A Vibrant Parish

Last week I gave a parish mission at St. Michael Parish in Olympia, WA. What a wonderful experience for me! I felt very welcomed by the pastor, Fr. Jim Lee, his associate, Fr. Thomas Nathe, as well as members of the staff, especially Kathleen Wright, who was one of many people responsible for organizing the mission.

Part of the joy of being at St. Michael's was the liturgies. They were beautiful, reverent and joyful. I preached at seven Masses over the weekend, in the two churches the parish has (one is located downtown, the other on the outskirts of town.) Both are contemporary in design, with beautiful, yet simple furnishings. I was particularly taken by the baptism immersion pools at the entrance to both churches. They are roughly cruciform in shape, with raised sides in which people can dip their hands in to bless themselves, but the overall effect calls to mind the parting of the Reed Sea in Exodus.

The music at the liturgies was thrilling because it was of such high quality, and noteworthy not only because of the excellence of the musicians leading the congregation (which sang heartily at all the Masses), but because of the selection of music. Simple Latin chant was used for the Sanctus and Agnus Dei (the "Mass of the Angels" setting), while one or two of the hymns and the responsorial psalm were from the contemporary repertoire, while others were taken from traditional hymnody. Organ, piano, guitars, (including electric guitars at the LifeTeen Mass), percussion, recorder, trumpet, were all used, and all used well (not simultaneously, however!) Truly they were selecting from the Church's storehouse both the new and the old.

The main church has a beautiful chapel in which the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for perpetual adoration. The tabernacle was handcrafted by a parishioner and the icons written by another parishioner. The sacrament of reconciliation is offered daily, and people take advantage of the sacrament. The parish has a focus on stewardship, and that seems to make a difference. In fact, I've noticed that many of the excellent parishes I've visited have embraced the spirituality of stewardship, which, in its own way, is a call to discipleship.

I asked one of the members of the parish staff what was most helpful in making St. Michael's such a vibrant parish, and they responded, "Leadership." Fr. Jim's and Fr. Thomas's prayerfulness and example of intentional discipleship is crucial. The attendance at this mission was over 400 people each day, with roughly 160 people attending the noon presentations and 250-300 attending the evening sessions. And, unlike many of the missions and workshops I've been a part of over the last three years, the pastor was present at all the presentations. Example is an important part of leadership!

I am grateful for the wonderful, blessed time I had in Olympia. Thank you, people of St. Michael parish – I experienced the power and love of God in your presence!