This Week: Pentecost XVII - Solemnity of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady

“Musical Chairs”  –Fr. Anthony Brueggemann

The Bishop’s Note
Bishop Sanborn is with us today. Some of you might not have thought of this, but all of the priests and bishops here at SGG and in Nigeria, with the exception of Fr. McKenna (who was trained by †Fr. Valaincourt) and the two youngest priests in Nigeria (both trained by Bishop Nkamuke) were trained by Bishop Sanborn. So we welcome him with a sentiment of gratitude for all that he has done. His Excellency will be with us until tomorrow when he returns to Pennsylvania. I know many of you have expressed a desire to speak with him. I do hope you get that opportunity if you have not already.

The roofing project is nearing completion. We are very happy with the company and would recommend them to anyone. They went the extra mile for us and fixed many parts of the roof that they did not have to. The other workers have finally begun work on the corner classroom and are progressing nicely. We thank you for your patience while these things are being done.

Some of the seminarians had a bit of an adventure getting back to Seattle this past week. They had a delay of a few hours because one of the engines on the airplane was not working. They ultimately made it there safely though. Poncho Capetillo and Chris Brueggemann are now joined in the seminary by another of our parishioners, Dominic Simpson. This will mean we must find replacements for many jobs around the church since Dominic was not only an MC, but cleaned our thuribles, helped in the sacristy, and played a major role in Holy Week set up. He actually did a lot when I stop and think about it. We will miss seeing our seminarians here, but they will be back. God willing, they will become priests one day and play a much bigger role here or elsewhere. Fr. McKenna will join the seminary faculty this year. Fr. Lehtoranta already teaches a couple of dogma classes; Fr. Brueggemann teaches Latin and Philosophy, and now Fr. McKenna will begin teaching courses in Liturgy and Medical Ethics.

Choir season begins today. Our organist, Andrew Richesson, is taking a bit of a break from the keyboard, but we hope he will return soon. He has a God given talent that was well used for the past ten years. Ben Capetillo has graciously agreed to fill in for him. Welcome back, choir members! May you always remember for Whom you are singing, and may God reward you for your sacrifices.

I am going to the Philippines this week to visit Fr. Joven Soliman’s chapels and to give the Sacrament of Confirmation. The entire trip from here to Manila will take 28 hours and connects in Montreal and Vancouver. I have never been on a flight this long, but it should be quite the adventure. Fr. Soliman has two chapels: one in Manila and the other in Davao City. Father has some severe health issues that have forced him to take a quick rest in the middle of Mass and even sit while he administers Holy Communion. Do say a prayer for him. I will fill you in on all the news of the trip once I return.

There must be other news, but that is all for now. May Our Lady of Sorrows comfort you in all your trials, and may we all learn how to bear our crosses as she did.

– Bishop McGuire

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