family and cultural ministries and Catholic community services as well as administrative services for the parishes.

Peter’s Pence collection allows local Catholics to join the works of the Holy Father in helping to relieve the suffering of the world’s most vulnerable, victims of war, oppression, and natural disasters.

The mission of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) is “Serving those who serve”. The ministry of the AMS is to provide for the pastoral care of Catholics in the armed forces (at home & abroad), military academies, Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and those working in civilian jobs for the federal government beyond U.S. borders – a total of 1.8 million Catholics worldwide.

Church in Africa: Africa faces the economic and social hurdles of enormous debt, epidemic, severe poverty, and political unrest. In spite of these challenges, the Church in Africa has almost tripled in size in the past 30 years. However, it is difficult for the church to sustain its growth and maintain essential pastoral outreach. The Fund provides grants to finance pastoral projects including outreach programs, schools, evangelization, and education of clergy and lay ministers.

Catholic Home Missions: Right now, over 40 percent of dioceses in the United States are considered home mission territory because they are unable to fund the essential pastoral work needed in their communities. These dioceses face challenges due to priest shortages, lack of funds, remote geography, or impoverished parishes. Through annual grants, the Catholic Home Mission Collection funds catechesis, seminarian education, lay ministry training, Hispanic ministry and other pastoral programs. As a result of parishioners’ generosity, Catholic Home Missions impacts the lives of nearly nine million Catholics in the United States.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development addresses the root causes of poverty in America through promotion and support of community-controlled, self-help organizations and transformative education. National grants are awarded by the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on CCHD with the approval of local bishops. Local, smaller, grants are awarded by the Archbishop.

The National Collection for Black and Indian people continue as the embodiment of the Church’s concern for evangelizing the Black and Indian peoples of the United States. The funds are distributed as grants to dioceses throughout the United States, supporting and strengthening evangelization programs with an emphasis on serving economically challenged areas within dioceses.

Mission Sunday is celebrated the world over. Remembering that we are baptized and sent as a Universal Church, this collection for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith ensures the work and service of the Mission Church, as it supports mission priests, religious Sisters and Brothers, and lay catechists who are Christ’s witnesses to the most vulnerable communities.

During the Parish Stewardship Renewal Campaign, parishioners are asked to consider the many blessings they have received and return a portion of that back to God by completing a commitment card, pledging to give to their parish for the coming year.

After decades of persecution, Catholics of the Armenian rite, the Chaldean rite, and the Latin rite have experienced a new era of freedom since Georgia became independent from the Soviet Union. With assistance from the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, Catholics in Georgia are able to rebuild churches, provide medical care for the poor, and to pass on the faith to the next generation so that the Church can once again thrive where once it was persecuted.

Each year the CCS Appeal for the Poor informs parishioners about the work of Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services (CCS/CHS). CCS/CHS are our Catholic Charities in Western Washington. CCS/CHS annually serves over 85,000 poor and vulnerable men, women, and children in Western Washington through more than 190 programs. This collection supports programs and services in your local area.

starting January 28,  2025

on Tuesday evenings at 7PM

with free dinner

at Our Lady of Fatima (Magnolia) Church Center

Alpha is a fantastic place for anyone curious about faith or religion. What makes Alpha so special is its warm and welcoming atmosphere. It invites guests from all walks of life to share a meal and discuss some of life’s biggest questions. Alpha is designed to help people connect and share thoughts, ideas, and opinions in a caring environment. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring people together.

Each session has 3 key ingredients:

Connection
Whether it’s a group of friends gathered around a kitchen table or a quick online catch-up, times of connecting are important. All sessions start with a time of connection over a meal to relax and build friendships.

Content
The Alpha talks are designed to engage people from all walks of life and inspire conversation. They explore the big issues of life and faith and unpack the basics of Christian belief, addressing questions like “Who is Jesus?”, “Why and how do I pray?”, and “How does God guide us?”

Conversation
One of the most important parts of any Alpha is the chance to share thoughts and ideas on the topic in a small group format. Guests hear from others and have an opportunity to contribute/share in a judgment-free environment.

Please register here.

The church and the church center are on West Barrett Street, directly across from the north side of Magnolia Playfield.

Dear Parish Family,
Peace be with you for a Happy New Year!

As we continue to journey together through the Partners in the Gospel initiative, I want to
express my deep gratitude for your faith, dedication, and active participation in our vibrant
parish communities. Together, we are responding to the call to strengthen our mission and
embrace the opportunities that this initiative offers.

One important step in this journey is the formation of a Parish Family Advisory Council
(PFAC) for our Parish Family of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of Fatima, and St. Anne.
The PFAC will play a vital role in guiding and supporting our parish family as we transition
into a new model of collaboration and shared ministry.

Purpose of the Parish Family Advisory Council

The PFAC will serve as an advisory body to me, the pastor, and to our parish leadership
team. Its primary purpose is to:

– Help discern and develop a pastoral plan for our becoming one canonical parish
while maintaining and celebrating the unique charisms of each parish community.

– Foster open communication and collaboration among the three parishes in our
family.

– Provide feedback and guidance on how best to integrate our ministries, resources,
and pastoral activities.

– Ensure that the unique gifts and traditions of each parish are valued and celebrated
while working toward a unified mission.

– Address concerns and challenges that arise during this transition process, helping
to ensure that it is as smooth and prayerful as possible.

Composition of the PFAC

The PFAC will consist of 3-4 representatives from each of our three parishes. These
members will include parishioners who are committed to the success of our parish family.
To this end, we are seeking individuals who are:

– Confirmed, practicing Catholics of good sacramental standing in the Church.

– Active and engaged members of their parish community.

– Have a collaborative spirit and a willingness to work toward the good of the entire
parish family.

– Bring diverse perspectives and skills to the table, reflecting the richness of our
communities.

Selection Process

To ensure that the PFAC is representative and effective, I am inviting parishioners to
nominate individuals whom they believe would be strong contributors. You may also self-nominate if you feel called to serve in this capacity. Nominees will be prayerfully
considered based on their ability to represent their parish and contribute to the shared
mission of our family.

Nominations can be submitted online here.
The deadline for submissions is January 30th. Once nominations are reviewed, members
will be selected, and the Council will begin its work beginning in March.

How the PFAC Will Operate

The PFAC will meet regularly, beginning with an initial orientation and planning session.
Meetings will include time for prayer, discussion of key topics, and planning for the future of
our parish family. Agendas and meeting summaries will be shared with the broader parish
community to ensure transparency and keep everyone informed.

Your Role as Parishioners

Your prayers and support are essential as we form the PFAC and embark on this new
chapter together. I encourage you to share your thoughts, concerns, and hopes with the
PFAC members once they are established. Your voices will help shape the future of our
parish family.

Let us entrust this process to the care of the Holy Spirit, who guides us in all things.
Together, as one family of faith, we will continue to grow in love, unity, and service to the
mission of Jesus Christ entrusted to us.

Thank you for your faithfulness and commitment to our parish family. May God bless each
of you abundantly.

Faithfully yours in Christ,
Fr. Freitag

Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Anne

Read the Christmas Bulletin!

Dear Parish Family,

As we make final preparations to celebrate once again the joyful season of Christmas, I want to take a moment to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May this sacred time of the year fill your hearts with peace, love, and the hope that the birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ brings to the world.

In a couple of weeks when our festivities subside, I am filled with expectant hope over what blessings the new year will bring. To help usher them in, I invite you to join me in a spiritual journey that will deepen our faith and enrich our lives, namely, a commitment to reading the entire Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church together as a parish family over the period of one year.

The Bible is the living Word of God, a source of inspiration, guidance, and truth for our lives. The Catechism provides us with a clear understanding of the teachings of our Catholic faith, helping us to grow in knowledge and love of God. By engaging with both, we can strengthen our relationship with Christ and live more fully as His disciples.

To make this journey more accessible, here is a guided reading schedule to help you. The schedule breaks down the Bible and the Catechism into manageable daily readings of about 10-15 minutes, allowing us to progress steadily together throughout the year. Whether you are new to reading Scripture and Church teaching or have been doing so for many years, this schedule is designed to support you every step of the way.

Here are a few suggestions for making the most of this journey:

– Get a Catholic Bible (NRSV, NAB, or New Jerusalem are the best translations) and Catholic Catechism. Either a hard copy or electronic version is fine just so long as it works for you.

– Set aside a specific time each day to read and reflect on the assigned passages. For some early morning works best; for others it will be late at night.

– Pray the Our Father before reading and ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart to God’s Word and teachings. Conclude with a Glory Be prayer and/or your own words of thanksgiving.

– Share the journey: Consider forming or joining a small group to discuss the readings and support one another in faith.

– Be patient and persistent: If you miss a day, don’t be discouraged. Simply pick up where you left off and continue forward.

I encourage you to take this opportunity to allow God’s Word and the Church’s teachings to transform your lives. Let us walk this path together, supporting one another as we grow closer to God and one another. May this journey bring an abundance of blessings to us, our loved ones, and our entire Parish Family.

Faithfully yours,

Fr. Freitag

Simbang Gabi, literally translated as “evening mass”, is the Filipino spiritual tradition of a novena (nine days) of masses before Christmas. Since the 1600’s, the Filipinos have spent these final days of Advent in the company of Mary to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Simbang Gabi expresses our love for God. The readings, prayers, and songs remind us to reflect on our personal and communal relationships with our Lord at this special time of the year.

Filipino Americans brought Simbang Gabi to the United States and found it an effective way to build a community of faith, to express who they are as a people and to share their religious tradition and culture with fellow parishioners. Simbang Gabi transcends cultural boundaries and helps us focus on the meaning of the season amidst the flurry of holiday activities.

Our parish Our Lady of Fatima will host one of the Simbang Gabi masses in the Archdiocese on

Saturday, December 21st at the 5:00 PM mass.

Come and join us for this celebration that will feature the Filipino Choir. Following the mass will be a feast of traditional Filipino food. See you there!

Maligayang Pasko!

(Merry Christmas!)

The coffee ladies of St. Anne,

Invite you all, come if you can!

From Sacred Heart and Fatima too,

Join us for fun, we welcome you!

Date: Friday, 13th December

Time: 10 AM

Location: The Narthex at St. Anne

We’ll have an array of Christmas cookies, coffee, and tea to enjoy while we sing our favorite Christmas songs. From “Oh, Holy Night” and “The First Noel” to “Jingle Bells,” the list goes on and on! Even if you’re not a singer, come along and soak in the festive spirit. Our music director has promised to play the piano loud and clear, ensuring everyone can join in the fun! This cozy event is open to all parishioners aged 65 years and up, with a few staff members sneaking in as well.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit, meet members from other parishes, and celebrate the season together.

Let’s make this Advent season unforgettable!

We’re excited to announce that we are participating in #iGiveCatholic on GivingTuesday,

December 3, 2024. This is a nationally recognized, special day set aside to honor the beauty of our Catholic faith. It offers all of us the opportunity to support the many wonderful Catholic organizations that serve our community, such as Martha’s Workers and the St. Anne School.

This year, we are trying to raise

goal 1: $3,000: to Martha’s Workers to prepare food for those in need

goal 2: $6,000: goal 1 AND new folding tables and chairs for the Narthex

goal 3: $10,000: goals 1, 2 AND a new screen projector and podium for School Banchero Hall

goal 4: $25,000: goals 1-3 AND to make the Assembly Room more inviting/comfortable

Donate here

Any gift that you are able to make to assist us in this endeavor will be greatly appreciated.

Please help us reach our fundraising goal during #iGiveCatholic!

At Thanksgiving, we want to pause and thank God for the many gifts He has given. This special day reminds us of how richly we are blessed and how important it is to express our gratitude. In this spirit, we warmly invite you to join our Thanksgiving services in our parish family. Together, we want to thank God for the fruits of the earth and the gifts of life and celebrate the Eucharist.

May this Thanksgiving be a time of joy, peace, and gratitude for all of us. We wish you and your loved ones a blessed and happy Thanksgiving.

Your Parish Family Team

Thanksgiving mass schedule

9:00 AM Our Lady of Fatima

10:00AM Sacred Heart of Jesus

11:00 AM St. Anne 

Bring the food you plan to enjoy at your Thanksgiving table, and the priest will bless the items during the service.

St. Anne isn’t just a parish; it’s a vibrant and welcoming community where we dedicate ourselves to serving both our parishioners and the broader community. We’re on the lookout for a passionate and organized Administrative Assistant to become a vital part of our team and help keep our daily operations running smoothly.

If you’re ready to make an impact and be part of something special, check out the job description and application details on the Archdiocese of Seattle website. We can’t wait to meet you!

Dear Parishioners,

Last week we heard Fr. Freitag speak about the joy received when giving in gratitude. When I spoke to you a few weeks ago, I asked that if St. Anne’s has been a place of belonging for you, to please participate in our stewardship renewal. Someone once described this request as: “God asks us to trust that the one who has given us every good thing will not hold back from us in our need.” Hopefully, like the widows from last week’s readings, we are able to find the courage to trust in Him so that together we are able to shift from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. The joy and blessings you have received from God can be shared and increased amongst the community if, through your support, we are able to continue to grow our programming at St. Anne’s.

Give to St. Anne Parish

Thank you for your participation in this important work,

Brigid McMahan, Director of Finance

Where do your donations go? What are the expenses of the parish?

All of your general donations go to St. Anne’s to cover the cost of operating the parish. A percentage of our total general collection does go to support the Archdiocese in return for the centralized resources the parish receives from them. If indicated by the donor, some donations go to specific funds, two examples being Family Ministry or Martha’s Workers. Otherwise, your financial support goes to paying the utility bills, purchasing liturgical supplies like candles and hosts for masses, property taxes, building insurance, priest and lay salaries, supporting parish ministries (including the school) and the like.

If you didn’t get a chance to review the Parish Annual Report that was published last month, I highly recommend you review it. While not perfect, it does help paint a picture of what goes on within parish life and why it does take so many prayers, volunteers and generous donors to make it all come together.

Where are we currently with our financials?

In the fall we have some of our biggest expenses come through – such as the contributions to the Archdiocese, the property and liability bill, and our property tax. Not to mention we have a $25,000 quote to replace the door system later this month. These expenses also come at a time when the giving has tapered off during the summer and towards the end of the year.

As of October 31, we are $70,623 behind expected donations

so far, this fiscal year.

What can you do to help?

Ways to support St. Anne’s include:

• Participate in the stewardship renewal! You can do this by filling out the pledge card either online or in the pews.
• If you are not currently giving, would you consider starting? Or could you increase your donations by $25/month?
• Set up reminders or recurring payments to fulfill the pledge throughout the year – consistent and reliable donations are super important.
• Look into whether your employer will match your donation through Benevity or other platforms.
• Lower your Required Mandatory Distribution! If you are 73+ you can reduce your taxable income by donating directly to St. Anne’s via a Qualified Charitable Distribution.

Summary of October revenue and expenses*:

• Stewardship (cash, envelopes, online, holy days, etc.): $50,495.52
• + Other Revenue (candles, flowers, etc.): $3,060.64
• = Total REVENUE for the month of October: $53,556.16
• Less Total EXPENSES for the month of October: $57,723.14
• Net Income (or -Loss) for the month of October: (-$4,166.98)

*we have shared parish family expenses that are settled each quarter that are not reflected above

Other financial news:

St. Anne’s will be participating in #iGiveCatholic again this year with a theme of “gathering in community.” Stay tuned for more details.

Everything we have is a gift from God and we’re called to share these gifts with others. This is stewardship. Understanding this, embracing the joy of stewardship, is what creates in us a “need” to give. We give not because there is a need to give — but because our heart points us to give as a part of our faith journey. We give because we are grateful for what we have been given.

If you haven’t already decided on your parish stewardship commitment, please prayerfully consider God’s gifts to you and make your pledge today. Good things happen when you share. Seeing everything before us as gift — we joyfully accept the responsibility to grow and return our gifts to God.

To online give go here.

Archbishop Etienne speaks about the Spirituality of Stewardship

Are you unsure of how much to give?

Although everyone’s contribution will be different, the Church uses the tithe (10%) as a benchmark by which all of us can gauge our gifts.

It is a recognition that we have been abundantly blessed by God with his merciful love, and that He calls us to show that love with others as we journey forward in hope.

An important way to show our love is through our generosity.

Consider:
• 5% to the weekly offertory*
• 1% to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal
• 4% to Faith Based Charities

* If you are unable to give 5%, please prayerfully consider what you are able to give and commit to giving it regularly.

For questions or other ways to give contact our parish office.

Phone: (206) 282-0223 and  E-mail: info@stanneseattle.org

Come join families from all over our parishes for a fun Family Night! We’ll have a simple, kid-friendly dinner, a faith-based activity for everyone, and we’ll wrap up with a short family prayer. It’s going to be a great time!

When: Wednesday, November 13 – 6pm to 7:30pm

Where: Our Lady of Fatima Parish Center

RSVP: https://archseattle.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/4092/responses/new

Questions? Ask Jessica Harris – jharris@stanneseattle.org or jharris@olfatima.org

Join our Campus Maintenance team and help maintain the beauty and functionality of our parish grounds. Whether you have a green thumb or handy skills, your efforts will make a visible difference. If you’re interested in joining, please sign up here.

Fall Campus Clean-Up Day – November 9th

We will meet at the main church door. Helping time slots are available between 9 AM and 12 PM.

Make a difference, meet new people, and have a meaningful impact in a short amount of time. Thanks for being part of this team,

your St. Anne staff

Hello Families!

The Christmas holidays are going to be here sooner than you think. Are you planning on being at the 4:00PM Christmas Eve Mass at St. Anne?

Do you have a child/children in grades 2^nd-8^th?

If yes to both questions, then why not have your child participate in the celebration?

I am very excited to be directing the choir alongside Charlie Hiestand, St. Anne Church music director, who will be working with us and accompanying the choir on the piano.

The only requirements are that your child is in grades 2nd-8^th, can read, and be at all rehearsals unless they are sick.

All you need to do is fill out this form 015 – Christmas Children’s Choir | Archdiocese of Seattle!

Where: Rehearsals will take place in the Church (I will meet the students at the bottom of the main doors for each rehearsal and I will walk them over to the church. I will be holding a Choir sign. You can pick them up right at church when they are done.)

*Pack an extra snack and water for those that may need it.

When: All Wednesday rehearsals are from 2:15PM-3:00PM

Wednesday November- 20th

Wednesday December– 4, 11, 18

Tuesday December 24th – Christmas Eve Mass, 3:00PM rehearsal. Mass at 4:00PM

*If your child is in 2^nd or 3^rd grade, please work with them on memorizing the songs. We will be learning a full Mass of music, and they will need to be able to read, follow and learn the songs.

Any questions please feel free to email me mershonmaureen@gmail.com. And do not forget! Make sure your child/children will be attending on Wednesday November 20th. Looking forward to singing with your children.

Maureen “Mo’ Mershon

Dear St. Anne Parishioners,

We published the Parish Financial Report – I would encourage you to pick up a copy by the church entrances to review. This report provides insight into the financial health of our community.

With Partners in the Gospel there are costs that will be shared across the Parish Family and we are working to track those expenses and divide them fairly.

I am also pleased to announce that Lisa Battaglia will be starting as St. Anne’s bookkeeper. She has been working for Sacred Heart and will now be supporting the three parishes. Her experience and skills as a CPA will be a huge asset to the team.

Thank you for your continued support,

Brigid

Here is a summary of September revenue and expenses:

AFTER CARE PROGRAM PART TIME AIDE

St. Anne School is looking for part time After-School Program Aide working from 3 – 5 pm with Pre-K through 5th grade students.  Individual will work on Tuesday and Thursdays during the school year when school is in session.  Applicant must be a high school graduate or equivalent; previous experience working with children ages 4 – 11 is preferred.  Hourly rate of pay $20- $25 depending on experience; no benefits.

To obtain a complete job description, additional information or questions, please contact pcovich@stannesea.org.  To apply, send a letter of interest and resume outlining your experience to pcovich@stannesea.org.

AFTER CARE PROGRAM SUBSTITUTE AIDE

St. Anne School is looking for individuals to be on our substitute roster for position of After-School Program Aide working from 3 – 5 pm with Pre-K through 5th grade students.  The After-School program is Monday through Friday when school is in session (unless otherwise indicated).

Applicant must be a high school graduate or equivalent; previous experience working with children ages 4 – 11 is preferred.  Hourly rate of pay $20 – $25 depending on experience; no benefits.  As a substitute, we would obtain your availability and work within the parameters you provide.

To obtain a complete job description, additional information or questions, please contact pcovich@stannesea.org.  To apply, send a letter of interest and resume outlining your experience to pcovich@stannesea.org.

Images on the website are not necessarily representative of parishioners or parish locations.

Under the guidance of Archbishop Etienne, we invite our Catholic community to come together in support of National Disaster Relief. In light of the recent devastation from Hurricane Helene and the anticipated impact of Hurricane Milton, we have set up an online option for our parishioners to donate directly to Catholic Charities USA. Your contributions will be used immediately to provide much-needed aid during this emergency.

Donate here:

https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/

The conference aims to build a vision of unity that recognizes all individuals as God’s children, emphasizing the inclusion of people of color within Catholic church and school communities. Attendees will learn from the experience of people of color and gain practical strategies to embody the belief that “we are all God’s children.”

Where: St. Stephen the Martyr Church, 10355 SE 192nd Street, Renton, WA 98058

When: 15th November, 5:00PM – 8:30PM

or 16th November, 8:30AM – 4:00PM Mass – 5:00PM

Learn more: Conference Flyer

High school students are invited to join hundreds of high schoolers from across the Archdiocese of Seattle for this year’s Catholic Youth Convention, taking place at St. Martin University in Lacey on Saturday, October 26th!  Transportation will be provided to and from the event.

Info about CYC 2024 can be found on the Archdiocese of Seattle’s event page.

To register your high school student, click here – Sign up now and take advantage of the lower price!  (Scholarships are available for students with financial need – email kimberly.abadir@seattlearch.org)

Parents, you will receive an email the week of the event with information about drop off/pick up times and other details for the day.  We hope your high schooler can join us for CYC 2024!

Questions?  email kimberly.ababdir@seattlearch.org

Attention Parents!

Is your child ready to take the next step in their faith journey? Whether it’s their first reconciliation, first communion, or confirmation, we are excited to support them and your family through this special time.

Good news! Registration is still open, but don’t wait too long—registration will close on Friday, October 11. After registering, you will receive a calendar with important dates and more information about the program. If you have any questions or need more information, please reach out to Jessica Harris. 

Register for 1st Reconciliation/1st Communion here.

Register for Confirmation here.

We look forward to celebrating these important milestones with you and your children!

Warm regards,

Your Parish Family Team

Join us for the Knights of Columbus Council 8311 Annual Crab Dinner! Bring your family and friends to enjoy a delicious meal featuring fresh-caught and cooked Dungeness crab, along with salad, bread, dessert, wine, and beer.

Ticket Prices: Adults: $50 per person; Kids under 10: $8; Ages 10-12: $10

Date: Saturday, October 12th

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: Our Lady of Fatima Parish Center

To reserve your table or for more information, please contact Grand Knight John Campion at jcc9986@comcast.net or call 206-928-3418.

We look forward to seeing you there!

We are thrilled to invite all our amazing volunteers to a special gathering in your honor! Let’s come together to celebrate and appreciate the incredible work you do for our community.

When: October 2nd, right after the 5:30 PM Mass

Where: St. Francis Garden (In case of rain: Narthex)

Who: All volunteers of St. Anne parish and our ministries

See you there!

Dear Parishioners,

The St. Anne Parish Team is excited to invite you to a special Meet & Greet with Father Freitag! This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know our new pastor in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Event Details:

• Dates: November 8th & November 22nd
• Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
• Guests: 8-12 per meet and greet
• Location: Private homes of generous parishioners (address will be provided upon confirmation)
• Refreshments: Depending on the host there will be light refreshments, but please eat dinner beforehand.

What to Expect: Get ready for an engaging and fun evening! During these social gatherings, Father Freitag is eager to hear your stories and share his own. Everyone, including Father Freitag, will have the chance to answer three intriguing questions:

• How did you come to be a parishioner at St. Anne?
• What is one cause or thing that you find life-giving at St. Anne?
• What is one hope or dream that you have for the future of St. Anne?

These conversations are a fantastic way to connect, share, and dream together about the future of our parish. We can’t wait to hear your unique experiences and aspirations!

Sign-Up Information:

• Deadline: Please sign up by November 4th.
• Note: Sign up for only one date. If attending with a partner or friend, each person must sign up individually.
• Cancellation: If you need to cancel, please inform us at bbumbarger@stanneseattle.org so your spot can be reassigned.
• You can sign up by using this link signupgenius_meet&greet. If you would like assistance with signing up, please reach out to the parish office by calling (206) 282-0223.

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this special time with Father Freitag!

Dear Parishioners,

This may be the last spotlight in this format as I have been transitioning my role to Director of Finance over both St. Anne and Sacred Heart Parishes. Mark Abadir, as the new Director of Operations, is starting to pick up more of the facility side of things.

Stay tuned for more information around that and as always, thank you for your continued support,

Brigid

FINANCES

• – So far we successfully raised $10,7 76 over our Annual Catholic Appeal goal. This means that with the matching gift, we have $21,552. going towards one of the three rebate projects which is very exciting! We will be closing the voting opportunity in the coming months, so please vote while you have the chance!
• – In the coming weeks, we will be publishing the Parish Annual Report, please be on the look out for that as it not only contains financial information but a snapshot of all the beautiful community that has gathered this past year.
• – After a summer break, our finance council is resuming meeting this month.

AUGUST  2 0 2 4  B u d g e t e d  C o l l e c t i o n s : $70,833.33
AUGUST 2 0 2 4  A c t u a l  C o l l e c t i o n s : $48,110.83

FACILITIES

• – SAVE THE DATE: please join us on Wednesday, October 2 for mass and a gathering to show our appreciation for all the volunteer support we receive!
• – The church doors continue to be a work in progress. We are finalizing a date for the work to be done. Unfortunately, it is looking to require a replacement of the system all together which is going to cost about $25,000. We appreciate all of you, especially the volunteers and groups who have been so patient during this disruption.
• – The school parking lot was restriped this weekend. The church parking lot will be restriped soon as well. Please stay tuned for updates on when the church parking lot will be closed for this work.
• – We had a landscaping and tree trimming team out to help with some bigger projects which will hopefully make our campus clean ups easier this fall. Stay tuned for more information around those events scheduled for October 26 and November 9.

Join us for a Welcome Brunch on Sunday, September 15!

This is open to any young adults in our new Parish Family of St. Anne, Sacred Heart, and Our Lady of Fatima ages 18-30.

Whether you’re new to Seattle or you’ve lived here forever, this is a great event to meet new people, get to know your parish community, and eat some great food! We will meet for 11am Mass at St. Anne and then have a potluck brunch in the St. Anne Courtyard.  Please bring a side dish to share. You can RSVP for this event by sending a DM on Instagram @stanne_youngadults, or join the Young Adult Discord: St. Anne Young Adults. Questions? Contact Jessica Harris at jharris@stanneseattle.org.

If you have a child that is ready to receive First Reconciliation, First Communion, or Confirmation, please plan to attend one of the sacramental information nights in September.

The first option is Sunday, September 22 at 12:30pm (after the 11am mass),
and the other option is Tuesday, September 24 at 7pm.

This meeting is essential, as some of the regular elements of our sacramental preparation program are changing this year. If you are a parent and can’t make one of these meetings, please reach out to Jessica at jharris@stanneseattle.org.

Have you considered becoming Catholic, or do you know someone who may want to? Do you have questions about Catholicism and what it teaches and believes? Are you looking to grow in your relationship with God? Check out our Exploring Catholicism Class (formerly called RCIA). Classes will be on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:30pm starting on September 26 at St. Anne, and anyone is welcome to join! To register, you can use this form. For questions or more details, please email Jessica Harris at jharris@stanneseattle.org or jharris@olfatima.org.

All are welcome to this online presentation to learn about the status of our local Catholic schools, including enrollment, school and parish collaboration, Catholic student percentages, and the affordable housing project for Catholic school teachers. Speaker Nicholas Ford, Superintendent of Catholic School.

Learn more here: Crozier Speaker Series: Catholic Schools – Archdiocese of Seattle (archseattle.org)

The Inaugural Vincentian Charity Golf Classic is named in honor of our dedicated Vincentian volunteers, the heart and soul of St Vincent de Paul, who make nearly 16,000 compassionate, caring, in-person home visits each year to individuals and families in our community who are low-income or experiencing homelessness.

To learn more and to register as an early bird go to Golf Tournament – St. Vincent de Paul (svdpseattle.org)

Dear Parishioners,
I hope you all had a lovely feast of the Assumption!
Thank you all for your continued support,
Brigid

FINANCES
As of this week we successfully raised $8,951 over our Annual Catholic Appeal goal. This means that with the matching gift, we have $17,902 going towards one of the three rebate projects which is very exciting! If you haven’t had a chance yet, I’d encourage you to check out the new entrances to the St. Francis Garden – all these improvements are from your generosity towards the 2023 ACA goal.
The new liturgical banners, the 2022 ACA rebate project, have unfortunately been delayed due to the recent and unexpected passing of Jean Hushebeck who was helping lead that initiative. Please continue to keep her and her family in your prayers and we appreciate your patience in the delay.

J u l y 2 0 2 4 B u d g e t e d C o l l e c t i o n s : $ 7 2 , 8 3 3 . 3 3
J u l y 2 0 2 4 A c t u a l C o l l e c t i o n s : $ 5 5 , 2 9 6 . 1 0

FACILITIES

The church doors are a work in progress. The electronic system has failed, and it is looking like we need a new one as the current one was installed by a company that is long out of business and we cannot get new parts. A company came out to inspect them this past week and we are waiting on a quote from them before moving forward. We did receive a diagnostic of the handicap doors but are holding off on doing those until we know how that might be impacted by the new door system.
We have wrapped up the Giving Tuesday project as of last week! The security camera is installed by the chapel door. This will be helpful in keeping our campus safer. Unfortunately, we did not receive the security grant from the State of Washington, so we would need to pay for additional cameras ourselves when the time comes.

Dear Parishioners,

We wanted to inform you that our door system is currently experiencing technical issues due to its age. Our facility manager is actively working on resolving the problem as quickly as possible. However, finding replacement parts for a system this old is like searching for a needle in a haystack!

In the meantime, you might experience difficulties entering the building with your key card outside of scheduled Mass times. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and patience.

Thank you for your cooperation.

In Christ,
Your St. Anne Parish Office Team

This summer, Catholics will travel from every corner of our archdiocese to experience the real presence of Jesus Christ!  This local Congress includes all of the activities that are taking place at the national event: inspirational talks, adoration, praise & worship music, prayer, a Eucharistic procession, and Mass.

Thank you to all who continue to give generously to the Annual Catholic Appeal as well as through your prayers and participation in ministry and mission of St. Anne’s. Your efforts make so many things possible for our parish and the wider church throughout Western Washington.

Your gift can either be a one-time gift or given in installments throughout this next year.

We invite you, once you have pledged to make your gift, to submit a vote for one of the following three projects:

1. A campus-wide initiative to update our clear glass windows and frames to be more energy efficient. Part of the rebate money would go to support the school’s windows being replaced in addition to the church’s windows. The windows in the church and office spaces have never been replaced since St. Anne’s expanded across Lee Street in 1962.

2. Installing a heating control/thermostat system in the church. We have a working boiler and compressor, but the control system is inefficient. We currently do not have a thermostat, and this has led to difficult-to-control temperatures in the church space and a waste of heat throughout the winter months.

3. Making some roof repairs to ensure it stays in good health, as it is 17 years old. Each winter, the roof has areas of standing water, which we currently pump off. We’d like to add additional drains, as well as make some patches, to ensure the roof has as long a life as possible.

Robert J. Braathe writes, “Gratitude is not a challenge; it is a choice.” Having a heart that is open and grateful is one of the most important choices we can make to maintain good mental, physical and spiritual health.

This weekend at Mass, we will be taking up a collection for the Catholic Community Services’ 2023 Appeal for the Poor

Click the button below to read about CCS’ work with the poor and how your free will donation will be used.

Scroll down to the button at the bottom of the page to RSVP!

The November issue of Northwest Catholic is available for you to view online

♦ A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend has something in it for every married couple.
♦ Spend a weekend discovering all the reasons you are thankful for your spouse.
♦ Sign up for an upcoming Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience on: Feb 9-11, 2024 at LaQuinta in Tacoma, WA, Mar 8-10, 2024, Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, Spokane, WA, Apr 26-28, 2024 in Everett, WA.
♦ Early registration is highly recommended.

Questions? Contact: Jeff and Sandy Corneil 360-930-2321

If you’ve experienced the pain of divorced parents, please join in on October 18th at Blessed Sacrament Church in Seattle to explore bringing a new ministry to Seattle called Life Giving Wounds. Life Giving Wounds seeks to bring healing to adult children of divorce with retreats, support groups and other means while exploring the Church’s teaching on redemptive suffering. Visit the website for more details.

Been hearing announcements at Mass, on FlockNote, or on the Bulletin but unable to find the link on our website? Here is it!

Thursday, August 31, 6:30-8:00PM

Think you’re the only one who struggles to feel God’s presence?

“Spiritual dryness” is a very common experience—even for the saints.

Come to this event for practical tips on what to do when God seems distant.

You’ll receive:

• An inspiring video message
• Practical tips for seeking the Lord through the ups and downs of faith
• Time for personal reflection and small group discussion
• Resources for ongoing growth in prayer and the spiritual life

Saturday, September 9

9:00AM – 12:00 PM 

St. Anne Church Narthex

FSTN Stages of Growth Flyer

We frequently hear that we should be growing in holiness but we aren’t often told what that looks like. And sometimes the descriptions we’re offered don’t fit with our circumstances or time of life. Drawing on biblical figures, Ron Ryan will share a model that can help us grasp what holiness is and the stages that lead to true spiritual maturity.

Anyone is welcome.

Suggested donation: $15 per person. To register, please click the “RSVP here” button below or call the parish office at 206-282-0223.

Livestreams will now only be accessible on our webpage. (To navigate to it, you can select “Livestream” under the “Worship” tab.)

We will no longer be streaming through Facebook.

A gracious parishioner came to help us fix the livestream recording settings (thanks, Alexander!) so recordings will be accessible again on our webpage following this weekend’s livestream.

St. Anne’s is hoping to purchase group tickets for the Faith & Family Night at the Mariners on August 26, 1:15-6pm. We’d like to know how many people are interested in sitting with us! Please fill out this poll (or email us at info@stanneseattle.org if this poll doesn’t encompass your needs). We’ll send you more information once we’ve purchased the tickets!

This is an Archdiocesan event. See more details on the Archdiocese website.

Have you moved, changed your relationship status, received a new medical diagnosis, or had new births in your family?

Has a child received sacraments in another parish/diocese?

You can update your Parish record below.

Finding Our Soul’s True North 

Learning from Loss: the spirituality of letting go

Facilitated by Ron Ryan

The longer we live, the more we experience loss. While we may grieve the people, places and things that are no longer part of our lives, we can also learn to grow from them. This session will explore the spirituality of letting go—how our losses can lead us to deeper spiritual growth and better understanding of our true selves. All are welcome!

FSTN 2023 Poster

St. Anne School Footloose Auction went live on Wednesday, May 5th. Take a look at the online auction!

Friday’s silent auction will close this Friday, May 5th at 7:15PM. Saturday’s silent auction will close this Saturday, May 6th at 7:00PM.

All parishioners are welcome to participate in the upcoming Footloose Auction. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Alpha is less than a week away – RSVP today! Come meet new people and explore faith together in an open, informal environment. Everyone is welcome! Whether you have been in the church since you were young or you are new to faith, when last have you shared a (free!) meal and conversation around some of life’s biggest questions? Spring into something new with Alpha!  – 2023-03-29

Hallow is the #1 Catholic app worldwide and includes over 5,000 audio-guided sessions designed to help you grow closer to God and develop a daily habit of prayer. Good news – you don’t need an app to use Hallow. All content is also available online.

Hallow Plus includes prayers for kids and families, resources for mental health, meditations for sleep, seasonal music, multiple languages (including Spanish, Portuguese, and Polish!) daily trivia, podcast-style courses to learn more about faith, and more!

The 2023 #Pray40 Lent Challenge invites us to surrender our own desires and draw near to Jesus through prayer, fasting and giving for forty days. Each week, we’ll focus on a theme based on the Sunday Gospel and pray alongside related passages from the Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, the secnod most widely read Christian book of all time after the Bible. As we walk alongside Him for forty days leading up to Easter, we hope to grow in humility such that we might imitate Christ in daily life.

Almost 50 parishioners gathered this past Wednesday night; young adults solicited advice from the more experienced crowd and everyone reveled in stories. The variety of homemade soup was amazing! Of course, many returned for a third helping of soup, but it was gratitude and laughter that overflowed that night. Some people chose to bring deserts and of course a few people felt inspired to sign up to serve next week. Many stayed for Stations of the Cross. All in all, it was a fabulous night and community and prayer!

Join us every Wednesday and consider signing up to bring a soup of your choice. Volunteers are also needed to help setup tables and chairs before the 5pm Mass.

Last Fall we hosted our first parish-wide Alpha Session. For ten weeks, twenty-five parishioners connected and grew together over dinner, a video, and conversation. Some of those parishioners joined Fr. Colin, Taniele, and Jessica and the national Alpha Conference hosted in Fort Lauderdale from January 26^th – 28th. During the conference, they interacted with other Catholics hosting Alpha, took a deep dive into topics on listening and understanding those who have left the Church, and learned how to make our churches places of hospitality. There was a strong connection built over such a short period of time. We stayed together in an Airbnb and had community time that allowed us to get to know each other’s stories. If you see any of these people feel free to ask them about their experience of the conference! 

A growing parish requires a growing team of staff members dedicated to the mission.

A complete job description is available at the Archdiocese of Seattle.

We are eager to receive your application!

Application submissions end November 12, 2022

Young Adult Retreat

Children’s Liturgy of the Word returns October 23rd