Changes, 2018

It seems like lately, we’re doing this every year. As was announced at the Masses this weekend, Holy Rosary and Visitation Parishes in Tacoma are getting a new pastoral team. Instead of a single priest, however, we’re getting a deacon and a priest, and their roles are not what you might expect.

The Most Rev. J. Peter Sartain is appointing Deacon James J. Fish as Pastoral Coordinator, and Rev. Martin J. Bourke as Parish Priest, effective July 1, 2018.

And what, exactly, does this mean? The Archdiocese defines them this way:

Rev. Mr. James J. Fish

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.

The term of office for Pastoral Coordinator in the Archdiocese of Seattle is generally one to three years.

Rev. Martin J. Bourke

A parish priest is appointed by the Archbishop to provide priestly ministry in a particular parish in collaboration with a pastoral coordinator and/or priest moderator.

The term of office for Parish Priest in the Archdiocese of Seattle is generally one to three years.
 

How will this work in practice? We’ll find out!

God has sent us the gift of great pastors to further our parish charism of a careful, traditional celebration of the sacred liturgy – Father Maurer, Father Wichert, Father Wagner. Each contributed to this mission in their own way: Father Maurer kicked it off, Father Wichert spurred us to create a comprehensive plan, and Father Wagner pushed that plan to expand into every nook and cranny of parish life.

And it has paid off. We have folks coming from four counties to celebrate with us. The Altar Society has reformed with energy and vigour. The Holy League is forming. The Knights of Columbus are returning.

The future, as always, is in God’s hands, but it looks bright. Christ’s actions in the sacred liturgy give us the power (and enthusiasm!) to do the work that needs to be done – and there is much work still to be done.

I am, as always, reminded of the words of Saint Augustine:

Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.

In the meantime, from yesterday’s Vigil of Pentecost until June 30, our communities will be served by Rev. Francis Xavier Kikomeko, one of the most joyful priests I’ve ever met.

Father is visiting Holy Rosary and Visitation from Uganda. His first Mass at Holy Rosary was unusual – the Vigil of Pentecost – and he was simply fantastic. We are blessed to have him with us this summer.