 Advent
LiturgiesTo mark this holy season of longing and
waiting, we change some of our usual liturgical practices. The
procession is modified and the altar is decorated more simply. During
the liturgies, a greater role is given to silence, to the chanting of
psalms, and to the ringing of bells. In accordance with a very ancient
tradition in the church, the use of the organ is reduced during Advent.
Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is a devotion Catholics have adopted from the
Lutheran tradition. Prior to each Mass, the priest gathers with the
liturgical ministers for the prayer and candle-lighting associated with
the wreath. With each succeeding Sunday of Advent, an additional candle
is lit on the wreath, a symbol of the dawning of the light of Christ
into the world. The Advent wreath used in the Cathedral this year was
designed by Father Josef Venker, SJ of Seattle University. The weathered
wood base suggests the scripture heard each year during this season:
A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud
shall blossom (Isaiah 11:1).
Evening Prayer with Music from Taizé
On Friday, December 6 at 6:30pm, this beloved monthly prayer service
returns, with music, candlelight, and silence. Start your weekend with
the meditative, peaceful spirit of Taizé.
Vespers: Evening Prayer
4:00pm Sunday afternoons. You are invited to join in the universal
prayer of the Church, the Liturgy of the Hours, a forty minute service
of sung prayer concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
This beautiful candlelit service is the perfect conclusion to a December
Sunday.
The Sacrament of
Reconciliation
is celebrated each Saturday morning in the Reconciliation Chapel,
from 8:30am until 9:30am.
Communal
Reconciliation Services
will be held on Monday, December 16 at 7:00pm.
During this beautiful service of readings, reflection and song, we will
open ourselves to experience the gift of God’s gracious and loving
forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance. A second service with multiple
confessors will be held on Saturday, December 21 at 2:30pm.
In addition, confessions are heard weekly on Saturdays from
8:30am-9:30am.
Season of Hope: Advent Reflection
During this Advent season, you are invited to join in a weekly small
group reflection: Season of Hope: Through Advent to the Jubilee. The
coming year, 2025, is a Jubilee Year in the Church. Pope Francis is
calling all of us to be pilgrims of hope. In this series, we will
reflect on the meaning of Jubilee with the Scriptures of Advent.
Mondays, December 2, 9, 16, and 23 on Zoom.
Information, Caroline Okello,
cokello@stjames-cathedral.org .
Christmas Carol Singalong for Seniors
All seniors are invited to a Christmas carol sing-along on
Wednesday, December 4, 1-3pm. We will sing Christmas carols and
then enjoy hot chocolate and cookies! Pastoral Outreach Center, 907
Columbia St. RSVP to Anisa Ralls by November 29 at 206-382-4269 or
aralls@stjames-cathedral.org .
Madre de las Americas
Saturday, December 7, 11:30am, Entrance of the Dancers.
12:10pm, Mass with Archbishop Etienne. The Hispanic community
of Western Washington comes together at this celebration in honor of Our
Lady of Guadalupe, the Mother of the Americas. All are welcome both for
the procession and the Mass!
Immaculate Conception Church celebrates 120
years
On Sunday, December 8 at 11:00am, our sisters and
brothers at Immaculate Conception Church celebrate 120 years from the
dedication of the church, the oldest Catholic Church in the city of
Seattle. All are invited to join in a festive Mass and celebration.
Congratulations to the people of Immaculate Conception Parish from your
new Parish Family!
The
Immaculate Conception
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
will be observed on Monday, December 9. Masses for the
Holy Day will be at 8:00am, 10:10am (with O’Dea High School), and
12:10pm.
Simbang Gabi Celebration
Saturday, December 14, 11:00am Mass. Join Archbishop
Etienne and participants from many parishes for Simbang Gabi, the
beginning of a novena of Masses in which we prepare for Christmas in
company with Mary. The Mass includes the blessing of parols (star
lanterns) and helps us to focus our attention on the coming of Jesus,
Light of the World.
Cathedral Kids’ Christmas Party
Sunday, December 15, after the Noon Mass. At the
party, children are invited to pick up their “Christmas Around Cathedral
Hall” passport and visit fun activity stations around Cathedral Hall,
including the Cathedral Youth Unite station to pick up a NEW Cathedral
Youth Unite Hoodie in a NEW color! There will also be a pizza lunch and
a visit from Santa! Information or to RSVP, Tami Kowal, 206-219-5822 or
tkowal@stjames-cathedral.org .
Rejoice heartily! Advent Retreat for
Women
For a few hours step aside from the hustle, enter a small patch of
quiet, and ponder the mysteries of God’s presence in our midst—today,
yesterday, and forever. We will offer quiet reflection and prayer with
Sacred Scripture, and (optional) small group synodal listening and will
end in time to attend Sunday Vespers at 4:00pm. Facilitated by Patty
Repikoff. Sunday, December 15, 1:30pm-3:45pm.
Registration required. Information, Patty Pruitt,
ppruitt@stjames-cathedral.org or 206-274-3108.
Cathedral Dedication Anniversary
Sunday, December 22 marks 117 years since St. James
Cathedral was dedicated in 1907, and 30 years since it was rededicated
in 1994. We will celebrate this anniversary on the weekend of December
21-22, with the lighting of the dedication candles.
The Giving Tree
Stop by the Mary shrine to pick a tag off our annual Giving Tree, or
visit the Cathedral website for the virtual Giving Tree. Each tag
contains a gift wish from someone in need in our community. It’s easy
and fun to participate: simply shop for the gift and return it after
Sunday Mass in the Cathedral Bookstore or have it shipped to the Parish
Office by Sunday, December 15. Information, Patrick Barredo,
206-382-4515 or
pbarredo@stjames-cathedral.org .
Sock Drive
Our Annual “Warm Hearts and Soles” Advent Sock Drive is underway! Our
Goal: 2,024 pairs of socks for homeless men. Please drop socks off in
the Cathedral Bookstore or in the Parish Office. If you're ordering socks
online, have them shipped directly to St. James Cathedral!
Christmas Masses
The celebration of Christmas begins with the Vigil Mass of Christmas
at 4:30pm on Tuesday, December 24, and continues with
the Mass during the Night—Carol Service at 9:00pm, Mass at 10:00pm. The
Masses of Christmas Day on Wednesday, December 25 will
follow the usual Sunday schedule: 8:00am, 10:00am, 12:00 Noon, and
5:30pm. Solemn Vespers of Christmas will be at 4:00pm on Christmas Day.
Find out more at www.stjames-cathedral.org.
Candlelight Mass on New
Year's Eve
On Tuesday, December 31 at 5:30pm, we end the year with a
contemplative celebration of the Eucharist, hundreds of candles, and the
music of the ecumenical community of Taizé. What better way to bring
2024 to an end, and pray for joy, peace, and reconciliation in the year
ahead?
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