Archbishop Explains Religious Exemption for COVID-19
Archbishop Etienne has issued a statement.
…my actions are to protect life as a shepherd and pastor in the face of a worldwide pandemic that continues to take human life at an astonishing pace…
Please hear me loud and clear: I strongly urge all of us to be vaccinated.
Click here to read his entire statement.
Archbishop Launches Pastoral Planning
Invitation to all Catholics to grow closer to
Jesus Christ and embrace his mission
Seattle, WA – May 23, 2021
On 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.
“My invitation to all Catholics, parishes, schools and Catholic ministries is to begin prayerfully considering the ways we carry out the basic mission of the Church. Specifically, how do we bring Christ to others, and lead others to Christ?” said Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, who titled the pastoral planning effort, “Knowing Jesus Christ, Embracing His Mission.”
Click here to learn more.
Bishops Speak Out About Hatred
March 22, 2021 – It is with heavy hearts that we offer this statement regarding the recent acts of violence and hatred against our Asian American brothers and sisters. The recent attacks, both nationally and locally in our own archdiocese, are indicative of a new era of hatred that must come to an end.
Click here to read the entire statement.
Fratelli Tutti
Pope Francis Encyclical
“This new encyclical from Pope Francis invites the Church to live out the call to universal fraternity and social friendship. The third encyclical of his pontificate, Fratelli Tutti, offers “a way of life marked by the flavor of the Gospel” (no. 1) and shares a vision for humanity that Pope Francis has emphasized throughout his papacy: “It is my desire that, in this our time, by acknowledging the dignity of each human person, we can contribute to the rebirth of a universal aspiration to fraternity. Brotherhood between all men and women” (no. 8).” ~ USCCB
Click here to read the encyclical.
Archbishop Creates Racial Justice & 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.
Click here to read more.
Year of the Family
Pope Francis established the Year of the Family on March 19, 2021, the Solemnity of St. Joseph. It marks the fifth anniversary of the publication of his Apostolic Exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, which means “The joy of love”, and explores the beauty and joy found in family life. The Year of the Family will conclude on June 26, 2022, on the occasion of the tenth World Meeting of Families in Rome with the Holy Father.
We encourage you to visit the Archdiocese of Seattle’s website for information and ideas to help your family celebrate throughout the year. Click here to check it out!
Patris Corde –
Pope Announces Liturgical Year to Focus on St. Joseph
In his Apostolic Letter Patris Corde (With a Father’s Heart), Pope Francis announced that this liturgical year will focus on St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. “…Saint Joseph is invoked as protector of the unfortunate, the needy, exiles, the afflicted, the poor, and the dying. Consequently, the Church cannot fail to show a special love for the least of our brothers and sisters, … From Saint Joseph, we must learn that same care and responsibility.”
Click here to read the complete Patris Corde.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Pastoral Letter Against Racism
USCCB Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism
is seeking to teach about and to witness to the intrinsic dignity of the human person as an antidote to the grave sin of racism.
“But racism still profoundly affects our culture, and it has no place in the Christian heart. This evil causes great harm to its victims, and it corrupts the souls of those who harbor racist or prejudicial thoughts. The persistence of the evil of racism is why we are writing this letter now.”
Click here to read the complete pastoral letter.