Faithful Parishes in Washington State? (edited title)

[Dismas2004]

Does anyone know of any faithful parishes with good priests in the Seattle / Lakewood area?

 

[EasterJoy]

I’m big on just starting with the parish nearest you, but you might think about Blessed Sacrament, Seattle. I have heard good things about it. I’ve also found the Dominicans (like CA’s own Fr. Serpa) to be faithful in their preaching and leadership in the parishes I’ve attended, which have covered the spectrum in terms of how liberal or traditional the parishioners were.

Blessed Sacrament also has an extensive web site, so you can read past homilies yourself and have a look at what the parish does in the way of devotions, ministry to the poor, and so on. That might answer quite a few of your questions.
blessed-sacrament.org/

Otherwise, you might just call the archdiocesan chancery office and let them know what you’re looking for. They might be able to help you.

 

[MCMiller]

I do not know if this is in the area you are inquiring about, but my sister is a parishoner at St. Mark’s in Forest Lake (?). Wow…it sounds amazing. The pastor sounds like a true leader in Christ…teacher, shepherd, motivator and hard,hard worker for the Kingdom. It would be worth a drive if you are looking for beauty, orthodoxy, and a community that my sister describes is absolutely wonderful.

 

[blessedtoo]

I’m going to beat urban-hermit to the punch and highly recommend Sacred Hill on Queen Ann Hill in Seattle (next to the Space Noodle).
sacredheartseattle.com/

Seattle is pretty large. The city itself doesn’t boast many “orthodox” Parishes. The Cathedral is dependable and the Choir will lift and exalt your soul. You will not be offended by anything you experience in the Mass there - and many Masses are offered during the week and weekend.
stjames-cathedral.org/main.htm

The Lakewood area would include the White Center neighborhood, as well as West Seattle. White Center is home to a great Parish - Holy Family. This is the Parish that hosts Fr. Corapi whenever he comes to speak in Seattle. They also offer the Latin Mass during the week.
hfseattle.org/parish/

Mr very favortie Parish in the whole city (and the one I belonged to before I was forced to move from the neighborhood) is St. Alphonsus in Ballard. The most extraordinary crucifix I have ever seen hangs behind the altar. I wept the first time I saw it.
st-alphonsus-sea.org/

Let us know how it goes!

 

[Brendan]

Seattle is pretty large. The city itself doesn’t boast many “orthodox” Parishes. The Cathedral is dependable and the Choir will lift and exalt your soul. You will not be offended by anything you experience in the Mass there - and many Masses are offered during the week and weekend.
stjames-cathedral.org/main.htm

I was at a convention in Seattle and attened Ash Wed Mass. You are right, there was a lot that was good there.

But I was also grossly offeneded near the end. Not only do they fraction the species of wine AFTER the consecration ( in direct violation of Redeptionis Sacramentum), that I could have lived with.

But they also had an EMHC walking around with a pitcher full of Christ, refilling the chalices. That was one of the most abmismal displays I have every seen in a parish, let alone a catheral.

So, no, I don’t think I’ll attend Mass at St. James again.

 

[AMDGtoo]

I’m big on just starting with the parish nearest you, but you might think about Blessed Sacrament, Seattle. I have heard good things about it. I’ve also found the Dominicans (like CA’s own Fr. Serpa) to be faithful in their preaching and leadership in the parishes I’ve attended, which have covered the spectrum in terms of how liberal or traditional the parishioners were.

Blessed Sacrament also has an extensive web site, so you can read past homilies yourself and have a look at what the parish does in the way of devotions, ministry to the poor, and so on. That might answer quite a few of your questions.
blessed-sacrament.org/

I have to second this. Blessed Sacrament, Seattle is gorgeous too. Great architecture! So reverent! Great history! And an altar rail to boot!

 

[blessedtoo]

I was at a convention in Seattle and attened Ash Wed Mass. You are right, there was a lot that was good there.

But I was also grossly offeneded near the end. Not only do they fraction the species of wine AFTER the consecration ( in direct violation of Redeptionis Sacramentum), that I could have lived with.

But they also had an EMHC walking around with a pitcher full of Christ, refilling the chalices. That was one of the most abmismal displays I have every seen in a parish, let alone a catheral.

So, no, I don’t think I’ll attend Mass at St. James again.

Our Arhcbishop has addressed this in his bi-weekly radio address on our local Catholic station.

He has explained this thoroughly and I personally am no longer concerned with this practice.

 

[Lovemyfaith]

Our Arhcbishop has addressed this in his bi-weekly radio address on our local Catholic station.

He has explained this thoroughly and I personally am no longer concerned with this practice.

Do you mind if I ask what the explanation was?

 

[VietCatholic83]

Our Arhcbishop has addressed this in his bi-weekly radio address on our local Catholic station.

He has explained this thoroughly and I personally am no longer concerned with this practice.

I would echo previous posters. Blessed Sacrament Parish in the University District and Holy Family in South Seattle are good, orthodox parishes. There is also a Byzantine Catholic Parish, St. John Chrysostom in Beacon Hill.

[Edited]

 

[blessedtoo]

I would echo previous posters. Blessed Sacrament Parish in the University District and Holy Family in South Seattle are good, orthodox parishes. There is also a Byzantine Catholic Parish, St. John Chrysostom in Beacon Hill.

I am also interested in the explanation. As a resident of Seattle, I am curious as to how Archbishop Brunett justifies this practice. I attended mass for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul and the Cathedral Rector who offered the mass still consecrated the pitcher of wine. Then the lay altar server proceeded to pour the Blessed Sacrament from the pitcher into chalices for the EMHCs. Why could this not be done BEFORE the consecration as directed by Redemptionis Sacramentum? I cannot think of a good reason why. I have attended numerous presbyteral ordinations at the Cathedral and at those liturgies, the wine is poured into chalices before consecration. The instruction is clear on this matter.

Do you mind if I ask what the explanation was?

I don’t want to even attempt to paraphrase what Archbishop Brunett said regarding this practice because it was at least a year ago that I heard him speak about it on our local Catholic station. You can certainly check on the website of Sacred Heart Radio and see if they have the archived downloads from The Bishop’s Hour. Also, on the Archdiocesan website you can read the Pastoral and Sacramental Practices for our diocese - a document that resulted from years of study, prayer, and feedback.

As someone who has written to the Archbishop over a dozen times with concerns, I will tell you that he never fails to respond and always thoughtfully reflects on whatever issue is being presented. The fact that he hosts a radio program twice a month, during which callers are ENCOURAGED to call with ANY question, indicates, to me, that he is trying to do the right thing.

Do I always agree with his decisions? No. But he has explained them all and continues to remain open to change. He does not support egregious illicit practices, in any way. I am not an apologist for Archbishop Brunett, and I no longer attend the Cathedral (for many reasons) BUT I do think very highly of him and respect him greatly. Now, I send him cards of thanks at Easter and Christmas and whenever something extraordinarily wonderful happens in the diocese.

PS: If you can’t find his answer, I recommend you pm urban-hermit, a member here at CAF. He is my good buddy and this issue with the consecration and the Precious Blood was his personal crusade with the Archbishop. I know that he received a reply from Brunett with some type of explanation that he found satisfactory.

 

[brigid12]

I would second the suggestion to go to a parish run by a religious order of priests - whereever you are going to be.