October 10, 2025
Dear Friends in Christ,
One way of describing the Christian life is to see it as a daily practice of remembering all that God has revealed to us in Christ, the teachings in scripture, the traditions of the church, the lives of the saints, and the principles in Catholic Social Teaching. When we forget these things, we tend to get into trouble and cause pain and suffering for others.
October reminds us of something always true, but too often we forget, and that is the sanctity of all life from the moment of conception to natural death, and every moment in between. “Respect Life Month,” as we call it, is an invitation to affirm the right to life for the unborn, and the right to support for individuals and families whose poverty makes it seemingly impossible to carry a pregnancy to term. The consistent life ethic of our church does not stop there. We support racial equity by opposing racism in all its manifestations. We respect the dignity of those who have committed terrible crimes and thus oppose the use of the death penalty. We believe in the right of everyone to live in peace and thus challenge armed conflicts that lead to the death of anyone, most especially civilians. We believe that the end of life is to be seen as sacred and thus do not support physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia. Catholics are also to welcome immigrants from other lands and finally to unite in safeguarding the natural environment.
That’s a lot to remember! Respect Life month invites us to begin anew by praying for a greater reverence for all life, by educating ourselves on how we can create a culture of life, and by supporting ministries that seek to affirm it, like the “Prepares Program,” “St. Francis House,” and the “St. Vincent de Paul Society.” One final reminder is what St. Pope Paul VI once said. “If you want peace, work for justice.” This month also reminds us to be part of identifying and changing the root causes that threaten the dignity of all life! This is a vital part of our mission as NE Seattle Catholics.
Blessings of peace,
Fr. William Heric, Pastor
Holy Mary, Mother of God…pray for us!
St. Bridget of Kildare…pray for us!
St. Catherine of Siena…pray for us!
Live Jesus in our hearts…forever!
What is the name of Taylor Swift's newest album?
Reputation
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1989
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The Tortured Poets Department
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The Life of a Showgirl
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Scroll to the bottom to see the answer to last week's question.
SATURDAY 10/11
Reconciliation @OLL & @STC - 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Vigil Mass @OLL - 5:00 pm - (Fr. Duc)
Vigil Mass @STC - 5:00 pm - (Fr. Bill)
Children's Hospital Home Again Octoberfest @STC - 6:00 - 9:00 pm
SUNDAY 10/12
Sunday Mass @AP - 9:00 am - (Fr. Duc)
Sunday Mass with Children's Church @STB - 9:00 am - (Fr. Bill)
Altar Server Training @STB - 10:00 am
Bible Study @STC (Benicasa) - 9:30 am
Sunday Mass with CLOW @OLL - 11:00 am - (Fr. Bill)
Sunday Mass with CLOW @STC - 11:00 am - (Fr. Bob)
Please see our attached PDF below for the full schedule.
Presider schedule subject to change.
EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT SUCCESS!
We’re happy to share that Lars’s Eagle Scout Project at Assumption Parish was a wonderful success last weekend! With the help of his troop and volunteers, Lars installed all the new features beautifully—including a custom bench he milled and built himself.
Be sure to stop by Assumption to see the finished project! You’ll notice some caution tape around the area to give the new plants a few weeks to take root.
Thank you, Lars, for your dedication and craftsmanship—we’re so grateful for your hard work and can’t wait to see this space continue to grow and be enjoyed by both our parish and school communities!
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
at St. Catherine's
Acutis Ministry is celebrating Día de los Muertos. Starting Sunday, October 12th, an ofrenda (altar) will be at the back of the church in St. Catherine's. Please place a photo or write down a loved one's name who has passed away. This offrenda (offering) will be up until November 2nd. After mass on November 2nd, join us by the offrenda for a rosary in remembrance of our loved ones. Then come to coffee hour for Mexican treats.
ALTAR SERVER TRAINING
@St. Bridget
Interested in becoming an Altar Server for our masses? If you have received your First Communion and would like to become an Altar Server, we will be holding a training at St. Bridget on Sunday, October 12th, after the 9:00 a.m. Mass. Please reach out to Alex Chopyak if you are interested in attending the training.
ASSUMPTION SENIOR SOCIAL
The Wednesday, October 15 Senior Social Hour is at 11 am at Assumption in the St Joseph room. We will visit and enjoy coffee and treats as usual. We will also talk about and plan holiday activities for November and December. We look forward to seeing you!
NEW LECTOR TRAINING
at St. Bridget's
We will be holding a new lector training session on Sunday, October 19, immediately following the 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Bridget's. If you are interested in being a lector, please reach out to JJ Horner at matzje@hotmail.com.
BLOOD DRIVE
At Assumption
We’re still looking for 17 generous donors to roll up their sleeves and donate blood at our Assumption Catholic Church drive on Tuesday, October 21, and we’re calling on you to help make a life-saving impact. Leaves are falling, and so are blood supplies. Help us turn over a new leaf! Donate blood this October with @bloodworksnw and keep the heart of your community beating strong.
Appointments are available between 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Sign up for your appointment by clicking the button below or by calling 1-800-398-7888.
TAIZÉ ADORATION
at St. Catherine
Join us for a Holy Hour of Taizé Adoration at St. Catherine of Siena Church on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This meditative service features the beautiful and contemplative music of Taizé — simple, prayerful songs that invite everyone to sing together. It’s a peaceful opportunity for reflection and quiet connection with God in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. All are welcome.
ACC BULB SALE PICK UP
This Weekend!
Advocacy and Caring for Children (ACC) recently sold tulip and daffodil bulbs, generously donated by the Washington Bulb Company. All proceeds will benefit Catholic Community Services agencies and other nonprofits that serve children and families. If you ordered bulbs, please plan to pick them up at the location from which you purchased. A limited number of extra bulbs will be available for purchase if you missed the sale.
FAQs FOR HOSPITAL PATIENTS &
THEIR LOVED ONES
Patients often have questions about the best ways to access pastoral care when they are hospitalized. Please see the attached bulletin insert for more information.
INTRODUCING FAITH IN ACTION
Beginning next week, Community Outreach and Social Justice opportunities and news will be featured in their own dedicated newsletter, Faith in Action, replacing the content in the Weekly Word. This Thursday email will shine a spotlight on these important efforts while keeping the Weekly Word focused on parish events and news across our parish family. Keep an eye on your inbox—Faith in Action launches soon!
CLOW/CHILDREN'S CHURCH
Children's Liturgy of the Word
October Dates
Children’s Liturgy of the Word will be offered at Assumption Parish on Sundays, October 12 and October 19, during the 9:00 a.m. Mass. All children are invited to join us for a special time to hear and reflect on God’s Word in an age-appropriate way.
CLOW/Children's Church will also be offered at OLL, St. Bridget, and St. Catherine's on the following dates: 10/12, 10/19, and 10/26 during Sunday Mass.
ASSOCIATED CATHOLIC CEMETERIES
OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, October 12 - 9am - 2pm
Join us at any of our four locations—Calvary (Seattle), Holyrood (Shoreline), or Gethsemane (Federal Way)—for a welcoming Open House. Learn about Catholic burial and cremation options, receive a free pre-planning guide, and discover how pre-planning is a loving act of mercy for your family.
JUBILEE OF HOPE RETREAT
Date Change
Due to a significant cultural/political event scheduled in Seattle for Saturday, October 18, the Jubilee of Hope Retreat has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 19, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The retreat will be held at the Assumption Parish Social Hall. Participants may want to attend the 9 am Mass at Assumption. Cost: $30 (single), $50 (couple). Scholarships available. Please bring your own brown bag lunch. Snacks/drinks will be provided. To register, email Robert Fontana at roblori.fontana@gmail.com. Pay your registration fee at the door.
HOLIDAY BAZAAR!
The NESCC Holiday Bazaar, hosted at St. Catherine's Parish, is on November 22nd and 23rd. The bazaar supports a variety of charities, including SVDP. The deadline to reserve a booth to sell your craft is October 20th. Many volunteers will be needed to make it a success. Please email or text Katie Fleming for all details: kjfleming1239@gmail.com 206-354-5161
Sunday and Friday Daily Mass at Assumption - 9:00 AM
Sunday Mass at St. Bridget - 9:00 AM
Sunday Mass at OLL - 11:00 AM
LIVE STREAM MASS OPPORTUNITIES
Not able to attend Mass in person? Please visit any of our parish family liturgies.
- Friday and Sunday Mass at Assumption - 9:00 am
- Sunday Mass at St. Bridget's - 9:00 am
- Sunday Mass at OLL - at 11:00 am
Let us pray for our brothers and sisters at Assumption, Our Lady of the Lake, St. Bridget, and St. Catherine as we journey to becoming a family of parishes. May the Lord bless us as we discern how to collaborate as Catholics in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout northeast Seattle.
For this, we pray to the Lord! Lord, hear our prayer!
PRAYERS NEEDED
Please pray for those who are ill:
Carmina Bacani (OLL)
Ryan Corr (AP)
Kathleen Genis (AP)
Lori Griswald (STC)
John Hassay (STC)
Patti Herlihy (AP)
JoAnne King (AP)
Julie Kirkevold (All Parish)
Ryan Corr (AP)
Kathleen Genis (AP)
Lori Griswald (STC)
John Hassay (STC)
Patti Herlihy (AP)
JoAnne King (AP)
Julie Kirkevold (All Parish)
Kathy Lindquist (OLL)
Patrick Mulvihill (OLL)
Patrick Mulvihill (OLL)
Ethel Rose Shea (STC)
Doug Ward (OLL)
For those who have died:
Doug Ward (OLL)
For those who have died:
Arlene Boulanger (STC)
Dan Karches (STC)
Pat Kelly (STB)
Mary Gibson (STB)
Dan Karches (STC)
Pat Kelly (STB)
Mary Gibson (STB)
Marianne Roulet (AP)
MASS INTENTIONS NEXT WEEK
October 13 - Fr. Tim Sauer (surgery) (STB), 9am
October 14 - No Mass
October 15 - For the Parish (OLL), 9am; For the Parish (STB), 6:30pm
October 16 - For the Parish (STC), 9am
October 17 - Marianne Roulet (AP), 9am
October 14 - No Mass
October 15 - For the Parish (OLL), 9am; For the Parish (STB), 6:30pm
October 16 - For the Parish (STC), 9am
October 17 - Marianne Roulet (AP), 9am
Please contact the parish office if you want a Mass said for someone.
SPIRITUAL ROSARY
Spiritual Rosary with Immigrant Detainees Wednesday evenings in October | 5:30-6 p.m. | Virtual Join us in prayer as Deacon Juan Lezcano, chaplain at NW Detention Center in Tacoma, and immigrant detainees pray the rosary every Wednesday during October. We are praying for the Blessed Mother's protection for migrants throughout the world, especially those detained at the NW Detention Center. For more information, contact Terri Nelson, terri.nelson@seattlearch.org
WORLD MISSION ROSARY
Parishioners of all North Seattle parishes are invited to come together during the October Month of the Rosary to pray the World Mission Rosary, to be held at St. Matthew Parish on Saturday, October 18, at 11:00 a.m. Prayers to be voiced in many languages. See the flyer for more information or to offer to voice a prayer in your first language.
ALL-PARISH FAMILY PREPARES BABY DRIVE
Helping Moms and Families in Need
September 20 - October 19
In honor of Respect Life Month, we are restocking our PREPARES baby closets at Christ the King and St. Edward parishes. These closets serve both parishioners and neighbors in need.
Most-needed items include:
- Diaper bags: the young parents prefer the backpack style
- Receiving blankets
- Disposable Diapers, Newborn size
- Baby Outfits 0-3 months
- Onesies 0-3months
- Small infant socks, and hats/caps
- Infant Bibs
- Pacifiers
- Newborn Toys
Donations may be placed in the PREPARES bin at your parish, or use the link below to send items directly. Thank you for supporting this vital, life-affirming ministry!
Please click HERE to view our Amazon wishlist! You can have items sent directly to the baby closets or bring your donations to the PREPARES bin at your parish.
Baby Drive coordinators for each parish are:
St. Bridget - Judy Curran, jcurran2@msn.com; Mary Jo Gasparich, maryjogasparich@gmail.com
Assumption- Stephanie Read, walkerread@comcast.net
Our Lady of the Lake- Mary Margaret Brown, mmbrown@hotmail.com
St. Catherine - Katie Fleming, kjfleming1239@gmail.com
HOME TOGETHER
Home Together provides affordable short-term housing for families relocating to Seattle for life-saving care at Children's Hospital. A St Catherine's parishioner started the charity, and the 3rd annual Oktoberfest fundraiser is being held in St Catherine's Victoria Hall on October 11th. It is a fun night of celebrating community, which includes food, drinks, live and silent auction items. Learn more at www.home-together.org
REBUILDING TOGETHER - AUTUMN PROJECT
The annual Rebuilding Together autumn project will take place on Saturday, November 15th, from 8 am to 4 pm. Here's your chance to help a needy, local low-income homeowner(s) remain in their home by repairing and improving their home and yard. Work with fellow parishioners and give back to your community, all in one amazing and productive day! Come for the full day or half day and get involved in this rewarding work! This is a great way to get service hours, but you must be 14 or older.
Please save the date - house location and signup sheet will be coming soon.
Questions? Contact Tim Lane at seattlelanes@comcast.net
Please save the date - house location and signup sheet will be coming soon.
Questions? Contact Tim Lane at seattlelanes@comcast.net
FOOD ITEMS NEEDED
Assumption and St. Bridget
Needed items: Peanut butter, jam/jelly, pasta sauce, oatmeal (packets), toilet paper, and paper towels
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS
OLL
Required items: Toilet paper, paper bags with handles, and canned pears.
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS
STC
Nothing is needed this week. Thank you.
Please help fill the shelves so we can fulfill the requests. Thank you very much.
PILGRIMAGE TO THE ICE DETENTION CENTER
IN TACOMA
Several members of our parish family joined hundreds of others for the Pilgrimage to the ICE Detention Center in Tacoma last weekend. Bishop Eusebio Elizondo offered a powerful homily, and the gathering of nearly 400–500 people was truly moving and inspiring.
Representing our community were Mary Margaret Brown, Mary Kay Beeby, Dennie Duffell, Bryan Johns, and Barbara McGraft. Karen Selboe and her husband, Jeff Ojemann, were also in attendance.
Thank you to all who participated and witnessed our shared call for compassion, justice, and dignity for migrants and detainees.
NO KINGS RALLY
Standing in Solidarity
Join us on Friday, October 18, at Seattle Center for the No Kings Rally, as we stand together in solidarity with migrants and detainees. As people of faith, we raise our voices for compassion, justice, and human dignity, and object to the dangers of our current immigration policies.
We’ll march behind the St. Joseph Parish banner, and all are welcome to join us! Please meet by 11:30 a.m. on the south side of the International Fountain (see attached flyer for details).
We hope to be joined by other faith communities as we represent together as people of faith. For questions or to connect ahead of time, please contact our Immigration Advocates coordinator, Joe Orlando, at joeorlando54@gmail.com.
MENTAL HEALTH SUNDAY
The mental health crisis is a profound challenge to the Church and to society. Catholics can respond with generosity, hope, and compassion to those in need. The USCCB invites all people of goodwill to pray for mental health and wellness with a special nationwide novena, which began last weekend and continues to the feast of Saint Luke, patron of healthcare (October 18). See usccb.org/mentalhealth for more.
WORKSHOP SUPPORTING THOSE RETURNING FROM INCARCERATION
Oct 19
While this workshop is taking place in West Seattle, this has been a recent area of focus for members of the NESCC Social Justice Ministry, and some may be interested in participating:
Date: Sunday, October 19
Time: 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Location: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish - 3410 SW Myrtle St, Seattle, WA 98126 (Walmesley Center Gym)
Lunch will be provided.
This interactive workshop will include reflection, small-group discussion, and practical strategies for engaging with those returning from incarceration. Register Here
CREATION OF JUBILATION
In order to properly care for planet earth, we must be educated. How did you learn to care for other people and care for God’s creation? How can we teach others the importance of care for Mother Earth? Are you teaching and leading others by your example? Continue reading...
ST. CATHERINE'S SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
St. Catherine School is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Early Learning and Kindergarten year. Please note the following priority application windows:
Current Families & St. Catherine Parish Members:
Now – October 26, 2025
Family 15 Parishioners:
October 27 – November 2, 2025
Open to the Public:
Beginning November 3, 2025
We look forward to welcoming both new and returning students into our school community. Families are encouraged to apply during their designated priority window.
Apply now!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Our parishes thrive because of the many hands and hearts that give their time, energy, and care. From liturgical roles to outreach ministries, hospitality to faith formation, there are countless ways to get involved and make a meaningful impact. It takes all of us to keep our churches vibrant and welcoming. Click the links below to learn more.
CHILDREN'S CHURCH AT ST. BRIDGET!
Children's Church is back at St. Bridget's and will be offered most every Sunday at the 9 am Mass for kids in Pre-K through 4th grade. We need both adult and high school/middle school volunteers to assist with lesson prep and teaching. Please reach out to Meagan Westphal or Phil Miller directly if you can help, or click the button below.
The correct answer is Himalayas. Thanks for participating!