Funerals
“May the angels lead you into Paradise;
may the martyrs come to welcome you and take you to the holy city,
the new and eternal Jerusalem.
May choirs of angels welcome you
And lead you to the bosom of Abraham;
And where Lazarus is poor no longer
May you find eternal rest.”
-- Order of Christian Funerals
To make arrangements for a funeral liturgy for a loved one, please
contact John Simpson,
Pastoral Care Minister, at 206-274-3173.
Click here for a handy Q and A about Funerals at Saint James.
“Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven” (James 5:14-15, NAB).
The Anointing of the Sick—formerly known as ‘last rites’—is no longer considered a sacrament only for those at the point of death. Instead, this healing sacrament is for all those who are facing major surgery, chronic illness, or the weakness that comes with age. Communal celebrations of the sacrament are celebrated regularly. For information, please contact John Simpson, Pastoral Minister at St. James Cathedral, 206-274-3173. In an emergency, please call the Parish Office any time, day or night.
What we believe about the anointing of the sick:
How was sickness viewed in the Old Testament?
In the Old Testament sickness was experienced as a sign of weakness and
at the same time perceived as mysteriously bound up with sin. The
prophets intuited that sickness could also have a redemptive value for
one’s own sins and those of others. Thus sickness was lived out in the
presence of God from whom people implored healing.
What is the significance of Jesus’ compassion for the sick?
The compassion of Jesus toward the sick and his many healings of the
infirm were a clear sign that with him had come the Kingdom of God and
therefore victory over sin, over suffering, and over death. By his own
passion and death he gave new meaning to our suffering which, when
united with his own, can become a means of purification and of salvation
for us and for others.
What is the attitude of the Church toward the sick?
Having received from the Lord the charge to heal the sick, the Church
strives to carry it out by taking care of the sick and accompanying them
with her prayer of intercession. Above all, the Church possesses a
sacrament specifically intended for the benefit of the sick. This
sacrament was instituted by Christ and is attested by Saint James: “Is
anyone among you sick? Let him call in the presbyters of the Church and
let them pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord”
(James 5:14-15).
Who can receive the sacrament of the anointing of the sick?
Any member of the faithful can receive this sacrament as soon as he or
she begins to be in danger of death because of sickness or old age. The
faithful who receive this sacrament can receive it several times if
their illness becomes worse or another serious sickness afflicts them.
The celebration of this sacrament should, if possible, be preceded by
individual confession on the part of the sick person.
Who administers this sacrament?
This sacrament can be administered only by priests (bishops or
presbyters).
How is this sacrament celebrated?
The celebration of this sacrament consists essentially in an anointing
with oil which may be blessed by the bishop. The anointing is on the
forehead and on the hands of the sick person (in the Roman rite) or also
on other parts of the body (in the other rites) accompanied by the
prayer of the priest who asks for the
special grace of this sacrament.
What are the effects of this sacrament?
This sacrament confers a special grace which unites the sick person more
intimately to the Passion of Christ for his good and for the good of all
the Church. It gives comfort, peace, courage, and even the forgiveness
of sins if the sick person is not able to make a confession. Sometimes,
if it is the will of God, this sacrament even brings about the
restoration of physical health. In any case this Anointing prepares the
sick person for the journey to the Father’s House.
What is Viaticum?
Viaticum is the Holy Eucharist received by those who are about to leave
this earthly life and are preparing for the journey to eternal life.
Communion in the body and blood of Christ who died and rose from the
dead, received at the moment of passing from this world to the Father,
is the seed of eternal life and the power of the resurrection.
All questions and answers taken from the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
“God of compassion, fill me with the power of your Word and the love of your Holy Spirit as I visit your suffering sons and daughters. Help me so that I may worthily and gracefully share your sacred presence with those who await your coming to them.”
-- prayer of preparation, Communion of the Sick.
If you or a loved one is unable to attend Mass our trained and commissioned lay Eucharistic Ministers can bridge the gap, so-to-speak, and bring Holy Communion to those who are sick and the homebound. For more information about participating in or receiving this important ministry please contact John Simpson, Pastoral Care Minister, at 206-274-3173 or jsimpson@stjames-cathedral.org.
Audio Ministry
Each Sunday the 10:00 Mass is recorded and made available those who are in need or wish to receive it. To be on our regular CD list or if you would like a single copy of a particular Mass please contact: John Simpson, Pastoral Care Minister, at 206-274-3173 or jsimpson@stjames-cathedral.org.
Senior Trips
The pastoral care ministry includes day trips for parish seniors. Each
year between the months of April and October we travel to such places as
Mount Saint Helens, the tulip fields of Mount Vernon, or the winery at
Chateau Ste Michelle. The typical travel dates are the second Wednesday
of the month.
Space is limited and priority is given to registered parishioners. For
information, or to reserve your place for an upcoming trip, call John
Simpson, Pastoral Care Minister, at 206-274-3173 or
jsimpson@stjames-cathedral.org.
Transportation Ministry
If you are a senior, live within the parish boundary, and need a ride to
Mass (10:00 AM only), you may be eligible for a van ride. If so please
call John Simpson, Pastoral Care Minister, at 206-274-3173 or
jsimpson@stjames-cathedral.org.
Ministry to Those Grieving a Loss
We have watched the seasons change all of our lives: spring and summer,
fall and winter. The seasons of life are longer and perhaps less
predictable. But at least they unfold gradually over time. But the
season of grief often comes upon us without warning. It’s advent may be
the loss of a job, home, financial security, or often the death of a
loved one. Here at Saint James Cathedral we provide help for those
weathering the storms of life. Whether it be by appointment with the
pastoral staff, meeting one-on-one with our Cabrini Ministry trained
volunteers, or participating in a group Journey Through Grief, we offer
a compassionate hand to help people move through their sorrow toward
hope. For more information please contact John Simpson, Pastoral Care
Minister, at 206-274-3173 or
jsimpson@stjames-cathedral.org.
Cabrini Ministry Training and Pastoral Care
Cabrini Ministry Training is a lay training program established in 1991 by the South Seattle Deanery of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle. We have trained over 800 lay ministers. Our classes are held between October and March each year in Spanish (in Bellevue, Washington) and in English (in Seattle, Washington). We look forward to hearing from and serving people of all faith traditions who seek pastoral care training that will help them in their ministry to others.
Mission: Cabrini Ministry Training forms Christians in the
Catholic Tradition for compassionate pastoral service in our community
to bring Christ's healing presence to God's people.
http://www.cabriniministry.org/
Health and Healing Ministry
The mission of St. James Health and Healing Ministry is Christ-centered healing and transformation for the whole person and community--mind, body, and spirit. Since 2001, Health and Healing has sponsored an annual Health Fair, educational opportunities, and blood drives in conjunction with the Puget Sound Blood Center. Click here to visit the Health and Healing Ministry Page.
