HEALOURCHURCH.ORG  REPORT

SATURDAY, Nov. 8, 2025, TOWN HALL LAY LEADERSHIP

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH, SEATTLE, WA

 

INTRODUCTION.  As promised, we are getting back to you regarding the very successful Lay Leadership Town Hall, attended by nearly 200 people (including 100 online) at Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in West Seattle. We greatly appreciate the gracious and caring hospitality shown us by the parishioners and staff of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.  Immediately following is a sampling of quotes from the attendees. The entire event video is available online at healourchurch.org.  There was a visible and very enthusiastic energy for change from the attendees, both in person and online.  It was clear that attendees want their voices heard now. Concerns were expressed regarding the lack of transparency and the clear and obvious need for strong and independent lay involvement in governance, especially for women.  Further, strong views were conveyed about the need for outreach to all persons, especially lapsed Catholics, the young and the LGBTQ community.

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Below is a compilation of recommendations from the attendees broken down into four themes.  They are not listed in their order of importance but do include a summary of the written and ‘chat’ responses from the attendees.  Whether you agree with all or part of the list, it represents the heartfelt sentiments of persons who care about their Church.  In addition, Heal Our Church has prepared the beginnings of an Action Plan to prioritize and implement these themes and will be in further contact with you.  As many of you know, the Archbishop of Seattle has rejected our requests for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and, for practical purposes, ignored our outreach for dialogue.  It is not an exaggeration to note that most of the attendees to the forum were adamant in their belief that the Church, that had been a place of nurture for them in the past, is sadly out of touch with them and/or their families and friends.

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It is noteworthy, as recent as March, 2025, the chancery has published data that, of the 152 priests in the archdiocese, 61 are senior priests, 14 are eligible to retire at any time and 28 will become eligible to retire in the next 10 years.  With only 17 men currently studying to be priests and possibly ordained, it is projected that there will be 60 archdiocesan priests by 2036.  But, it has not simply been a shortage of diocesan priests that has led to the Partners in the Gospel experiment.  Rather, Catholics of all ages have raised questions regarding the rigid hierarchical control by bishops and the failure to permit lay leaders to control the destiny of their schools and churches.  This, then, leads and has led to many Catholics lapsing and/or leaving their religion.  Yet, the case for lay leadership and governance of their parishes is compelling. Our goal is to repair this schism through positive dialogue among all Catholics regarding the need for reform.

 

WE ASK FOR YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT.  Please let us know your thoughts, willingness to volunteer and ability to support us financially at contact@healourchurch.org.  Thank you.