Novena of Masses

In preparation for the October 24-25 statewide conference, the Cornerstone Conference Prayer Committee is asking parishes to have one Mass offered each month, if possible, for nine consecutive months (beginning March 25 through December 25), for the following intention:

"For the success of the October 24/25, 2014, WSCC Cornerstone Catholic Conference, for the conference organizers, speakers, & attendees, and that the fruits of the conference will be instrumental in building a culture of life in Washington State." OR simply "For the intentions of the Cornerstone Catholic Conference."

If it is not possible for a parish to offer one Mass/month, consecutively (March-December), whatever number of Masses offered (even one Mass), will be greatly appreciated.

(Parishes may be interested in having a Mass or Masses offered through the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women which has Mass intention cards available. The intentions for these Masses are offered monthly by Archbishop Sartain, and the stipend proceeds benefit seminarian formation.)

As part of the preparations for World Youth Day in 2016, Pope Francis has issued a message that offers a reflection on the first of the Beatitudes, "Blessed are the poor in spirit ..." In it, Pope Francis writes, "The Lord wants a poor Church which evangelizes the poor." To read the entire text, visit http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/messages/youth/documents/papa-francesco_20140121_messaggio-giovani_2014_en.html.


In Christ's peace,
Jim Thomas