Determine our Future Here at St. John the Baptist
Next month, we begin a parish-wide consultation of the proposed parish family to which St. John the Baptist Parish will belong. Partners in the Gospel will bring most parishes in the archdiocese together into a new family structure with two or more other parishes. This parish family will be under the leadership of one pastor and have about three years to join together to become one canonical parish. 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.
Consultation and a synodal approach to this effort gives everyone a chance to review the potential family structure, pray to the Holy Spirit about it, and provide input. The process was built intentionally to ensure everyone has the opportunity to offer input. Specifically, we will be asking you to name your concerns and the challenges the proposed family may have. In addition, we would like your insight as to what opportunities and possibilities the proposed family may have. What are your hopes for being a parish in this restructuring?
As a priest, I have already had the opportunity to offer my feedback. However, most of you know the parish and the area here better than I do. Your feedback will be very important. We have scheduled the following dates for listening sessions:
- Wednesday, October 11, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm (abbreviated to coincide with Middle School Program)
- Thursday, October 12, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
- Thursday, October 12, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Saturday, October 14, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
- Sunday, October 15, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Please plan to attend one of these sessions. RSVP for one of the above sessions at this link: archseattle.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/589/responses/new, or by calling the office at 253-630-0701. Be sure to mark your calendars now! Your voice is important. There is also a session October 5 for parishioners who serve on parish councils and commissions
Once all the input has been collected, the Oversight Committee and the Presbyteral Council will finalize a recommendation. Archbishop Etienne will discern the recommendation and then officially promulgate the new parish family structure in early 2024, which will take effect on July 1, 2024.
For more information go to: archseattle.org/partners/