Contact: Gary Makowski
eic@stlouise.org

About us

The Ecumenical & Interfaith Commission (EIC) welcomes our parishioners, our Covenant communities and people of all faiths who are interested in learning more about the ecumenical and interfaith activities of St. Louise parish in particular, and of the Catholic Church in general.

One of our goals is to become a resource for St. Louise parishioners and our Christian community in Bellevue who wish to learn more about what we are doing to fulfill the spirit of Vatican II and the specific directives of the papal ecumenical encyclical, "Ut Unum Sint" (That They May Be One, promulgated May 25, 1995), which enjoins Catholics to work toward Christian unity.

We hope to be a tool for promoting healing, harmony and understanding between all Christians and our Jewish brothers and sisters, recognizing that "the true revelation of the Hebrew Bible which Christians revere as God's Word was given to the Church through the Jewish people and that as Christians we affirm that our own faith in God began in the call of Abraham, Moses and the Jewish prophets."*

We are dedicated to the betterment of interfaith relations with our Muslim bretheren, celebrating our unity as decendents of Abraham and worship of the one true God.

We also hope to invite followers of other world religions, and all people of good will, to recognize the sincerity and openness of our Catholic tradition, so that they might experience unity with us where possible, as well as mutual understanding and trust, even where differences may divide us.

What is Ecumenical?

Although the terms are often used together, "ecumenical" concerns "Christian unity" and "interfaith" concerns relations with non-Christian faiths. "Ecumenism" is defined as: "promoting or fostering Christian unity throughout the world"1 The search for Christian unity was one of the principal concerns of the Second Vatican Council. Vatican II published the "Ecumenical Directory" with the purpose of coordinating and developing the ecumenical efforts of the Church and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992 ed.) includes the ecumenical dimensions part of the basic teaching for all the faithful of the Church.
1 Random House Dictionary of the English Language (Unabridged) 1981
 

The following short paragraphs are excerpted from a variety of church sources (given in the footnotes), and may be helpful in understanding the full range of the implications of the ecumenical movement. (Numbers within paragraphs may refer to footnotes in the original documents not noted here.)

In his defining encyclical on ecumenism, Ut Unum Sint, Pope John Paul II reminds all the faithful of the Church's commitment to ecumenism: "This is part of the episcopal mission and it is a duty which derives directly from fidelity to Christ, the Shepherd of the Church. Indeed all the faithful are asked by the Spirit of God to do everything possible to strengthen the bonds of communion between all Christians and to increase cooperation between Christ's followers: "Concern for restoring unity pertains to the whole Church, faithful and clergy alike. It extends to everyone according to the potential of each".
Ut Unum Sint "Exhortation" Sec 101

The Second Vatican Council clearly asked Catholics to reach out to love to all other Christians with a charity that desires and works actively to overcome in truth whatever divides them from one another. 1 "This sacred Synod exhorts all the Catholic faithful to recognize the signs of the times and to participate actively in the work of ecumenism." 2 Catholics are invited to respond according to the directives of their pastors, in solidarity with the efforts that are being made on many levels in the church and its organizations. The opportunities and requirements of ecumenical activity do not present themselves the same way in every parish. 2
(1)Directory for the Application of the Principles and Norms off Ecumenism, pub 16 Jun 93. L'Osservatore Romano .
2) Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Decree on Ecumenism Unitatis Redintegratio,,1.

What the Catechism Teaches About Ecumenism:
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that : "The desire to recover the unity of all Christians is a gift of Christ and a call of the Holy Spirit. Certain things are required in order to respond adequately to this call:
(1) a permanent renewal of the Church in greater fidelity to her vocation; such renewal is the driving -force of the movement toward unity;
(2) conversion of heart, as the faithful try to live holier lives according to the Gospel, for it is unfaithfulness of the members to Christ's gift which causes divisions;
(3) prayer in common, because "change of heart and holiness of life, along with public and private prayer for the unity of Christians, should be regarded as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement, and merits the name "spiritual ecumenism."
(4) fraternal knowledge of each other,
(5) ecumenical formation, of the faithful and especially of priests;
(6) dialogue… and meetings among Christians of the different churches and communities;
(7) collaboration among Christians in various areas of service to mankind - 'human service' is the idiomatic phrase"

"Concern for achieving unity involves the whole Church, the faithful and clergy alike, But we must realize that this hold objective - the reconciliation of all Christians in the unity of the one and only Church of Christ - transcends human powers and gifts. That is why we place all our hope in the prayer of Christ for the Church, in the love of the Father for us, and in the power of the Holy Spirit."
Catechism of the Catholic Church  L 821

Ecumenism in the life of Christians: 1
The ecumenical movement is a grace of God, given by the Father in answer to the prayer of Jesus ("That they May Be One" / "Ut Unum Sint") and the supplication of the Church inspired by the holy Spirit. While it is carried out within the general mission of the Church to unite humanity in Christ, its own specific filed is the restoration of unity among Christians. Those who are baptized in the name of Christ are, by that very fact, called to commit themselves to the search for unity. Baptismal communion tends towards full eccesial communion. To live our Baptism is to be caught up in Christ's mission of making all things one."
1Directory for the Application of the Principles and Norms of Ecumenism, I:9

Ecumenism in the life of Christians: 1
"Catholics are invited to respond according to the directives of their pastors, in solidarity and gratitude with the efforts that are being made in many Churches and eccesial Communities, and in the various organizations in which they cooperate, to re-establish the unity of Christians. Where ecumenical work is not being done, or not being done effectively, Catholics will seek to promote it. Where it is being opposed or hampered by sectarian attitudes and activities that lead to even greater divisions among those who confess the name of Christ, they should be patient and persevering."
1Directory for the Application of the Principles and Norms of Ecumenism, I:22

Ecumenism in the life of Christians: 1
"Concern for restoring unity pertains to the whole Church, faithful and clergy alike. It extends to everyone, according to the potential of each, whether it be exercised in daily living or in theological and historical studies". The Second Vatican Council teaches that the restoration of full visible communion among all Christians is the will of Christ and essential to the life of the Catholic Church. It is the task of all, of lay people as well as ordained: "all the faithful are called upon to make a personal commitment towards promoting increasing communion with other Christians"
1The Ecumenical Dimension In The Formation Of Those Engaged In Pastoral Work, 1998

Ecumenism in the life of Christians: 1
The commitment to ecumenism [is] a duty of the Christian conscience enlightened by faith and guided by love".(5) This requires from everyone interior conversion and participation in renewal in the Church. Consequently, formation in ecumenism is crucial in order to enable each person to be prepared to make his or her own contribution to the work of unity. The "objective of ecumenical formation is that all Christians be animated by the ecumenical spirit, whatever their particular mission and task in the world and society".(6) So there has necessarily to be a renewal of attitudes and flexibility of method which will help form this ecumenical spirit.
1The Ecumenical Dimension In The Formation Of Those Engaged In Pastoral Work, 1998

Ecumenism in the life of Christians: 1
The Second Vatican Council clearly asked Catholics to reach out in love to all other Christians with a charity that desires and works actively to overcome in truth whatever divides them from one another. For the Council, Catholics are to act in hope and in prayer to promote Christian unity. They will be prompted and instructed by their faith in the mystery of the Church, and their ecumenical activity will be inspired and guided by a true understanding of the Church as "a sacrament or instrumental sign of intimate union with God, and of unity of the whole human race"
1Ecumenical Directory of The Catholic Church, Sec. 9

Ongoing Activities

There are many ongoing ecumenical and interfaith service-oriented activities at St. Louise which do not necessarily involve prayer services or education, that offer a way for people to get involved in doing God's work in the community in a hands-on way. Volunteers are needed and always welcomed with love and appreciation. Requirements for activities vary from a once a year commitment for a short time, to a weekly commitment, and can match your interest and amount of time available. Although the Ecumenical & Interfaith Commission is involved with many of these activities, they are often under the auspices of other ministries or churches.

Kids at the Crossroads (KATX)

Contact:  Gary Makowski
EIC@stlouise.org

• Time & Place: Flexible

• Details: Kids at the Crossroads is a collaborative program of St. Louise, Cross of Christ, Lutheran, and Church of the Resurrection, Episcopal, with the Bellevue Public Schools and the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club. About Kids at the Crossroads:

KATX Mission Statement:(6/00)
To serve the children of our area public schools to help each reach their highest potential. The particular focus is on those children most in need. KATX serves in the belief that every child is a unique creation of God, to be treated with all respect and dignity. KATX members are faith-motivated, but board members and volunteers do not proselytize among the children.

 KATX Goals:

• To make a difference in our neighborhoods

• To improve the quality of life for children in our area

• To make sure children come to school ready to learn

 We fulfill our goals by:

• Providing volunteers who work directly with children in the Boys & Girls Club's Project learn site

• Supplementing snack food for the program

• Holding drives to provide needed school supplies, clothing and books

• Supporting other programs within the elementary schools

KATX is a program enabling members of area congregations to join with the Bellevue Boys & Girls Club's “Project Learn.”

The KATX and Boys & Girls Club After-School Program is a community collaboration of:
 - Kids at the Crossroads
 - Bellevue Boys & Girls Clubs
 - participating Bellevue Schools

 Project Learn Sites:
 - Lake Hills Elementary
 - Phantom Lake Elementary
 - Sherwood Forest Elementary
 - Hidden Village
 - Eastside Terrace
 - Stevenson Elementary (new)

 The average number of students per day at the various Project Learn site:
 - Lake Hills Elementary: 35
 - Phantom Lake Elementary: 35
 - Sherwood Forest Elementary: 25
 - Hidden Village: 30
 - Eastside Terrace: 50
 - Stevenson Elementary (35)

 What churches are involved?
 - Cross of Christ Lutheran
 - St. Louise Roman Catholic
 - Episcopal Church of the Resurrection

 Program History:
 In the fall of 1995, the KATX program grew from the outreach of two Bellevue congregations seeking how to better serve the needs of their immediate community. It was determined that a focus on children and youth would be the best way to have a positive impact on the community.

 In early 1996, it was determined that the KATX program would join with the Bellevue Boys & Girls Club. In the fall, volunteers provided help in the after-school program at Lake Hills Elementary. Since then, other sites have been included in the KATX program. The number of participating sites varies from year to year.

Types of activities that can be found in this program:  During this program, there is a wide range of activities or student s to do while there, such as:
 - School Clubs: science club, theater and music club, chess club, etc. (This varies by school.)
 - Boys & Girls Club Activities: homework assistance, gym games, skill building activities, art projects, snacks, board games, etc.

On-going Initiatives:
 - Provide volunteers to serve as tutors, activity helpers, positive and caring role models for the youth in the after-school programs at our various sites.
 - Collect donations of school supplies, books, board games, snack foods and juice throught the year and gifts at Christmas time for the children and their families.
 - Collect funds from the congregations to help supplement/buy snack foods, and juice for the after-school program.

Congregations for the Homeless

Contact: EIC@stlouise.org 
Members from other congregations can contact their respective staff with their requests 
Cross of Christ: staff@cofclc.org
Church of the Resurrection: info@resurrectionbellevue.org

Time & Place: Annually for the month of May at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church (411-156th NE, Bellevue, WA 98007)

Details:  Congregations for the Homeless is a program for homeless men on the Eastside, sponsored by the Eastside Interfaith Social Concerns Council, contracting with Catholic Community Services. It provides homeless men safe beds and 3 nutritious meals daily by caring multi-faith, intergenerational volunteers.

St. Louise, Church of the Resurrection and Cross of Christ have shared this ministry in the month of May for many years. Cross of Christ hosts the men in their kitchen/dining facility and provides monitoring and other services. St. Louise and Church of the Resurrection provide hot meals and after-meal clean up for the 31 days of May. Volunteers bring previously prepared meals, from soup to nuts, and set up around 7:00p.m.

The men arrive and begin having supper from 8 - 9p.m. Clean up begins at 9p.m. and volunteers usually leave around 9:30p.m. Generally, space limits the number of men to a maximum of 30. About 8 volunteers per evening is ample to serve. The shelter has a contract that specifies a maximum of 30 men and has been running at that limit for the last 6 months with a waiting list. In order to qualify for the program, the client must:
-be an Eastside homeless male
-be 18 years of age or older
- present a photo ID
- agree to a Washington State patrol check
- not be an active alcohol or drug abuser
- be qualified by one of the following placement agencies: Catholic Community Services, Mentor Health NW, Jewish Family Service, Hopelink, Salvation Army.

Eastside Interfaith Social Concerns Council

Contact: Gary Makowski
EIC@stlouise.org

The Eastside Interfaith Social Concerns Council is an association of faith congregations and social agencies of the Eastside. Representatives gather monthly to facilitate mutual understanding and to increase knowledge of the needs and resources of the community. Unmet needs are identified and then can be addressed either singly by congregations and agencies or as a group working together. “Congregations for the Homeless” is a program that exemplifies a need, which the EISCC members have identified and are addressing together.

The meetings are monthly (except August) on the 2nd Tuesdays at noon. (You may bring your own lunch. Coffee and tea provided.) The representatives who attend these meetings need a double commitment to be actively involved in their own congregations in social outreach. Ideally, each congregation has two representatives, one clergy and one lay.

Hearts and Hammers

Contact: Gary Makowski
EIC@stlouise.org

Hearts and Hammers is a “One Day Only” community work blitz in the month of May, to repair and rehabilitate homes of the infirm, the elderly, the disabled and those with limited resources, in our community.

Hearts & Hammers is one way for the Covenant Communities to give a little back to the community. Article 5 of our Covenant implores us to: "...work together to promote social justice, community service, and outreach to the oppressed." This is a great way to turn the words of our pledge into reality!