Messages from Fr. Gary

July 14, 2021

Fr. Gary's statement on the Feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha

Dear Friends at St. Louise,

Today is the feast of St Kateri Tekawitha, the first Native American to be canonized. As many of you know, the second miracle for her canonization took place at Children’s Hospital in Seattle when a young boy, Jacob Finkbonner, was cured of a flesh-eating disease after a medal of then Blessed Kateri was placed on his chest.  Jacob’s father, Donny, is a member of the Lummi Tribe.

Jacob is now a college student.  The scars of the disease remain in his face and as he grew, he had to have reconstructive surgery several times.  St. Kateri also has a scarred face from smallpox, a European disease to which Native Peoples had little or no resistance.

The Catholic story of Native Peoples is one of profound faith and of many scars. Of course, I am thinking of the recent discovery of the physical abuse that took place in the residential schools that were run by both the Church and the Canadian government.  As a priest and pastor I was horrified and ashamed to hear these stories. As a public representative of the Church, I apologize that priests and nuns committed such offense against First Nation children. It is an example of the danger of being blind to evil by the limitations of a particular time and world view.

I am praying today through the intercession of Kateri Tekawitha that the Holy Spirit will heal us of these wounds and help us to learn to be sensitive  to the scars that remain and to “do surgery” when necessary, as we grow.

With hope in Christ and sorrow for our sins,

Fr. Gary Zender
Pastor

Important communication about changes in the St. Louise Parish staff

Dear Friends at St. Louise Parish,

I hope that you are enjoying these summer days.  I am writing this message to you as members of St. Louise Parish, of important changes in our parish staff.  In late June, I learned of information that led me to re-think the structure of our staff.  After prayer and careful reflection, I have decided that it is best for St. Louise Parish to retain David Gehrig as Pastoral Assistant of Pastoral Care and for him to continue directing the funerals and pastoral care ministries.  I am grateful that David has accepted my offer to remain on our parish staff.  This decision means shifts in key areas of responsibilities for other staff members.  Geri Hanley – Director of Community Life, will now coordinate Adult Faith Formation and the new parish small group initiative in collaboration with our Evangelization Commission.  Geri will not direct pastoral care and funerals as previously planned.  Fr. Ben Bray – Parochial Vicar, will oversee the Worship Commission and Liturgy Committee.  Katie O’Neill – Director of Evangelization, will now direct Liturgy and continue as staff resource to the Evangelization Commission.  I will provide this same information and updated staff organizational chart, in the bulletin the weekend of July 18/19.

This is a step of faith for me personally and I will need all of you here at St. Louise to take a step in faith with me to help our parish to continue to move forward according to the movement of the Holy Spirit.  There are many challenges that remain ahead of us, such as a diminishing congregation, the gradual return as we move through the pandemic and failing buildings. When I prayed on all of this, I kept hearing, “Faith, not fear.”  I am putting my faith in God’s promise and in all of you.  Thank you for your encouragement which you show to me constantly as your pastor.  Do not hesitate to contact me with any comments or questions you may have.     
 
Fr. Gary

 

Will You Join Us in Our Mission?
Have you wondered how you might support the Church during this time?

Persevering to live out our parish mission to Ignite Faith and Witness God’s Love through a pandemic is not easy – we need your help. Will you consider the opportunity to join us in this effort? Your support will make a direct impact and sustain the good work that we are doing at St. Louise Parish.
 
Though parish life feels and look different right now, our faith in Christ and our determination to witness His Love is unwavering. We are grateful for your consideration to financially support St. Louise Parish. We look forward to connecting with you and go over different giving options, please contact Barbara Abbott at 425 214-5471 or barbara@stlouise.org or Jonathan Taasan at 425 214-5473 or jonathan@stlouise.org.  

Please read Fr. Gary’s letter here.

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¿Te unes a nuestra misión?
Te has preguntado, ¿cómo puedo apoyar a la parroquia durante este tiempo?
 
Perseverar a vivir la misión de nuestra parroquia de Encender Fe y ser Testigos del Amor de Dios durante esta pandemia no es fácil – necesitamos tu ayuda. ¿Podrás considerar la oportunidad de apoyarnos? Tu ayuda impacta de manera directa el buen trabajo y sostén que estamos haciendo en la parroquia de Santa Luisa.
 
Aunque la vida parroquial se ve y siente muy diferente hoy en día, es nuestra fe en Cristo y nuestra determinación a ser testigos de su amor lo que nos mantiene firmes. Estamos muy agradecidos por tu consideración en apoyarnos financieramente. Por favor, contáctanos para ver las diversas maneras que puedes contribuir. Puedes contactar a Barbara Abbott al 425 214-5471 o barbara@stlouise.org, o a Jonathan Taasan al 425 214-5473 o jonathan@stlouise.org.
 
Por favor lea la carta del Padre Gary aquí.