TACOMA – With beating drums, flowing flags, brightly colored vestments and joy in the air, Pope St. John XXIII Parish celebrated its feast day Oct. 9 with an official welcome Mass for the newly merged parish.

“Together we are one body of Christ and together we must welcome people,” said Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, who concelebrated the Mass and preached the homily. “Just as Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep and tend my lambs,’ so must we welcome and care for everyone in our community.”

Archbishop Paul D. Etienne joins the procession before the welcome Mass at Pope St. John XXIII Church in Tacoma Oct. 9. (Photo: Stephen Brashear)
Children participate in procession before the Oct. 9 welcome Mass at Pope St. John XXIII Church. (Photo: Stephen Brashear)

The new parish, which became official July 1, combines the faith communities of St. Ann, St. Rita of Cascia, Visitation of the Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, with St. John of the Woods as a mission.

“It was the first time we celebrated our patron saint,” explained Lovers of Holy Cross of Go Vap Sister Kim Tran, who help coordinate the festivities. “Parishioners from all over South Tacoma came together as one parish and we are so glad the celebration was done well.”

Drummers perform before the Oct. 9 welcome Mass at Pope St. John XXIII Church in Tacoma. (Photo: Stephen Brashear)

Those attending the Mass included Marc Nuno, principal of Pope St. John XXIII STEM Academy, who was accompanied by more than 76 students and school representatives. 

“The archbishop’s presence was an honor,” Nuno said. “It was a unique experience that was such a beautiful expression of culture and faith.”

Students from Pope St. John XXIII STEM Academy present the gifts to Archbishop Paul D. Etienne during the Oct. 9 welcome Mass at Pope St. John XXIII Church. (Photo: Stephen Brashear)

After Mass, everyone was invited to the parish hall for lunch, cake and entertainment from youth and multicultural groups that included traditional Samoan dances, a Vietnamese fashion show, songs and even a short skit encouraging people, “Don’t be afraid.”

“I was so happy to see students integrated into the program,” Nuno said. “Thank you to the parish organizers for the memorable celebration.”

Read Archbishop Etienne’s blog post about the Pope St. John XXIII’s feast day.