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Good afternoon Kristin,
This past weekend, our new parish families were announced. With their introduction, we have taken another step forward in this process. I believe the gift of Partners in the Gospel is the way that it calls each of us—and each of our schools and parish families—to work toward a common mission while recognizing the unique gifts we each bring to this work. This understanding will allow Partners to take different shapes in various communities, all while renewing a Church where “more young people [are] on fire with the faith, more people [encounter] Christ in the sacraments, more robust outreach ministries [serve] the marginalized, and churches are full every Sunday and Holy Day to give praise and thanks to God.”
As Archbishop Etienne noted in his letter, “the road ahead will have its twists and turns, and may seem long and rugged at times, but the Lord will always be there as our companion and guide.” It is this confidence in Christ’s presence with us throughout this journey that reminds me that while “no [single] program accomplishes the Church's mission [and] no set of goals and objectives includes everything,” Partners in the Gospel provides “an opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and [complete that which lies beyond our efforts].”
In our school communities, we will experience doubt and uncertainty. These are natural expressions in times of change. And though we cannot predict any outcome as we move forward, the gift we can offer our communities is the hope of our faith and the assurance that we will continue to walk together throughout this process.
With gratitude,
NICHOLAS FORD | Superintendent
Office for Catholic Schools | Archdiocese of Seattle
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