New and Noteworthy
Sacred Heart Schedule Updates – Week of September 25th
As Fr. Joseph will be traveling at the end of this week to a priestly ordination and Fr. Nagel has prior commitments, please note the following schedule revisions:
8:45 AM daily Mass is canceled on Thursday, Sept. 28 and Friday, Sept. 29
Please visit St. Monica’s website, stmonicami.org, for a schedule of Masses, Confessions and Adoration during this time period. Thank you!
Parish Office Update
The parish office recently experienced a water leak in our workroom due to a ruptured pipe, which caused damage to the reception area and adjacent office. As the office will be undergoing restoration services for a while, please call our main phone number, 425-454-9536, before visiting the parish office. Thank you!
Now it’s time to hear from YOU
The Partners in the Gospel proposed parish families announcement was released by the Archdiocese of Seattle this past weekend (see list below). Our current proposed parish family is with St. Monica Parish (Mercer Island). Please sign up for one of the input sessions to share your feedback on Sacred Heart’s proposed parish family. The three-week public input phase has begun. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend one of these parish sessions. The public input phase ends on Oct. 14, 2023.
Proposed Parish Families
Sign-Up Here for an Input Session
10/5 & 10/10 at 6:30 pm; 10/1 & 10/8 at 10:00 am and 10/14 at 8:00 am. Sessions are to be held in the Parish Conference Room 4.
How to prepare
We can prepare by first praying and asking the Holy Spirit for guidance. We will use synodal listening for the input sessions, which we will be grounded in prayer and a sincere desire to listen to the Holy Spirit.
To view Archbishop Etienne’s Invitation to Participate in a Partners in the Gospel Input/Listening Session, please click here
Stewardship of Talent
Faith Stewardship of your talent transforms you, our parish, and the people you serve. Your talent is God’s gift to you. How will you use it for Him to carry out the mission of the Church? One way we can each live out a life of stewardship is to share our gifts through one of the many ministries here at Sacred Heart.
Please prayerfully consider a ministry that engages your passion and complete the online Stewardship of Time and Talent Form. Please save a copy of the completed form to your computer prior to emailing it to communications@sacredheart.org
We are very grateful to all parishioners in sharing their gifts of time and talent with the Sacred Heart community!
Sacred Heart Parish Ministry Fair
October 7 & 8, 2023
Join us in the Narthex after all the Masses on the weekend of October 7 and 8 to find out more about our many parish ministries and how you can become involved. Please consider a gift of your time to volunteer and share your talents with our Sacred Heart family.
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” – 1 Peter 4:10-11
Congregation for the Homeless (now called PorchLight)
November Meals for the Homeless
Sign Up’s Have Started!
For many years, our Sacred Heart community has generously provided nightly meals for the month of November to those in need who are part of the rotating shelter program at First Congregational Church in Bellevue. Formerly called Congregation for the Homeless, they have a new name “PorchLight”, but the same guiding principles and values for the past 3 decades: Relationships, Dignity & Respect, Community, and Empowerment. Just as a porch light provides a beacon of hope and warmth, they provide a guiding light for those in need, offering a safe space, support, and a sense of belonging to individuals experiencing homelessness.
We will once again be using SignUp Genius for those wanting to sign up to supply a food item (main dish, side dish or dessert).
November Meals for the Homeless-Sign Up Here
Please contact Mary Benz at mary@marybenz.com or 425-503-0752 with any questions or are having issues signing up.
Get Ready for the Advent Season
Advent by Candlelight FAQs
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) currently recommends two opportunities to donate to Maui wildfire relief efforts: The Hawai’i Catholic Community Foundation,tinyurl.com/MauiCatholic and Catholic Charities Hawai’i, catholiccharitieshawaii.org/maui-relief. Donations will assist with relief efforts including housing, food, clothing and personal essentials for the victims from wildfires on the island of Maui. Thank you for your generosity!
Sacred Heart Bible Study
“Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible”
Classes Start Wednesday, September 27th
Have you ever tried to read the bible from cover to cover, but stopped as it was too intimidating? This bible study called “Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible” helps you get the big picture by showing the 14 narrative books of the bible. All the way from Adam and Eve to Christ.
This 8-session study program, led by parishioner, Michael Wehner, includes video presentations, study guides and group discussions. It’s a great way to get a start on understanding the entire book so you can start your daily readings with confidence.
Starting on September 27th, we will meet in the Parish Hall from 7:00 – 8:30 PM on Wednesdays throughout this fall at Sacred Heart. There is a cost of $26.95 per person (scholarships available if assistance is needed with the program cost. Please contact the parish office at 425-454-9536.)
Class Dates: 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15 and 11/29. (No class on 10/25).
Please sign up by emailing, communications@sacredheart.org.
Here is the link to purchase the program and study guide:Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible Workbook with Digital Access – Ascension (ascensionpress.com)
Register Now – Infant Baptism Class
Saturday, October 7th
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM in the Parish Hall
Registration is now open for the next in-person, infant Baptism preparation class on Saturday, October 7th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM in the Parish Hall. The class provides Baptism preparation for newborn infants to six years old. Call the parish office at 425-454-9536 to register.
Initiated by Pope Francis, the Synod on Synodality is a process of listening
and dialogue which began in 2021 with a worldwide consultation of the
People of God. The Synod continues with gatherings of delegates in Rome in
October 2023 and is expected to conclude in 2024. Learn more about the
upcoming Synod in this Q & A Report, or visit the Archdiocese of Seattle’s Synod website, archseattle.org/synod.
Archbishop Etienne Appointed to Participate in October Synod
Read the Northwest Catholic story about Archbishop Etienne’s appointment by Pope Francis to participate in the Synod of Bishops on Synodality in October. The archbishop is one of just 20 participants from the U.S. announced July 7.
Annual Catholic Appeal Update
“Give, and it will be given to you.” – Luke 6:38
Thank you for supporting the mission of our Church and providing ministries to our brothers and sisters in Western Washington
2023 ACA Archbishop Thank You video on Vimeo
THANK YOU to all our Sacred Heart parishioners for your generous support of the Annual Catholic Appeal. We are excited to announce that as of August 7th, we have received gifts and pledges totaling $273,234 which is 108% of our Archdiocesan goal of $252,000. We couldn’t have done it without you! Your support is truly appreciated!
As of August 7, 2023
Participation goal: 400 Sacred Heart families
Total participation: 294 families
Parish financial goal: $252,000
Total pledges: $273,234
Amount above financial goal: $21,234
We are most grateful to everyone that completed their pledge to the Annual Catholic Appeal—thank you!
Upcoming Key Dates
Sept. 23-Oct. 14: Consultation with the faithful. Parishes will host sessions for input and feedback on the draft parish family configurations.
November: Oversight and Presbyteral Council will review all feedback and provide their recommendations to Archbishop Etienne for his discernment.
Early 2024: Final parish family plan will be released.
July 2024: Parish families, under the leadership of one pastor, will begin.
To view Archbishop Etienne’s Invitation to Participate in a Partners in the Gospel Input/Listening Session, please click here
To read Archbishop Etienne’s Partners in the Gospel Pastoral Letter (July 2023), please click here
To review Partners in the Gospel Q & A, please click here (updated July 2023)
To review the Partners in the Gospel monthly newsletter click here
To read the Partners in the Gospel Current Reality Report, please click here
To view Partners in the Gospel Introductory Video, please click here
To read the prayer for Partners in the Gospel, please click here
Groceries for Families Program ~ An Opportunity to Assist our Neighbors in Need
The Groceries for Families program has been extended for one more year to June 30, 2024. Sacred Heart parishioners have been graciously supporting the Groceries for Families Program at Jubilee REACH helping to provide individuals and families food security and hope. Please consider becoming involved by providing weekly groceries as the need remains very high in our local community. Currently, the top needed items are paper towels, #6 diapers, and baby wipes. The program is currently about 15 bags of groceries short each week and could use assistance. To sign up to bring groceries, visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0b49a5aa2ba3fd0-jubilee.
The Face of Homelessness
The Eastside Community Task Force on Homelessness invites you to view our educational video, “The Face of Homelessness”. Click on the below links and it will open up in YouTube.
Many families in our communities are struggling to make ends meet. With the soaring price of food, gas, and rent, an increasing number are finding themselves homeless. Rising drug use and street violence have reached crisis level in the greater Seattle area, and sub-freezing weather has entered the region. These conditions make it unsafe to live on the streets.
Part I: https://youtu.be/4ZqbMwsJELI
Part II: https://youtu.be/RymlHVJ6F2c
After viewing the video, it is our hope that you will ask yourself the important question: “HOW CAN I HELP?” – GIVE THE GIFT OF HOPE with a life changing donation to these Non-Profit Organizations and to others listed at the end of the video.
“Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
If you are interested in raising funds as a group, we can recommend resources to help you quickly organize and put the fun back into hosting a successful fundraiser. For assistance in setting up a fundraiser or If you are interested in joining The Eastside Task Force on Homelessness, please contact Molly Boll by sending an email to mollyboll@comast.net.
Volunteers Requested for 2023-Lunch Meals for Sophia’s Place
Please join the Sacred Heart Community in providing meals for Sophia’s Place.
For details/sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e49a8a729a5ff2-meals3#/
Our goal is to feed 30 women each month. With 3 volunteers, each person should plan to provide a lunch that will serve 10.
A hot entree such as lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, casserole etc. is preferred, but any lunch for10 is welcome. Please send the meal in disposable containers. Alice will be parked by the church office in a black Macan from 10-10:20am on the 2nd Thursday of each month to collect and deliver the meals. The women at Sophia’s Place are grateful for the Sacred Heart community and the assistance provided. Thank you! Contact Alice, 425-890-6121 or Stephanie, 425-269-9887 if there are any questions.
Sacred Heart Hospitality Invites You
Wine and Cheese following the Saturday, 5:00 pm Mass
Coffee and Donuts following the Sunday, 9:00 & 11:00 am Masses
Please Join the Sacred Heart Community for Fellowship!
Email: volunteer@sacredheart.org to join the Hospitality Committee and assist in this important ministry.
Stewardship of Treasure
Please prayerfully consider your Stewardship Sunday pledge to Sacred Heart and complete the online pledge card. Please save a copy of the completed form to your computer prior to emailing it to Lucy Paulsen, lpaulsen@sacredheart.org in the Parish office. We appreciate your investment in Sacred Heart Church, which strengthens us today and builds our legacy for the future.
Fr. Nagel’s Homily-Stewardship of Treasure, November 6, 2022
Do You Give Online? Click here to sign up for online giving.
We are keeping up with technology! With 97% of smartphone users texting at least once a day, our parish has decided to add the option to give via text. You can text an amount to (425) 363-9505, and your transaction will be processed through the Online Giving account associated with the phone number.
Sound Insight (Guest-starring Father Nagel!) – Sacred Heart Radio
Sound Insight is a Sacred Heart Radio program airing at 8AM, Monday – Friday. Dr. Tom Curran and co-hosts bring insight into issues pertaining to the Catholic faith and our local community. Both entertaining and thought provoking, this program offers humor, guest interviews, and insights from the Scripture. Great for commuters and anyone who wants to tune in for a daily boost of faith! Father Nagel is a guest on Sound Insight every Monday!
The mission of Sacred Heart Radio is to bring the light of Christ to the Northwest. They are committed to providing radio programming that glorifies God and leads souls to salvation, and they joyfully submit to all teachings of the Catholic Church. Listen on AM 1050 or on their mobile App (available on Apple & Android phones).
Visit Sacred Heart Radio/Sound Insight for more information and for a full program schedule.
Welcome Fr. Kurt Nagel and Fr. Joseph Akor
We are delighted to officially welcome Fr. Kurt Nagel and Fr. Joseph Akor to Sacred Heart Parish. Fr. Nagel joins us as Pastor, while Fr. Akor will serve as Parochial Vicar. In addition, Fr. Nagel will continue to preside as Pastor at St. Monica Church on Mercer Island, where he has served for the past year. Fr. Nagel will celebrate Masses with our parish community on the first weekend of each month. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Seattle in 1997 and has served at parishes in Tacoma, the Olympic Peninsula, and Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Kirkland. He was born and raised in the Northwest. Please extend a warm Sacred Heart welcome to Fr. Nagel and Fr. Akor!
Read Fr. Nagel’s Introductory Homily, July 9-10, 2022
Getting to Know Fr. Joseph Akor, July 24, 2022
Catholic News Service- How to Give to Ukraine
Weekend Mass Schedule
Sat 5:00 PM
Sun 9:00 AM
Sun 11:00 AM
Sun 5:00 PM