Bob Jensen

Caring for Creation

For Mass there are 10 different Eucharistic prayers that can be used: four regular ones, two for the theme of Reconciliation, and four for special needs.

During the Season of Creation, I have been using the fourth of the regular Eucharistic Prayers. Throughout this prayer, there are references that not only has God “made all that is” but God also wills the salvation of all creation, not just us human beings. We pray that “the whole of creation be freed from the corruption of sin and death.” This prayer also acknowledges our role in caring for creation. First, we human beings speak for all creation. The prayer states that with the angels in heaven, “we, too, confess God’s name, giving voice to every creature under heaven.”

We are also called into partnership with the Trinity. The Father has “entrusted the whole world to our care.” Gifted by the Holy Spirit, we are called to bring to perfection in the world Christ’s work so that Christ “might sanctify all creation.”

As the people of God, we must work together on behalf of all Creation, as part of that mighty river of peace and justice. Find out more about The Season of Creation at seasonofcreation.org

Join Us for Date Night!

I would like to extend my invitation to all of you to join us for our Parish Mission presentation, which begins next weekend. Our Mission director, Tom East, will speak at all the Masses. The first session is on Sunday evening, September 17, at 7:00 pm. There will be morning and evening sessions on Monday, September 18, at 10:00 am and 7:00 pm, and Tuesday, September 18, at 7:00 pm.

Tom and his family live in Gig Harbor, Washington. He is a popular speaker at ministry conferences nationwide and author of numerous books including, Leadership for Catholic Youth Ministry. Tom holds a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies from Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles. He is the Pastoral Assistant for RCIA, Grief Ministry, and Marriage for Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Tacoma. Most recently, Tom was the Director of the Center for Ministry Development. Previously, he was Director of Youth Ministry and the Associate Director of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

This year’s mission will help prepare us to enter into Partners in the Gospel, as we look at what it means to accompany one another in faith, focusing on the freedom we have received from Jesus. With Partners in the GOSPEL, we are entering into a historic time for our local Church. Our Mission will help us enter into it with deeper faith and stronger bonds with one another. I hope you will be able to participate.

We will be offering childcare (registration required) so that some of our younger couples can attend. Consider it a date night at the parish!