The Cornerstone

Dear Friends,

Welcome to Catholic Schools Week! The theme for the National Catholic Schools Week 2016 is "Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service." The annual observance starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2016 is January 31 - February 6. Saint Patrick Catholic Church & School is celebrating Catholic Schools Week with Masses, open houses, and other activities for students, families, parishioners, and the

community at large.

The Heart of a Catholic Education

The logo and theme, developed for NCSW encompasses several concepts that are at the heart of a Catholic education. First, schools are communities. Small families in their own right, but also members of the larger community of home, church, city and nation. Faith, knowledge and service are three measures by which any Catholic school can and should be judged. The logo features a swirl of colors interacting around a cross, which is at the center of all Catholic education. The vibrancy of the colors and the movement and shadows in the logo portray the inner-connectivity and community life that are present in our Catholic schools.

Let's Pray Together

Let's pray together as we kick off National Catholic Schools Week this weekend. Catholic schools benefit all year long from the religious guidance, prayers and support the parish provides. Saint Patrick Catholic Church is joining the National Catholic Schools Week celebration by devoting Mass to Catholic education this weekend and inviting students of Saint Patrick Catholic School to wear their uniform and to deliver the Ministry Minute by reading essays at each Mass about why a Catholic education is important. Then continue the celebration by joining the students and their families for a Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Knights of Columbus Tacoma Council 809 in the Church Hall immediately following the 8:30 A.M. and the 10:30 A.M Mass on Sunday, January 31, 2016.

And mark your calendar for the all school Mass on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 8:45 A.M in celebration of Catholic Schools Week.

Welcome Wednesdays

Welcome Wednesdays are scheduled twice a month for families to come for a tour of Saint Patrick Catholic School and speak with teachers and the Principal. The next Welcome Wednesday is 9 A.M. - 11 A.M. on February 3, 2016. Please encourage your friends to call to reserve thier spot for Welcome Wednesdays to learn about Saint Patrick Catholic Schools outstanding academic programs, religious education and service opportunities.

Check out the news article for more information and an infographic for quick reference to happenings for Catholic Schools Week at Saint Patrick Catholic School & Church.

Share Your Story

Remember, if you have a story to share or an upcoming event for your St. Patrick Parish affiliated organization or ministry, send us the scoop!

Calendar of Events

January 30

Habitat for Humanity Build Day | 8:45 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

Questions? Email Chip McCullough or call 381-9212

January 31

Family Based Catechesis | 9:20 A.M. | Parish Center | Now through the end of Lent

Knights of Columbus Tacoma Council 809

Pancake Breakfast | After 8:30 A.M. & 10:30 A.M Mass | Church Hall | Fifth Sundays of the Month

Children's Rosary

After 10:30 A.M. Mass | Children's Liturgy Room in the Church Hall

Knights of Columbus Tacoma Council 809

Annual Free Throw Competition for Boys & Girls

Registration 12:45 to 1:15 P.M. | Competiton 1:30 - 2:30 P.M. | Gym

Winners at Council level will advance to District with potential for State competition

Questions? Contact Steve Mullen 253-495-4084 or email Michael Prichard

The Pope Series: Who is Pope Francis?

Is He Changing the Catholic Church

Presented Father Patrick Howell, S.J.

Church Hall | 4 P.M.

February 2

SPPA for Skate Night | Pattison's West 34222 Pacific Hwy S., Federal Way| 6 - 8 P.M. | Saint Patrick Catholic School Students Skate Free | All Are Welcome

February 5

XYZ = Extra Years of Zest First Friday Gathering

Mass at 11:00 A.M. | Luncheon & Program Immediately Following | Desserts Welcome

First Friday of Each Month

February 7

Knight of Columbus Tacoma Council 809

Super Bowl 50 | Wheel Chair Sunday | Ice Cream Sundae

3:30 P.M. | Church Hall | $10 Donation

February 8

Catholic Advocacy Day | Olympia, WA
All parish members and Catholic organizations are invited to join us to ensure that the Gospel message to care for our brothers and sisters is heard in Olympia.

Questions? 206-223-1138 or email Catholic Advocacy Day 2016

Annulments in the Year of Mercy

The Holy Year of Mercy, a year-long jubilee during which the Pope hopes to emphasize the merciful side of the church and directs us to simplify strict and rigid rules and practices regarding annulments in order to bring us more meaningfully into the Church.

The Health Ministry is Working Toward a BLUE ZONE Parish

The Health Ministry is transitioning Saint Patrick Catholic Church in to a "Blue Zone Parish" this year. A Blue Zone parish is where faith and wellness go hand in hand to assist each parishioner in becoming the whole person Christ intended them to be.

The Pope Series

Saint Patrick Catholic Church is sponsoring a series of FREE talks open to the public to get to know Pope Francis. The talks will explore his impact on the American Catholic Church and discuss Laudato Si, the Pope's Encyclical on the environment.

The St. Vincent de Paul

Donations help provide direct assistance to the poor with in Saint Patrick Catholic Church boundaries. Vincentians meet face to face with the poor to assess their needs including housing and utility assistance; job training and placement; and access to food, clothing, transportation and medical care.

SVDP members are in the Gathering Space of the church after all Masses, the first weekend of each month to receive your donation.

An Annoucement from Our Pastoral Coordinator

"After 18 years of devoted service to our community, Mary Randall will retire this summer. We can't begin to thank Mary enough for the many ways she has served our community over the years. Most recently Mary has served Saint Patrick Catholic Church as Pastoral Assistant for Liturgy, Pastoral Care, Funerals, Safe Environment, StrengthsFinders, and in countless other ways," said Kevin Lovejoy, Pastoral Coordinator.

The Ceremony of Light

On January 24, 2016, children in Sacramental Preparation for First Holy Communion celebrated something very special- The Ceremony of Light.

The Ceremony of Light is a ritual that affirms the children and their families in their baptismal call as unique and important individuals in our faith community.

THE MISSION OF SAINT PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH

We are a Catholic faith community in the traditions and people of "Old Tacoma" called together and empowered by Christ to nurture the spiritual and liturgical needs of our community through lifelong Christian education, celebration of Sacraments, prayer and service to others.

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

1001 North J Street | Tacoma, Washington 98403 | 253-383-2783

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