Finding a Seattle Parish

[Suudy]

I’ve just relocated to the Seattle area (really the east side in Kirkland), and am having some trouble finding a parish I like. I’ve attended two different parishes that are pretty close, and will be attending a third this morning a bit farther away.

The first had no kneelers. Immediately after the readings, a couple came up and gave a talk about stewardship. The homily was then a short exposition of the readings. Seemed to me to be the wrong timing (perhaps at the annoucements later? A handout in the bulletin?).

The second, the priest flies through the mass. Before the congregation’s responses are done, he’s already onto the next part. The parish wasn’t full (maybe 150 people), yet there were 16 extraordinary eucharistic ministers (8 for the body, 8 for the blood) and the priest sat down! At least there were kneelers…

We’ll see what the third has to offer.

I’ve spent some time on websites of nearby parishes, but come away wondering if it’s a good fit. All the parishes are wide, with low altars. I haven’t seen a cross in the sanctuary with the actual corpus on it yet (always some artsy rendition). Each list music that is far from traditional. One website talks about the “fusion of traditional hymns with contemporary styles such as jazz, new age, and swing.” Hardly seems the music that inspires awe and reverence.

So I’m wondering if any Seattle-ites (preferably east side area such as Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland) can recommend a more “traditional” parish. I put traditional in quotes because I’m not looking for Tridentine masses (though it would be cool–I’ve never been to one), but a parish that seems to have a handle on the awe inspiring and reverent style. The new happy-clappy style of music, and elimination of kneeling, and liturgical abuses (such as an excess of extraordinary eucharistic ministers) is something I’d like to avoid.

Thanks for your help!

 

[DustinsDad]

…So I’m wondering if any Seattle-ites (preferably east side area such as Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland) can recommend a more “traditional” parish. I put traditional in quotes because I’m not looking for Tridentine masses (though it would be cool–I’ve never been to one…

Thanks for your help!

I’m a loooong way from you (out here in Midwest), so I can’t help in the normal parish search - never know what you’ll get there. But if you are interested attending the TLM, try this link: unavoceww.com/index.html for masses in your neck of the woods. With the Tridentine Mass, you always know what you’ll get…and it’s solid. Rock solid.

Peace in Christ,

DustinsDad

 

[NetNuncio]

Seattle is a tough place to find a good Mass. It all kinda depends on what you are looking for.

The Tridentine Mass is offered at the Josephinum on 2nd St. at St. Joseph Chapel…9:30 Mass, I believe.

If you are looking for a traditional Novus Ordo Mass, check out the Cathedral of St. James or Holy Rosary.

Good luck!

Adam

 

[Suudy]

We’ll see what the third has to offer.

Ok, an update on the thrid parish.

Again, no kneelers. And nobody knelt at any time of the mass. I’m not sure why 2 of 3 parishes I’ve visited in the area do not have kneelers. The lack of kneelers bothers me. I like to kneel and pray before and after mass, and especially after receive the eucharist. The eucharist is a powerful experience, and I feel extremely thankful and want to kneel and thank God.

The priest seemed nice enough, but again we were given a third party talk about giving to Catholic charities after the readings and before the homily. The homily was better than the first parish I attended, but it still seemed an odd time to have a talk.

The most distracting part of the mass was the baptism. The baptismal font is in the narthex, and during mass the priest invited everyone to leave their pews and gather in the narthex for the baptism. The narthex wasn’t large enough to hold the entire congregation, and not everyone went out there. Then everyone had to file back to their pews.

The music was good, it it was without a choir. The cantors had beautiful voices, and there was a piano accomanying the singing. The hymns chosen were good, and I enjoyed the music.

Thanks for the pointers on the other parishes in the area. Holy Rosary is kind of far away (in West Seattle). St Joseph’s Chapel sounds very interesting, and I’m anxious to attend. St James Cathedral is also fairly close, and I will try that again.

Thanks for the tips!

 

[Veronica_Anne]

Shopping around for a Catholic church that has kneelers as a requirement for whether you attend church is a little, well, ah-hem… I dunno? Why not call the office at each of the parishes in your chosen geographic region and ask the office person whether or not that church building has kneelers? And the other criteria you have for your choice of parish could be answered from the office, too.

If I did not attend any particular parish because of some reason or other (and there’s sure to be at least one reason at any given parish that is not to my preference in HOW the Mass is celebrated), I would not be going to Mass at ANY parish. I tend to choose which time of day I’m going to which Mass, depending on my need for being more sedate (the earliest Sunday Mass) or a need for some "injected energy in the music (the evening Youth Mass). Same Mass. Same Sacrifice. Same Meal. Same Jesus.

Here’s a Web site for anyone to discover where the Catholic churches are in any given state and city.

MassTimes.org

Here’s the page for all the parishes in Washington state.

masstimes.org/dotnet/showcitieswithstatecodeofusa.aspx?q=&statecode=WA&state=Washington&country=United+States+of+America&countrycode=United+States+of+America

Here’s the page for all the parishes in Seattle…

masstimes.org/dotnet/showchurches.aspx?type=USCITY&q=Seattle&city=Seattle&statecode=WA&state=Washington&country=United+States+of+America&countrycode=United+States+of+America&friendlyChurchName=&churchName=

 

[decn2b]

Strange isn’t it. If there was no liturgical reform springing from VII you woudn’t even be shopping for a parish. THis thread is testament to what has happened to the liturgy of our church with the so called “improvements” to the way Catholics were to worship in the years immediate and following Vatican II.

Don’t get me wrong VII was a good thing…what happened afterward is a very very different story especially the protestantization of the Litrugy. It has failed so badly that someone in Seatle has to “shop” for a church. Much like the protestants do today in their church shopping. You can walk into one Catholic church and witness somthing that barely resembles the other Catholic church across town. Doesn’t sound very unified to me.!!

 

[NetNuncio]

I have often heard the criticism of those who “church shop” and with today’s American Church, I don’t see the harm in it.

I tend to choose a church that is more traditional, but, even if they aren’t traditional, I want them to be orthodox. So, if there aren’t kneelers, then I am going to assume that people aren’t kneeling on the ground during the consecration and, therefore, are standing or sitting, which is inappropriate. Those who don’t see this as a problem tend to see other abuses as unimportant as well. I think its perfectly acceptable to want a parish that is orthodox in liturgy and doctrine and to search until you can find one. Remember…lex orandi, lex credendi.

adam

 

[WenckebachCath]

You wouldn’t be totally far from Blessed Sacrament. It’s a Domincan run parish in the U district. It’s just across the 520 bridge, I think it’s exit 55, just north, on I-5. You can see it from the Fwy it’s a very large brick church.It’s very traditionally run. We attend there occasionally.

Click here for their website

 

[Suudy]

Thanks for the reply.

Shopping around for a Catholic church that has kneelers as a requirement for whether you attend church is a little, well, ah-hem… I dunno?

Perhaps we have a misunderstanding about my reason for “shopping.” I just moved to the area about a month ago, and have been trying to find a parish with which I am comfortable. I was happy with my parish where I lived before (despite the priest and parish council were very liberal), because of the liturgy. Mass felt very reverent, and the homilies were good. Fr Edgar was very deliberate and gave an excellent mass. Despite my disagreements with him and the parish council on other issues, I enjoyed the mass.

Why not call the office at each of the parishes in your chosen geographic region and ask the office person whether or not that church building has kneelers? And the other criteria you have for your choice of parish could be answered from the office, too.

Granted, I could call the office. I just thought perhaps it would be nice to get some “reviews” from others. I’m attending these parishes to determine how good of a fit they are.

And kneelers are not the sole requirement. They are important to me because (as a later poster already mentioned) if there aren’t kneelers, then either everybody is standing or sitting at times I think kneeling is appropriate. What is also important is the faithfulness of the mass. Is there a layperson giving a homily (or “sermon” instead)? Are there an excessive amount of extraordinary Eucharistic ministers (I italicize the extraordinary, because that is what they are for–not to make communion take 5 minutes instead of 10). Is the priest conscientious? Is the mass reverent?

Besides, I know that many of those who frequent these message boards are conservative like me. I’m more likely to attend based upon the review of a member of these boards than the review of a parish office worker.

If I did not attend any particular parish because of some reason or other (and there’s sure to be at least one reason at any given parish that is not to my preference in HOW the Mass is celebrated), I would not be going to Mass at ANY parish.

But I am still attending mass–despite my discomfort with certain things. Since I am new to the area (especially one as large as the Seattle area with a lot to choose from), I don’t see a problem with looking for a parish I like.

I tend to choose which time of day I’m going to which Mass, depending on my need for being more sedate (the earliest Sunday Mass) or a need for some "injected energy in the music (the evening Youth Mass). Same Mass. Same Sacrifice. Same Meal. Same Jesus.

That’s why I go every Sunday–regardless of my comfort level.

Here’s a Web site for anyone to discover where the Catholic churches are in any given state and city.

I know where the parishes are, and I know the mass times. What I don’t know is what they are like. Rather than attend every single parish, I was asking for reviews.

 

[Trident59]

There is a very reverent NO Mass at Sts. Peter & Paul. Its just on the east side of the Portland Ave. exit off I-5 near Tacoma. And only a 30 minute drive.

If I lived that close I would certainly attend there.

 

[Ghosty]

You wouldn’t be totally far from Blessed Sacrament. It’s a Domincan run parish in the U district. It’s just across the 520 bridge, I think it’s exit 55, just north, on I-5. You can see it from the Fwy it’s a very large brick church.It’s very traditionally run. We attend there occasionally.

Click here for their website

I attend Blessed Sacrament regularily, and I second this recommendation. All the Masses are reverent, but especially the 12 noon Sunday Mass, which uses Latin prayers and incense every week. We also have a new priest, Fr. Bernhard Blankenhorn, who is an incredible teacher. You can hear some of his homilies at the website here.

Send me a PM if you decide to attend, and I’ll be happy to introduce you to some good folks.

If you’re interested in a solid Eastern Litugy, there’s the Melkite Mission at St. Matthews in North Seattle. The Latin parish is a bit loosey-goosey, but the Melkites are solid. Of course the Liturgy is primarily in Arabic, but there are many parts in English. I do the English epistle reading there every other week.

I hope you find what you’re looking for!

Peace and God bless!

 

[matthias]

I attend Blessed Sacrament regularily, and I second this recommendation. All the Masses are reverent, but especially the 12 noon Sunday Mass, which uses Latin prayers and incense every week. We also have a new priest, Fr. Bernhard Blankenhorn, who is an incredible teacher. You can hear some of his homilies at the website here.

Send me a PM if you decide to attend, and I’ll be happy to introduce you to some good folks.

If you’re interested in a solid Eastern Litugy, there’s the Melkite Mission at St. Matthews in North Seattle. The Latin parish is a bit loosey-goosey, but the Melkites are solid. Of course the Liturgy is primarily in Arabic, but there are many parts in English. I do the English epistle reading there every other week.

I hope you find what you’re looking for!

Peace and God bless!

I too have been to Blessed Sacrament Parish. I can say very little about other parishes but this one is really good. I used to live in Kirkland and for a Sunday the drive really isn’t that much at all. If you are choosie enough to look for kneelers then you should also care enough to make that short trip over the lake each Sunday.

Blessed Sacrament Parish is really a great parish!

I have several friends that attend there.

 

[Ghosty]

I too have been to Blessed Sacrament Parish. I can say very little about other parishes but this one is really good. I used to live in Kirkland and for a Sunday the drive really isn’t that much at all. If you are choosie enough to look for kneelers then you should also care enough to make that short trip over the lake each Sunday.

Blessed Sacrament Parish is really a great parish!

I have several friends that attend there.

It’s also the home parish of apologist Mark Shea, so he does frequent free talks at the church. We also have some free classes, including a course on the Summa Theologica, and the Book of Revelations, both of which are absolutely amazing. The Liturgical Director is also currently doing a series of talks about the Liturgical Year, and the elements of the Liturgy itself and their significance.

It’s the only Latin church in the U.S. that I’ve been to that still has shrines for Saints, with people regularily walking around and venerating them. I honestly can’t say enough good things about this parish; it’s got something for everyone, young and old

Who are your friends? Perhaps I know them!

Peace and God bless!

 

[SeattleCatholic]

I too have been to Blessed Sacrament Parish. I can say very little about other parishes but this one is really good. I used to live in Kirkland and for a Sunday the drive really isn’t that much at all. If you are choosie enough to look for kneelers then you should also care enough to make that short trip over the lake each Sunday.

Blessed Sacrament Parish is really a great parish!

I have several friends that attend there.

Wow…all these recommendations are making me interested in attending mass at Blessed Sacrament!

 

[Cavaille-Coll]

You might also try Sacred Heart on North 2nd near the Space Needle. It seems to be very orthodox.

 

[Joey1976]

I’ve just relocated to the Seattle area (really the east side in Kirkland), and am having some trouble finding a parish I like. I’ve attended two different parishes that are pretty close, and will be attending a third this morning a bit farther away.

The first had no kneelers. Immediately after the readings, a couple came up and gave a talk about stewardship. The homily was then a short exposition of the readings. Seemed to me to be the wrong timing (perhaps at the annoucements later? A handout in the bulletin?).

The second, the priest flies through the mass. Before the congregation’s responses are done, he’s already onto the next part. The parish wasn’t full (maybe 150 people), yet there were 16 extraordinary eucharistic ministers (8 for the body, 8 for the blood) and the priest sat down! At least there were kneelers…

We’ll see what the third has to offer.

I’ve spent some time on websites of nearby parishes, but come away wondering if it’s a good fit. All the parishes are wide, with low altars. I haven’t seen a cross in the sanctuary with the actual corpus on it yet (always some artsy rendition). Each list music that is far from traditional. One website talks about the “fusion of traditional hymns with contemporary styles such as jazz, new age, and swing.” Hardly seems the music that inspires awe and reverence.

So I’m wondering if any Seattle-ites (preferably east side area such as Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland) can recommend a more “traditional” parish. I put traditional in quotes because I’m not looking for Tridentine masses (though it would be cool–I’ve never been to one), but a parish that seems to have a handle on the awe inspiring and reverent style. The new happy-clappy style of music, and elimination of kneeling, and liturgical abuses (such as an excess of extraordinary eucharistic ministers) is something I’d like to avoid.

Thanks for your help!

I think you have every right to be disturbed that there are no kneelers in the Churches you have visited. There is no excuse for people not kneeling during the consecration of the Eucharist. Kneelers or not, people should be kneeling. It is in the GIRM. I heard Fr. Benedict Groschel talk once about how there is no excuse for people standing during the consecration. He said the only person that should be standing is the Priest. He was very adament about it. If you can;t kneel for whatever reason then you sit. I tend to beleive what Fr. Groschel says. I’ll stick with him. If he says it’s bad to be standing at this time, i beleive it to be true. I’ll go with him 10 times out of 10 over any diocesn Priest who thinks otherwise.

 

[rosarywarrior]

I live in Eastern Wasington but I have been to parishes in Seattle and I agree, you really do need to shop around. However we stumbled upon BLESSED SACRAMENT and fell in love with it! Seattle is NOT known for having the most orthodox masses but we found that BLESSED SACRAMENT was. Check it out…you can actually pray and kneel and focus on the mass. Good Luck!

 

[urban-hermit]

I’ve just relocated to the Seattle area (really the east side in Kirkland), and am having some trouble finding a parish I like. I’ve attended two different parishes that are pretty close, and will be attending a third this morning a bit farther away. …

Hi Suudy - I found your thread a little late (… ok, a lot late ), but wanted to chime in and ask how your search is going?

If you are still open to suggestions, I want to suggest my parish, St Monica’s on Mercer Island. It is close to you I think and is very orthodox. ALL our priests are terrific! Our Pastor has actually been on EWTN before, and 3 of the other priests are very fervent men from Africa and India who give terrific and challenging sermons. Come check us out!

 

[MollyF]

Thanks for the reply.

Perhaps we have a misunderstanding about my reason for “shopping.” I just moved to the area about a month ago, and have been trying to find a parish with which I am comfortable. I was happy with my parish where I lived before (despite the priest and parish council were very liberal), because of the liturgy. Mass felt very reverent, and the homilies were good. Fr Edgar was very deliberate and gave an excellent mass. Despite my disagreements with him and the parish council on other issues, I enjoyed the mass.

Granted, I could call the office. I just thought perhaps it would be nice to get some “reviews” from others. I’m attending these parishes to determine how good of a fit they are.

And kneelers are not the sole requirement. They are important to me because (as a later poster already mentioned) if there aren’t kneelers, then either everybody is standing or sitting at times I think kneeling is appropriate. What is also important is the faithfulness of the mass. Is there a layperson giving a homily (or “sermon” instead)? Are there an excessive amount of extraordinary Eucharistic ministers (I italicize the extraordinary, because that is what they are for–not to make communion take 5 minutes instead of 10). Is the priest conscientious? Is the mass reverent?

Besides, I know that many of those who frequent these message boards are conservative like me. I’m more likely to attend based upon the review of a member of these boards than the review of a parish office worker.

But I am still attending mass–despite my discomfort with certain things. Since I am new to the area (especially one as large as the Seattle area with a lot to choose from), I don’t see a problem with looking for a parish I like.

That’s why I go every Sunday–regardless of my comfort level.

I know where the parishes are, and I know the mass times. What I don’t know is what they are like. Rather than attend every single parish, I was asking for reviews.

Okay I haven’t read all the threads here but I live on the Eastside, Issaquah, and I go to St. Monica’s on Mercer Island. It has a beautiful 24 hour adoration chapel which has given the parish beautiful graces. We have four priests who are traditional and say Mass beautifully. The choir is in the back and sings traditional hymns, not distracting, but rather adds to the 9:30 Mass. There is Mass everyday!!! at 6:05 am and 8:00 am M-F, with confession W-F mornings, and Saturday before 5:00 Mass. Sunday there is Mass at 8:00, 9:30, 11:30, and 6:00pm. I hope this helps! Come join us!!!

 

[Trident59]

Sounds to me like you should try St. Joseph’s Chapel in the Josephinum in downtown Seattle. Its the indult Tridentine Mass. Mass is at 9:30am I believe.