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
“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
After receiving a beautiful invitation from the Pastor, Sisters and parishioners of St. Francis Xavier Parish on the San Juan Islands, I spent the 4th weekend of Lent with them earlier in March. I arrived at St. Marys in Anacortes on a Saturday morning to visit with the two priests Read more
On Tuesday I had the enjoyable opportunity to visit the Microsoft Campus in Redmond to visit with one of their Vice Presidents. While the meeting was primarily a meet and greet, we also enjoyed a fascinating conversation about the work of Microsoft in the field of Artificial Intelligence and the Read more
“Invite Mary into your home” (Matthew 1:20) are the words spoken by an angel to Joseph when he learned that Mary was with child. Similarly Jesus spoke to John from the cross when he entrusted Mary to him as his mother. “From that hour, the disciple took her (Mary) into Read more
Homily on Care for Creation: St. James Cathedral, September 6, 2025 Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, DD, STL God as Creator 1,700 years ago, at The First Council of Nicaea (325 AD) the council Fathers affirmed God as Creator. This doctrine is enshrined in the Nicene Creed: ‘We believe in one Read more
Today’s Gospel from Matthew (16:24-28) has a stark clarity when visiting the sight of the 26 Japanese Martyrs. (1597) Jesus instructed his disciples: Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but Read more
On this feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary the Archdiocese of Seattle celebrates our 175th anniversary! May 31, 1850, Pope Pius IX created a new diocese of Nesqually in what was then called “Oregon Territory.” Today, exactly 175 years later, we come together in all our diversity to remember Read more
Tonight’s Easter Vigil is an experience of sensory overload! And such is the interior life of the Living God! Such is the life of the Risen Christ and what he offers to all who come to faith in him. And yet, the life of God does not overwhelm us, but Read more
On Saturday we celebrated our annual Mother of the Americas Mass at the Cathedral. During my tenure in Seattle, this was the largest gathering by far with an estimated 2,000 people gathering for the celebration! The cathedral was overflowing out the doors. The day began at Immaculate Conception parish for Read more