News

In Ethiopia, about 2.8 million people were forced to leave their homes because of conflict and war. When they were finally safe, there were no bathrooms, access to clean water or privacy. When Catholic Relief Services arrived, they met immediate needs like food, water, shelter, and they also restored dignity and encouraged social cohesion. Visit www.crs.org to find out how you can help.

October is Fair Trade Month and Equal Exchange is celebrating by discounting their chocolate mini bars just in time for Halloween.  Americans purchase nearly 600 million pounds of candy a year for Halloween and about 90 million pounds of chocolate candy the week of Halloween.  Imagine how much good could be done with that purchasing power!  Help support fair wages, promote environmentally sustainable policies, and empower communities around the world.  Visit https://equalexchange.coop/ today to order your chocolates!  #FairTradeHalloween

OLG makes kits to hand out to those in need you encounter on the streets.  We are currently collecting items for our kits.  Please consider dropping off donations in the marked green box in the church narthex.  Please no old or partially-used products. Feel free to take kits from the church or parish office to hand out as well! Click above for more details on what we need.

All are invited to an Immigration Forum at St. James Cathedral Hall (804 9th Ave, Seattle 98104) on Thursday, October 3 from 6:30-8:30pm. The evening will include a panel discussion of the current immigration landscape, Catholic social teaching, personal experience, policy and action. For information or to RSVP, contact Caroline at cokello@stjames-cathedral.org or 206-382-4511.

Did you know that OLG partners with Holy Rosary to host a shelter for up to 10 women every Saturday and Sunday night from September to June?   With homelessness on the rise and bad weather coming, this is a great opportunity to help provide a safe space for women in our community.  Volunteer drivers are especially in demand.  Training is provided.  To learn more or to sign up, click above.

What does global climate change mean? What is the big deal with carbon? What is the greenhouse effect? How do we know the climate is changing? What is happening to the oceans? What can we do to help? What else do we need to find out? Check out this website for interesting topics, answers to questions, games, and other information designed specifically for youth. And who know, adults might also learn a few things!

Food, shelter and clothing—three basic needs.  We rely on these necessities for our everyday life, but what happens when our abundant use of these items begins to harm the very environment in which we live?  As consumers we have the power to change our habits, choose sustainable options and care for creation! Click above to learn more.

Yemen, the poorest country in the Middle East, is devastated by war, hunger and a cholera crisis. Conflict and a lack of aid has triggered a humanitarian disaster, leaving 70 percent of the population in need of assistance and children facing acute malnutrition. Through its partner Islamic Relief, Catholic Relief Services is providing food, water and more. Click above for more details.

NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says its concern about pollution from released balloons is growing and harming marine life. It is trying to use social media to discourage or end the practice of helium balloon releases at weddings, parties, sporting and other events. "Marine animals can ingest balloons or become entangled by their attachments, causing great injury and even death," they said. In addition, helium is a limited resource. There are many other ways to celebrate special events-without harming other innocent creatures!

On Monday, October 14th at 7:00pm, OLG is co-hosting a District 1 Forum with candidates Lisa Herbold and Phil Tavel. We are busy crafting questions for this event and would like input.  This is our chance to ask these candidates questions that are important to us as Catholics, as Seattleites, and as Global Citizens.  Questions such as immigration, homelessness, mental health, and climate change are just some examples.  Please submit your questions and/or issues to Jennifer at jibach@olgseattle.org by September 20.

Archbishop Paul D. Etienne has written a letter to the people of the Archdiocese of Seattle on the occasion of his succession of Archbishop J. Peter Sartain as archbishop of Seattle on September 3.

Nine Days of Prayer to Honor Creation: During this holy season beginning September 1st and ending on the Feast of St. Francis on October 4th, choose 9 days to pray this novena at various sites in the West Seattle/White Center region. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NOVENA

Did you know that OLG partners with Holy Rosary to host a shelter for up to 10 women every Saturday and Sunday night from September to June?   With homelessness on the rise and bad weather coming, this is a great opportunity to help provide a safe space for women in our community.  Click above to learn more or to sign up.

Help the Catholic Community Services’ Youth Tutoring Program (YTP) students start the school year right with the school supplies they need to succeed!  YTP is an after-school educational enrichment program for 1st-12th graders who live in low-income or public housing communities, including right down the road at High Point.  Click above for more information.

Have you ever wondered who ministers to the international crews of seafaring ships?  How do they receive the sacraments, get spiritual support, and assistance while working in a very stressful occupation?  The Archdiocese of Seattle has a Catholic Seafarers’ Ministry that provides a caring, Catholic presence both on board vessels and on shore.  You can support the ministry by attending the annual Shipboard Luncheon fundraiser on Saturday, September 7. Click above for more information.

To help ensure more equitable access to career development, outdoors and recreation, and vital services, Seattle has a variety of summer programs.  Check out their camps, leagues, internships, employment opportunities, meal programs, and educational activities by clicking above.

Jesuit Volunteers EnCorps is now accepting applications for 2019-20!  JV EnCorps facilitates rewarding opportunities for service, community and spiritual formation for adults 50 and older who are committed to social and ecological justice. During their ten months of part-time volunteer service, participants meet monthly for fellowship, reflection and to explore the values of community, spirituality, simple living and social & ecological justice. Click above to learn more.

St. James Immigrant Assistance is seeking ESL and Citizenship Tutors who can speak Vietnamese or Spanish. You will be matched with an immigrant with very limited English. Training is provided prior to starting tutoring, and staff are there to provide on-going support. Click above to learn more.

This year, as part of the annual Day of Service, OLG school collected donations and volunteers assembled many Care Packets.  These packets are for you to take in your cars.  When you see someone in need, you can offer them a little love from our community.  Get your packets in the back of church or in the parish office. 

Build community, deepen your spirituality, and act for justice with the Intercommunity Peace and Justice (IPJC) Justice Cafés for Young Adults!  Topics for Season 2 on Justice for Daily Life will include Spirituality for Social Justice, Overcoming Polarization, and Social Justice as a Vocation. Click above for more information.