Copyright 2023 Northwest Catholic Too much work it's never done! If you are interested in information about a particular priest, go to our searchable priest directory. It transforms a contract between two people into a way of discipleship and conversion. Father Showreelu Simham, St. Joseph Parish, Elma, and St. John Mission, Montesano, while continuing to serve as parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish, Aberdeen; Our Lady of Good Help Parish, Hoquiam; St. Jerome Parish, Ocean Shores; Our Lady of the Olympics Mission, Amanda Park; and St. Paul Mission, Westport. Father Jorge Flores Molina,St. Joseph,Chehalis;St. Mary,Centralia;St. Francis Xavier,Toledo;and St. Yves Mission,Harmony. Very Rev. pro tem, Queen of the Universe Parish, Levittown, while continuing as Assistant Vicar for Clergy, effective November 12, 2021. . A pastoral coordinator is a deacon, religious or lay ecclesial minister appointed by the archbishop under the supervision of a priest moderator and entrusted with the day-to-day leadership of a parish (CIC, c. 517 2). He told Northwest Catholic in June 2020 that he missed celebrating Mass in a full church during the lockdowns. Will Schmid has been appointed Director of Spirituality Year for our seminary. We are here to help! It also has paid about $580,000 in counseling for victims and family members over the last 10 years. She grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and has a degree in English from Truman State University in Missouri. Father Justin M. Ryan has been appointed the archdioceses director of vocations. Father Junhoon Val Park, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Tacoma. Timothy W. Ilgen, appointed Priest Moderator of St. Mary Parish in Aberdeen, Our Lady of the Olympics Mission in Amanda Park, St. Joseph Parish in Elma, Our Lady of Good Help Parish in Hoquiam, St. John Mission in Montesano, St. Jerome Parish in Ocean Shores, and St. Paul Mission in Westport, effective October 10, 2022. Father Anh B. Tran, St. Aloysius Parish, Buckley, and Sts. This time, something was different. Preaching, presiding and funerals. There are 170 parishes, missi See more PRIEST ADMINISTRATOR. Church leaders also said they want parishioners to have input on any potential church and Catholic school closings. Rev. Rev. A parochial vicar is a priest who serves in pastoral ministry as a co-worker with the pastor, through common counsel and effort, and under his authority (CIC, c. 545 1-2. The archdioceses term of office for pastoral coordinator is generally one to three years. There were two people. These forms of compensation allow survivors to avoid filing a lawsuit, which may feel overwhelming to some victims. (CIC, c. 540 1-3). For instance, Pfaus firm won a multimillion-dollar jury verdict on behalf a client who was sexually abused for years in the early 1960s at St. Benedict School in Wallingford by a teacher named Daniel Adamson. In summer 2021, he became pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Federal Way. Four days later, he took his own life. Jesuit Father Elias Puentes, Sacred Heart Parish and St. Leo the Great Parish, both in Tacoma. Inspirational Scripture passage Date of ordination It is amazing to see what God can do with anyone who has opened their heart to his grace. Magnoni explained that it took between early 2011 to the end of 2013 to get the Archdiocesan Review Board and the archbishop to meet several times and come up with the plan to proceed with the disclosure of the names. Associate Director of Vocations for the Hispanic Community. For instance, the website www.bishopaccounability.org, which documents Catholic church abuse cases, identifies 19 of 33 archdiocesan priests named on the list. Pastors. Persons seeking an exorcism from the Archdiocese should follow the protocol below: For Catholics or non-Catholics residing in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. the first step is to request an appointment with his/her local parish priest (ADW Parish and Mass Finder) or to contact the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal. Phone: 360-733-1380 (office mainline) I am rarely at my desk to receive the call. Our team of attorneys is here to help you seek justice against predators and the organizations that cover up or ignore your abuse. E-mail:
[email protected]. A priest administrator is a temporary leader of a particular parish, with the same responsibilities as a pastor. Reynaldo Usman Holy Spirit Parish (New Westminster) Rev. The term of office for parochial vicar in the archdiocese is generally one to three years. Christ himself is a mystery; but better understanding who he is and why he came on earth will certainly impact and affect our life. Father Frank R. Schuster, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Federal Way. By Catholic Standard staff. Father Gary M. Zender, St. Joseph Parish, Seattle (effective April 24, 2021), while continuing to serve as Pastor of St. Louise de Marillac Parish in Bellevue and Vicar for Clergy. June 1, 1974, St. James Cathedral. | Archdiocese of Seattle, This is Pope Francis prayer intention for the month of March. while serving as auxiliary bishop to the North Seattle, Eastside, Snohomish, Olympic and Northern Deanery parishes. Here are the most frequent locations where the identified offenders were assigned during their careers. Greatest challenge The Seattle Archdiocese will pay $3 million to settle five sex abuse claims. Father Wankie Dean Mbuzi, St. Benedict Parish and St. Catherine of Siena Parish, both in Seattle. Year Catholics Total Population Percent Catholic Diocesan Priests Religious Priests Total Priests Catholics Per Priest Permanent Deacons Male Religious Female Religious Parishes Source; Diocese of Seattle: 1950: 183,000: 1,662,770: 11.0%: 127 . Click below to see all the official appointments from a given year. Archdiocese of Seattle Launches Partners In The Gospel: A Pastoral Strategic Planning Initiative. The parish raised $200,000 from more than 300 donors for the construction of Mary, Mother of Christ Church, which was completed in December 2019. Archdiocese of Seattle. The term of office for priest moderator in the Archdiocese of Seattle is generally one to three years. By Denver Catholic Staff. The church may also conduct its own investigation after the criminal probe concludes. The new priests will begin their assignments on July 1, 2021 Chicago - (May 13, 2021) - Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, will ordain eight diocesan priests and one Canon Regular of St. John Cantius at 10 a.m., on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 North State St., Chicago. Inspirational Scripture passage Many willingly settle for worldly joys when they could possess the pearl of great price. Father Mike Cruickshank, CSP Father Michael Hennessy, CSP Please continue to pray for our retired priests, and for our priests transitioning to new appointments and leading the parish communities entrusted to their care. The priest also brought to Kenya rosaries made by members of the parishs Rosary Makers group, which was inspired by a group called Our Ladys Rosary Makers, which was highlighted on an EWTN program. Father Clement L. Piruwa, Sacred Heart Parish, Lacey. Father Chirico was generous in taking time to talk to me and answer questions, and is the one who asked me, Have you ever thought about being a priest?. Date of ordination (CIC, c. 517 2). He possessed the qualities of character that I desired most yet had not found in my secular pursuits of college life. BishopFrankSchuster,who wasordained May 3, 2022, will continueaspastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parishin Federal Way,while serving as auxiliary bishop to the South Seattle, South King, Pierce, South Sound and Southern Deanery parishes. A parish priest is appointed by the archbishop to provide priestly ministry in a particular parish in collaboration with the pastor or pastoral coordinator. June 11, 2011, St. James Cathedral. So, were glad that the archbishop now is finally doing this, but there are a lot of things they need to be doing, too.. Two of the abuse claims name members of the Christian Brothers of Ireland, a Catholic religious order. Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church. Ms. Susan S. Walker, appointed Pastoral Coordinator of St. Hubert Parish in Langley, effective September 13, 2022. The Seattle archdiocese has been harshly criticized for not publicly releasing the name of a priest removed from ministry a decade ago for the sexual exploitation of a teen. Priests appointed parochial vicars and their parishes are: Father Joseph L.Akor,Sacred Heart Parish,Bellevue,and St. Monica,Mercer Island. Favorite recreations Learn more about your legal options, the claims process and potential compensation. I myself was 7 when a priest in Los Angeles abused me, but I buried it until the age of 52, Dispenza said. Archdiocese of Seattle: 23 June 1951: Elevated: Diocese of Seattle Archdiocese of Seattle Statistics. After being named an Eagle Scout in 1980, he decided to study geology at Oklahoma State University. May 1, 2019. However, this is very late in coming.. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends, board games, movies, walks and reading. Father Colin S. Parrish,St. Anne,Seattle. Ordinary parish life! Schuster said at the time. (CIC, c. 540 1-3). Father Kyle J. Poje,St. Michael,Olympia. Holy Spirit, Kent Clergy assignments see new pastors of parish families. | Courtesy of the Archdiocese of Seattle. According to the lawsuit, the survivors abuse was foreseeable and preventable had Seattle Archdiocese acted on John Does grooming behavior and removed him for his repeated sexual misconduct.. As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. Mueggenborg, 59, has served as an auxiliary bishop and vicar general of the Archdiocese of Seattle since 2017. Vinner Raj Simeon Raj, H.G.N.,appointed Priest Administrator of St. Joseph at Holy Family Parish in Frances, St. Lawrence Parish in Raymond, St. Mary Parish in Seaview and McGowan Station in Seaview, effective September 30, 2022. The second, Father Todd Strange. Former Cleveland priest Robert McWilliams was sentenced to life in prison for child sexual exploitation. Father Lucio Villalobos,M.Sp.S.,St. Pius X,Mountlake Terrace. This school is a private Catholic school within the Archdiocese of Seattle. 496. Voicemails go to my e-mail, and they will be answered with the same urgency as e-mails. Thank you for saying "Yes!" Archbishop Nelson Perez announced clerical appointments for 55 priests in the parishes, schools and institutions of the archdiocese, plus appointments of regional deans. It also has paid about $580,000 in counseling for. Two of the abuse claims name members of the Christian Brothers of Ireland, a Catholic religious order. Appointed parish priest is: A senior priest has been granted that status by the archbishop and either no longer has a continuous ministry assignment in service to the archdiocese, or has less than a half-time assignment from the archbishop. The Vatican has chosen a Rome-trained Oklahoma priest, Msgr. Cosmas and Damian Mission, Orting.Father Alfredo M. Velzquez Ramrez, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Vancouver. Go to our Lent page for inspiration and resources. Privacy Policy The term of office for pastor in the Archdiocese of Seattle is six years. 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 Attorney Advertising. One claim settled by the archdiocese accuses several Christian Brothers of abuse at the Briscoe Memorial School. Copyright 2023 Northwest Catholic I regularly play the guitar and sing. Each and every day, I get to share in peoples joy as they come to know Jesus Christ and follow him more closely. Joseph A. Father Jaya Kumar Embeti, St. Joseph Parish, Elma and St. John Mission, Montesano, while continuing to serve as parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish, Aberdeen;, Our Lady of Good Help Parish, Hoquiam; St. Jerome Parish, Ocean Shores; Our Lady of the Olympics Mission, Amanda Park; and St. Paul Mission, Westport. Preaching is a priority for my episcopal ministry, and this blog is my humble effort to engage the New Evangelization and to serve you, Gods holy, faithful people! Schuster has been director of the diocesan office for the formation of permanent deacons since 1995. Father Jos Maria C. Ramirez Briseo, St. Charles Parish, Burlington; Immaculate Conception Parish, Mount Vernon; Sacred Heart Parish, La Conner; Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Sedro-Woolley; and St. Catherine Mission, Concrete. It certainly makes a difference when a priest asks you point blank, "Have you ever considered becoming a priest?". Father Thomas A. Belleque, St. Anthony Parish, Renton. I also enjoy the outdoors, particularly camping and hiking. Father Martin J. Bourke, Proto-Cathedral of St. James the Greater, Vancouver. Rev. vicar general, vicar for Hispanic ministries and vicar for vocations. Theres a lot of hope in that village, Schuster told Northwest Catholic, the Seattle archdioceses newspaper, in 2020. We are called to love God, and our neighbor as ourselves. Brother C.P. The Seattle archdiocese spans all of western Washington, from the Canadian border to the border with Oregon, and serves 600,000 Catholics. I began to realize that discussions of faith were of greater interest than conversations of science. WASHINGTONPope Francis has named MonsignorDaniel H. Mueggenborg, a priest of the Diocese of Tulsa, as an auxiliary bishopof the Archdiocese of Seattle. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Father Clement L. Piruwa, Sacred Heart Parish, Lacey. Father Kurt W. Nagel, St. Monica Parish, Mercer Island. The Pastoral Plan for the Archdiocese of Seattle. SEATTLE - Archbishop Paul D. Etienne has announced the latest pastoral appointments in the Archdiocese of Seattle, effective July 1, 2021 (additional appointments will be forthcoming). I will be forever grateful to him for that impact. (Joel 2:12-18). 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. Father Aloysius G.Ssensamba,St. Alphonsus,Seattle. Father Alfredo M. Velzquez Ramrez, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Vancouver. (CIC, c. 517 2). Not only could I see myself being a priest, but it helped knowing that priests could be joyful, smiling and happy! A priest moderator has the powers and faculties of a pastor of a parish. I had an unexplainable desire, a need, to take the priest's place. 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. In summer 2021, he became pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Federal Way. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. / I miss baptisms. Mary Dispenza, Northwest director for SNAP the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests said Friday the archdioceses release of the names is a positive step. Mailing Address (both personal and professional) Bishop-elect Frank. The auxiliary bishop-elect fills the place left by former Seattle auxiliary bishop Daniel Mueggenborg, who was appointed bishop of Reno, Nevada, in July 2021. FatherJoshua T.Nehnevaj,St. Louise de Marillac,Bellevue. The archdioceses term of office for priest administrator is generally one to three years. Media Contact: Helen McClenahan [email protected] Media line: 206-402-9373. All rights reserved. The term of office for pastor in the Archdiocese of Seattle is six years.Priests appointed as pastors and their parishes are:Father Thomas A. Belleque, St. Anthony Parish, Renton.Father Martin J. Bourke, Proto-Cathedral of St. James the Greater, Vancouver.Father Francisco J. Cancino, St. Joseph Parish, Lynden, and St. Peter Mission, Deming.Father Anthony K. A. Davis, St. Barbara Parish, Black Diamond.Father Patrick W. Freitag, St. Mary Parish, Aberdeen; St. Joseph Parish, Elma; Our Lady of Good Help Parish, Hoquiam: St. Jerome Parish, Ocean Shores; Our Lady of the Olympics Mission, Amanda Park; St. John Mission, Montesano; and St. Paul Mission, Westport.Father Richard K. Woody McCallister, Immaculate Conception Parish and St. Therese Parish, both in Seattle.Father William A. McKee, St. John the Baptist Parish, Covington.Father Kurt W. Nagel, St. Monica Parish, Mercer Island.Father Tuan V. Nguyen, Visitation Parish, Tacoma, while continuing to serve as pastor of St. Ann Parish and St. John of the Woods Parish, both in Tacoma.Father Cody L. Ross, Sacred Heart Parish, Bellingham, while continuing to serve as chaplain of Newman Catholic Campus Ministry of Western Washington University in Bellingham.Father Ramon Santa Cruz, St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Woodinville.Father Frank R. Schuster, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Federal Way. FatherVinnerRaj Simeon Raj, H.G.N., St. Mary,Seaview;St. Lawrence,Raymond;St. Joseph at Holy Family,Frances;and McGowan Station,Seaview. The Seattle episode is from THE CHAIR, a series that celebrates the best of Catholicism today. (December 2021). Sexual abuse victims sometimes bury their abuse for years before revealing it, Dispenza said. Fr. Father Showreelu Simham, St. Joseph Parish, Elma, and St. John Mission, Montesano, while continuing to serve as parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish, Aberdeen; Our Lady of Good Help Parish, Hoquiam; St. Jerome Parish, Ocean Shores; Our Lady of the Olympics Mission, Amanda Park; and St. Paul Mission, Westport. Copyright 2023 Northwest Catholic Read More Camas and Our Lady Star of the Sea Mission. In Reno, Mueggenborg will oversee a diocese of 80,000 Catholics with 28 parishes, five Catholic schools, and 70 priests and deacons. Procedures for Requesting an Exorcism. Upon his return to the United States, he served as pastor of Christ the King Parish from 2011 to 2017 before Pope Francis appointed him as an auxiliary bishop of Seattle in 2017. Archbishop Etienne announces new pastoral appointments. Any time a predators name is publicized, kids are safer, Dispenza said. Father NareshGali,Queen of Angels,Port Angeles;St. Joseph,Sequim;St. Anne,Forks;and St. Thomas Mission,Clallam Bay, effective April 25, 2022. Greatest joy A pastoral coordinator is a deacon, religious or lay ecclesial minister appointed by the archbishop under the supervision of a priest moderator and entrusted with the day-to-day leadership of a parish. Father Ben Bray Father Cal Christiansen Father Brad Hagelin Father Tyler Johnson Father Tuan Nguyen Father Matthew Oakland Father Carlos Orozco Associate Director of Vocations, Northern and Snohomish Deaneries. Official Appointments Official appointments All the appointments of pastors, associate pastors, sacramental ministers and parish life coordinators come from the Office of the Archbishop. Rev. June 7, 2008, St. James Cathedral. Daniel Mueggenborg, as a new auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Seattle, breaking a long tradition of picking local clergy for the . Theres so much shame around sexual abuse in general, then to be abused by someone who supposedly represents God.. I became the Archbishop of Seattle on September 3, 2019 after serving as Coadjutor Archbishop of Seattle from June 7, 2019. SEATTLE - Archbishop Paul D. Etienne has announced pastoral appointments in the Archdiocese of Seattle, effective February 2023 unless otherwise noted. The Associated Press. Mike McKay, the former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington, said publicizing the names of offender priests was but one recommendation he and other members of the Archdioceses Case Review Board made to then-Archbishop Alexander Brunett in 2004. Father Randy A. Guarino, Queen of Angels Parish, Port Angeles; St. Joseph Parish, Sequim; and St. Anne Parish, Forks. News > Washington Seattle Archdiocese pays $7M to settle sex abuse claims. Father Michael A. Dion,St. Michael,Snohomish. Steven Wilson, C.Ss.R., appointed Priest Administrator of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Seattle, effective February 5, 2023. Without having received a word from him, he says so much to us about what it means to be courageous and faithful to what God asks of and entrusts to us, even when its filled with uncertainties, causes for fear and is downright humbling. Site by Glass Canvas. Father Anthony K. A. Davis, St. Barbara Parish, Black Diamond. Artist (Insta @mindofcarlos), earth explorer (I have a goal to hike all 58 national parks; Insta @eyeofcarlos), exotic pet/plant keeper (since childhood, mostly fish, reptiles, amphibians, orchids, and carnivorous plants; Insta @petsofcarlos). At the moment of kneeling and pouring water on the feet of the first person, I was overcome with grace. Father Patrick W. Freitag, St. Mary Parish, Aberdeen; St. Joseph Parish, Elma; Our Lady of Good Help Parish, Hoquiam: St. Jerome Parish, Ocean Shores; Our Lady of the Olympics Mission, Amanda Park; St. John Mission, Montesano; and St. Paul Mission, Westport. Welcome! I miss weddings. The archdiocese says anyone who has knowledge of sexual abuse or misconduct by a member of the clergy, an employee or volunteer of the Archdiocese of Seattle is urged to call 1-800-446- 7762. The five settlements paid by the archdiocese total more than $3 million. Priest administrators may be seasoned, newly arrived priests. The absolute best way to contact me. Greatest joy Senior priestA senior priest has been granted that status by the archbishop and either no longer has a continuous ministry assignment in service to the archdiocese, or has less than a half-time assignment from the archbishop.Priests granted senior status are:Father James P. CoyneFather W.R. HarrisFather David A. Rogerson. Priests appointed parochial vicars and their parishes are: The following parochial vicars are transitional deacons to be ordained to the priesthood on June 26, 2021: A parish priest provides priestly ministry in a particular parish in collaboration with the pastoral coordinator. The Vatican announced Tuesday that Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg to lead the Catholic Diocese of Reno. All rights reserved. Greatest challenge Additional appointments are forthcoming. At least 40 of the accused more than half the list are dead, according to the archdiocese. Since the late 1980s, the Seattle Archdiocese said it has paid about $74 million in settlements for 392 claims of sexual abuse of minors. SEATTLE Archbishop Paul D. Etienne has announced the latest pastoral appointments in the Archdiocese of Seattle, effective July 1, 2021 (additional appointments will be forthcoming). wnycatholic February 3, 2023. I also enjoy cutting hair, trying new ethnic foods, working out and watching wildlife documentaries. Magnoni said that after Archbishop Sartain was installed in December 2010 he began regular meetings with the Archdiocesan Review Board, a confidential consultative body that advises the Archbishop regarding his responsibilities related to clergy sexual abuse of minors and assisting him in assessing allegations and fitness for ministry, according to the Archdiocese of Seattle website. 710 9th Ave Seattle, WA 98104 The Archdiocese of Seattle encompasses all of Western Washington, from the Canadian to the Oregon border, the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. He was the first priest to ever directly ask me to consider a priestly vocation. Jay DeFolco, appointed Priest Moderator of St. Hubert Parish in Langley, effective September 13, 2022. The term of office for parish priest in the Archdiocese of Seattle is generally one to three years. In accordance with Canon 522 and the USCCB norms, all appointments for pastors are for a six year term, which may be renewed. Navykumar Thomas, appointed Parish Priest of St. Mary Parish in Aberdeen, Our Lady of the Olympics Mission in Amanda Park, St. Joseph Parish in Elma, Our Lady of Good Help Parish in Hoquiam, St. John Mission in Montesano, St. Jerome Parish in Ocean Shores, and St. Paul Mission in Westport, effective October 10, 2022. The role of the priest is to provide sacraments, preach and teach the word of God and apply it to people's day-to-day lives. Nearly half are deceased, so theres no way for that individual to defend themselves or to go to those individuals. Reverend Brian M. Kean, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Matthias Parish, Bala Cynwyd, while continuing as Assistant Vicar for Clergy. Father RajasekarSavarimuthu, H.G.N.,St. Thomas Aquinas,Camas and Our Lady Star of the Sea Mission,Stevenson. The term of office for pastoral coordinator in the archdiocese is generally one to three years. Fire on Lake City Way in Seattle raises smoke, flooding concerns, WA to end masking requirement in health care, correctional facilities, Tacoma woman refusing tuberculosis treatment continues to face arrest, Be bolder to get light rail done, expert panel tells Sound Transit, Driver makes U-turn, hits pedestrian near Pioneer Square, police say. Robert Borges Vicar for Priests Sonia Olguin Executive Assistant to the Vicar General (559) 488-7400 solguindioceseoffresno.org Diocesan Directory Unauthorized Priests Clergy Handbook Letters of Suitability The Four Pillars Missions Office Documents Power of Attorney Advance Health Care Directive Priest Funeral Information | Archdiocese of Seattle By. I love the variety and complexity of priestly ministry. Reverend Lance Campo as Pastor of St. Theresa of Avila Parish, New Orleans, effective July 1, 2022. New additions are in italics. With therecenthiring ofCaitlinMouldingasthe archdioceseschief operations officer, Archbishop Etienne intends, along with his auxiliary bishops,to visit parishes around the archdiocese more often, explained Father GaryZender, vicar for clergy. SOURCE Archdiocese of Seattle . The Seattle episode is from THE CHAIR, a series that celebrates the best of Catholicism today. According to the claim, Kealy abused a victim at ODea High School in Seattle. In this call it is important to understand what it means to be human, in all its dimensions. Appointed parish priest is:Father Dwight P. Lewis, Holy Trinity Parish, Bremerton. The six appointees are: Karen Clark, Director of the newly reorganized Department of Protection of the Faithful Rev. In the face of declining membership and fewer men entering the priesthood, Catholic parishes in Pierce County and across western Washington will merge in 2024, the Seattle Archdiocese announced.