Partners in Gospel is the next stage of the strategic pastoral planning effort taking place across the Archdiocese of Seattle to re-invigorate and renew our local Catholic Church.
Parish families form
On July 1, 2024, the 136 parishes in the Archdiocese of Seattle became 60 parish families, with eight stand-alone parishes. Each parish family is led by a pastor or pastoral coordinator, and many have a parochial vicar assisting. Together, over the next three years, the parish family will work to form one new canonical parish, while creatively re-envisioning how they will serve their community.
Archbishop Paul D. Etienne released a letter to the People of God to commemorate this important and historic next chapter in the Archdiocese of Seattle:
What is Partners in the Gospel?
Partners in Gospel is the next stage of the strategic pastoral planning effort taking place across the Archdiocese of Seattle to re-invigorate and renew our local Catholic Church. It will bring most parishes together into a new family structure with two or more parishes. The pastor, parish leaders and parishioners will determine how this new family will best join together to carry out the mission of the Church as one parish.
Why do we need Partners in the Gospel?
Today we face many realities that impact parish life and make it difficult to fully live out our mission. This archdiocesan-wide renewal effort will help us better support vibrant, sustainable, mission-focused parish communities across the entire Archdiocese of Seattle.
For more information or to access the office Partners in the Gospel page, please click here.
Partners in the Gospel: What’s Happening at Parish Family 11 St. Thomas More, Lynnwood & Holy Rosary, Edmonds
Our Parish Family 11—St. Thomas More and Holy Rosary—continues to actively engage in Partners in the Gospel efforts. Below are some of our efforts throughout the months and upcoming initiatives.
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Recent Efforts
· Joint Summer Picnic – A wonderful opportunity for fellowship and community building held at St. Thomas More.
· Joint High School Youth Group – Launched in the fall with a steady participation of 20-25 youth.
· Joint Youth Confirmation - Launched in the fall with a total of 60 youth candidates receiving Confirmation on May 7th
· Outreach Ministries Collaboration – Strengthening service and support efforts by combining ministries such as Feed Our Sheep and Hygiene Center.
· Staff Collaboration – Establishing several shared parish family staff to minister across both sites.
· Joint School Commission Meeting – A successful training in January with the Archdiocese Schools Office and to explore collaboration opportunities. These meetings will continue periodically.
· Joint Pastoral Council Gathering – Held in January to get to know each other and foster unity.
· Unified Parish Websites and Bulletins – Creating a consistent and cohesive online presence for both parishes.
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Upcoming Initiatives
· Merging Pastoral Councils – Transitioning into a Parish Family Advisory Council, launching with a joint retreat.
· Technology Integration – Both campuses are moving to Microsoft 365, enabling seamless sharing of calendars and data.
· Joint Vacation Bible Camp – Currently in the planning stages.
· 2nd Annual Joint Summer Picnic – Scheduled to be hosted at the Holy Rosary campus. Date TBD.
· Town Hall Meetings – More details to come as we continue to grow together.
· St. Thomas More School Sports Expansion – 3rd grade and up will now have soccer teams.
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Our parish community is dedicated to strengthening our faith, fostering unity, and growing together in service. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this journey together!