Council Meeting: Parish Family Planning, Data Collection, and Integration   Parish Family Advisory Council Meeting – Key Points & Process Overview 1. Meeting Facilitation and Icebreaker The meeting opened with the "Name Game" icebreaker to build familiarity and comfort among members. Three rounds: state your name, share the origin of your name, and choose an alternative name if desired. Participants shared personal stories, family traditions, and preferences related to their names. 2. Establishing Team Norms Four team norms were set: Respectful and fair communication, ensuring all voices are heard. Active listening and openness to constructive criticism. Balanced participation: avoid over- or under-speaking; encourage both extroverts and introverts. Proactive communication: keep members informed, share minutes, and ensure meeting readiness. Norms will be revisited at the September meeting or earlier if needed. 3. Three-Year Parish Family Plan Overview The council’s work is part of a three-year plan, currently focused on "Who Are We?" (Step 2 of the Archdiocese’s process). Plan structure: May: Demographic survey to capture a snapshot of parish families. June: "What are our gifts?"—gathering input on parish strengths and ministries. September: Review opportunities and challenges, using data to identify needs and future directions. The process is flexible, with timelines adjustable as needed. 4. Data Collection and Surveys Demographic Survey (May) Purpose: Gather a current snapshot of parish families for planning and ministry development. One response per family; anonymity optional. Collection methods: Paper forms at Mass, meetings, and events. Electronic options: QR code, website, SurveyMonkey, or Parish Stack (where available). Data entry support will be organized as needed. Collection period: All of May, with data collated by early June. "What Are Our Gifts?" Survey (June) Purpose: Identify parish strengths, ministries, and unique gifts. Collection via focus groups, after-Mass sessions, and group meetings (e.g., women’s groups, Knights of Columbus). Main collection weekend: June 21–22, with flexibility for each parish. Data Collation Data will be collated by parish and as a combined set. SurveyMonkey or similar tools preferred for analysis. Data entry volunteers will be coordinated. 5. Viability Metrics and Parish Data Reviewed Archdiocesan viability metrics for each parish: Sacramental participation (First Communion, Confirmation, OCIA, etc.) Mass attendance and church capacity Maintenance costs and property status (green/yellow/red/black coding for building condition) Demographic data from the US Census for parish boundaries (e.g., religious affiliation, language, ethnicity) Noted discrepancies and need to verify some reported numbers. Maintenance and property reports to be reviewed in detail at a future meeting. 6. Integration and Unification of Parishes The council is tasked with fostering a unified parish family beyond individual parishes. Representatives are encouraged to visit other parishes, share experiences, and promote cross-parish collaboration. Issues affecting the whole parish family (e.g., welcoming committees, ministries, major expenses) should be brought to the council for discernment. Emphasis on flexibility: some initiatives may remain parish-specific for now, with the goal of eventual integration. 7. Communication Plan Standardized bulletin and pulpit announcements drafted to inform parishioners about the process and upcoming surveys. Messaging avoids implying decisions about facilities/buildings to prevent confusion or concern. Emphasis on the "Partners in the Gospel" journey and the need for parishioner input. Announcements to be included in bulletins, at Mass, and via email blasts. Consideration of a combined bulletin and parish directory in the future to foster unity. 8. Meeting Logistics and Scheduling Next meetings scheduled for June 5 and September 4 (subject to change). Meetings to be held at a central location for convenience, with openness to rotating venues. Hybrid (in-person/Zoom/Teams) participation supported. Each parish to ensure representation at all Masses and events for survey distribution. 9. Implementation Details and To-Dos Finalize and edit the demographic survey form (including QR code and clear instructions). Print and distribute forms at all parishes; ensure sufficient pens/pencils and collection boxes. Assign point persons for each Mass/event to oversee survey distribution and collection. Explore and confirm digital survey platforms and data collation methods. Prepare and disseminate standardized communication materials. Plan for data entry and collation support. Begin planning for the "What are our gifts?" collection in June, including scheduling and facilitation.   Next Arrangements & Action Items Demographic Survey (May)  [ ] Finalize and edit the demographic survey form (including QR code and clear instructions). [ ] Distribute printed surveys at all Masses, meetings, and events throughout May. [ ] Ensure digital survey option is available (SurveyMonkey or equivalent) and linked via QR code/website. [ ] Assign point persons for survey distribution and collection at each parish and Mass. [ ] Organize data entry volunteers for collating paper survey responses. [ ] Ensure survey is available in Spanish and other necessary languages. [ ] Monitor and support survey participation, aiming for maximum family responses. Data Verification and Communication  [ ] Verify and, if necessary, correct Archdiocesan viability metrics and property data. [ ] Prepare and send standardized bulletin and pulpit announcements to all parishes. [ ] Follow up with Father Steve and other clergy to ensure pulpit announcements are made. [ ] Continue to communicate progress and next steps to all parishioners via multiple channels. "What Are Our Gifts?" Survey (June)  [ ] Plan and schedule "What are our gifts?" sessions for June (main weekend: June 21–22). [ ] Coordinate with group leaders (e.g., women’s groups, Knights) for additional survey sessions. [ ] Begin planning for scheduling and facilitation of these sessions. Ongoing and Future Planning  [ ] Explore options for a combined parish bulletin and directory for future unity efforts. [ ] Review and revisit team norms at the September meeting or earlier if needed. [ ] Confirm next meeting date, location, and facilitator (June 5, with Debbie as facilitator).

Archbishop Paul D. Etienne invites the faithful to rejoice in the Risen Jesus and reflect on the gifts of resurrection, salvation, and life. For ways to celebrate the Easter Season please go archseattle.org/easter .

Have Your Say – And See What Others Are Saying Too! We're excited to share a new update to our Council Feedback Forum  — you can now view public responses  to submissions! We support transparency , community engagement , and making sure your voice counts . Whether you're offering praise, raising concerns, or suggesting improvements, your input helps shape how we serve the community. Why This Matters You can see what others are thinking , find shared concerns, and discover great ideas. It builds a stronger sense of community ownership and collaboration. Note:  Not all feedback will be published, and anything that is shared will remain completely anonymous . Your privacy is important to us. Get Involved – Share Your Feedback View Public Responses HERE Submit Feedback HERE

Dear Parish Family, I warmly invite you to join me on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Sacred Heart parish for a beautiful and prayerful celebration for Divine Mercy Sunday. This day is a special opportunity for all of us to reflect on the profound love and forgiveness our Lord offers us, and to open our hearts to His healing grace. Our celebration will begin with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and then the sung recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. I will also be sharing an inspirational message, reflecting on the power of mercy in our lives and how we can be vessels of that mercy to others. It will be a time for renewal, healing, and hope. Divine Mercy Sunday is a reminder that no matter where we are in life, God’s mercy is always available, always ready to embrace us. I encourage you to come, to pray, and to experience the transformative love of Christ. I look forward to praying with you all and celebrating God’s mercy together! In Christ,Fr. James NorthropPastor - Parish Family #32

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,   In January I shared with you information about the Pastoral Family Advisory Council and our next steps in moving forward with the Partners in the Gospel program.   We had our first meeting last Thursday (April 3, 2025) at Sacred Heart parish and it was led by our Parish Family Liason, Tom East. We gathered for a simple meal and had an orientation as to our future together.   The Pastoral Family Advisory Council is the pastor’s go-to group to consult about Partners in the Gospel, including changes that impact the parish family, shared events, collaboration across parishes, and more. Comprised of parishioners from each parish in the parish family, this council focuses on the health of the entire parish family, looking beyond the needs of each individual community. They will be the key consultative body for the creation of the strategic pastoral plan called the One Parish Plan that will be submitted to the archbishop prior to becoming one canonical parish. They will also help ensure the necessary discernment processes are in place for the completion of the strategic pastoral plan.   I wanted to introduce the members of the PFAC to you so that you can go to them with your concerns and feedback as we move forward.   St. Barbara Parish Emily Simburger Matt Covelo Roberto Salas   Sacred Heart Parish Dave Weston Neomi Luna Zbig Kasprzyk   St. Aloysius Parish Teresa Cover Tom Marino   Please keep these members and all of our parish leadership in your prayers and feel free to share your concerns with them as they will be the “eyes and ears” for our parish communities in the future.   in Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Archbishop Etienne invites the faithful to fully participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent in this Jubilee Year of hope. Download the “How to go to Confession” guide created especially for this Jubilee Year Find a confession near you!

Watch this inspirational new video, created especially for the Archdiocese of Seattle’s 175th anniversary, which covers the history of the archdiocese, from its founding in 1850 to present day. This video features the milestones, visionary leadership, change and resilience that are part of our archdiocese’s great legacy of faith. For Spanish captions, click the cc on the bottom right and choose Espanol.  Discover the rich history and vibrant celebrations of the Archdiocese of Seattle’s 175th anniversary! Visit this page  to explore milestone events, historical insights, and ways to participate in this momentous occasion.

Praying the Pirate's Prayer Recently, a friend shared with me the Pirate’s Prayer which is a great resource to help us in our spiritual journey. In our daily lives, finding a structured yet personal way to connect with God can be challenging. The Pirate's Prayer, humorously named after the "ARRR" acronym, offers a simple and effective method to deepen your spiritual practice. Here's how you can incorporate this prayer into your routine: A – Acknowledge Begin by taking a moment to recognize God's presence with you. Reflect on your current feelings, thoughts, and any concerns weighing on your heart and mind. This step sets the foundation for an honest dialogue with God. R – Relate Openly share these reflections with God. Speak candidly about your joys, struggles, and desires, holding nothing back. This transparency fosters a deeper connection and trust in your relationship with Him. R – Receive After sharing, enter a period of quiet receptiveness. Be attentive to any thoughts, feelings, or Scripture passages that come to mind, as these may be ways God communicates with you. Remember, even in silence, God's presence is profound, and resting in that silence is a meaningful part of prayer. R – Respond Conclude by considering how you'll act upon the insights gained during your prayer. This might involve making changes in your life, continuing to pray about specific issues, or taking concrete steps inspired by your time with God. Seek His guidance on how to move forward faithfully. The Pirate's Prayer is versatile and can be practiced anywhere, whether you have a few minutes or a longer period to dedicate. It's particularly helpful when you're uncertain about how to begin your conversation with God, providing a clear framework to express yourself and listen to His guidance. By regularly engaging in this prayer method, you can navigate the seas of life with a clearer sense of direction and a deeper connection to your faith. I hope you are all enjoying a fruitful Lent! In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Welcome to the Parish Family Virtual Map for the Archdiocese of Seattle (Unofficial & Independently Created Resource) About This Map This Parish Family Virtual Map for the Archdiocese of Seattle is an independent tool designed to help Catholics navigate the Partners in the Gospel Program and understand Seattle Catholic parish boundaries . 📌 Important: This project is not affiliated with the Archdiocese of Seattle . It is an independently made map intended as a resource for those looking to explore parish groupings and understand how the parish restructuring plan works. View Map >>>