Sunday, December 20, 2020 -- The Fourth Sunday of Advent

On the cover   "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." Icon of the Annunciation of the Lord (detail). Joan Brand-Landkamer, Cathedral iconographer.
 
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 AT 6:30PM: A SERVICE OF READINGS AND CAROLS - FROM OUR HOMES TO YOURS Although we can't fill the Cathedral with candlelight and voices as we have in the past, we can still be together in expectant prayer and song awaiting the birth of the Christ child. This year's online-only liturgy presents intimate offerings from the homes and families of some of our lectors and youth and adult choristers, with congregational carols led by organ and Cathedral cantors in the beautiful setting of St. James Cathedral. All readings and music are pre-recorded for broadcast, and you’ll be able to download a worship aid to sing along with the carols. Please join us for this beloved Advent tradition at vimeo.com/stjamescathedral or facebook.com/stjamesseattle.

WEEKDAY MASSES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Each day from Monday through Saturday, an 8:00am Mass is celebrated in the Cathedral. All are welcome to attend without prior registration. On Tuesdays, the 8:00am Mass is followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, concluding with rosary at 12 Noon.
 
DEDICATION OF THE CATHEDRAL Mass for the Cathedral's anniversary of dedication will be on Monday, December 21 at 5:30pm. The Mass is open to the public without prior registration. St. James Cathedral was dedicated for worship by Bishop Edward O’Dea on December 22, 1907, and rededicated on the same day in 1994 after its beautiful renovation and restoration.
 
CONFESSIONS IN ADVENT Traditionally, Advent is a time to confess our sins as part of our preparation for Christmas. We have expanded hours for confession this month for those who wish to do so. Please note these special times for confessions: Confessions will be heard on Saturdays, December 5, 12, and 19 at 2:00pm in the Cathedral Chapel. Confessions will also be heard on Wednesday mornings, December 9, 16, and 23, following the 8:00am Mass. All are welcome without appointment or registration.
 
LOOKING AHEAD TO CHRISTMAS MASSES Masses on Christmas Eve, December 24, will be at 4:00pm, 6:00pm, and 10:00pm. On Christmas Day, December 25, Masses will be at 8:00am, 10:00am, and 12 Noon. Registration will be required for all Masses and each Mass will be limited to 200 persons. Registration will open on December 21. Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter to get early notice when registration opens. Visit www.stjames-cathedral.org  and click "Join our mailing list."
 
FAITH AND RACIAL HEALING Mondays, 6:30pm-9pm starting on January 18, 2021. Through new learning from articles, videos, and resource books, the Faith and Racial Justice small group program from JustFaith Ministries lends new insights to participants' awareness of privilege and racism. By encouraging new spiritual practices and informed action, it cultivates an expanding community of Christians who work to dismantle racism in their respective contexts. This process will challenge your own thinking about racism, its causes, and its impact, while helping you discern practical steps to address it. Information and registration, Patrick Barredo, pbarredo@stjames-cathedral.org .
 
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BECOMING CATHOLIC Are you, a family member, or a friend interested in learning more about the Catholic Church? Come and See! You are invited to a no-strings-attached gathering to ask questions and find out more on Wednesday, January 6, at 7:00pm via Zoom. Information, Kathleen McCabe, kmccabe@stjames-cathedral.org .
 
Take Another Look at the Catholic Church You are invited to an online Cathedral program for Catholics who have been away, and are wanting to take another look at their Church. Be part of a small zoom community, ask questions, and learn about changes in the Church. The program begins Monday, January 11, 6:30 - 8:00 pm, and runs for six Monday nights. Information, Rosanne Michaels, rmichaels@stjames-cathedral.org
 
ST VINCENT DE PAUL THANKS YOU Because of COVID, a young woman was laid off from her job in room service at a high-end hotel. For several months, she could not find work and used up her bank savings and 401k to pay for food, rent and other essentials. Fortunately, her landlord encouraged her to call the SVdP Helpline (206-767-6449). By the time she called, she was still not receiving unemployment benefits even though she had applied two months earlier. She was about to start a new fulltime job but could not pay her rent. We helped. Soon we received in the mail a sweet note: "Thank you so much. I can’t wait to pay it forward and help someone else once I get back on my feet. Thank you." Your support made our help and her optimistic gratitude possible! Information, Jo Ann Wiesner, 206-291-4012 or wiesnerjo@gmail.com.
 
FRATELLI TUTTI: ON FRATERNITY AND SOCIAL FRIENDSHIP In October, Pope Francis released Fratelli Tutti, an encyclical which calls us to live out our Christian duty to see the face of Jesus in our neighbors, recognizing everyone we meet as a brother or sister. On Monday, January 11 at 6:30pm, Judy Mayotte, a scholar and Cathedral parishioner, will speak on Fratelli Tutti's call to restore humanity's fraternal bond, that we are all sisters and brothers. The following week, a 4-week small group program will begin, for Cathedral parishioners to read, discuss and pray with this important teaching on human solidarity and friendship. Registration and information, Patrick Barredo, pbarredo@stjames-cathedral.org .

CARE FOR CREATION TIP As you share gifts with loved ones in the upcoming holiday season, be sure to recycle packaging from gifts, including cardboard packaging and peanuts and Styrofoam packing. They won't break down in a landfill but can be re-used.

THANK YOU TO SO MANY who have supported this year’s virtual Giving Tree and Sock Drive. When we pray the Grace before Meals, we ask God's blessing upon ourselves and the food that comes to us through God's bounty. Through your generous contributions, many men, women and children in our region will receive wonderful gifts from your bounty. Please know how much each of you has been a blessing!

DOROTHY DAY PRESENTATION Earlier this month, the writer Kate Hennessy offered reflections on her grandmother, Dorothy Day. For those who were unable to attend, the recording of the event is available online. Visit www.stjames-cathedral.org  for the link.

OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES DURING THE PANDEMIC Catholic Community Services/Catholic Housing Services (CCS/CHS) has asked the Cathedral to provide meals for their day centers and shelters. Unopened store-bought casseroles and unopened sandwich-ingredients (bread, deli meat, vegetables and condiments) are greatly appreciated. In addition, toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, soaps and shampoos, feminine hygiene products), canned readyto- eat meals (i.e. soup or chili), cup of noodles, easy mac and cheese, K-cup coffee, cocoa and tea, individual servings of chips, crackers, granola bars and cereals have been requested. Deliver food to Cathedral Hall (803 Terry Ave.), Tuesdays, 9am to 11am. Information, Patrick Barredo, pbarredo@stjamescathedral.org .

OUTREACH & ADVOCACY NEWSLETTER At the beginning of each month, a digital newsletter is sent out with news, information and stories about the Life, Peace and Justice ministries of the Cathedral. Recently, we've highlighted our work with immigrants, mental health services and encounters with our neighbors who are homeless. If you'd like to receive this newsletter, please send a message to outreach@stjames-cathedral.org and ask to subscribe to the newsletter.

PARISH REMEMBRANCE Throughout the year, because we are the Cathedral Church, we remember in prayer at Mass and Vespers each of the parishes and missions of the Archdiocese of Seattle on a Sunday near their feast day. This week we pray for the parishes of St. Stephen the Martyr in Renton; Prince of Peace Mission in Belfair; and St. Mary in Anacortes and Marysville.