SEATTLE — In a letter marking the two-year anniversary of the implementation of Partners in the Gospel in the Archdiocese of Seattle, Archbishop Paul D. Etienne expressed his appreciation for all those who have contributed to the initiative.

“Together we prayed, listened to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and discerned how to renew parish life in Western Washington,” he wrote in the July 1 letter. “We are on a holy journey, and I encourage you to not lose hope along the way — but instead see the light of Jesus Christ leading us forward.”

The strategic planning initiative, which began on July 1, 2024, consolidated 136 parishes across Western Washington into 60 parish families.

In the letter, Archbishop Etienne highlighted some of the reasons he, as well as clergy, lay leaders and parishioners, decided to develop the strategic pastoral planning process that would become Partners in the Gospel.

“When I first arrived in the Archdiocese of Seattle, many of my brother priests shared their frustrations and pain in serving communities where the practice of faith was declining. Many were saddened by empty pews on Sunday and families who no longer engaged in their faith as they did decades ago,” he said.

“How can we reorganize and restructure parishes so that we are spending more time reflecting Christ’s radical love rather than trying to preserve the status quo that was designed for a different era?”

“Our priests have really big jobs, and they are working so hard to move and transition these families through this process,” said Shannon Hull of St. Bridget Parish in Seattle.

Hull’s son Luke, and Hudson Ringstad, two recent eighth-grade graduates of Assumption-St. Bridget School, created a social media video series to help explain Catholic practices and ask Catholic questions.

“The idea is that we meet people where they’re at and to highlight each parish as much as we can in the spirit of bringing our family together,” Hull said.

The archbishop acknowledged that the process is not an easy effort, noting that much of the attention throughout the first two years has revolved around administration, finances and buildings.

“This initial administrative focus is required but should not distract from the real work of re-envisioning and reinvigorating our pastoral presence in our communities,” he wrote. “How can we combine efforts so that, together, we can better serve our communities as the living presence of Christ, especially for those who are sick and dying; for those who are poor or living on the margins; for the young who seek purpose? This is what Jesus called us to do!”

Currently, around 42% of parish families are in the “Who Are We?” phase and 54% are in the third phase of planning asking, “Who Do We Want to Become?” In this phase, parishioners are invited to share their hopes and vision for the new parish community. Additionally, 4% of parishes are in the fourth phase, “How do we get there?” which focuses on developing an action plan to bring the vision to life.

“Throughout the [Partners in the Gospel] listening session process, I kept hearing people who want to support the youth, or who don’t know that we have a large, robust and faith-filled youth ministry,” said Samantha Almanza, the pastoral associate for youth and young adult ministry for St. Joseph, Our Lady of Lourdes and the Proto-Cathedral of St. James the Greater parishes in Vancouver. The youth ministry’s recent “Living Stations of the Cross,” which drew 45 teen participants, “is a great example of us coming together as one whole parish family.”

Addressing the name, Partners in the Gospel, Archbishop Etienne said it was an intentional decision, as the initiative reflects the partnership of co-responsible stewards of the Catholic Church.

“Since the formation of the parish families two years ago, we have seen communities embrace each other, extend generous hospitality, combine ministries to serve more people, offer joint youth programs and much more,” he said. “This year, we welcomed more people into the Church than we have in years — many of whom expressed appreciation for their rich experiences with the joint faith formation programs offered by parish families.”

“I can’t believe how connected we are already,” said Mary Dunivan, parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Kelso, about Parish Family 43, who described to Northwest Catholic how the people from the different parishes are coming together “just great!”  

Lastly, Archbishop Etienne revealed that his team will be hosting in-person community sessions throughout the archdiocese in the fall, encouraging all to come and participate.

He ended the letter with a request.

“Please continue to pray for this effort, asking God to guide us so that we truly listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and to our good and gracious God who shapes and forms the desires of our own hearts,” he wrote. “Please know of my continued prayers for you, and I humbly ask for your prayers for me.”

Read the full statement in English, Spanish or Vietnamese.