News from Maryknoll Northwest
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Greetings!
Greetings!
Following Christ, at times, goes against many of our basic instincts. Never is this more evident than during Holy Week, when the very people that have witnessed, listened to, and followed Jesus during his ministry are faced with his arrest, torture, and execution. We know that humans, like most animals, will naturally either fight or flee when faced with a threat. It's unsurprising, then, that when Jesus is to be arrested, Peter wields his sword in defense of the Messiah. But Jesus says no to this violence. Once fighting is "off the table," so to speak, the disciples choose the second option and flee. Stunningly, Jesus does neither, but faces death for the sake of humanity.
What must it have been like for the disciples during those days? They had put themselves at risk by following Jesus. They had broken laws and social norms; they had embraced those that they were taught to despise. But they persisted, even when overcome with doubt. Now, the walls were crumbling around them. With all of their human expectations and fears, they could not trust in the promise of the Resurrection.
Like the disciples, we too often flee from and deny Christ for our own sake. We deny Him when we ignore those in need; we flee from Him when we refuse to stand up for what is right. And we reject Him when we use violence as an excuse to do God's will. But, like the disciples, we also can know the joy of giving ourselves to Him, of serving and loving His people. Living God's mission will always be difficult. But, as the disciples saw when they came back rejoicing after being sent to witness Christ, the greatest joy and fulfillment is found in answering that call.
As we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection, let us strive to hear and answer that call, as well. And when we stray, let us remember that even Peter, who denied Jesus three times, turned back to God as the rock of the God's Church.
Peace,
Kevin Foy and the Maryknoll Team
kfoy@maryknoll.org
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Overseas Immersion and Volunteer Opportunities
Maryknoll is committed to sending US Catholics across borders to grow in faith and solidarity. Below, you will find other immersion and volunteer opportunities through Maryknoll:
- Short-Term Volunteer and Immersion Opportunities: serve in Bolivia, China, Tanzania, Namibia, or Thailand.
- Immersion Programs for parish groups: if you would like to set up a specific immersion experience for a parish or other adult group, please email seattle@maryknoll.org to discuss options.
- Pilgrimage Retreat to Central America: open to bishops, priests, brothers, and deacons.
- Vocation Discernment Immersion: for men considering a life as a missionary priest or brother.
- Catholic School Teacher Immersion: This June, five teachers from the Archdiocese of Seattle will join four teachers from around the country on a spiritual and educational journey to Guatemala. Catholic school teachers can sign up to receive information about future programs as it becomes available here.
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Youth on Mission Art Contest Reminder
 | | Students at St. Catholic School, winners of last year's contest. |
The joyous season of Easter is a perfect time for our young people to celebrate how they live mission!
The Mission:Possible Art and Video Contest is open to all children and Catholic school classrooms in the Archdiocese of Seattle, grades Pre-K to 12.
Entries due Pentecost Sunday, May 27th. View details here.
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Mission Forum: Friday, April 13th
Maryknoll Affiliate Veronica Holland speaks on her recent volunteer work in Bolivia.
View Official Announcement
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Africa Connections/Sister Parish Conference
This conference is an annual (free!) event for those involved in or thinking about beginning a partnership beyond our borders.
Maryknoll staff will also be on hand to discuss what you can do at home to enliven your parish in mission spirituality and understanding.
Date: April 21st
Time: 8:00am-3:00pm
Location
St. Bridget Church, 4900 NE 50th, Seattle, WA, 98105
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News from Maryknoll Affiliate Pat Bader
 | | Image from http://www.migrante.com.mx/ |
Recently, Maryknoll Affiliate Pat Bader recently returned from volunteering with the Scalabrini Fathers in Tijuana, Mexico, at a house for migrants that had been deported from the US.
Read about his experience and some of their stories here.
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Message of His Holiness Benedecit XVI for World Mission Day 2012
Pope Benedict XVI has released his World Mission Day 2012 Message. In it, he affirms that:
"We pastors, men and women religious and all the faithful in Christ, should follow in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, who, as 'a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles' (Eph 3:1), worked, suffered and struggled to bring the Gospel among the Gentiles (cf. Col 1:24-29), sparing no energy, time or means to make the Message of Christ known."
Read the entire message here.
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Maryknoll Sisters Centennial
This year, the Maryknoll Sisters celebrate their Centennial. Carolyn Woo, the new President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) recently wrote an article to reflect upon the Maryknoll Sisters and how they touched her life.
Read the article here.
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Maryknoll Mission House
958 16th Avenue E
Seattle, WA 98112
P: (206) 322-8831
F: (206) 324-6909
E: seattle@maryknoll.org
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Reflection
A Vocation Blessing
"I hope you come to find that which gives life a deep meaning for you. Something worth living for - maybe even worth dying for. Something that energizes you, enthuses you, and enables you to keep moving ahead.
"I can't tell you what it might be - that's for you to find, to choose, to love. I can just encourage you to start looking, and support in you in the search."
-Sr. Ita Ford
As we prepare to rejoice in the Resurrection, how can we seek out our own vocation, our own path to living God's love? How can we help others to do the same?
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MARYKNOLL Magazine and REVISTA now online
 | | Maryknoll Magazine |
Get additional copies of the magazines for each of your students along with a poster and study guide. FREE. Check out our Classroom Program.
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Mission Education & Promotion
Western Region
Seattle/Northwest
958 16th Ave E
Seattle, WA 98112
Regional Center
16642 Ashland Ave.
San Lorenzo, California 94580
General Hours
Mon-Fri 9 am to 4 pm
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