Today the Archdiocese of Seattle rejoices that 29 men in preparation for the Permanent Diaconate took a formal step in their formation process known as Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders. In essence, the Church publicly recognizes their resolve and commitment to continue formation towards ordination as Permanent Deacons. The Read more
The faith has been present in the San Juan Islands for generations. We can look back to our indigenous brothers and sisters in the faith, who welcomed the French-Canadian Missionaries from Quebec to the people of this region in the early 1800’s. On what is now the American side of Read more
On this cool, cloudy day approximately 3,000 Catholics gathered to celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma. Approximately 30 priests and deacons concelebrated. These large liturgical gatherings are a powerful testimony of Fatih. I am extremely grateful to those who coordinated Read more
As the Archbishop of Seattle, I request your prayers for our city after yesterday’s shooting that took the lives of three individuals and left several others injured. You can learn more about the situation by reading this article from our Northwest Catholic Magazine. https://nwcatholic.org/news/northwest-catholic/archbishop-etienne-offers-prayers-for-seattle-center-shooting-victims-in-letter-to-mayor The article also carries the message Read more
It is hard to believe the month of July has nearly passed us by! This month has been far more engaging than normal, including a few unscheduled encounters. In early July we held an annual chancery BBQ for all our employees. We are so blessed with the dedicated people who Read more
Priesthood Ordination HomilyJune 6, 2026 – St. James CathedralDeacon Simon Stehr and Br. Damien Joseph Rappuhn, OSB The Gospel chosen for today’s ordination places Jesus at table with the apostles. (Luke 22) This is a beautiful image that defines the one Priesthood of Jesus Christ quite succinctly. Jesus is the Read more
Yesterday some 3,300 people gathered for the Ascend Eucharistic Revival at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, which concluded with Mass. Below is the homily. I’m grateful to Fr. Nicholas Wichert and all the other many individuals who helped coordinate this historic gathering of Catholics from across the Archdiocese of Seattle. Read more
As the US Bishops prepare to consecrate the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11 I am happy to share this Pastoral Letter on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Understanding the significance of this devotion is important. When in the 17th century Jesus asked St. Margaret Mary Read more
In this month of May, the parochial vicars of the Archdiocese of Seattle gathered at the retreat center for a two day conference. We began with a Mass in honor of Our Blessed Mother to bless a new statue which has now been placed in the sanctuary of the retreat Read more
“Christ Lives in Us” To speak of the Resurrection is no small thing. It would help, of course, if one could first visit heaven—or if one could sit down, face to face, with the Risen Lord himself. But that is not how God chose to reveal this mystery. Instead, the Read more