News - September 2025

Dear Friends in Christ, The autumn season officially began this past week. This is my favorite time of the year, as the various foliage on our trees and bushes is in full bloom before they start to fall away in late October and early November. The neighborhoods that make up our NE Seattle Catholic Community are naturally beautiful, made more so by the many gardens that adorn our homes and parks. Continue reading...

On Wednesday, September 24, members of the NE Seattle Catholic Community gathered at the Washington Park Arboretum. We enjoyed the peaceful surroundings, the trees and birds, getting exercise, and getting further acquainted with each other. It was a beautiful morning. Continue reading...

All are invited to join us on Wednesday, October 8, at 11:00 a.m. in the parish hall for our monthly Social Seniors gathering. Come enjoy coffee, treats, and warm conversation with fellow parishioners. It’s a wonderful way to connect, share stories, and build community—bring a friend along!

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 [email protected]. Pay your registration fee at the door.

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.

Interested in becoming an Eucharist Minister for our masses? If you have received confirmation and would like to become an Eucharistic Minister, we will be holding a training session at St. Bridget on Sunday, October 5th, immediately after the 9:00 a.m. Mass. Please reach out to Alex Chopyak if you are interested in attending the training.

Dear Friends in Christ, We have sadly seen another increase in gun violence in recent weeks that has led to more tragic deaths. The most recent one was a well-known political activist, a young man with a wife and two small children. His controversial views have led to a firestorm of divisive rhetoric on both extremes of the political spectrum, yet another indication of the deep divisions in our country. At times like this, as Catholics, we must strive to come together to promote reconciliation and unity. One of the ways we do that is to acknowledge the good things also happening in our midst, and to celebrate them for the positive gifts they offer us. Continue reading...

Know of a family that is looking for an amazing PreK-8th school? Invite them to join us for our first Open House of the year on Thursday, October 2nd at 9:30am. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore ASB, meet our community, and see what makes our school such a special place. Register at asbschool.org!

Mark your calendars! We’re bringing everyone together for a joyful afternoon of food, fun, and fellowship! This is more than a BBQ—it’s a celebration of who we are as one parish family across Assumption, Our Lady of the Lake, St. Bridget, and St. Catherine of Siena. Continue reading...

Dear Friends in Christ, One of the important goals of the “Partners in the Gospel Planning Process” is to renew Catholic life by sharing resources to help us more effectively proclaim the gospel of Christ. Within our family of parishes, we are blessed with numerous material resources, including churches, halls, and schools. Our most important resource, however, is the People of God, called and gifted for a variety of ministries in our life as a faith community. Within our overall community, I would like to highlight the role of women in various parish ministries. Continue reading...

Children's Church is back at St. Bridget's and will be offered 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.

Acutis Ministry, the Young Adult Ministry of NE Seattle Catholics, is gathering on Tuesday, September 16th at 6:30 PM in the St. Catherine Benicasa, to celebrate the canonization of Carlo Acutis. On September 7th, he was recognized by the Catholic Church as the first millennial saint. Celebrate him by coming in blue jeans and being ready to play video games, as he was an avid player and skilled techie. Continue reading...

The Way of the Masks is a Native-led journey of ceremony and resistance to protect ancient forests, salmon habitat, and tribal sovereignty. Indigenous leaders from Se'Si'Le and the Lummi Nation's House of Tears Carvers will be in Seattle on September 19th, 6-8 pm at the Woodland Park Zoo PACCAR Auditorium. Continue reading...

Advocacy and Caring for Children (ACC) is selling tulip and daffodil bulbs, generously donated by the Washington Bulb Company. All proceeds benefit Catholic Community Services agencies and other nonprofits that serve children and families. Help us help children in need! Continue reading...

Time to clean out your closets and garage! Bring your gently used, clean items to Our Lady of the Lake lower parking lot! SAVE THE DATE! Location: 8900 35th Ave NE Seattle, WA 98115 Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025 Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Dear Friends in Christ, My bulletin reflection last week looked forward with hope and optimism to the learning opportunities waiting for everyone as we begin a new school year. That tone was shaken on Wednesday, August 27th with the horrific reports of a gunman opening up fire on the community at Annunciation Catholic School in Minnesota as they gathered for their first Mass of the year. Continue reading...

Our life on planet Earth is a gift from God that we cannot take for granted. Good planets are hard to find! It’s been 10 years since Pope Francis published Laudato Si, his encyclical on “Care for Our Common Home.” In it, Pope Francis encouraged us to treat this gift of our earth with care and respect. Continue reading...