Dear Fathers:

 

Attached is the communication that was sent out by the Oregon Province Provincial this last week regarding the formation of a new "West" province bringing together the former "Oregon" and "California" provinces.  The start date is 2017.   Although the Jesuits have left St. Joseph parish here in Yakima a little over a year ago, we do have Father Bill Vogel, S.J. serving in Zillah and Father Tom Bunnell S.J. serving in Sunnyside.  Of course, Bishop Carlos Sevilla, S.J. who started as a member of the California province will no longer be living "outside" his home Jesuit province.  I know you will join me in expressing our gratitude to the Jesuits who have been able to remain with us in the Diocese of Yakima.  Likewise, we will all want to pray for the Jesuits as they embark on this newest phase of their ministry in the West.

 

+Bishop Joseph Tyson