The Catholic Scripture Study (CSS) got off to a good start. We had nice sized groups for both Sunday morning and Wednesday evening – and the participants are quite enthusiastic about the program. If you would like to take part in this in-depth study of the Bible, there is still time. Call Susan Purcell, 935-5991 or Connie King, 938-3859, or simply come to the Sharon Carriere Library, Wednesday at 6 p.m. or the school, Sunday morning at 9:15.

Also, our Children’s Religious Education began last week. Although a good number attended, many other parents should be sending their children to this program on Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. Please contact Fr. Ramon for more information. The RCIA Inquiry Class also got off to a good start. It meets every Thursday evening at 7 p.m. in the Sharon Carriere Library. Anyone interested in finding out more about the Catholic faith (including those who are already Catholic) may attend. For more information, please call Sarah Naff at 935-8329.

Fr. Ramon and I probably will not hear it in the confessional, but I think some people should say, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. I did not vote in the Primary.” Here in King County only about 25% of registered voters (251,524 out of 1,006,839) actually fulfilled their civic duty by voting. I know that many people feel angry or disillusioned, but the only way to change things is to get involved. If you are not registered to vote, we have forms available in the vestibule. To vote in the November election, you must mail it in by October 2. The only requirements are being 18 years of age and a citizen.

For sure, many of our parishioners are not yet U.S. citizens. I always encourage people to begin that process. A number of years ago, a lady told me she did not want to become a citizen because she could not give up being a Guatemalan. I told her, that no matter what, she would always be a Guatemalan; but since she is living here, it is important to become a U.S. citizen because ultimately the only people politicians pay attention to are those who vote. She fulfilled the necessary requirements and now proudly participates in her duties as a citizen of this country.

Speaking of immigrants who participate in the political system, I have to say I admire the spunk of Savung Neang. Many of you know him as the “computer guy” at SANE Computers in White Center. He has gotten involved by running for state representative here in the 34th District. He is a good example for both immigrants and natives – get involved; you can make a difference. I have to say I find it encouraging when I hear about young people like Savung getting involved in our political process.

For those who live in White Center, another way of getting involved is by attending the Community Safety Meeting on Sept 23, 6 to 8 p.m., at St. James Lutheran Church. We have seen an increase of certain types of crime in our neighborhood and we need to work together to make our neighborhood safe for all. Dinner will be provided and interpretative services if required. Call Anthony Andersen, 767-0858, for information.

A big thank you to all those who signed the petitions to have the movie Therese shown in the Seattle area! I am happy to see that it will be shown at the Crossroads Theater in Bellevue, beginning October 1 (the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux). Don’t miss it. I understand it is a beautiful movie.

Last year William Donohue, President of the Catholic League, referred to CBS as the Catholic Bashing System. More than other networks, CBS seems to slant their news against the Catholic Church. In August of 2003, by quoting a Vatican document out of context, CBS made this claim: “For decades, priests in this country abused children in parish after parish while their superiors covered it all up. Now it turns out the orders for this cover up were written in Rome at the highest levels of the Vatican.” Many people, including popular radio host Jeff Cavins, while in no way diminishing the horrible problem of child abuse, tried to correct CBS’ smear of the Vatican. However, when CBS interviewed Jeff, they edited his comments in such a way that it made it appear he agreed with the report and was angry not at CBS, but at the Vatican! Although the National Catholic Register did a careful, in-depth exposé of CBS’ false reporting, the network never offered a retraction. By characterizing their critics as “conservative Catholics” and “right wing,” they simply brushed them off. The current scandal over Dan Rather’s use of forged documents fits into a larger pattern of arrogance and false reporting at CBS.

This coming week the Respect Life Committee will meet in the San Lorenzo Ruiz room from 7 to 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday evening. We will be discussing involvement with Birthright and the October 3 Life Chain, among other topics. All are welcome. Also this week, Fr. Ramon and Tom Weber will be attending a liturgical conference in Chicago from Monday through Wednesday. As parish administrator, Tom has a wide range of duties, which includes helping to organize the celebration of Sunday and other liturgies. I know that the conference will benefit him and Fr. Ramon – and will help improve our celebration of divine worship. Because of Fr. Ramon’s absence, there will be Word and Communion Services on Monday and Tuesday mornings. There will be the regular Latin Mass Tuesday evening at 8:30.

On last Thursday our Parish Council toured the school attic to see the seismic re-enforcements done when we replaced the school roof this summer. Also, the Council is discussing various questions people have in regard to the upcoming Capital Campaign. If you have questions, feel free to present them to any Parish Council member.

El Curso Bíblico ha comenzado bien. Los que participaron el día miércoles me dijeron que realmente vale la pena: 7 a 8:30 p.m. en el Ailbe House. También no olvidar que el Catecismo empieza este domingo después de la misa de 9:30 a.m.

Para los que viven en White Center, les invito ha todo esfuerzo para asistir a la “Community Safety Meeting” (Reunion sobre Seguridad en la Comunidad) el 23 de septiembre, de 6 a 8 p.m. en St.. James Lutheran, 9421 18th Ave. SW. Habrá una cena y servicio interpretito – llamar a Anthony Anderson, 767-0858. Es importante trabajar juntos para combatir el crimen en nuestro barrio.

Un agradecimiento profundo a todos que firmaron peticiones para que la película Therese estrene aquí en Seattle. Estoy bien contento informarles que se la mostrará en Crossroads Theater en Bellevue comenzando el primero de octubre (fiesta de Santa Teresa de Lisieux). No la pierdan. Dicen que es una película muy bella.

Esta semana el Comité Respetar la Vida se reunirá en el cuarto San Lorenzo Ruiz de 7 a 8:15 p.m. el día martes. Conversamos sobre nuestra relación con Birthright y la Cadena de Vida (Life Chain) el 3 de octubre. Todos son bienvenidos.

El día jueves nuestro Consejo Parroquial ha examinado los refuerzos sísmicos bajo el techo de la escuela. También el Consejo esta hablando de las diferentes preguntas que feligreses tienen con relación a la Campaña Capital. Si Ud. tiene alguna pregunta, hablar con Inés Medina, Reina Recinos, Marcelo Re, Berta Galaviz Alcalá u otro miembro del Consejo.