Blessed Advent

As we begin preparing for the coming of our Savior, let us remember his commandment to us to care for the least of our brethren:

Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’

Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’

And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25: 35-40.

 The 2025 legislative session will commence January 13 with heavy pressure on legislators to address a multi-billion dollar deficit in the state budget. As followers of Christ, we are called to raise a strong voice urging legislators to prioritize spending on services for the most vulnerable as they make budget decisions. You can view our short list of priorities for 2025 HERE and our longer list of priorities HERE. 

Watch for our weekly bulletins beginning the first week of the Legislative session for opportunities to advocate on specific bills and budget items.

Legislative Advocacy for Christmas

During Advent, send the governor elect and your state legislators an email thanking them for their commitment to public service, congratulating new members, and urging our elected officials to prioritize the needs of those who go without during the holidays and all year long as state lawmakers prepare to vote on budgets and policy in 2025.  Find your legislators and their contact information HERE. Contact the governor-elect at info@BobFerguson.com. 

Presidential Advocacy for Respect for All Life

Let's end the year with a strong showing of respect for every life. Sign the petition to Pres. Biden to commute the federal death sentences of all 40 death row inmates. https://catholicsmobilizing.org/take-action/tell-president-biden-commute-the-federal-death-row/

Good News from Around the State:

Washington State Part of National Nuevo Momento

The Northwest Regional Office of Hispanic Ministry is one of 15 Hispanic/Latino organizations from across the country invited into partnership in the Nuevo Momento Initiative. This is a five-year initiative aimed at capacity building among the participating organizations. The initiative is supported by a $15 million grant from Lilly Endowment. As part of the Initiative, NWROHM seeks applicants interested in pursuing a Master's Degree with the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry with the intention of working in Hispanic Ministry.

More about the Nuevo Momento Initiative here: https://www.bc.edu/.../lilly-endowment-inc-awards-boston...

Upcoming Events

December 7

December 29

2025 is a Jubilee Year. Pope Francis chose the motto Pilgrims of Hope, reminding us that "We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire . . . . This will indeed be the case if we are capable of recovering a sense of universal fraternity and refuse to turn a blind eye to the tragedy of rampant poverty that prevents millions of men, women, young people and children from living in a manner worthy of our human dignity. . . . May the voices of the poor be heard throughout this time of preparation for the Jubilee, which is meant to restore access to the fruits of the earth to everyone." 

On Sunday, December 29, in union with bishops throughout the world, the bishops of Washington will open local observances of the Jubilee Year 2025. 

Archbishop Etienne will open the local observance for the Archdiocese of Seattle at St. James Cathedral at 10:00 a.m. The liturgy will include a procession and a special proclamation of the Jubilee. All are welcome.

Bishop Tyson will open the year for the Diocese of Yakima at St. Paul Cathedral at 11:00 a.m.

Let Us Pray

Pilgrims of Hope

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

 

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

 

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen.

WSCC staff

We invite you to contact us at any time.

Jean Welch Hill, Executive Director

jean.hill@wacatholics.org                               

Tracey Wilson Yackley, Operations Manager 

tracey.yackley@wacatholics.org

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