Archdiocese of Seattle News Releases

2024 News Releases

SEATTLE, October 4, 2024 – Today the Archdiocese of Seattle announced final settlements totaling approximately $785,000 for three separate claims related to allegations of sexual abuse by representatives of the Church who are now deceased.

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Archdiocese Shares September 2024 Officials

SEATTLE, Sept 30, 2024 – Archdiocese of Seattle shares the Officials.

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Archdiocese Reaffirms Commitment to Victim Survivors

SEATTLE, July 12, 2024 – Today King County Superior Court Judge Michael Scott ruled that the attorney general does not have legal authority to enforce a subpoena against the Archdiocese of Seattle.

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Archdiocese of Seattle Starts New Healing Ministry

SEATTLE, July 10, 2024 – As part of its re-envisioning effort, the Archdiocese of Seattle is adjusting the Chancery structure to better serve parish, schools and ministry staff, while offering more pastoral care

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Pre-hearing Statement about the Attorney General Subpoena

SEATTLE, July 11, 2024 – The Archdiocese of Seattle takes the issue of sexual abuse of minors very seriously. 

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Archdiocese of Seattle Settles Three Historical Cases

SEATTLE, July 10, 2024 – Today the Archdiocese of Seattle announced final settlements totaling approximately $1.4 million for three separate claims related to allegations of sexual abuse. Each of these cases involve individuals who are deceased. 

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Parish Families form across the Archdiocese of Seattle

SEATTLE, July 1, 2024 – After two and a half years of planning, extensive consultation and discernment, the Archdiocese of Seattle formed 60 parish families today as part of Partners in the Gospel.

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Archdiocese of Seattle Response to Attorney General Press Conference

SEATTLE, May 9, 2024 - After listening to the Attorney General’s press conference, we have the following statements to share: The Archdiocese of Seattle supports the idea to “do the right thing” as mentioned by Attorney General Bob Ferguson in today’s press conference.

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Archdiocese of Seattle Response to Attorney General Subpoena

SEATTLE, May 9, 2024 – The Archdiocese of Seattle has welcomed this opportunity to cooperate with the Attorney General since we received his original request in July 2023.

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Archdiocese Starts Care for Creation Ministry

SEATTLE - April 22, 2024 - To better carry out the Catholic social teaching of caring for God’s creation, the Archdiocese of Seattle launched a new ministry dedicated to care for creation.

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Official Appointments Announced

SEATTLE - April 8, 2024 - The Most Rev. Paul D. Etienne, having carefully assessed the needs of the People of God in the Archdiocese of Seattle and after careful consultation with the Christian Faithful and the Priest Personnel Board, makes the following pastoral appointments in accord with the 1983 Code of Canon Law effective July 1, 2024, unless otherwise noted. 

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Official Appointments Announced

SEATTLE - March 4, 2024 - The Official Appointments for February 2023 have been announced.

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A Call for Peace in the Middle East

February 14, 2024 – Ash Wednesday The leaders of the women’s religious communities in the Northwest, along with several Bishops in the Northwest are deeply troubled by the escalating war between Israel and Hamas after the horrifying attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

Archbishop Etienne's 2024 Annual Letter

SEATTLE – Jan. 24, 2024 – Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Peace of our Lord be with you! As we begin a new year, I give thanks for the blessings and joys that are ours in Christ Jesus, our Lord. In the face of the challenges and pains of the world today, we must always remember his great love and powerful, faithful presence with us today.

Statement in Support of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons On Its Third Anniversary

Jan 22, 2024 – Today marks the third anniversary of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons becoming international law, just like other long-standing treaties that banned chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction. This nuclear weapons ban treaty has been signed by 93 countries and ratified by 70

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2023 News Releases

Auxiliary Bishop Frank Schuster Appointed Chair of the Boards of Trustees for Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services of Western Washington, and the Catholic Charities Foundation

SEATTLE – Dec. 20, 2023 – Today, Bishop Frank Schuster, the auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Seattle and former pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Federal Way was appointed the Archbishop’s Representative and Chair of the Boards of Trustees for Catholic Community

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Archdiocese of Seattle Settles Claim from Late 1950s

SEATTLE, Dec. 19, 2023 – Today the Archdiocese of Seattle announced a final settlement totaling $150,000 for a claim related to allegations of sexual abuse in the late 1950s. This case involved an allegation against Father Michael Cody when he served at St. Luke Parish in Shoreline. Cody is now deceased.

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Partners in the Gospel Parish Family Feedback Report Published

Based on input changes to 25 proposed parish families emerged

SEATTLE, Nov. 16, 2023 – Today, the Archdiocese of Seattle published the Parish Family Feedback Report summarizing the input gathered during the consultation about the proposed parish families – a key milestone of Partners in the Gospel, an effort aimed at restructuring and renewing parish life.

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Archdiocese of Seattle Shares Proposed Parish Families for Input

SEATTLE, September 25, 2023 - This weekend, the Archdiocese of Seattle opened the public consultation phase of its strategic pastoral planning initiative, called Partners in the Gospel

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Official Appointments Announced

SEATTLE, September 25, 2023 – Official appointments announced in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

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Seattle University and the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle will host Together for Our Common Home: A Climate Action Summit July 2024

SEATTLE, Sept 13, 2023 - In recognition of the growing threat of climate change and our responsibility to care for the common good, the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle and Seattle University will convene a three-day climate conference July 9-11, 2024.

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Archdioceses of Seattle and Santa Fe Announce Pilgrimage of Peace to Japan

SEATTLE, July 18, 2023 - A delegation from the Archdioceses of Santa Fe and Seattle is embarking on a transformative Pilgrimage of Peace to Tokyo, Akita, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki, Japan, from July 31 to August 12, 2023.

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Archdiocese of Seattle Settles Two Claims from the 1970s and’80s

SEATTLE, July 13, 2023 – Today the Archdiocese of Seattle announced final settlements

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Archdiocese Launches Current Reality Report

SEATTLE, June 12, 2023 – As part of the Partners in the Gospel strategic pastoral planning process, the Archdiocese of Seattle has issued a Current Reality Report. This report, prepared by PartnersEdge consultants, provides an overview of parish annual report information, archdiocesan trend data and demographic forecasts...


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Official Appointments Announced

SEATTLE, May 22, 2023 – Official appointments announced in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

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Archbishop Etienne Issues Joint Letter Urging G7 Leaders to Take Steps Toward Nuclear Disarmament

SEATTLE, May 16, 2023 – Archbishop Paul D. Etienne along with Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Archbishop Peter Michiaki Nakamura of Nagasaki, Japan and Bishop Alexis Mitsuru Shirahama, of Hiroshima, Japan, issued a joint letter to the G7 leaders urging for immediate action to prevent further proliferation of nuclear arms.

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Statement to Protect the Clergy-Penitent Privilege

SEATTLE, April 19, 2023 - The Catholic bishops urge legislators to reincorporate the clergy-penitent privilege as they consider HB 5280. Confession, or the sacrament of reconciliation, is an act of worship and part of our Catholic liturgy. When a priest celebrates the sacrament of reconciliation, the priest is fulfilling the ministry of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who seeks lost sheep.

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Archdiocese of Seattle Adds Two Names to List of Credibly Accused

SEATTLE, March 31, 2023 – Today the Archdiocese of Seattle announced the addition of two new names - Sister Jerry Lyness, O.P and Father Thomas Phelan - to the official list of Clergy and Religious Brothers and Sisters for Whom Allegations of Sexual Abuse of a Minor Have Been Admitted, Established or Determined to be Credible.

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Anniversary of Pope Francis’ papacy

SEATTLE, March 13, 2023 – It is with this gratitude and love for our Lord that I write today. Today we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ papacy, during which Pope Francis has called us to live the joy of the Gospel, with each person, and all of God’s creation, our common home.

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St. Joseph Foundation Awards First Grants

SEATTLE, March 9, 2023 – The St. Joseph Foundation awarded its first set of grants to eight Catholic ministries to strengthen and extend the presence of the Catholic Church throughout Western Washington in three main areas: Catholic initiatives, pastoral ministries and formation/education.

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WSCC - Supporting Life and Justice for the Common Good in Washington State

SEATTLE, January 24, 2023 – Based on our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, our Church proclaims that human life is sacred, and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.

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Partners in the Gospel Will Place Parishes into Families

SEATTLE, January 22, 2023 – With a vision of renewing parish life for the next generation, the Archdiocese of Seattle announced Partners in the Gospel, an archdiocesan-wide strategic pastoral planning process that will take place at every parish over the next four years. 

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2022 News Releases

Archdiocese of Seattle Featured in The Chair TV Series

SEATTLE, November 22, 2022 – The Archdiocese of Seattle announces the release of an innovative, insightful video featuring Archbishop Paul D. Etienne and St. James Cathedral which highlights the fascinating history of the local Catholic Church. The Seattle episode is from THE CHAIR, a series that celebrates the best of Catholicism today.

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Archdiocese of Seattle Settles Five Claims from the 1950s, ‘70s and ‘80s

SEATTLE, November 18, 2022 – Today the Archdiocese of Seattle announced final settlements totaling $2,285,000 for five separate claims related to allegations of sexual abuse decades ago. Three of the five cases involve individuals who are known to be deceased.

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Archdiocese of Seattle Establishes the St. Joseph Foundation

September 19, 2022 - Archbishop Paul D. Etienne announced the establishment of the St. Joseph Foundation, a new Catholic foundation dedicated to connecting faith with charitable giving. The St. Joseph Foundation will raise funds to provide long-term support for efforts that address the spiritual, educational and ministerial needs of the Catholic community in Western Washington.

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September 6, 2022 – Official appointments announced in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

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Archbishop Paul D. Etienne Suspends Father M. Charles “Chuck” Palluck

August 8, 2022 – Archbishop Paul D. Etienne announced the suspension of Father M. Charles “Chuck” Palluck from priestly ministry after receiving an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, which was reported to have occurred more than 30 years ago.

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Faculties Restored for Father William Harris

July 25, 2022 – Archbishop Paul D. Etienne reinstated the faculties for Father William Harris, a senior priest in the Archdiocese of Seattle who was placed on leave during an investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, which was reported to have occurred more than 20 years ago. 

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Archbishop Paul D. Etienne issues a decree for St. Patrick Parish in Seattle

July 11, 2022 – Today, a decree announces the merge of St. Patrick Parish into St. Joseph Parish with Father Chris Cartwright as the pastor, effective September 1, 2022.

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Archdiocese of Seattle officially concludes Synod Consultative Process

June 30, 2022 –Today, the Archdiocese of Seattle submitted its Synod Synthesis Report to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), officially concluding the local consultative process of Pope Francis’ global synod

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WSCC - A Call to Respect Life and Serve Families in Need

June 24 2022 – “Defense of unborn life is closely linked to the defense of each and every other human right. It
involves the conviction that a human being is always sacred and inviolable, in any situation and
at every stage of development.” – Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium

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Archbishop Issues Decrees for Parish Changes in Seattle

MAY 30, 2022 – After more than a year of strategic planning, Archbishop Paul D. Etienne issued three decrees for parishes in Seattle, which will take effect on July 1, 2022. Specifically, the parish of Our Lady of Mount Virgin will be closed, while St. Mary Parish will be merged into St. Therese Parish.

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Catholic Healthcare Collaboration Aims for Comprehensive Solutions to Advance Response to the Poor

MAY 9, 2022 – Archdiocese of Seattle, Catholic Community Services/Catholic Housing Services of Western Washington, PeaceHealth, Providence Health Services and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health form new partnership

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Archbishop Paul D. Etienne Issues Decrees for New Parish in Tacoma

May 9, 2022 – This weekend, Archbishop Paul D. Etienne issued decrees to merge three parishes in Tacoma to form the new St. John XXIII Parish, effective July 1, 2022. Father Tuan Nguyen, the current pastor of St. Ann and St. John of the Woods, will serve as pastor for the new parish.

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Official Appointments Announced

MAY 5, 2022 – Official appointments announced in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

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The Archbishop Issues Decrees for New Parish in Everett

MAY 2, 2022 - Archbishop Paul D. Etienne issued decrees for two parishes involved in the strategic planning efforts in Everett. The parishes of Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Perpetual Help will merge to form the new parish of Our Lady of Hope, effective July 1, 2022.

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Archdiocese of Seattle Settles Two Claims from the 1970s and '80s

APRIL 28, 2022 - Today the Archdiocese of Seattle announced final settlements totaling $375,000 for two separate claims related to allegations of sexual abuse in the 1970s and 1980s.

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Archdiocese and St. James Embrace Sustainability for First Hill Property Redevelopment

MARCH 29, 2022 - Today, the Archdiocese of Seattle and St. James Cathedral announced plans to sell and redevelop four properties on First Hill with Westbank, a global developer recognized for its long-term commitment to sustainable building. The vision is to create an inspiring carbon-neutral community that enhances the future of the First Hill neighborhood, while also supporting the continued mission of the Catholic Church.

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Archdiocese Welcomes New Auxiliary Bishop Appointed by Pope Francis

MARCH 8, 2022 - Archbishop Paul D. Etienne today welcomed the appointment of Father Frank Schuster, current pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Federal Way, as the new auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Seattle.

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Parish Property to Become Future Playfield

JANUARY 31, 2022 – O'Dea High School is in contract to purchase the field at St. Paul Parish in Seattle.

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Official Appointments Announced

JANUARY 27, 2022 – Official appointments announced in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

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2021 News Releases

Archdiocese Settles Five Claims from the 1960s, '70s and Early '80s

DECEMBER 10, 2021 – The Archdiocese of Seattle announced final settlements for five
separate claims related to allegations of sexual abuse in the 1960s and 1970s, which totaled $3,035,000.

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Archdiocese Shares Real Estate Initiative to Support Mission of the Church

NOVEMBER 17, 2021 – The Archdiocese of Seattle shares its Catholic real estate vision, which aims to better serve communities and the mission of the Church by redeveloping underutilized properties for mission-critical uses such as community outreach, housing and ministry services.

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Official Appointments Announced

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 – Official appointments announced in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

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September 23, 2021 –  The Archdiocese of Seattle signed the Healthy Planet, Healthy People Petition, which calls political leaders to set meaningful targets to protect creation and affirm the Paris Agreement at the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) and UN Climate Change Conference (COP26). 

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August 11, 2021 –  Today the Archdiocese of Seattle’s Ministerial Covenant Task Force publicized its recommendations to address the ministerial covenant signed by teachers, presidents and principals employed at archdiocesan Catholic schools. 

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August 5, 2021 – After a comprehensive nationwide search, the Archdiocese of Seattle announced its new Executive Director of Stewardship and Development today. Victor Javier Mitre Jr., a parishioner at St. Patrick Parish in Tacoma, stepped into the leadership role after the retirement of Deacon Pierce Murphy, who served in the role for four years

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JULY 30, 2021 – Today the Archdiocese of Seattle announced final settlements totaling
$165,000 for two separate cases involving allegations of sexual abuse by Sister Dolores Crosby in the 1980s. Crosby, who died in 2007, was a member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.

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JULY 20, 2021 – Today, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Daniel H. Mueggenborg, auxiliary bishop of Seattle, as Bishop of Reno. The appointment was publicized by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States. Bishop Mueggenborg will succeed Bishop Randolph R. Calvo, 69, who has been bishop of Reno since 2006.

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JULY 6, 2021 – Today we wish to address our Native American brothers and sisters. While we recognize that each individual tribe in our own archdiocese and across the continent has had a differing experience with the Catholic Church, we wish to acknowledge the real pain that our Native American brothers and sisters are feeling at this time.

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Official Appointments Announced

May 30, 2021 – Official appointments announced in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

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Archbishop Paul D. Etienne Launches Pastoral Planning

MAY 23, 2021 –  Today, Pentecost Sunday, the Archdiocese of Seattle entered the next phase of pastoral planning by inviting all Catholics and Catholic ministries to participate. This phase of pastoral planning draws attention to Christ and the central mission of the Church, and introduces a set of focus areas and values for people to prayerfully reflect upon so as to discern how we can apply them to our lives and joyfully share Christ with the world today.

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Archbishop Paul D. Etienne Creates Racial Justice and Cultural Diversity Commission

MAY 6, 2021 – With the recent social unrest and increased divisiveness in our society, Archbishop Paul D. Etienne recognized the need to create an advisory group dedicated to racial justice. He formed a new Racial Justice and Cultural Diversity Commission to guide the Archdiocese of Seattle on issues and initiatives concerning intercultural competency and the sin of racism.

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Official Appointments Announced

APRIL 30, 2021 – Official appointments announced in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

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Archdiocese of Seattle Shares Strategic Planning Decisions with Seattle Parishes

APRIL 19, 2021 – The Archdiocese of Seattle’s Strategic Planning Committee, led by Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg, is beginning to implement recommendations from the strategic planning efforts in the South Seattle Deanery.  

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Archdiocese of Seattle Settles Four Cases from 1960s to 1980s

APRIL 16, 2021 –  In the past month, the Archdiocese of Seattle reached final settlements totaling just over $1.3 million for four separate cases involving allegations of sexual abuse against three priests and a youth minister.  These cases involve priests who were previously identified and are publicly listed on the List of Clergy and Religious Brothers and Sisters for Whom Allegations of Sexual Abuse of a Minor Have Been Admitted, Establish or Determined to be Credible when it was originally published in January 2016.

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Archdiocese of Seattle Continues Strategic Planning Efforts

MARCH 10, 2021 –  The Archdiocese of Seattle’s Strategic Planning Committee, led by Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg, continues its efforts to strengthen the Church in Western Washington by building vibrant, sustainable Catholic communities that carry out the mission of the Church. The committee is supporting the active strategic planning efforts in the Pierce Deanery and is reviewing recommendations for changes from other geographic deaneries across the archdiocese.

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Archdiocese of Seattle Invites Feedback to Draft Pastoral Plan

MARCH 8, 2021 –  Today the Archdiocese of Seattle released a draft pastoral plan outline, welcoming review and comment from Catholics across Western Washington. The plan includes a potential mission statement, set of core values, and list of priorities for 2021–2025. 

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Archdiocese of Seattle Appoints Chief Human Resources Officer

FEBRUARY 8, 2021 – Today, the Archdiocese of Seattle announced Arlene Seifert as its new Chief Human Resources Officer.

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Official Appointments Announced

FEBRUARY 2, 2021 -  Official appointments announced in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

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St. Paul School in South Seattle will Close June 2021

JANUARY 25, 2021 -  Today, St. Paul Catholic School in South Seattle publicly announced the difficult decision to close its K–8 program. After months of deliberation, this decision represents the consensus of the School Commission, regional Pastoral Council, Archdiocesan School Board and Archbishop Paul D. Etienne. 

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Archdiocese of Seattle Settles Three Abuse Cases from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s

JANUARY 7, 2021 - Over the past six months, the Archdiocese of Seattle reached final settlements totaling just over $2 million for three separate cases involving allegations of sexual abuse against four priests of the archdiocese. 

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2020 News Releases

The Washington State Catholic Conference, Catholic Charities and Catholic Health Care Support COVID-19 Vaccinations

DECEMBER 12, 2020 - The Washington State Catholic Conference (WSCC) affirms that the recently announced COVID-19 vaccines are morally permissible. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) confirms the moral permissibility of the vaccines in this memorandum dated November 20, 2020 from the USCCB Committee on Doctrine. Together with the Catholic Health Care organizations and Catholic Charities of Washington state, we recommend the faithful get the COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves, loved ones, and the community. 

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Archbishop Paul D. Etienne Places Father William Harris on Leave

OCTOBER 24, 2020 -  Archbishop Paul D. Etienne has placed Father William Harris, the pastor of the Proto-Cathedral of St. James the Greater in Vancouver, Washington, on leave after receiving an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, which was reported to have occurred more than 20 years ago.

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Archdiocese of Seattle Enters New Phase of Strategic Planning

OCTOBER 22, 2020 - The Archdiocese of Seattle’s Strategic Planning Committee, led by Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg, has completed its first phase of strategic planning, focused on the key factors that influence parish life. The team built upon previous planning efforts and research to develop new standards for a consistent assessment across the archdiocese. Strategic planning is entering a new phase where the committee will begin to share these findings with parishes.

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Archbishop Paul D. Etienne Appoints Director of Young Adult Ministry

OCTOBER 7, 2020 - Archbishop Paul D. Etienne has appointed Annie Bailey as the new Director of Young Adult Ministry. In this role, she will be responsible for engaging young adults in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

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Archbishop Paul D. Etienne Appoints Liaisons for Religious Life

SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 - Archbishop Paul D. Etienne has appointed Sister Sharon Park, O.P., and Sister Sharon Casey, O.P., to serve as liaisons to women in religious life in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

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Archdiocese Announces Members of Special Taskforce for Catholic Schools

AUGUST 13, 2020 - Today the Archdiocese of Seattle announced the members of its Special
Taskforce for Catholic Schools led by Father Ronald Nuzzi. Requested by Archbishop Paul. D. Etienne, this taskforce will spend the next year studying church teachings, examining best practices among Catholic educators, and developing a set of recommendations about the renewal of the Ministerial Covenant.

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Archdiocese Announces Fall Plans for Catholic Schools

AUGUST 6, 2020 - Archdiocesan Catholic schools will be following the guidance from Governor Inslee’s office and/or local public health authorities as a minimum standard. This localized approach ensures decisions are based on the most current health and safety information from each county, which is vital for the safety of our students, staff and the local community. At the same time, we are very supportive of our schools, which may
need to be more limiting to ensure safety. 

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Archdiocese Reaches Milestones in Pastoral Planning Process; Launches Survey and Names Members

JULY 8, 2020 - The Archdiocese of Seattle continues its pastoral planning process with the goal of ensuring all archdiocesan and parish ministries are serving the fundamental mission of the church, namely to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Focused on elevating the voice of the laity, the archdiocese launched its Catholic Survey and appointed members to the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, achieving key milestones in the pastoral planning process.

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Archdiocese Appoints Father Ronald Nuzzi to Chair of Special Taskforce for Catholic Schools

JUNE 16, 2020 - Today the Archdiocese of Seattle announced the appointment of Father Ronald Nuzzi as chair of the Special Taskforce for Catholic Schools. With his leadership, the taskforce will study the Ministerial Covenant and develop a recommendation for Archbishop Paul D. Etienne regarding how the covenant can embrace the fullness of church teaching while honoring and appreciating the sense of the faithful. 

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Archbishop's Pastoral Letter "The Work of Redemption: Eucharistic Belief and Practice"

JUNE 1, 2020 - In my first year in the Archdiocese of Seattle, I have been able to celebrate Mass in dozens of our parishes and missions. Everywhere I have been, I have encountered vibrant, faith-filled communities of believers. Whether large or small, urban or rural, our parishes devote much care and attention to their liturgical celebrations. The reason for this is quite simple: “The Church draws her life from the Eucharist.” The Eucharist is central to our life as Church and as individual Christian believers. In a very real way, we cannot live without it. 

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Washington Bishops on Resuming Masses

MAY 27, 2020 - Today the governor announced directives for resuming public worship. Like the governor, we bishops remain focused on public health and working on behalf of the common good. We bishops across Washington state look forward to safely resuming public celebration of the Eucharist according to the strict protocols as outlined by each of our dioceses and the archdiocese. 

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Washington Bishops' Response to Suspension of Mass

MAY 22, 2020 - In response to President Trump’s statement today regarding church reopenings, the Bishops of Washington would like to provide a unified response. We want to let you know that the public celebration of Mass was suspended, not out of fear, but out of our deepest respect for human life and health. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be instruments of God’s protection for the vulnerable and the public common good. Our love of God and neighbor is always personal and not partisan. While we share the desire to bring people back to Mass as quickly as possible, we will wait to schedule our public worship when it is safe and we are prepared to do so.

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Official Appointments Announced

APRIL 2020 -  Official appointments announced in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

Launch of Nationwide Service to Report Sexual Misconduct Involving U.S. Bishops

MARCH 26, 2020 - In May 2019, Pope Francis released his apostolic letter Vos estis lux mundi (“You are the light of the world”) to address the issue of sexual abuse and bishop accountability in the global Catholic Church. Vos estis calls upon the metropolitan archbishops to undertake the responsibilities for receiving and assessing reports involving bishops that pertain to sexual abuse and related misconduct. In June 2019, one month after Pope Francis issued his order, the bishops of the United States convened for their general assembly in Baltimore and approved the implementation plan for carrying out the directives of the Holy Father here in the United States.

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The Archdiocese of Seattle Updates List of Credibly Accused Clergy and Religious

FEBRUARY 28, 2020 - – The Archdiocese of Seattle updated its list of credibly accused clergy and religious to include the addition of Father Mario Cruz. Father Cruz was from the Archdiocese of Manila and worked in the Archdiocese of Seattle at St. Mary Parish in Aberdeen from 1971 to 1972 and in Renton at St. Anthony Parish from 1972 to 1973. He is now deceased.

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Holy Rosary Bilingual Academy Will Move to Fife

FEBRUARY 27, 2020 -Today the Archdiocese of Seattle announced that Holy Rosary Bilingual Academy will move from Tacoma to the St. Martin of Tours Parish campus in Fife starting with the 2020– 2021 academic year. Father Michael Radermacher and Father Anh Tran will serve as the school priests.

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Archbishop Emeritus Alexander J. Brunett Dies

JANUARY 31, 2020 - Archbishop Alexander J. Brunett, who led the Archdiocese of Seattle
from 1997 to his retirement in 2010, died in the peace of the Lord today. He was 86. 

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Archdiocese of Seattle Settles 1980s Abuse Case

JANUARY 9, 2020 - The Archdiocese of Seattle recently reached a final settlement for a case
involving allegations of sexual abuse that took place in the 1980s. 

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Bishops on Peace to Resolve Global Conflicts

JANUARY 8, 2020 -  The bishops of the Archdiocese of Seattle support today’s joint statement from Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, the president of the United States Catholic Conference and Archbishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, the chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace, ...

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2019 News Releases

The Archdiocese of Seattle Settles 1960s Case For a Volunteer Coach

DECEMBER 31, 2019 - The Archdiocese of Seattle recently reached a final settlement of $250,000 for a case involving allegations of sexual abuse by a volunteer CYO basketball coach. 

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The Archdiocese of Seattle Settles Christian Brother Abuse Case from 1962

DECEMBER 5, 2019 - The Archdiocese of Seattle recently reached final settlement for a 1962 case involving a member of the Christian Brothers of Ireland. 

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Archdiocese Appoints Tim Hunt as new Executive Director of Planning and Mission Effectiveness

OCTOBER 10, 2019 -  Today, Archbishop Paul D. Etienne announced a new Executive Director of Planning and Mission Effectiveness role for the Archdiocese of Seattle. This new position will ensure all archdiocesan and parish ministries are serving the fundamental mission of the Church, namely to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. (Mark 16: 15; Matthew 28: 19-20) 

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The Archdiocese of Seattle Settles Abuse Cases from 1970s

OCTOBER 2, 2019 - The Archdiocese of Seattle recently reached final settlements for two separate cases involving allegations of sexual abuse that took place in the 1970s.

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Archbishop Paul D. Etienne succeeds Archbishop J. Peter Sartain as head of the Archdiocese of Seattle

SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 - Today, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Archbishop J. Peter Sartain of Seattle, for reasons of health. Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, who was appointed coadjutor archbishop on April 29, succeeds him. Archbishop Etienne is the sixth archbishop of Seattle. 

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Pope Francis Named Coadjutor Archbishop for the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle

APRIL 29, 2020 - Archbishop J. Peter Sartain today welcomed the appointment of Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, currently archbishop of Anchorage, Alaska, as coadjutor archbishop of Seattle. Archbishop Etienne was appointed by Pope Francis to eventually succeed Archbishop Sartain, who requested a coadjutor archbishop due to ongoing health challenges.

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Walking & Witnessing with Immigrant Families - media alert

APRIL 29, 2019 - The Archdiocese of Seattle is hosting “Walking & Witnessing for Immigrant Families” – a two-week pilgrimage and prayer walk for people to show solidarity with migrants and refugees. The pilgrimage starts on April 29th and concludes on May 11th with an 11 am outdoor mass at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma. 

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Official Appointments Announced

FEBRUARY 2019 -  Official appointments announced in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

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