NOVEMBER.
1. All Souls’ Requiem. The Cathedral choirs and chamber orchestra presented Mozart’s matchless Requiem in its intended setting, the solemn Mass for the Dead. Father Ryan said in his homily: “Tonight I find meaning, hope, and peace in knowing that our prayer here is more than just our prayer. Our prayer here tonight is part of a great symphony of prayer and praise that has resounded on this Seattle hilltop for one-hundred years now, moving hearts, changing lives, and piercing the heavens.”  Read Father Ryan's homily here.
13-14. The Great Cathedral Fair. The celebration of our three-year centennial celebration began with special Masses of Thanksgiving, each of our weekend Masses followed by a Cathedral Fair in the courtyard and Cathedral Hall. It was an unforgettable event. Father Ryan concluded his homily with these words: “My friends, in no way can I predict what the two-hundredth anniversary Mass of this parish will be like. All I know is that this ground will continue to be holy ground, that the ‘cloud of witnesses’ will be greater by far, and that Jesus Christ will still be at the heart of everything that goes on here—as He is now—in our midst as one who serves.”  Read Father Ryan's homily here.
15-21. Centennial Week. The celebration continued for an entire week. Monday saw the world premiere of Come to the Water, the national documentary about St. James’ own RCIA program (click here). On Tuesday, following the 5:30pm Mass, was a Bagpipe Fling with Tyrone Heade, Cathedral piper, and Sister Anne’s famous hot apple cider. Wednesday there was a luncheon for seniors; and in the evening, a “Fireside Chat” about local Catholic History with Father Joseph Doogan. Thursday night was the Old-Time Hymn Sing with special guests from 1904. On Friday, Associate Organist Clint Kraus presented a free Centennial Organ recital. Finally, on Sunday at 10:00am, the week concluded with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Brunett, who said: “We thank God on this feast of Christ the King that for one hundred years this Cathedral of St. James has faithfully served the bishops, the people of this Archdiocese, and the people of this region in the name of the gospel. It has been a wonderful history of seeing and celebrating and living out our Christian identity.”  Read Archbishop Brunett's homily here. Relive the Centennial Week here.

DECEMBER.
19. The young musicians, readers, and servers of the Cathedral come together for the traditional service of Readings and Carols.
24-25. About 6,000 came to celebrate Christmas at St. James Cathedral. The Midnight Mass was once again broadcast live on KING-TV.
26. We received word of the devastating tsunamis in the Indian Ocean.
31. The Masses of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God were offered for the victims of the tsunamis in the Indian Ocean. A collection was taken up to benefit the victims. The Cathedral parish has to date donated more than $30,000 to the relief effort.  Read Father Ryan's homily here.
31. New Year’s Eve Gala. The Cathedral Cantorei and Chamber Orchestra ushered in the New Year 2005 with festive music by Purcell and Handel, and as always, a Midnight Surprise!

JANUARY.
21. Week of Christian Unity. Representatives of many different Christian congregations participated in a special ecumenical prayer with music from Taizé.
23. Celebration of the Sisters of the Holy Names. As part of our parish centennial celebration, we gathered to honor the contributions of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary to the life of the parish over the last nearly 100 years. After the homily, Father Ryan invited the congregation to acknowledge and thank the sisters. The response was a thunderous standing ovation which left the sisters speechless!  Read Father Ryan's homily here.

FEBRUARY.
3-5. Great Music for a Great Cathedral. The annual event celebrated our parish centennial with a musical journey through the early years of Cathedral history. Pictures and more are available here.

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