St Joe's Speed Dating Coming Soon

Single young adults, 20s-30s+, you have about two weeks to register for the next St. Joe's Catholic Speed Dating. Registration deadline is April 11. But why wait? Space is limited, so register early. Do it now! Email your your name, age, and gender to sjspeeddating@yahoo.com.

St Joe's Speed Dating Details:

• Where: St. Joseph Parish Center, 732 18th Ave E, Seattle 98112

• When: Saturday, April 14, 2007; 6:45 pm registration, 7:00 pm start

• Cost: Donation of $10, proceeds benefitting St. Vincent DePaul Society

Passover Seder Supper at SU

Seattle U campus ministry is sponsoring a Passover Seder Supper on Tuesday, April 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Student Center on the campus of Seattle University. RSVP required.

The event will be potluck but if you can't bring a traditional dish to share with others, you can still participate in the celebration. If you are planning on bringing a dish of your own, let them know what you might be bringing and how much. Contact Seattle U Campus Ministry at (206) 296-6075 or rsvp today to oxenhand@seattleu.edu.

Into Great Silence Opens This Friday

Into Great Silence is must-see Catholicity that peers into the lives of the Carthusian monks of La Grande Chartreuse. This movie deeply resonates with the sounds of the sacred and the cycles of nature whose still small voice speaks volumes through this intimate portrait of men who are called to serve God in a unique way.

Life in this charterhouse, nestled deep in the French Alps, is imbued with the sacred rhythms of the Divine Office. We are brought back again and again into chapel by ringing of the bell and by candlelight glimpse into the Liturgy of the Hours and the chants that reside as heartbeats within each monk. These are lives lived in silence and solitude but we see too their daily dedication to ora et labora and to their community in Sunday meals and recreation.

On the film's website, Philip Groning discussed how he shot the film: living in a cell and carrying on the highly structured daily routine in addition to shooting with minimal equipment and natural lighting. "My main effort actually consisted in avoiding cliches and not shooting the types of scenes that we expect from our view of monastic life," Groning said.

Into Great Silence played at the Seattle International Film Festival last year. It's showing again at the Varsity Theatre in the U-District for one week only beginning March 30.

Remembering Romero

Take a moment this week to remember Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero.
Appointed as archbishop of San Salvador in 1977, Romero became a powerful voice for peace and justice, speaking out against the military repression the government of El Salvador imposed upon its' campesino citizens. He was assasinated on March 24, 1980, as he was celebrating Mass in a small hospital chapel.

In a collection of Romero's pastoral letters and statements titled Voice of the Voiceless, Ignacio Martin-Baro writes in the introduction: "Had one known Father Romero in the church of San Francisco or in the central parish of San Miguel, or had one known Bishop Romero of Santiago de Maria, it would have been difficult to foresee the role he was later to play to as archbishop of San Salvador. All the signs would have pointed in the opposite direction, ...to a man more likely to be at ease with the powerful than to act in unshakable solidarity with the poor."

In his last homily in San Salvador cathedral, the day before he was assasinated, Archbishop Romero directly addressed the immorality of the military's actions.

"I would like to appeal in a special way to the men of the army, and in particular to the troops of the National Guard, the Police, and the garrisons. Brothers, you belong to our own people. You kill your own brother peasants; and in the face of an order to kill that is given by a man, the law of God should prevail that says: Do not kill! No solidier is obliged to obey an order counter to the law of God. No one has to comply with an immoral law. It is time now that you recover your conscience and obey its dictates rather than the command of sin. The Church, defender of the rights of God, of the law of God, of the dignity of the human person, cannot remain silent before so much abomination.

"We want the government to seriously consider that reforms mean nothing when they come bathed in so much blood. Therefore, in the name of God, and in the name of this longsuffering people, whose laments rise to heaven every day more tumultuous, I beseech you, I beg you, I command you in the name of God: stop the repression!"
(from Cloud of Witnesses rev. ed, Wallis and Hollyday, Orbis Books, 2005)

To learn more about Archbishop Romero, check out Oscar Romero, 25 Years Later written by Fr. John Dear, S.J., on his website. Other good resources are Remembering Archbishop Oscar Romero and also After 25 years 'St. Romero of the World' still inspires. The icon portrait pictured here is by Robert Lentz.

Speakeasy Thursdays

Speakeasy is our weekly faith-sharing experience Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the St Joseph parish center (except for third Thursdays which feature the Ignatian Spirituality Center's Spirituality On Tap). Next Speakeasy is Thursday, March 29.

Take a break from your busy life and reflect on the following Sunday's scripture in a contemplative setting.

Fishstick Fridays Update: Digital Stations + YA Mass

Fishstick Fridays is a series of Lent events sponsored by the Young Adult Group that invites everyone to share a variety of prayer experiences followed by a simple supper and fellowship.

(UPDATED) This week our Fishstick Fridays is a two-fer. That's right. Both St. Joe's and UW Newman Center young adult groups. Both the multimedia "Jerusalem Stations" prayer experience and a Young Adult Mass followed by a simple supper and socializing in the parish center.

The fun starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 30, 7 pm, at St. Joseph Church. St. Joseph Church is located at 732 18th Ave East, Seattle 98112.

Save The Dates!

Just wanted to give y'all a heads up to a busy April for St. Joe's Young Adults. More details and events to follow. Stay tuned.

April 1: Movie Matinee - Into Great Silence - must-see Catholicity!
April 14: St Joe's Young Adult Catholic Speed Dating!
April 28: St. Joe's Centennial Gala - Celebrate St. Joe's hundreth in grand style!

How do you know it's Catholic speed dating? When you ask your date, "What's your sign?" She (he) makes the sign of the cross. (insert rimshot here)

Day of Reconciliation this Saturday

As part of the celebration of the St. James Cathedral centennial celebration, a Day of Reconciliation will be offered on Saturday, March 24, 10:00am to 5:00pm in the Cathedral. Saint James Cathedral is located at 804 Ninth Ave, Seattle 98104.

Archbishop Brunett, auxiliary bishops Elizondo and Tyson, as well as many priests from across the archdiocese, will be available throughout the day to hear confessions. Music and scripture at the top of each hour invite everyone in a short call to prayer. Drop in at any point during the day.

The celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation is an important of Lenten observance. To learn more about the sacrament, download Come Back to the Lord.

Fishsticks Fridays travels to Blessed Sacrament

Fishstick Fridays is a series of Lent events sponsored by the Young Adult Group that invites everyone to share a variety of prayer experiences followed by a simple supper and fellowship.

This week Fishstick Fridays travels to Blessed Sacrament Church for soup supper at 6 p.m. in the parish hall and Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. in the church on Friday, March 23. We'll meet up with some of our friends at Blessed Sacrament there.

Blessed Sacrament Church is located at 5041 Ninth Avenue NE, Seattle 98105.

Walk for Water Saturday, March 24

On March 22 and 24, cities around the country will observe World Water Day to draw attention to the plight of the more than 1 billion people world wide that lack access to clean, safe drinking water.

The Seattle Walk for Water takes place Saturday, March 24, 11 a.m., at Alki Beach (Statue of Liberty Plaza across from the Alki Starbucks). Distance is 3 miles.

The Walk For Water is inspired by the three to six-mile journey women and children make every day in water stressed countries. The time spent fetching water for their families prevents them from pursuing an education, maintaining their households or earning additional income.

The world water crisis is one of the largest public health issues of our time. Nearly 1.1 billion people (roughly 20% of the world’s population) lack access to safe drinking water. The lack of clean, safe drinking water is estimated to kill almost 4,500 children per day. In fact, out of the 2.2 million unsafe drinking water deaths in 2004, 90% were children under the age of five. Water is essential to the treatment of diseases, something especially critical for children. (from the World Water Day website)

IPJC features Great Turning author

The Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center (IPJC) hosts author David Korten on Tuesday, March 13, 7-9pm, at Pigott Auditorium, Seattle University. Korten will discuss his new book The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community. Free will offering. Open to the public.

The Great Turning reveals how Empire, which has always resulted in misery for the many and fortune for the few, now threatens the future of humanity and the planet. Advocating for "Earth Community," Korten will show that we humans can choose to turn this moment of planetary crisis into a new era, grounded in the life-affirming values of community, caring and cooperation.

Sponsored by the Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center and Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry. Seattle University is located at 901 12th Ave, Seattle 98122.

“We are Catholic, after all.”

Recently read a great feature piece in the NY Times Magazine, Directors Without Borders, on the caliente trio of Mexican directors, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Guillermo del Toro, and Alfonso Cuarón. Interesting that they all have different cinematic styles yet one thing they do hold in common is their Catholic faith. The quote in the headline is from the article.

Currently showing are Babel by Iñárritu, Pan’s Labyrinth by del Toro, and Children of Men by Cuarón. Pan's Labyrinth and Children of Men both bring forward elements of sacrifice and redemption while Babel speaks to the universal bonds of the human experience.

Speaking of his movie, Babel, Iñárritu said:
“There’s no question that this movie was my reaction to the war in Iraq,” Iñárritu explained. “This war cannot help but impregnate you with strong feelings. There was so much fear after 9/11, and that fear caused people to make the wrong decisions. People are dying by the thousands, and the American TV does not want to show the photographs, so I have to show it in my own way. Americans easily forget that the air they breathe is the same as those in Europe or Africa or Asia; it’s the same air as Jesus breathed. I would like them to remember that connection.” (NY Times, 3/11/2007)

So what do you think? Seen any good Catholic movies lately?

Fishstick Fridays: Adoration and Benediction

Fishstick Fridays is a series of Lent events sponsored by the Young Adult Group that invites everyone to share a variety of prayer experiences followed by a simple supper and fellowship.

This week our Fishstick Fridays event is benediction and adoration on Friday, March 16, 7 pm, at St. Joseph Church. Our own pastor, Fr. Chris Weekly, S.J., will lead us in prayer. St. Joseph Parish is located at 732 18th Ave East, Seattle, 98112.

Thanks Catholic Underground!

Big ups and snaps to one of our faves, The Catholic Underground: Faith Gone Digital podcast. They gave us a shout out on their latest show (Episode 30). In their show intro they raved about how our Fishstick Fridays are great events that provide young adult Catholics a variety of prayer experiences followed by a simple supper.

The crew at Catholic Underground includes Deacon Chris Decker, a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is also a seminarian studying at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. Fr. Ryan Humphries is a priest for the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana. Daniel Kedinger is a graphic designer with crucé design. Joshua LeBlanc is the co-founder and president of cyberCatholics.com, a 100% Catholic webhosting service. In addition to their website, you can also find them on iTunes.

Wow, ours truly is a faith gone digital when we can share our faith with fellow Catholics way down south in Louisiana!

SOT: Celtic Spirituality and Prayer

If you're after my lucky charms, look no further than the Spirituality on Tap happenin' at St. Ben's in Wallingford this Thursday, March 15. You're sure to have some good craic (or good fun, in Gaelic)

Ignatian Spirituality Center presents Dr. Sharon Callahan on Celtic Spirituality and Prayer

Where: St. Benedict's Parish Center, 1805 N 49th St, Seattle, 98103
When:
6:45pm: Gathering
7:00pm: Presentation, Prayer Experience, Small Groups and Q & A
8:45pm: Walk on down to Murphy's Pub to celebrate St. Patty's Day

Dr. Sharon Callahan Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Student Life; School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University

DIRECTIONS: Parish Center is on the southeast corner of the intersection of 49th and Wallingford Ave North. Go up the steps and through the door on the second floor. Go left down the hall and left again to the Parish Center Living Room. Murphy's Pub is located on the corner of North 45th St. and Meridian Ave North.

Prayer Power for Lent

Br Christopher Explains It All for You:

Dominican Br. Christopher Fadok, OP, will present a talk on the Divine Office tonight, March 12, at 7:30 pm, in Blessed Sacrament Church, 5050 8th Ave NE, Seattle, 98105. After the talk, please join Br. Christopher in evening prayers. (This YAG blogger has experienced the power of this prayer and it rocks!)

Novena of Grace concludes Tuesday:

The Novena of Grace at St. Joseph Church, lead by Jerry Graham, SJ, and Cathy Beckley, SNJM, comes to completion this week. Courage is the theme of tonight's Mass at 6 pm in St. Joseph Church, 732 18th Ave East, Seattle, Washington 98112. Tomorrow, March 13, the ninth and final day's theme is Transformation at 6 pm in St. Joseph Church. (Yeah, this totally rocks!)

Pray the Rosary at Blessed Sacrament:

Our friends over at Blessed Sacrament parish in the U-District invite everyone to pray the Rosary on Tuesdays evenings at 7 p.m. in the church. Rosaries and prayer guides will be available. (The Rosary rocks!)

Taize Tuesdays in Lent at Ignatius Chapel:
Tuesdays in Lent, Seattle U campus ministry is hosting Taize prayer services at St. Ignatius Chapel, Seattle University, 901 12th Ave, Seattle, 98122. The services will start at 7:00 pm on March 13, 27 and April 3.

Taize Every Friday at St James Cathedral:
St James Cathedral regularly presents a Taize service every Friday at 6:30 pm in the cathedral.

(That's word, we pray!)

Who Do You Think You Are?

Hey there, Young Adult Catholics, who do you think you are? Fr. Tom Rausch, S.J., theologian from Loyola Marymount University, spoke at Seattle U. on Tuesday, March 6, on the topic of Pursuing Vatican II: Young Adult Catholics in a Culture of Choice.

He cited in large part a large study desgined by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University. This report was also cited in the Catholic News Service (Feb 7, 2007): "Young adult Catholics have a strong Catholic identity but do not feel much of a commitment to the institutional church or its moral teachings, two sociologists said Feb. 6 in Washington."

The actual book is titled American Catholics Today: New Realities of Their Faith and Their Church to be published in late March by Rowman & Littlefield. The authors are James A. Davidson, of Purdue University, Dean R. Hoge, of Catholic University of America, along with William V. D'Antonio of Catholic University and Mary L. Gautier of CARA. You can see for yourself in this link to a Special Report: Young Adult Catholics at the CARA website.

Is this you? What do you think?

1.4 Million Prayers Served and Counting

One of our fave podcasts here at St Joe's Young Adults blog is the world-renowned UK Jesuits' Pray As You Go. So we just had to share this news clip with you.

(LONDON - 20 February 2007) As the revolutionary daily prayer initiative from the British Jesuits ­ pray-as-you-go ­ nears its first anniversary tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, commuters are being urged to use the opportunity of Lent to refresh their prayer lives. Over the past year, 1.4 million prayer sessions have been downloaded from the pray-as-you-go web site, providing a chance for people all over the world to spend 10 minutes in quiet reflection on their way to or from work, or wherever they manage to withdraw briefly from the noise and pressure of their daily lives. Peter Scally SJ, the Director of Jesuit Media Initiatives and the Jesuit behind pray-as-you-go, says that if people want to do something special this Lent, pray-as-you-go might be just what they need.

"Traditionally, people used to give up something for Lent as a sign of penance, in preparation for Holy Week and Easter," he says. "But in recent years, doing something positive has been considered an alternative activity for Lent. We launched pray-as-you-go on Ash Wednesday last year ­ the first day of Lent ­ and it immediately attracted people from all over the world who started using it as a way to inject a few minutes' contemplation and prayer, with Bible readings and music, in a non-preachy format, into their busy lives. We very much hope that Lent will be an opportunity for many others to do the same this year." © Independent Catholic News 2007.

Pursuing Vatican II: Young Adult Catholics in a Culture of Choice

The Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry Great Theologians Lecture Series presents Rev. Thomas P. Rausch, S.J., on Pursuing Vatican II: Young Adult Catholics in a Culture of Choice. The talk is set for Tuesday, March 6, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Pigott Auditorium at Seattle University. Reception to follow. Admission is free and open to the public. Seattle University is located at 901 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122.

The School of Theology and Ministry has offered The Great Theologians Lecture Series for over a decade. This series brings renowned theologians to Seattle University to address the postmodern quest for renewed spirituality and the building of a responsible global community. The series offers a diversity of perspectives and provides a forum for discussion on matters of faith, social justice and the human experience.

Speakeasy Thursday follows Novena of Grace

Speakeasy is our weekly faith-sharing experience Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the St Joseph Parish Center (except for third Thursdays which feature the Ignatian Spirituality Center's Spirituality On Tap). Next Speakeasy is Thursday, March 8. The Novena of Grace Mass is at 6 p.m. in St. Joseph Church.

Take a break from your busy life and reflect on the following Sunday's scripture in a contemplative setting.

Save These Dates: Fishstick Fridays

Our Fishstick Friday this week is the Novena Mass on Friday, March 9, 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Church. The Novena of Grace begins March 5 and runs through March 13. For details, see the Novena of Grace posting. More prayer power to ya!

Prayer Power: Novena of Grace, March 5-13

The Novena of Grace runs March 5-13, 2007. Come and Lay Your Burdens Down is this year's novena theme presented by Jerry Graham, SJ & Cathy Beckley, SNJM.

In the Jesuit tradition of a nine day preached Lenten retreat, all are welcome to a focused way to pray Lent. Novena booklet available for praying Novena at home.

Novena Mass times are:
Monday-Friday: Noon at Seattle University Chapel of St. Ignatius and 6:00 pm at St. Joseph Church, 732 18th Ave East, on Capitol Hill, in Seattle. Saturday-Sunday: 12:45 PM at Seattle University Chapel of St. Ignatius. Saturday at 5:00 PM and Sunday at 5:30 PM at St. Joseph Church.

No registration necessary. Goodwill offering. Sponsored by: Ignatian Spirituality Center, St. Joseph Parish, Seattle University, Seattle Preparatory School. For information call (206) 329-4824, ext 2.

Praying The Psalms

Seattle University Choirs present Praying the Psalms: A Sacrifice of Praise on Saturday, March 3, 8:00 pm, St. Ignatius Chapel, Seattle University.

This Lenten Prayer concert features inspiring and contemplative choral works from chant through the twentieth centuries. Powerful, prayerful pieces include selections from Mendelssohn's Elijah and portions of Missa Animae by Seattle composer Lee Peterson.

Doors open at 7:30 pm. The program, which runs slightly over an hour, begins promptly at 8:00 pm. Admission is free. Seattle University is located at 901 12th Ave, on First Hill, in Seattle.