Dear Brothers and Sisters of Saint Michael Parish,

Our readings from Sacred Scripture this Sunday remind us that God is entrusting us with many responsibilities for a few reasons. First of all for our personal edification and growth in holiness. Secondly, so we might welcome and strengthen others. In the Gospel, Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” From that day, Peter’s answer has been the foundation upon which Christ is building His Church. This same question is quietly placed before each of us: Who is Jesus for me, and how is He asking me to help build His Church?

We caught a beautiful glimpse of that Church in Western Washington last Saturday at Cheney Stadium, as more than 3,500 people gathered for an outdoor Mass celebrating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. With Archbishop Etienne, Bishop Schuster, and more than twenty priests, it was a remarkable celebration of our unity as an archdiocese. I was especially grateful to see so many Saint Michael parishioners serving and participating. Special thanks to Deacon Candidate Mike Faltus from Saint Patrick Parish (Tacoma) for his vision and leadership in bringing this celebration to life. I also want to recognize our very own candidate for the permanent diaconate, Joshua Roberts – as he progresses to the candidacy stage of the formation program. Please pray for Mike, Joshua, and their entire cohort as they formally be-gin this next stage of preparation with a special Mass at the Archbishop Murphy Retreat Center at the Palisades (Federal Way) on August 23.

Here at Saint Michael Parish, folks are gradually responding to recent invitations and new schedules for liturgical prayer: Monday’s 7am Mass in the main sanctuary, Thursday’s 7am Morning Prayer in the Chapel of Repose, and Friday’s 8pm Holy Hour with priests followed by Night Prayer in the Saint Joseph Chapel. Little by little, these gatherings are growing. If you have not joined us, simply come and know you are welcome.

Please pray, too, for our school faculty and staff as they prepare for the new school year ahead, and for our parish staff as we gather for our retreat on August 26. There will be no noon Mass that Wednesday; the 8am Mass will be offered for our staff instead. Please also keep Fr. Mamba in your prayers during his vacation, August 25 through September 9, that he may experience true rest and renewal.

Finally, next weekend we will share more about our staff realignment with four offices and one mission, including what this means for you and how you can find the ministry and ministry leader(s) who will help you become more engaged and enriched in the life of our parish.

Let us abide in the reality that the Lord’s love is eternal…and may He continue to unite us as a “family of families,” on one mission in our pastoral, school, parish, and ministry livelihoods; one faithful “yes” at a time. 

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. John-Patrick