St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Where Stewardship is a Way of Life

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Letter from the Archbishop

Announcements, Blog, Uncategorized

Please read an important letter from Archbishop Etienne about our pastor, Fr. Carlos Orozco.

Archbishop Letter to Parish Family 30_EnglishDownload

All parishioners are invited to attend a session with Tom East, our parish family liaison, to process this news in our parish. He will offer three sessions of “Grief to Growth” for parishioners who would like help to process this new information.

March 16 at Holy Spirit, in English, at 6:30 pm.

March 21, English at St. John the Baptist at 1 pm.

March 23, Spanish, at Holy Spirit at 6:30 pm

Tom will also be offering office hours at St. John the Baptist and Holy Spirit on March 19th and 26th, times to be announced. Further, Joan Williamson, Kathy Wickward, and Laurie Moloney will be available to anyone needing to talk through this information over the next few weeks, and particularly on Sundays after Masses.

Archbishop Letter to Parish Family 30_ SpanishDownload
Archbishop Letter to Parish Family 30_SwahiliDownload
Letter to Family 30 in ChuukeseDownload

What are our gifts?

Blog

During August, parishioners at Holy Spirit and St. John the Baptist were invited to share what they love most about their parish—on posters, response forms, emails, and even drawings. Members of the Parish Family Advisory Committee carefully read every comment and grouped them into themes to notice patterns, not to create a scientific survey.

These results may surprise you. What you don’t see in this report is as important as what you do see, inviting us to keep listening and looking beneath the surface.

This visual report offers a “big picture” look at the gifts you named: the ways our parishes feel like home, the people who care for us, and the Spirit at work in our worship, ministries, and everyday life.

What are our gifts_ Summary ReportDownload
Report – What Are Our Gifts_for webDownload
Spanish – Caules son nuestros dones-webDownload

Family 30 Advent Retreat

Adult Education, Blog, Women's Commission

Mary’s Yes: God’s Invitation to Carry Christ
Reflections on Luke’s Gospel

When:
Saturday, December 6, 2025 · 9:00 am–3:15 pm (check-in opens 9:00 am)
Where:
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
25810 156th Ave SE, Covington, WA 98042

Step into Advent with a day set aside for prayer, learning, and community with our Family 30 (St. John the Baptist & Holy Spirit). We’ll reflect on Luke’s Gospel and Mary’s “yes,” making room in our hearts to carry Christ into the world.

What’s included: presentations, personal reflection, small-group sharing, worship, prayer, music & art, guided meditation, and fellowship. Morning pastries and lunch provided.

Registration

To help us plan food and small groups, please register by Wednesday, December 3.
Walk-ins are welcome—if your plans change, just come.

[Register for the Advent Retreat]

What to Bring

  • A Bible (if you have one)
  • Notebook and pen
  • Water bottle
  • Open heart and a friend!

Accessibility & Dietary Needs

We want everyone to feel at home. If you need accommodations or have dietary requests, please email rosem@sjtbcc.org and we’ll do our best to assist.

Multilingual Rosary (Immediately Following the Retreat)

All are invited to remain for a multilingual rosary right after the retreat concludes. Each decade will be led aloud by a volunteer in their own language as a beautiful sign of our unity in Christ.

Seeking volunteer leaders in English, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Chuukese, and other languages represented in our parish family.
Want to lead a decade? Email rosem@sjtbcc.org with your name and the language you’ll lead.

Bring a rosary if you have one—extras will be available. All ages welcome.

Mass for All Saints

Blog

Mass & Social at St. John the Baptist

Saturday, November 1 • 10:00 am • St. John the Baptist
This year, All Saints Day is not a Holy Day of Obligation, and we’ll gather for one Family 30 Mass (St. John the Baptist + Holy Spirit). Fr. Crispin will preside at this multicultural Mass—mostly English with moments of Swahili and Spanish—and our music will lift up the beauty of our parish family in English, Swahili, Chuukese, Tagalog, and Spanish.

Kids are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite saint. Bring one or two fun facts to share—Fr. Crispin might ask! 😉

After Mass, families are invited to the McMullen Center for food and fun. In the spirit of the day, bring a favorite dish to share (label major allergens if you can—thank you!).

Quick & Easy Saint Dress-Up Ideas (with Fast Facts to Share)

Keep it simple and comfortable. No toy weapons, please. Add a name tag to help folks identify your saint!

St. Francis of Assisi (brown hoodie/robe, rope belt, stuffed animal)

  • Loved creation and called the sun, moon, and animals his brothers and sisters.
  • Gave up great wealth to follow Jesus in simplicity.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux (“Little Flower”) (simple dress, small bouquet, cross/rosary)

  • Taught the “little way”: do small things with great love.
  • Became a Doctor of the Church because her wisdom helps so many grow in faith.

St. Martin de Porres (black/white outfit or apron, small broom, toy mouse)

  • Humble helper known for serving the sick and poor in Lima, Peru.
  • Patron of social justice and racial harmony; friends with animals, too.

St. Kateri Tekakwitha (earth-tone shawl, braid(s), small stick cross)

  • First Native American saint; known as the “Lily of the Mohawks.”
  • Lived a life of prayer, service, and care for creation.

St. Juan Diego (tan shirt/poncho, paper “tilma,” tissue-paper roses)

  • Mary appeared to him in Mexico as Our Lady of Guadalupe.
  • Her image miraculously appeared on his tilma with Castilian roses in December.

St. Josephine Bakhita (simple dark dress, scarf or headwrap, small heart cutout)

  • From Sudan; enslaved as a child, later became free and a religious sister in Italy.
  • Known for her radiant forgiveness and saying, “Be good, love the Lord.”

St. Carlo Acutis (zip-up hoodie, jeans, printed Eucharist icon on paper)

  • Teen “computer whiz” who built a website on Eucharistic miracles.
  • Loved soccer and video games; reminds us holiness is for right now.

St. Cecilia (dress + paper/foam “lyre” or small keyboard)

  • Patron saint of musicians; praised God with song.
  • Encourages us to make our lives a hymn to the Lord.

St. Peter (neutral clothes, fish or fishing net, large key)

  • Fisherman whom Jesus called “the rock” of the Church.
  • Teaches us to trust Jesus even when we’ve stumbled.

St. Gianna Molla (blouse + cardigan, toy doctor kit or stethoscope)

  • Pediatrician, wife, and mom; loved her family and patients deeply.
  • Witness to the dignity of every human life.

Bonus Group Ideas:

  • Angels & Archangels (white tee, paper wings, name tag: “Gabriel,” “Michael,” “Raphael”).
  • Religious Sisters or Brothers (solid dark outfit, cardboard “habit” collar, simple cross).
  • Choir of Saints (carry a small symbol—rose, key, broom, stethoscope—and let people guess your saint!).

Tips for Parents & Kids

  • Practice a one-liner: “I’m St. Kateri. I’m the first Native American saint and I loved to pray in nature.”
  • Keep it comfy: You’ll be moving, standing, and singing. Layers are your friend.
  • Make it respectful: Aim for simple symbols rather than cultural costumes.
  • Share the joy: Invite a friend or classmate—saints love company!

Potluck Details

  • Where: McMullen Center (after Mass)
  • What to Bring: A favorite dish from your family’s heritage (warmers/outlets limited—bring ready-to-serve if possible).
  • Helpful: Label major allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten, eggs, soy, shellfish).

We can’t wait to celebrate the “great cloud of witnesses” with you. All are welcome—come be part of the song of the saints!

Questions? Parish Office • 253-630-0701 • sjtbcc.org