Bulletin (March 8, 2009)

Last Sunday Vernon Wells gave a rousing testimony on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Because of some sinus problems, Gary Samaniego pinch hit for Vernon on Saturday evening. The testimonies made a big impact and will motivate many – especially young people – to receive the beautiful sacrament of healing and peace. I loved what Vernon said about heaven: it is more than a place of family reunion, but where we are able to give ourselves totally – not holding anything back. For that God created us. Making a thorough examination of conscience and a good confession brings a person into line with God’s purpose. This Lent do not miss the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

This Sunday Steve Hance will give a presentation on Bible Study. After Vernon’s high-power testimony, I know that Steve feels a little nervous. But I am also sure that because of your desire to go deeper into the Bible and because Steve’s love for God’s Word, you will give him your undivided attention. After Mass you will be able to find out more about Catholic Bible Study and a program to read the Bible and Catechism in one year. The program will require a half hour to forty-five minutes a day. I suggest first getting an overview of the three readings each day, then focus on a verse that resonates and use it for some more intense minutes of prayer. Sometimes it might be a line from the Catechism that most inspires prayer.

Along with Reconciliation and Bible Study, I am encouraging each parishioner to consider Eucharistic Adoration. It is beautiful to spend time in prayer before Jesus, truly present in Blessed Sacrament. Next weekend Greg Miller will give a testimony and an invitation regarding Eucharistic Adoration.

On a more mundane level you probably have noticed that we are working on the extension of our main parking lot. We hope to be able to use this area for parking by Palm Sunday. The photo shows the progress of this work. Our parish administrator, Gary Samaniego, is also working with a committee make the final plans to repair and repaint the interior of the church. Like the parking lot extension, this project was part of our parish Capital Campaign.

Parking Lot Extension, March 3, 2009

This month we have a wonderful opportunity. On March 31 Dr. Tom Curran will be at Holy Family to give a presentation on the Mass. Next weekend, at promotional price of five dollars, we will have available his new book, The Mass: Four Encounters with Jesus That Will Change Your Life.

Remember that you still have two weeks to get your feet in shape for March 21 Cathedral Walk. This Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. we will have planning meeting in the Ailbe House in preparation for this annual pilgrimage.

Later this month, on March 25, we will a meeting regarding the Holy Family delegation to Peru as part of our Parish Stewardship Plan. Regarding our relationship to Peru, the collection this Sunday will go toward the work of the Mary Bloom Center to help the needy in Puno, Peru. As always, I deeply appreciate your generosity.

Please plan on participating in the Divine Mercy Novena this year. It begins on Good Friday and concludes on the Sunday after Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday). This year Fr. Frank Pavone – head of Priests for Life – will be with us at the morning Masses that Sunday and will lead the Hour of Mercy Prayers that afternoon in front of the Madison Street Planned Parenthood. Please mark that date on your calendar: April 19, 3 p.m.

Finally, a special invitation: This Thursday, March 12, at 8:30 a.m. we have a special Memorial Mass for long-time parishioner, Delores Hill. Our school will be participating with readings, songs and prayers. All are most welcome to attend.

El domingo pasado la Sra. Isabel Leveron nos dio una buena presentacion sobre el Sacramento de Reconciliacion. Espero que todos aprovechen de este sacramento de paz y sanacion durante el tiempo de la Cuaresma. Como se puede ver en la parte en ingles, estamos trabajando en la extension del estacionamiento. Espero que sea disponible para el Domingo de Ramos. Ese domingo la Procesion comenzará a la 1 p.m. Todos son invitados a participar. Quisiera hacer una invitacion especial para este domingo de saber mas de los apartamentos “Santa Teresita del niño Jesús” (2429 Holden Street, 4 minutos de Holy Family). Es un proyecto de la Arquidiocesis de Seattle para proveer viviendas para familias de bajos recursos. Como se puede ver de la foto, los apartamentos estan casi terminados. Algunos ya estan listos para este mes y otros estaran listos muy pronto.

With Susan Walsh And Deacon Abel in front of Santa Teresita

Susan

Susan, Kathi, Abel



Acuerdense que todavia hay dos semanas para poner en condicion los pies para la Peregrinacion a la Catedral, el 21 de marzo, saliendo a las 7 a.m. Habrá una reunion de planificacion este miercoles a las 5:30 p.m. El 25 de marzo habra una reunion sobre la delegacion de Holy Family al Peru como parte de nuestro Plan Parroquial de Mayordomia. En cuanto a nuestra relacion al Peru, la segunda colecta este domingo ayudara esta obra para los pobres de Puno, Peru. Como siempre, estoy agradecido por su generosidad.

Stewardship Reflection:

Sacrifice is a key theme of the Scripture readings today. True love is sacrificial. It considers the good of the other. Sacrifice comes in many forms including generosity with one’s time and resources. Mother Teresa said the Christian faith “requires that I be willing to give until it hurts.” Are you?




  

Faith and Finances with Phil Lenahan © – www.VeritasFinancialMinistries.com

Parish Stewardship Giving Summary:
Wk. 35 of Fiscal Year, March 1, 2009		 
	
Amt. Needed 1st Collection Each Sunday:  $ 14,100.00	     Weekly Comparison		
1st Week  (Mar. 1)	$12,795.99
2nd Week (Mar. 8)	
3rd Week (Mar. 15)	
4th Week (Mar. 22)	
5th Week (Mar. 29	
Rcvd. Monthly to date	$12,795.99
Check/Cash Envelope:		       $   8,294.00
EFT (Automatic Deduction):	       $      861.90    
Loose Cash:			       $   3.640.09  
Total Offering:			       $ 12,795.99
Weekly Income Difference:		     - $( 1,304.01)



For on-line donations to parish or school: www.HFSeattle.org  

Gifts from the Other Half of Our Stewardship:
Second Collection:  Black and Indian:	       $2,364.86 	    	

This week's Second Collection is for the Mary Bloom Center. Named after Father Bloom's mother, it was established in 1995 as a medical clinic and educational center to serve the needy in Puno, Peru. Father Bloom is the President of the Mary Bloom Center and visits annually to review the use of funds.

Next week’s Second Collection is for St. Vincent de Paul. The mission statement of the National Council of St. Vincent de Paul states that: Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul. As a reflection of the whole family of God, Members, who are known as Vincentians, are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group, and economic level. Vincentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings and adherence to a basic Rule. If you are interested in joining our St. Vincent de Paul Ministry, please contact Bob or Dorothy Atkins at (206) 938-3463. Annual Catholic Appeal Donations for the 2008 Annual Catholic Appeal will be received until April 20. For simple on-line payment of your pledge, go to: http://www.seattlearch.org/ACA. THANK YOU!

Santa Teresita del niño Jesús 2429 Holden Street, Seattle, Washington 98106

Santa Teresita del niño Jesús is a new 25 unit apartment complex for families. There are 19 two-bedroom units for families with 2-6 members and 6 three-bedroom units for families with 3-8 members. Some units have hook ups for washers and dryers and two of the four buildings have laundry rooms. Two units meet ADA requirements. There is on and off street parking, a community room for meetings and social events, a play area, a public garden space, and on-site staff who can provide information on various community resources.

Santa Teresita del niño Jesús is designed to meet the needs of families without adequate housing and lack the income needed to obtain better housing. Only households whose total income is below the limits below are eligible and there is no minimum income requirement. Households are required to pay only 30% of their income for rent.

Eligibility Requirements:  

Housing Status:  Households must have unmet housing needs to be eligible.  Some situations that might qualify include:

*Staying with another family where there’s not enough room for everyone.
*Currently at risk of losing housing.   
*Living on the streets, in a car, non-residential building, etc. 
*Staying in a shelter, institution (jail or hospital, for instance), or temporary housing. 
*Living in substandard housing (ask Teresita staff for more information).

There may be other situations that qualify as well.  Please ask Teresita staff if your situation might qualify.  

Documentation:  All family members must have documentation of citizenship or immigration status.  The documents will be verified with Homeland Security to meet Section 8 rent subsidy rules.

Income limits:  These are based on family size, not unit size.  The units are subject to different limits based on funding requirements but below is a basic guide.  The family’s total income must be at or below these limits: 
 
2
People	3
People	4
People	5
People	6
People	7
People	8
People
$32,550 	$36,650 	$40,700 	$43,950 	$47,200 	$50,450 	$53,700 



To Apply:

1.	Fill out the Pre-Application at the meeting in March and staff will contact you in the next week to set up an appointment.  Be sure to include a phone number or address where you can get messages.  

OR

2.	Call the Archdiocesan Housing Authority at 328-5631 to request a Pre-Application and send it back to:

Archdiocesan Housing Authority
Attn: Clare Tremper
100 23rd Ave S.
Seattle, WA 98144

Staff will contact you to set up an appointment.

OR

3.	Contact Father Bloom at Holy Family to obtain a Pre-Application and send it to the address above.


Bring to the appointment:

1.	Proof of citizenship or legal immigration status for every family member.  
2.	Income information for all family members, such as:
A.  Employer contact information.
B.  Social Security award letter.
C.  Annual net income if self employed (ask AHA staff for more information).
D.  Student Financial Aid award letter.
E.  Child support award letter.
F.  Contact information for any other source of income.
3.	Asset information, such as:
A.	Bank account information.
B.	Pension or annuity information.
C.	Certificate of deposit information.

4.	Current and/or previous landlord contact information.
5.	Year, make, and license number of any cars owned by the family.


Please contact AHA staff at 328-5631 if you have any questions.

Soup Supper, Friday, March 6












March 7, 2009 - Last Snow of Year?

Liturgy Workshop w/ Fr. Steve Sallis

Blessing Extraordinary Ministers of Communion


Blessing Lectors

Blessings Servers, Sacristans, Musicians and Ushers

March 9, 2009 - Last Snow of Year?