September 14, 2025

My dear Kirkland Catholics,  

Back to school … as a kid I always loved the beginning of school, not so much for the resumption of schoolwork as for the beginning of soccer season and getting to spend all day with friends. As an adult, I can honestly say that I Iow-key dread the beginning of the school year simply because in addition to “everything starting back up” it somehow feels like things get busier and busier every year. My commute back and forth from SJV and HFK is also trickier when school is back and running. At least football and the hope for a good Seahawks season is a consolation this time of year.  

This September, as the short respite of summer concludes, my resolution is to “slow down” and try not to allow the craziness of things to “speed me up.” Here are some ideas that might also be helpful to you and your family:  

1. Set Healthy Boundaries  

Say “no” graciously: Remember that every “yes” to something is a “no” to something else (often rest, family, or prayer). My pastor when I was newly ordained, Fr. Mike McDermott liked to say “’No.’ is a complete sentence”  Use discernment: Ask, “Is this mine to carry, or is God asking me to trust someone else with it?”  

2. Prioritize What Matters Most  

Daily non-negotiables: Prayer, meals, sleep, and meaningful connection with others.  Rule of life: Like monks, create a simple structure for your day and week that balances work, prayer, rest, and relationships.  

3. Build Rest Into Your Rhythm  

Sabbath principle: In addition to attending Mass on Sunday, dedicate Sunday if possible (or even an evening) to real rest—no email, no planning, just delight and renewal.  Micro-pauses: Short breaks throughout the day to breathe, pray, or walk outside slow the pace.  

4. Watch Your Commitments  

Trial period: Before saying yes, give yourself 24 hours to pray and reflect.  Limit “big rocks”: Keep only 3–4 major commitments at once (work, parish, family, one ministry)—otherwise everything dilutes.  

5. Stay Present  

Practice single-tasking: Do one thing at a time with full attention, whether it’s listening to someone or writing an email.  Prayer of presence: Begin a task with “Here I am, Lord” to center yourself.  

6. Learn from Jesus’ Pace  

Jesus often withdrew to pray (Mark 1:35). He didn’t rush from demand to demand but moved deliberately.  He was interruptible but not hurried—always attuned to the Father’s timing.  

Pray for me that I am able to slow down this fall. You all of course are always in my prayers.  

With love in Christ,  Fr. Brad