May 09, 2025 – Pastor’s Note

Election of Pope Leo XIV

Every election of a Pope is a gift, because it shows God’s never-ending care for his Church by His continually giving us a shepherd. That gift is especially poignant for many of us this week because our new Pope was raised in the United States, so we have a kinship with him that we have never had before.

I want to reiterate what I said upon the death of Pope Francis, namely, that the Pope is a Christian man trying to do his best. It is essential that we pray for Pope Leo XIV in his new role, that he would be open to all of the grace the Lord will be giving him to shepherd the Church.

I also want to caution us against forming our opinion of the new Pope from the initial news coverage (even Catholic news coverage). Such coverage tends to make these cardinals immediately into “good” or “bad”, “liberal” or “conservative”, “traditional” or “progressive”. The weight of office has a tendency to change men, and the Pope may act differently under the weight of his office than he has ever had to act before. Instead, we should listen directly to his words and read directly from his documents. These will be the surest way to know his thoughts and see what he thinks the priorities of the Church ought to be.

You can read Archbishop Etienne’s statement on the election of Pope Leo XIV here.

Mandatory Reporter Law

The Washington State legislature passed – and the Governor signed – its clergy mandatory reporter law without an exception for the confessional. I do not need to add much additional commentary here, other than to reiterate what St. Peter said in last week’s readings, that we will follow the laws of God rather than men. No one will ever compel a Catholic priest to break the seal of confession.

All six of our representatives voted for this bill without amendment. (Sen. Lovelett, Rep. Lekanoff and Rep. Ramel in the 40^th, Sen. Shewmake, Rep. Rule and Rep. Timmons in the 42^nd).

Archbishop Etienne’s statement: English, Spanish
My previous commentary: March 19, February 18

Confirmations

On Thursday we had one of our two confirmation Masses, this one in English with the Archbishop. Next week we will celebrate Confirmation in Spanish with Bishop Elizondo. It is an incredible joy to see these Catholic brothers and sisters, some young and some adults, grow in the grace of the Holy Spirit. It is also always an incredible privilege to host our bishops, who are our direction connection to the Apostles, who connect us to Christ. Thank you to everyone who has worked to bring these folks to the point of Confirmation!