Finding Your Voice in Prayer

Please join us (Wed, Feb 4th at 7pm in the Parish Hall) for Fr. Steve Maekawa, OP's talk entitled, "Finding Your Voice in Prayer". A dynamic speaker, Fr. Steve will discuss: The Divine Office, The Rosary, and Eucharistic Adoration. Come learn more about these beautiful and profound forms of prayer.

Funeral Services for Fr. Tom

Dearest family and friends of Fr. Tom:

It is with deep sadness and sorrow that I write this final installation of updates for Fr. Tom. I cannot even begin to express the grief that I feel, let alone the grief that his family is enduring. The tears that flow from my eyes are difficult to bear as is the burden of the pain that weighs down heavily upon me. I can sense yours as well. Know that Fr. Tom is with us to give solace and comfort. Also know that every ounce of strength left in me will be expended in prayer on your behalf.

Let us grieve and continue to celebrate the life of our dearly beloved friend and priest. Please join me and the Dominican community next week for the following services at Blessed Sacrament Church:

Vigil Service (Office of the Dead and the Rosary)

Tuesday, January 27 at 7:00 PM

Funeral Mass

Wednesday, January 28 at 10:00 AM

Blessed Sacrament Church

5041 9th Avenue NE

Seattle, WA 98105

I remain always yours in Christ,

Priests and religious: Please let me know if you plan to attend either the Vigil or the Funeral Mass. We would like to prepare for your arrival. Please bring your own stole, alb, or any particular vestments you will need in choir.

I remain always yours in Christ,

Jesson

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Jesson Mata

Director of Liturgy and Music

Rest in Peace Fr. Tom

Dearest family and friends of Fr. Tom:

Fr. Tom died this morning at 10 AM in the Priory of the Blessed Sacrament surrounded by your love and prayers in the presence of his beloved brother Steve. Thank you for your prayers and support for me and the Dominican community. We will let you know about the funeral arrangements as soon as possible.

Always,

Jesson

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Jn. 3:16

FR. TOM UPDATE: January 21

Jesson Mata, Director of Liturgy and Music, sent out the following message earlier today. We all continue to pray for our dear Fr. Tom in these, his final days on earth. May his transition into eternal glory with our Lord and Saviour be gentle and peaceful.

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Dearest family and friends of Fr. Tom:

As I compose this update tonight, Fr. Tom is sleeping peacefully in the priory. Although he has been verbally unresponsive for over three days, he has given signs to us that he is able to hear. Fr. Tom is now essentially in a very deep sleep. Although he is not actively awake, we are told that his hearing will be the last to diminish, so we are surrounding him with the audible prayers and love of his family and friends.

Throughout the course of these last three days, his mobility has completely diminished, yet his peaceful demeanor has remained fully in tact. We have developed a daily routine with Fr. Tom. He undergoes complete hygiene care daily. We all know that Fr. Tom is quite meticulous, so we ensure that his oral and bodily hygiene is addressed on a regular basis. Prior to his decline, Fr. Tom actually enjoyed receiving manicures and pedicures. Although he commented at one point that he was "getting spoiled," it was evident that he liked them very much. Subsequently, he welcomed the massages with lotions and ointments. We are continuing to provide Fr. Tom with these little comforts so he enjoys the very last moments of his life. Practically, they also assist with his circulation as well as protect his skin. We have also increased his time-released pain medication while supplementing it with liquid morphine, which is administered on a regular basis. By all accounts Fr. Tom is not in any pain. He has appeared very much at peace.

In the past few days, Fr. Tom's breathing has been fairly regular with some intermittent labor. Tonight his breathing is calm, but sleep apnea is beginning to set in—these are moments during his sleep when breathing pauses for a period of time, usually brief but up to a full minute. This is common and indicates a decrease in the circulation of the body's internal organs. We will be with Fr. Tom during these moments to ensure that he is comforted on every level, both spiritually and physically.

We continue to celebrate Mass with Fr. Tom on a daily basis. He dons a stole, which signifies his priesthood, and he also receives Holy Communion. The reading from today's Mass is quite appropriate for it tells us that Fr. Tom is "a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." We could not agree more. Fr. Tom has followed through on his vocation as a priest in these last days of his life. Fr. Daniel, along with Fr. Michael Fones and in my presence, administered the Last Rites. Fr. Tom is spiritually prepared for his journey home.

We can never determine with precision how long someone has left, particularly Fr. Tom. He is young and exceptionally healthy, so it is difficult to gauge how much time he has left with us. It is apparent, however, that he is now closer to death. Let us begin our vigil for Fr. Tom and pray for him unceasingly throughout these days. May our loving God bring him closer to Himself and may He shine upon all of you, his friends and loved ones.

I remain always yours in Christ,

Jesson

Theology of the Body Update

In an email sent out earlier this week, it was noted that there would be a location change for ToB this week to the Siena Room. Unfortunately, the Siena Room is double-booked, so we are back to our usual location at a private residence. If you'd like to join us and have questions about the location, please email Lara: laraserene@gmail.com or Casey: chaire.theotokos@gmail.com

Light in the Darkness - Talk and Happy Hour

Ever wonder how to share your faith with others? Ever feel like you want to share your faith with your non-Catholic friends, but aren't sure how to go about it? Well, come join us listen to Fr. Michael Fones OP's talk "Light in the Darkness", a Faith Sharing Workshop (Wednesday, January 21st at 7pm in the Parish Hall). Fr. Michael is co-director of the Siena Institute and an amazing speaker.

Those of you who were at Mass this weekend heard a preview in the homily, and as you can tell, this talk is going to be fabulous! For those of you who didn't hear the homily, here's the preview, in Fr. Micheal's own words. (If you're interested, Fr. Michael posted his entire homily on the Siena Institute's blog, "Intentional Disciples". )

"This Wednesday evening at 7 p.m., I’ll be giving a presentation on “how to talk about your faith with others,” and I’ll give you my thesis now, so you can decide if you want to “come and hear.” I don’t believe we can effectively evangelize until we have become disciples of Jesus ourselves. In fact, until we have a personal and profound meeting with our Savior, I don’t think we’ll even be inclined to embrace the identity of a Christian – one who shares the good news of being saved. Evangelization, Pope Paul VI said, is our deepest identity. Being a Christian is about sharing good news we’ve experienced. We want to share good news – in fact, it’s hard to keep our mouths shut when we’ve experienced something really great."

After the talk, join the Young Adults and special guest, Fr. Michael, for a Drinks with the Domnicans Happy Hour at Ivars Salmon House. Come for good food, good drinks, and good conversation.

Priesthood Discernment Meeting

Priesthood Discernment Meeting
Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 7:00 to 9:00 PM
St. Benedict Catholic Church (meet in Rectory behind Church)
Wallingford Ave N & N 49th St, Seattle, WA

Join us for prayer and discussion about the priesthood. This month's speaker will be Fr. Tom Vandenberg, sharing his insights on discerning a celibate vocation and living a healthy celibate life as an expression of Christ's love.
Future meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of each month: 2/18, 3/18, 4/15, & 5/20.
Please RSVP or contact for more information: Rich Shively, at (206) 382-4595, or email at richs@seattlearch.org

FR. TOM UPDATE: Jan. 16

Jesson Mata, Director of Liturgy and Music, sent out the following email earlier this evening. Please keep Fr. Tom, and all those who love and care for him, in your prayers...

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Greetings family and friends of Fr. Tom:

Thank you for your prayers and overwhelming support for Fr. Tom. Your messages, cards, letters, and flowers are reaching us here at Blessed Sacrament Priory. Pictures of his friends and family are on his bedroom walls. The flowers you sent have been placed on a mantle with a statue and relic of Mother Teresa. Your letters, even those with 3 or more pages, are being read to Fr. Tom. He appreciates your kind and genuine sentiments.

Yesterday, Fr. Tom experienced serious weakness in his legs. Today, for the most part, he is no longer able to walk due largely to fatigue and progressive loss of mobility. We met with a hospice social worker today to coordinate the necessary resources to support Fr. Tom during this progressive decline. There is a small likelihood that he will regain his mobility, but we are preparing for a complete loss of mobility. The equipment we have procured will ensure that Fr. Tom receives the most comfortable care. We are also planning everything possible to ensure that he does not have any pain. We monitor and record his medications so he receives the proper dosage of pain medication relative to his condition. We have been able to successfully control his pain. Our hospice nurse Joanne (now Eileen), along with Danielle, the social worker, and the team at Providence have been very helpful in supporting Fr. Tom while he resides at Blessed Sacrament Priory. We are confident that we will be able to meet Fr. Tom's desire for Blessed Sacrament Priory to be his place of final rest.

Fr. Allen, Fr. Daniel, and I are his primary caretakers in the priory. We rotate various shifts and care for Fr. Tom in various ways. Fr. Daniel enjoys doing the laundry, saying Mass daily with Fr. Tom, and taking orders from me. Fr. Allen attends to Fr. Tom's daily needs as well—like a most caring brother. I am most impressed by the care of these Dominican brothers. It is a great sign of their religious vocations. To complement this care, we have invited a hospice assistant to demonstrate proper lifting and hygienic care, which will enable all three of us to provide complete support.

I am informing you of these details because some of you have inquired about hospice and how they function. Essentially, Fr. Tom is receiving care in his home, supported by the brethren and empowered by the hospice team.

Fr. Tom is also progressively feeling more fatigued, which affords him the time to sleep. At night he sleeps on his bed and during the day on his recliner, which the Hozjan family provided. He has been able to visit with some people, but it appears that the likelihood of full visits will no longer be a possibility. I am very sorry that you will not all be able to visit with Fr. Tom, but rest assured that your prayers and correspondences with him have been most appreciated.

When the time nears for his departure (whenever it may be), we will keep all of you informed. Some of you have already requested personal calls from me. If you would like me to personally call you at the moment when Fr. Tom departs, please respond to this email with your name and number. Our parishioners are praying and will pray each day. We will also have a vigil for him when the time nears. We would like for all of you to join us in that prayer. I will keep you posted through this email update system.

Please do not hesitate to contact me directly should you have any questions. As we continue to support Fr. Tom, we will also endeavor to support each of you. Thank you and may God continue to bless you with His abundant grace!

Always yours,

Jesson

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More information at:

1. frtomupdate@bspwa.org (inquiries may be sent via this email, which people may use to request to get on the "update email list")

2. (206) 732-7350 (pre-recorded message line with updates on Fr. Tom's condition)

3. www.caringbridge.org/visit/frtomkraftop (Fr. Tom's personal website, which he regularly updates with journal entries)

Meaningful Movies: Roberto Rosselini's Stromboli

Fr. Allan Duston, OP is inviting the parish to enjoy and evening at the movies with Rosario Tronnolone, Director of Cultural Programming for Vatican Radio. The feature film is Roberto Rosselini's "Stromboli" starring Ingrid Bergman. This 1950 Italian film deals with alienation, loneliness, cultural indifference, and moral uncertainty. Pizza will be served at 6:45 followed by the movie at 7:15 p.m. An in-depth discussion will follow the film, led by Rosario Tronnolone.

FR. TOM UPDATE: JANUARY 13

Jesson Mata, Director of Liturgy and Music at Blessed Sacrament, sent out the following message this morning. As we read this beautiful reflection, let us all take a moment to pray for Fr. Tom, his family, and his Dominican Brothers.

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Greetings family and friends of Fr. Tom:

This past Sunday, Fr. Tom surprised all of us at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Seattle by concelebrating Mass. It was a tremendous blessing. Mark Shea, a parishioner, wrote the following essay beautifully describing our collective thoughts as a parish:

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The Most Heroic Thing I Have Ever Witnessed

by Mark Shea (http://www.markshea.blogspot.com/)

Yesterday, we went to Noon Mass at Blessed Sacrament. It was being celebrated by our visiting priest, but after he processed up to the altar, we were astonished to see that Fr. Tom Kraft had taken a seat beside him.

Fr. Tom is one of the sweetest and holiest men I have ever known. A thoroughly priestly man with a profound sense of his vocation, a deep love for the poor, a beautiful humility and just a sheer radiant goodness that shines out of him.

He is also dying. We've been praying for him for months, but God has made it clear that he picks the fruit when it is ripe. So Fr. Tom ended his chemo-therapy some weeks back, went to Spokane to say goodbye to his loved ones, and returned to us at Blessed Sacrament to spend his last days surrounded by brother priests in the rectory, cared for by Jesson Mata, our valiant liturgy guy--and to say goodbye to all of us.

Fr. Daniel had to give a brief report on finance junk, but then he gave (as he had done at all the previous Masses) a report on Fr. Tom. He was as astonished and moved as the rest of us to see Fr. Tom there, so much so that his normally dry and imperturbable Norwegian demeanor was shaken, as were we all. His voice trembled a couple of times and he said the beautiful truth about Fr. Tom: that he was one of the finest and most beloved priest Blessed Sacrament has ever had (which is saying a lot, because we've been blessed with extraordinary men, some of whom I believe will be canonized someday). Fr. Tom, with typical humility, cried as the people spontaneously applauded him. Well done, thou good and faithful!

But that was not all. This supremely loving man who could barely sit up through the Mass actually stood and assisted at the consecration. You could barely hear his voice, a thin, papery whisper that demanded everything of him (the cancer has metastasized to his lungs). But he did it, gripping a chair to keep his balance and then leaning on the altar itself. "Through him, with him, in him". I've never seen the meaning of the priesthood so clearly incarnated before my eyes before. Alter Christus. Priest. Victim. Sacrifice. This man and his Lord were standing so close together it was hard to tell them apart, especially from my seat up in the Nosebleed Section of the Human Race, so very far from that kind of sanctity.

They made it through the consecration and Jesson hurried to Fr. Tom's side to help him. I thought to myself, "For the love of God, go sit down, Fr. Tom. You've done enough."

But instead, this great man insisted on coming down with the Body of his Lord and distributing communion to us. He gave every last bit of himself out of love for God and for us. I was very tempted to change communion lines and receive from him (and I know others who actually did) because I knew I was looking at a saint. But instead, I just went up in my line, bawling, grieving, moved and grateful beyond words for what I was witnessing.

After it was all over, Fr. Tom processed out and even stood on the steps of the Church in the cold, greeting people, blessing them, giving (as much as any soldier at Gettyburg or Normandy) "the last full measure of devotion". I had the great honor shaking his hand, thanking him (and telling him he should really go lie down and rest). He said, "This gives me energy." Later, I'm told, he asked the Dominicans to take him for a car ride around town. They marveled--and complied.

My eyes blur with tears as I write this. Jan said afterwards that she thought of Henry V's speech, "We few, we happy few." I felt so privileged and honored to be able to witness what I saw yesterday. A friend of mine said, "I have been to Mass at the Garden of Gethsemane. I have prayed at the tomb of Christ and seen Holy Week in Jerusalem. But I have never been as moved by a Mass as I was today."

Father, thanks be to God for your holy servant, Tom. We know he has to go soon, but we also know he will be happy with you.

God bless you, Fr. Tom, for your beautiful gift of your heart. We love you.

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As Mark noted, we took Fr. Tom on a brief ride around Seattle—the Washington State Arboretum and Madison Park on Lake Washington. Fr. Allen and I held his hands to maintain his balance so we could walk a little bit near and around the lake. Fr. Tom said, "This is how Dominican brothers should really treat each other." We listened and quietly agreed. Thanks Fr. Allen and Fr. Tom (Fr. Daniel as well for celebrating Mass with him daily) for demonstrating your authentic vocations as Dominican brothers.

Fr. Tom's health is continuing to decline progressively, but he is not in imminent danger of death. Let us all be mindful that this entire process is primarily about Fr. Tom, so all of us here at Blessed Sacrament Parish will do everything we can to support him. God bless you for our continued selfless support and prayers!

Always yours,

Jesson

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More information at:

1. frtomupdate@bspwa.org (inquiries may be sent via this email, which people may use to request to get on the "update email list")

2. (206) 732-7350 (pre-recorded message line with updates on Fr. Tom's condition)

3. www.caringbridge.org/visit/frtomkraftop (Fr. Tom's personal website, which he regularly updates with journal entries)

Theology of the Body

After breaking for the holidays, Theology of the Body resumes this this evening, January 8th at 7:30pm. Come learn about the Church's beautiful understanding of our human sexuality as explained by Pope John Paul II in Love and Responsibility. For more information and location, email Lara Shamieh (laraserene@gmail.com) or Casey Karbowski (chaire.theotokos@gmail.com )

Prayers for Peace in Gaza

St. James Cathedral invites you to an Ecumenical Prayer Service for Peace in Gaza on Friday, January 9th at 6:30pm.

FR. TOM UPDATE: January 6

Jesson Mata, Director of Liturgy and Music at Blessed Sacrament, emailed the following update earlier this evening. Please take a moment to read it. We at Blessed Sacrament, especially the Young Adults, have been so blessed to know Fr. Tom and to be recipients of his priestly ministry. Please keep our dear Fr. Tom in your prayers, both in thanksgiving for the gift that he as been to us all, and for his comfort and peace as he nears the end of his earthly journey and prepares for a glorious reunion on high.

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Greetings family and friends of Fr. Tom:

Fr. Tom is back at Blessed Sacrament Priory in Seattle after almost a week respite with his family and the Poor Clare Sisters in Spokane, WA. He spent time with his brother Steve and his family, as well as his brother Mike. Just a stone's throw away from the monastery, he and his brothers grew up with the Poor Clare Sisters and served Mass for them religiously. That very intimate relationship with faithful and devoted sisters of the Franciscan family predisposed Fr. Tom for his ultimate vocation as a Dominican priest. Even though he is a Dominican (and a good one at that) I am certain that the sisters truly consider him a Franciscan in a Dominican habit.

The return to Spokane was a "homecoming" of sorts. Fr. Tom even noted, on many occasions, that he would not be surprised if Spokane would be his final resting place. This was not the case. We now happily greet him back to Seattle. He was very glad, however, to be among the sisters again and to be so close to his childhood home. I was in Spokane where I had the unique opportunity to walk into the Kraft family house, which was covered in at least five feet of snow, accompanied by Steve and Mike, to greet his father Eugene. Upon entering the house, Fr. Tom immediately touched his father on his shoulder and imparted a priestly blessing upon him, calling to mind his gratitude for the many prayers his father uttered for him. You could tell that there were many memories in that home. Fr. Tom left with a peaceful and joyful heart.

On the flight back home to Seattle, Fr. Tom said in a low voice, "This is it. I am ready."

He is now comfortably resting in Seattle, among his Dominican brothers. As I compose this email, he and Fr. Daniel are celebrating Mass in his room. "Ok, I'll receive Communion from you," he said to Fr. Daniel. "No, you will say Mass with me. I'll put a stole on you and you will say Mass. Like the priest Melchizedek, you will be a priest forever," said Fr. Daniel. Nothing could have been more comforting for Fr. Tom than to hear that he is a priest. He is, indeed, a priest.

Many of you have asked how long he has left with us. While there is no formula that dictates the time he has left, it is evident that Fr. Tom's body is beginning to slow down. He is now taking morphine to manage his pain, he is consistently fatigued, and he eats only for comfort. His spirit is strong and his mind completely lucid, but his body can no longer endure the cancer. We await the time when he will be able to fully rest.

"Only in God," says Fr. Tom, "will I find rest."

Please continue to pray for Fr. Tom, his family, his Dominican brothers and sisters, as well as all those who love him dearly.

Always yours,

Jesson

Fr. Tom at his birthday party - December 21st, 2008
(Photo Credit: Casey Karbowski)

Young Adult Dinner

Join the Young Adults this upcoming Sunday, January 11th for the 5:45pm Mass. Afterward, meet us in the back of the church to go out to dinner. We will be going to Red Robin in the University District (3272 Fuhrman Ave. E.). No Dominican this month -- just us Young Adults! Join us for food, conversation, and fellowship!