In Memoriam, Fr. OJ McGowan

Servitude and sacrifice are key components of a life dedicated completely to work in ministry. Both come to mind as I reflect on the life of Fr. Joseph McGowan, SJ, or “Fr. OJ”, as many know him by, who passed away a few weeks ago in California. He put his heart and soul into everything. Whether it was sharing a tangent-riddled homily at St. Therese or leading a meeting at Immaculate or aiding the homeless at St. Leo or challenging students at Seattle U or Bellarmine Prep, he taught us to share happiness with others. Serving in so many capacities and giving of himself in so many different communities had been his way of life for as long as I knew him, and as his godson, I was often the beneficiary of his guidance. For that I am forever grateful.

I was baptized as a baby at St. Therese. My godparents were my aunt Peggy (my mother’s sister) and her fiancé, OJ McGowan. Peggy was an outgoing nursing student at Seattle U and St. Cabrini Hospital. OJ was an accomplished student. They were both extremely active in campus ministry and really on fire to serve God. Peggy and OJ postponed their wedding day more than once. The year that Peggy was voted Cabrini’s Nurse of the Year, they both discovered that she yearned to become a nun, and he really wanted to go into the priesthood. And so it came to pass that my godparents did not marry but let God lead them into service. Aunt Peggy became a nurse in the Catholic Missions in Tanzania and Kenya. OJ was off to Oregon to enter the Jesuit order. After his extensive studies, my family proudly looked on as my godfather was ordained, becoming the first Black priest in the Seattle Archdiocese. He went on to educate, engage, inspire, and encourage students. He counseled marriage candidates, taught Latin, studied the Catholic Charismatic Movement – and too many other things to list. Truly a life of sacrifice and servitude, a life well lived.
-- Kenya Léger

Thank you for being wonderful financial stewards of your parish! As you can see below, we aren't where we need to be but we are in a much, much better financial position than we were before Christmas. Thank you for your gratitude and your generosity! If you have any questions, please contact me at jvrussell85@gmail.com. 

Collections July 1 - January 13, 2021 $197,677
Where we need to be:                         $211,078
Last year at this time:                           $198,203