Dear Parishioners,

Ever since I came to South Stevens County parishes two years ago, I have been thinking about how we operate as parishes, what is our reality and what makes sense for the future. Things have really changed demographically in our area over the past several decades and what used to happen at each separate parish no longer happens. Essentially what has happened for our parishes is that they operate as one parish with one pastor and four locations.

I presented a proposal to both the Finance and Pastoral Councils, which consist of several members of each parish, some months ago. The proposal was that we make one parish out of the four that we currently have. I originally introduced the idea of creating “missions” of St. Mary’s but I learned would be more accurately referred to as locations. Both councils were supportive. I then sent a proposal to Bishop Daly, after having the Diocesan canon lawyer review it. Bishop Daly is supportive and will be taking the proposal to his council to make a final decision. A copy of that proposal letter is included in this week’s bulletin - please read it to understand the entire proposal and the context of it.

On another note but also related, our parishes own two cemeteries, one at Jump Off Joe and the other in Chewelah. It is our responsibility to care for these cemeteries with the dignity they deserve. I have talked to the folks at St. Joseph’s who have been managing the care of that cemetery and they need support in keep it going into the future. Our plan is to pool our manpower and manage these cemeteries together as one. Jackie Fuller, who is our bookkeeper, is going to help with the administration of both cemeteries and Matt Cobb, who is our new maintenance custodian, is going to assist with the ground’s maintenance at both St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s cemeteries as well.

Parish Council Minutes from March 21, 2024

The Letter sent to the bishop is attached to the parish council minutes from March 21, 2024. It will be on the last page of the minutes.