St. Monica's 2024 Annual Catholic Appeal Campaign

One mission, one family – together in Christ is the theme of this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal, and this weekend kicks off the 2024 campaign!

The Annual Catholic Appeal funds ministries and services for your local Catholic community across Western Washington. This combined effort of parishes and the Archdiocese of Seattle ensures the availability of outreach ministries, education, faith formation, administrative services for parishes and much more!

This year, the archdiocese has set our parish ACA goal as $173,971. All gifts received over our archdiocesan goal will be returned to the parish as a rebate. This year's rebate will be used to help pay for work in both the church and our gymnasium. Work in the church will include the repainting of some interior walls and repairing ceiling tiles. Work in the gymnasium will include replacing the gym floor and repainting the wall beams and columns. The sequence and speed of these 2024 Parish Project plans will be managed by the parish staff and will depend on the participation level in this campaign. With that in mind, we hope to reach our parish ACA stretch goal of $250,000 so that the rebate can help offset these costs. Please prayerfully consider how you can participate in helping our parish be a light to others.

CYO Coaches needed for this Fall!

Consider coaching for K-8 CYO soccer or cross country in the fall! Please email Lizzy LaBelle, PE teacher & CYO Director at St. Monica Catholic School, at llabelle@stmonicasea.org if you are interested or have any questions.

Official Appointments Announced

On Monday, April 8, Archbishop Paul D. Etienne and the Priest Personnel Board released the Official Appointments including pastors, parochial vicars and other assignments. This was after several months of consultation with priests, deacons, staff and parishioners from around the archdiocese. New assignments will go into effect on July 1, 2024. Parish Family #26 (Consisting of Sacred Heart Parish in Bellevue and St. Monica Parish on Mercer Island) will retain Rev. Kurt W. Nagel as pastor and Rev. Joseph L. Akor as Parochial Vicar.

Click here to see the full list of official appointments.

Click here to read the letter from Archbishop Etienne.

Click here to learn more about the Partners in the Gospel inititative.

Ablaze with Hope

Blessed Sacrament Parish in Seattle asked us to share an invitation to their upcoming Women’s Retreat with our parish community. The Ablaze with Hope retreat, will be held at St. Benedict’s Church on April 26-27. The cost is $85 for the weekend. Registration Closes April 20! Join the Mary and Elizabeth Ministry for a retreat led by Sister Gabriella Yi, O.P., of the Nashville Dominican Sisters. The retreat will kick off Friday evening. We will return to St. Benedict’s on Saturday for a full day together. We look forward to experiencing the Lord through the sacraments, prayer, adoration, and fellowship!

Register at blessed-sacrament.org/retreat2024 Questions? Email maryelizabeth@bspwa.org

The Human Person: A Living Thirst

In every human heart, there is a thirst to be chosen, to be looked upon with love. On the flip side of this universal human experience is another truth: God thirsts - for you. In fact, He loved you into being so that He could love you forever. We invite you to join us on Thursday, May 2, at 7PM for a talk by the Sisters of Life and a time of adoration with music.

Who are the Sisters of Life?

Immersed in Eucharistic prayer within a vibrant community life, the Sisters of Life commit their lives to the protection of human life and to the promotion of new life in Christ, acknowledging the goodness of every person, and sharing the gift of God’s abundant mercy with all those they meet. In this way, they seek to help reveal to each person their own innate goodness and the particular love God has for them. The Sisters' missions include caring for vulnerable pregnant women and their unborn children; inviting those wounded by abortion into the healing mercy of Jesus; fostering a Culture of Life through evangelization; retreat works; spiritual accompaniment of college students; and upholding the beauty of marriage and family life. (www.sistersoflife.org)

Mother’s Day Novena

Our Mother's Day Novena of Masses begins on Friday, May 3, and will continue through Saturday, May 11. Please have all intentions submitted by Thursday, May 2. Click here to have the names of mothers included in this novena. You may also fill out a card in the main church vestibule.

Faure Requiem

Join the Sacred Heart community for an unforgettable experience. The Fauré Requiem is a moving musical work composed in the 1800’s by Gabriel Fauré a French composer of notable stature. Composed to honor his deceased parents, Fauré’s work has captivated audiences around the globe for decades. The Sacred Heart choir, accompanied by Cecilia Choi and orchestra, will be performing the Fauré Requiem on Saturday, May 4 at 7:00PM in the Sacred Heart church.

Holy Hoedown Auction

Howdy St. Monica Parishioners! It is that time of year again to dust off your boots and saddle up for the St. Monica School Auction. Please get your RSVP in and join us for libations, bites, and bidding next Saturday, May 4th!

Visit stmonicasea.ejoinme.org/HolyHoedown24 to purchase your tickets.

Make a Difference — Renovating St. Monica’s Gym and Family Center

The St. Monica Gym and Family Center, a cherished hub of our community, is in dire need of renovation. For over 60 years, this space has been a place where active minds and bodies come together, where friendships are forged, and where dreams take flight.

Time has flown, and yet, our beloved gym remains frozen in the past. The wear and tear is evident. We envision a revitalized space that inspires, nurtures, and uplifts everyone who walks through its doors. We invite you to be part of this transformation.

The Make a Difference (aka-Raise the Paddle) portion of this year’s St. Monica Auction will raise funds to renovate our Gym and Family Center. Make a Difference donations can be made online ahead of the event or during the event at the Make a Difference Ask. Your contribution, whether big or small, matters. Every dollar brings us closer to our goal. Together, we can create a space that fosters growth, camaraderie, and well-being. Our Vision:

• New Shock-Absorbing Floors: Imagine a gym floor that cushions every step, supporting our athletes, dancers, and fitness enthusiasts. With your support, we can make this a reality.
• ADA-Compliant Bleachers: Upgrading our bleachers ensures that everyone can cheer on their loved ones regardless of mobility during games and events.
• Hydration Station: A water station will keep our community refreshed and energized.
• Safety Pads for the Wall: Safety first! Let’s protect our athletes and ensure they can give their all without fear of injury.

To make a contribution to Make a Difference online, click the link above to access our auction website and click on the tab labeled “Make a Difference Ask”. Thank you for your support!

Knights of Columbus — Baby Clothes Collection

Our Knights of Columbus Council is stepping in to help collect baby clothes for Next Step Pregnancy services in Lynnwood. They are in need of the following Diapers sizes 4,5,6 Infant clothes sizes 18 mons, 24 months and 2-T. These items will be collected after Masses on the weekend of May 4 and 5 in the main church vestibule.

For questions please contact Bob Kessler 206-276-0515

Young Adult Theology of the Body Retreat

Join Brendan McCauley from the Humanum Project, for a weekend of diving into JPII’s teaching on the Theology of the Body. The retreat will be held at the Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center in Federal Way. It will begin with dinner on Friday, May 3 and end after lunch on Sunday, May 5.

Click here to learn more and to register.

Check out the Humanum Project by visiting www.humanumproject.org.

Join the St. Monica Adult Co-ed CYO Softball Team!

St. Monica has an adult Co-ed softball team for ages 21+. Our oldest player is currently 69. We play other Catholic church teams. Most, if not all, of the 8 games will be played at St. Monica field once per week either Tuesdays or Thursdays at 6:00PM or 7:30PM.

The first game will be June 4 or 6 with the final regular season game on July 30 or August 1. The League Tourney is August 10 (Saturday).

First practice will take place the week of May 12.

If interested, contact Paul Parietti at 206-232-1140 or PaulParietti@hotmail.com.

60 Minutes for Jesus

Save the dates for our upcoming parish mission led by special guest, Fr. Jim Sichko! Fr. Jim Sichko has been an internationally known preacher, evangelist, and motivational speaker for over 25 years. In 2015, Pope Francis commissioned Fr. Jim as a Papal Missionary of Mercy. Join us on the evenings of Monday, June 10, through Wednesday, June 12, in St. Monica’s church, for a series of talks titled “60 Minutes for Jesus”. Key takeaways to expect:

• Practical tips for living a better life.
• A deeper understanding of your purpose.
• Skills to better discern Divine Providence at work.

Quo Vadis Days (June 24-27)

This amazing 4-day camp for high school men grades 9-12 with priests and seminarians from the Archdiocese of Seattle will provide participants the opportunity to:

• Learn more about the priesthood
• Deepen their faith
• Better discern God’s call in their lives

Space is limited to 60 participants. (Nominal fee of $50 can be waived in cases of need.) Registration is open now. Visit archseattle.org/events/qvd24 to learn more and to register for this event.

Questions? Email vocations@seattlearch.org

A Historical Moment of Revival (July 17-21, 2024)

This once-in-a-lifetime gathering will bring together the most trusted voices in the Church and thousands of on-fire Catholics for five powerful days of worship, encounter, and formation. Come be inspired, equipped for mission, and set ablaze with new love for Jesus in the Eucharist. Click here to visit the official website for the National Euchartistic Congress.

Local Eucharistic Congress 

Calling all youth and young adults! 

The Archdiocese of Seattle is hosting a local version of the National Eucharistic Congress! 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.

The Local Eucharistic Congress for youth and young adults will be held on July 20, 2024, at St. Charles Borromeo in Tacoma.

Program:

· 11:30 am – Arrival 

· 12 Noon – Presentation by Tom East 

· 12:30 pm – Adoration with Praise & Worship Music 

· 1:30 pm – Eucharistic Procession 

· 2:30 pm – Mass with Bishop Elizondo 

· 3:15 pm – Sending forth 

Questions? 

Contact Kimberly Abadir, Director of Youth Ministry at Kimberly.Abadir@seattlearch.org or

 Tyler Tangen, Director of Young Adult Ministry at Tyler.Tangen@seattlearch.org.

Sponsored by: Archdiocese of Seattle | Youth and Young Adult Ministries 

Vacation Bible School!

Registration is now open for Vacation Bible School (VBS) coming this July 29—August 2! This year’s theme is “Breaker Rock Beach”. Click here to register your child.

We are also still seeking volunteers to share God's unchanging truth through scripture, play, crafts, and song! Click here to register as a VBS volunteer. Parents who volunteer will have their child's registration fee waived!

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat

August 2-4, 2024 (English)

If you are suffering from the experience of an abortion, you do not need to walk alone. Project Rachel offers a compassionate and confidential environment for those who suffer the effects of an abortion. Find hope and healing after abortion. For more information about the Project Rachel ministry or our healing retreats, please call Frances at (206) 920-6413.

Golf FORE Seminarians

Registration is open for the 21st annual Archbishop's Golf Tournament!

August 6, 2024, 6:30AM to 2:30PM, at the Washington National Golf Club in Seattle.

The Archbishop's Golf Tournament is the Archdiocese of Seattle’s premier fundraising event to benefit seminarian education, hosted by Archbishop Etienne and the Crozier Society.

With your help, we can reach our goal to raise $200,000 to support our seminarians.

Visit archseattle.org to register as a golfer or sponsor for this event.

Pilgrimage to Greece with Bishop Schuster

Join Bishop Schuster and the Crozier Society for a Pilgrimage to Greece this October.

Tuesday, October 8: Depart the USA Each person will be making their own flight

Wednesday, October 9: Thessaloniki

Thursday, October 10: Thessaloniki

Friday, October 11: Philippi and Kavala

Saturday, October 12: Thessaloniki / Veria (St. Paul) / Vergina (Museum of the Royal Tombs /Kalambaka

Sunday, October 13: Kalambaka/Meteora

Monday, October 14: Kalambaka / Delphi

Tuesday, October 15: Athens

Wednesday, October 16: Athens: Excursion of Corinth

Thursday, October 17: Athens: Visit of the Byzantine and Christian Museum & leisure time in the Plaka

Everyone is welcome to join us. The application deadline is May 15, 2024. Click here for more information.

Special Request to Pray for Peace

Given the devastating war underway, we encourage everyone to pray for war torn areas. Below is a peace prayer to pray together and share with your communities.

Bearing Witness to Peace

Lord God, we come to you in our need.

Create in us an awareness of the massive forces that threaten our world today.

Give us a sense of urgency to activate the forces of goodness, of justice, of love and of peace.

Where there is armed conflict, let us stretch our arms to our brothers and sisters.

Where there is abundance, let there be simple lifestyle and sharing.

Where there is poverty, let there be dignified living and constant striving for just structures.

Where there are wounds of division, let there be unity and wholeness.

Help us to be committed to the building of your kingdom.

Not seeking to be cared for, but to care.

Not expecting to be served, but to place ourselves in the service of others.

Not aspiring to be materially secure, but to place our security in your love.

Teach us your spirit.

Only in loving imitation of you can we discover the healing springs of life that will bring new birth to our world.

From – Prayer Without Borders, Catholic Relief Services

Monthly Chinese Family Rosary Meeting

Come join our monthly Chinese rosary zoom meeting hosted by the Seattle Chinese Catholic Community on the 4th Saturday of each month from 1:30pm to 2:30pm. We will recite the rosary in Mandarin and Cantonese. Please email us at info@seattlechinesecatholic.org or leave a message at 206-458‐1430 to get the zoom meeting information.

歡迎大家參加由西雅圖天主教華人團體舉辦的網上家庭玫瑰經聚會。聚會時間為每月第四個星期六下午1:30至2:30。有興趣參加的，請email info@seattlechinesecatholic.org 或致電206-458‐1430索取Zoom聚會資料。

Sunday Homily Video Recordings

Did you have trouble hearing father's homily at Mass? Or maybe you'd just like to listen to it again? For convenience, we re-upload our Sunday Mass homilies as videos. Each Sunday's homily is typically uploaded by the Wednesday following the weekend Masses. All homily videos are uploaded to youtube, and on our website’s homily page. Looking for a past homily? Our homily page also features an index of our previous Sunday Homilies.

What about weekday Masses? While we don't process separate videos for our daily Mass homilies, they can be watched within the full recordings of our daily Mass livestreams. Browse past livestreams on our Youtube page: www.youtube.com/@stmonicami/streams.

Mass Livestreams? St. Monica livestreams one Mass each day of the week. It can be beneficial to watch weekday Masses via livestream when your schedule does not allow you attend in person. Sunday Mass livestreams are a great resource for parishioners who’s health prevents them from attending Mass. We also recommend watching the livestream if you are unable to attend Mass due to illness. For more information about Mass livestreams, visit our livestream page.

Please note that the general obligation to attend Mass on Sundays (or Saturday Vigil Mass) and Holy Days of Obligation was reinstated (CIC, can. 1247), as of December 8, 2021.

Scam Email Warning

The parish staff wants to warn parishioners that someone has been sending emails pretending to be Father Nagel, parish staff members, and our former pastor, Father Freitag. Scam emails typically say that Father is "in need of help" ask if "you are available for an errand" or just asks the recipient to "please respond concerning a sensitive matter". These emails (or texts) are a scam and should be deleted whenever they are received. Legitimate emails from parish staff members will always be sent from an email address ending with "@stmonicami.org". If you have any questions, feel free to contact the parish office directly at parishoffice@stmonicami.org