Bob Jensen

When We Are Called Home

Recently, people have been asking about the “Last Rites.” This term has not been used for the past 60 years. The Second Vatican Council, in its reform of the liturgy, restored Extreme Unction (the Last Anointing) to its more ancient practice of being not just for the dying, but for the sick. Now know known as “The Anointing of the Sick”, this sacrament prays for healing of body and soul. It is celebrated with those who are seriously ill, anticipating surgery, or suffering from advancing age.

The Church has a special care for those who are dying. There are two prayers for the dying. The first is called Viaticum, which translates “for the journey.” It is sharing Holy Communion with the dying and focuses on the gift of Eucharist as the promise of eternal life. Jesus said, “The one who eats my body and drinks my blood will live forever.” (John 6:54) Viaticum often includes a renewal of one’s baptismal promises that began the journey of faith, now that the journey is reaching its conclusion.

The other prayer for the dying is called the Commendation of the Dying. It is a beautiful prayer that includes the litany of the saints and entrusts the dying into the gentle embrace of God. In one sense, it is the sending forth of the Christian soul from this life to eternity. Not only a comfort to the person dying, this prayer can have great meaning for family and friends who have gathered.

The Anointing of the Sick is led by a bishop or priest. Viaticum and the Commendation of the Dying can be led by a priest, deacon, or even a layperson. With fewer priests possibly covering larger areas, lay people may be called upon more and more to pray with the dying and accompanying them on this journey of faith. Though often difficult, it is a very holy experience.

Two Parishes Becoming One Family

Partners in the Gospel is a strategic pastoral planning effort taking place across the archdiocese to re-invigorate and renew our local Catholic Church. St. John the Baptist Parish will be partnered with Holy Spirit Parish in Kent. This takes effect July 1 and over the next three years, these two communities will decide how to best become one parish. This does not necessarily mean one campus. The process is meant to be slow, guided by prayer.

Currently, the parish staff is preparing a transition workbook that describes the governance of our parish, our councils, and commissions as well as our programs and procedures. This will be of help to the priest(s) who will be assigned to this parish family. So far, our report is 30 pages long! Next month, there will be workshops on transitions for pastors and up to two staff members from every parish.

By mid-April, priests’ assignments should be finalized. Most priests will be moving, though there will be some exceptions. The experience of other dioceses, who have done this restructuring, indicate that there are struggles if one pastor stays. The other parish(es) in the family feel like the neglected stepchild. When all the priests are new to a parish family, all the communities have a greater feeling of equality as they begin planning on how to become one parish. I am not sure if the fact that both Fr. Carlos at Holy Spirit and I are both relatively new in our assignments will have any bearing in the decision-making or not.

See the Article in Northwest Catholic nwcatholic.org/news/jean-parietti/how-is-your-new-pastorbeing-chosen.

For more information on Partners in the Gospel, go to archseattle.org/partners/.

Going on Vacation

I am leaving next week for a 10-day visit with my mom in Florida. My older sister is my mom’s primary caregiver; and I will be giving her a break, so she can take a little trip. I’d rather not be away from the parish during Lent, but that is when my sister made her travel plans. My sister welcomed our folks into her home when they began to need more assistance during COVID. My other siblings and I try to support her and give her breaks every once in a while.

While I am away, our former pastor, Fr. Jim Coyne, will preside at the Sunday Masses.

I am often touched by the witness of love many of our parishioners, who are caregivers to a spouse or parent, give. It can be a demanding calling but one made possible because of love. If you are a caregiver, I do hope you are able to reach out to family and friends for the support you need. Sometimes it is more difficult to receive care than to give care. If, as a caregiver, you ever feel isolated or alone, do give a parish staff member a call.