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.

Young Adults for Immigration Reform Group Forming

St. Mary's Parish is gathering young adults from various parishes to create a Young Adults for Immigration Reform Group. The group will learn about the US Catholic Bishops' Justice for Immigrants statements, explore ways real people are affected by the US immigration policies and take action as they see fit. Why Young Adults? Because you are very likely to be affected or know someone who is.

Come find out more and share what you know. The first meeting is Saturday evening, March 3, 6:30-8:00pm, St. Mary's Rectory, 611 20th Ave S., Seattle, 98144. More information? Call Yolanda Quiroga 324-7100, ext 29.

St. James Cathedral Hosts Artists' Panel

Four St. James Cathedral artists: Georgetta Gancarz, Mark Kuhar, Maria Laughlin, and Patrick White will share reflections on how their art is influenced by belief and spirituality. This event is free and all are welcome on Friday, March 2, 7:30-9:00 pm, Fireside Room in the Pastoral Outreach Center. St. James Cathedral is located at 804 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

Benefit This Saturday Celebrates Good Works

Here's how to party for a cause this Saturday. It's almsgiving and a lot of fun. Every month, KEXP supports a different non-profit org with a benefit concert on the first Saturday of the month. Here is the lineup for March 2007.

KEXP, Seattle Sound Magazine, and Three Imaginary Girls present the One Year Anniversary of the Audioasis Live Remote Broadcast and Benefit Show at High Dive on Saturday, March 3, 2007. All proceeds benefit the Fremont Abbey Arts Center.

Man Plus and Optimus Rhyme live on KEXP Audioasis 6:00 pm-9:00 pm. Shorthand for Epic, Smoosh, Tim Seely, and Damien Jurado Showcase 9:30pm-Close. Hosted by John Richards, Lisa Wood, Abe Beeson and Sean Nelson. Doors open 5:00 pm. Live Broadcast Show at 6:00 Age: 21+ $10 suggested donation at the door. The High Dive is located at 513 N 36th St Seattle WA 98103.

Pray the Rosary Tuesdays in Lent

When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom let it be.

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 will be prayed in a simple chant setting, combining both vocal and meditative prayer. Passages from the Old and New Testaments will be read to augment meditation on the Mysteries. Afterwards, join the gang at the neighborhood coffee shop. Blessed Sacrament church is located at 5041 Ninth Avenue NE in Seattle.

Taize Tuesdays at Seattle U

Tuesdays in Lent, Seattle U campus ministry is hosting Taize prayer services at St. Ignatius Chapel (pictured here). The services will start at 7:00 pm on February 27, March 6, 13, 27 and April 3. Seattle University is located at 901 12th Avenue on First Hill in Seattle.

Our Common Ground

Don't miss this event! Seattle U's Justice Education Forum presents OUR COMMON GROUND: Deepening Muslim-Christian Understanding. Thursday, March 1, 2007, 7 p.m., Pigott Auditorium, Seattle University, 901 12th Ave in Seattle.

Dr. John Esposito of Georgetown University presents a free public lecture on the title topic with responses by Jamal Rahman, Muslim Sufi Minister of Interfaith Community Church and Stephen V. Sundborg, SJ, President of Seattle University.

Dr. Esposito is Professor of Religion, International Affairs and Islamic Studies at Georgetown University. He is a Founding Director of the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding in the Walsh School of Foreign Service. He is a consultant to the U.S. Department of State as well as corporations, universities and media worldwide. He specializes in Islam, political Islam, and the impact of Islamic movements from North Africa to Southeast Asia. His more than 30 books include: Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam (a Washington Post and Boston Globe best seller), and What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam.

Sponsored by Jesuit Identity, International Student Center, Magis: Alumni Committed for Mission, Leadership Development, Student Development, Faith & Great Ideas, SU School of Law, School of Theology & Ministry, Campus Ministry, Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Church Council of Greater Seattle.

Magis: Alumni Committed for Mission is hosting a special alumni reception at 6 p.m. in the Casey Atrium.

About the illustration: If you regularly read the New York Times, you've no doubt seen the work of the New York based, Bulgarian born artist Luba Lukova. This illustration, originally published in the New York Times, is called Speaking Peace.

Via Crucis: The Way of the Cross

Our Fishstick Fridays series of Lent events begins this Friday, Feb. 23. Join us at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of St. Joseph for prayers followed by a simple supper. And that's not all! We are also featuring Jerusalem Stations, a digital visual experience taking you to the heart of the Holy Land. Ever wonder what the real Stations of the Cross look like? Come and see this powerfully moving presentation. Through the magic of multimedia technology we'll visit sites like the one pictured here.

But wait, there's more! We're teaming up with other young adult ministry groups for more events as we journey through Lent answering the call to conversion. Stay tuned.

Lent: Hearing the Call to Conversion

Holy Fishsticks! Lent Is Here!

Lent is our call to conversion. Here at the St. Joe's Young Adults blog, we are your Pahtnas in Prayer! And fasting. And almsgiving. We'll be giving you the heads-up to seasonal events that will enhance your call. Stay tuned for upcoming events.

For daily prayer, check out these awesome resources:

Pray As You Go is prayer in a podcast. This daily dose of readings, reflection and sacred music is guaranteed to pump you up - in prayer! It's produced by Jesuit Media Initiatives in London. The viral buzz that turned this site into a worldwide phenom just goes to show you that there is more to life on the Internet than YouTube celebrity outings.

Sacred Space is a daily prayer online produced by the Irish Jesuits. "It might seem strange to pray at your computer, in front of a screen, especially if there are other people around you, or distracting noises. But God is everywhere, all around us, constantly reaching out to us, even in the most unlikely situations. When we know this, and with a bit of practice, we can pray anywhere!" (From the Sacred Space website introduction)

From the introductory screen, you are lead to read and meditate on the interactive text. Consider it a digital lectio divina!

Daily Readings of the New American Bible

The daily readings, as well as the full text of the NAB, are available online. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops website also features a podcast of the readings.

Spirituality on Tap Prepares for Lent

Spirituality on Tap is an opportunity for young adults to come together for fellowship and to learn a new style of prayer to incorporate into our daily lives. Local parishes rotate as hosts each third Thursday of the month.

This month, SOT is hosted by St. Anthony Parish, 314 S. 4th St., Renton WA 98057. Meeting in the St Anthony Parish Ministry Center, Fr Lane/Atrium room.

The Lenten season is on the way. The topic for this month's reflection is Preparing Our Hearts: Creating a Habit of Prayer in Lent. Facilitating this prayer experience is Sr. Cathy Beckley, SNJM.

Schedule:
6:45-7 pm Gathering and Social
7:00 pm Presentation
8:30 pm Wrap-up/Announcements/Go out

- Be led through a Prayer Experience
- Learn ways to commit more deeply to habit of prayer in Lent
- Reflection time
- Small groups

Afterwards, we're heading out to the Whistle Stop Ale House for food and libations, and more discussion. The Whistle Stop is located at 809 S 4th St, Renton Wa 98055, (425) 277-3039.