Established in 1850, the Archdiocese of Seattle turns 175 this year, and Archbishop Etienne, our auxiliary bishops, and many priests and the faithful celebrated four special Masses from January through May 2025. We also marked this milestone with the Season of Service, far surpassing our goal of reaching 175,000 volunteer hours.
Celebrating a legacy of faith
Watch the celebration
This brief video captures the highlights of the final 175th Anniversary Mass and Celebration at St. James Cathedral on May 31st, presided by Archbishop Etienne, the auxiliary bishops, and many local priests.
Video celebrating our legacy of faith
Watch this inspirational new video, created especially for the Archdiocese of Seattle’s 175th anniversary, which covers the history of the archdiocese, from its founding in 1850 to present day. This video features the milestones, visionary leadership, change and resilience that are part of our archdiocese’s great legacy of faith. For Spanish captions, click the cc on the bottom right and choose Espanol.
Short History Videos
Watch these short videos of significant historical objects and facts from archdiocesan history.
Blanchet's diary
Catholic ladder
Mother Joseph's tabernacle
Click here to watch more 175th anniversary history shorts.
Season of Service
To honor our local history, while embracing our Catholic Social teachings, we hosted a “Season of Service.” From March 1 - May 31, 2025, local Catholics, parishes, schools, ministries and families participated in service with the goal of reaching 175,000 collective hours of service across Western Washington. Click here to learn how we did.
175th Anniversary prayer
As we celebrate our anniversary, please join us in praying for the God to continue to grace the archdiocese for another 175 years and more.
Click here to download a prayer card in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
History of the Archdiocese
When missionary priests arrived in the 1830s, could they have envisioned today’s archdiocese? Learn more about our local church history, from 1838 to present.
Parish resources
Click here to download the 175th Anniversary Communications toolkit, which includes links to digital graphics, talking points and digital prayer cards.