We are fast approaching the glorious Christmas Season. I think that you will agree time passes more quickly year after year! Over the last few years it has been apparent that on Christmas Eve many parishioners along with their extended families come to worship at St. John. I am thrilled that we have such community on this very special night.

We look forward to having our wonderful children lead us in worship on this very blessed night. We are so fortunate to have the Schola Choir join us for the 4pm Mass and the Cantionis Choir assist us in worship at the 6pm. There are additional masses at 9pm on Christmas Eve and 9am on Christmas morning.

In the coming weeks, please read the bulletin for additional information regarding the Masses for Christmas. The parish is making every effort to ensure that the Masses are a joyous celebration for everyone.

Baraka ya Yesu!

Padré Crispin

What does Jesus' birth mean to you? The angels told the shepherds and then the shepherds told others about the birth of Jesus. Who spread the good news about your birth? Do you think that people came to see you when you were born? Do you realize you are just as precious to your mom and dad as Jesus was to Mary and Joseph? Do you know that you, like Jesus, are another child, equally precious in the eyes of God?

We are asking children to bring a baby photo to Christmas Eve Mass. We will bless the photos as we celebrate the beautiful gift of life and Jesus' birth. A Sprinkling Rite will be given, so please protect your precious photos in a frame or plastic covering.

Three organizations dedicated to assisting the homeless, benefit from your gifts this season: Noel House, University District Youth Center, and St. Martin de Porres Shelter.  For more information about the Tree and the organizations benefiting, link here.  

Please take an ornament from the Giving Tree, return that item unwrapped, and place it under the tree by Sunday, December 14.  Thank you so much for your generosity in making this a wonderful Christmas for the homeless in our community.

Adult Confirmation-Begins January 14th!

Are you an adult, 18 or older, who has never received Confirmation?  Would you like to be confirmed and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit through Confirmation?   Adult Confirmation sessions begin Wed. January 14th at 7-9PM in Quigley, Chapel room.  For more information, contact Anne Merklin at amerklin@stjohnsea.org or at 206-782-2810.

Baptism and Sacraments of Initiation for Children Seven Years and Older

Children 7 years or older, who are unbaptized or baptized in another faith tradition, with parental support, can become Catholics and receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Communion and Confirmation at Easter Vigil.  Sessions begin in January. 

Anne Merklin, at 206-782-2810 or amerklin@stjohnsea.org.

10:30 Nursery is OPEN!

St. John Nursery is FREE.  Come to the Quigley Building (Parish office building) and ring the bell marked "Nursery" on the door facing the parking lot or across from the Preschool door. Children ages 6 months to 3 years are welcome!

Ingraham High School will hold Open House on February 4, 10, and 12. Schedule a student tour for February 11 or 26 by calling 206-252-3888.

What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.

Nelson Mandela