As you saw on the news, a powerful earthquake struck Peru on Wednesday evening. It killed hundreds and left thousands of people homeless. The Mary Bloom Center will participate in the relief effort. I talked with Obst. Luz Marron, director of the Mary Bloom Center, and she said they are assessing the most effective way of helping those whose lives have been shattered by this terrible natural disaster. In two weeks (Sept 1-2) we will take up a two-bit collection for the Mary Bloom Center. Meanwhile, if you wish to make a donation to help victims of the earthquake in Peru, you can write a check to Holy Family Parish and place in the memo “Peru” or “earthquake relief” and we will use it to help the most needy.
The earthquake happened on August 15, which is the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I received word from Peruvian members of our parish right before celebrating the 7 p.m. Mass. We all said a prayer to our Blessed Mother for the victims of the earthquake. I ask you to join in the continuing prayer for them and their families.
Below are pictures from the relief effort after the 2001 earthquake in Peru. I visited Peru a few months after the earthquake and witnessed the terrible devastation it caused. For those who are poor a natural disaster can bring incredible suffering. They often have little or no reserves to recover from the effects of damage to their homes and food supply and disruption of the economic system (damage to roads, water supply, electricity, etc.). These effects can be particularly devastating if a family member suffers from an illness. The August 15 earthquake happened just when people in Peru were beginning to recover from one of the coldest winters on record (remember that seasons are reversed in the southern hemisphere). Again, your prayers and help are appreciated.
The earthquake in Peru reminds us of our own experiences with earthquakes. Most of you remember the February 2001 earthquake in Seattle. According to seismologists, it was a “6.8 earthquake which acted like a 5.8.” It seems strong enough to those of us who felt buildings shake that Ash Wednesday morning. Fortunately we had replaced our school porch the summer before. Since 2001 we have taken other measures to strengthen our school building, for example, by putting in seismic reinforcements when we replaced the roof.
The work on our school and other parish buildings continues. I again thank all who are supporting the parish Capital Campaign. Last Sunday our Hispanic community held an outdoor festival to raise funds for the Capital Campaign. The Festival netted total of $7,497! Thank you to Rogelio Rodriquez and all who worked with him to make the festival a success. Below is a picture of girls from our parish who performed a Guatemalan dance. The picture shows them in native dresses with bare feet and bowls of flower petals.
Next Saturday we will have our Parish Potluck Picnic. I invite you to join in this community-building event.
On Tuesday evening at 7 :30 we will have a practice for those who wish to learn (or re-learn) how to participate in the extraordinary form of the Mass, according to the Missal of Blessed Pope John XXIII. Some of you probably have an old Latin-English Missal. I found four of them here in the rectory plus two altar missals which Monsignor McGrath had purchased in the early sixties. I am hoping to celebrate a “low Mass” on September 14, which is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
Finally if you have not already mailed your ballot, be sure vote in Tuesday’s primary election. Besides candidates for King County offices, port commissioners, school board and council officers, the ballot contains levies for county parks, regional trails and the Woodland Park Zoo. Like all elections, it will affect our future and the future of our children. As citizens and as Christians, we have a duty to study the issues and vote.
Estamos rezando por las personas afectadas por el terremoto en el Perú. Como ustedes saben centares murieron en el temblor y miles perdieron sus casas y bienes. Naturalmente los peruanos en nuestra comunidad están muy preocupados por sus familiares y amistades. Este fin de semana los miembros de la Hermandad del Señor de los Milagros están reuniendose en nuestra parroquia. Rezamos juntos con ellos. El Centro Mary Bloom en Perú hará su parte para particpar en el esfuerzo para ayudar, como hicimos después del temblor de junio de 2001. La foto muestra una mamá e hijo ayudados por el Centro Mary Bloom. El 2 de septiembre habrá una colecta para el Centro Mary Bloom. Mientras tanto los que quieren ayudar, pueden hacer un cheque a “Holy Family” con “Perú” o “terremoto” en el memo.
Quisiera agradecer a todos que participaron en el Gran Kermés del domingo pasado. Ha sido un gran éxito. Los fondos recaudos se usarán para la Campaña Capital en la renovación de los edificios de nuestra parroquia. La foto muestra a los muchachos que llevaron a cabo la subasta. El próximo sábado es el “Picnic” (comida al aire libre) de la parroquia. Les invito a todos a participar desde la 1 hasta las 4 p.m. en el Salón Tice.
Nietos en la Isla Camano, 13 de agosoto de 2007:
