Transition Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for gathering us together and calling us to serve as your disciples. You have charged us through Your Son, Jesus, and his shepherds, with the great mission of evangelizing and witnessing your love to the world.

Send your Holy Spirit to guide us as we discern Your will for the spiritual renewal of our parish communities. Give us strength, courage, and clear vision as we use our gifts to serve You.

We entrust our parish families to the care of Mary, our Mother and ask for her intercession and guidance as we strive to bear witness to the Gospel, celebrating the qualities of each faith-filled community and together building an engaging parish. Amen

Tacoma New Parish has a NAME

It has been a journey transitioning the five Tacoma parishes into one new parish including St. John of the Woods as a mission of the new parish. There have been a few hurdles, some angst, loads of teamwork, and now realization that the time is almost here. And one major action item has been accomplished, the new parish has a name – Pope St. John XXIII Parish.

Naming of the new parish was a major step, one that Archbishop Etienne gave up to prayer. He wanted the name to reflect one of the core visions of our parish. Pope John XXIII convened the Second Vatican Council, which transformed the Catholic Church. And now we are undergoing another type of transformation by uniting our faith, values and dedication into the new parish and school.

The Archbishop appreciated the effort of parish leaders and parishioners who provided input in the naming effort. The final process took place at last Wednesday’s Pastoral/Finance Council meeting where members from all five parishes listened to Fr. Tuan’s assessment of where the process was and then voted on the final two names presented by the Archbishop.

Each of the five parishes have gone through many emotions that come with change to our parish life. The hope is that the new name will bring unity to our parish family.

Pope St. John XXIII pray for us!