Statement of Bishop Joseph J. Tyson, August 17, 2018
Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report

(haz clic aquí para leer en español)

With the recent allegations of sexual abuse committed by Archbishop Theodore McCarrick, former Archbishop of Washington, D.C., and the release of a Grand Jury Report involving several dioceses in Pennsylvania, the tragedy of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church is once again brought to light. The sexual abuse of a minor is an intrinsic moral evil and a crime. Anyone responsible for such an act or for shielding those who do, including bishops and other Church leaders, must be held accountable for their actions. I join with other bishops from throughout Washington and the United States in expressing our sincere shame and remorse for the incredible harm these crimes have caused the victims and their families.

The Catholic Church in Central Washington continues its focus on providing a safe environment for all minors and vulnerable adults in our care. Special procedures, training and reporting protocols were adopted in the 1990s. Our policies, training and procedures are reviewed frequently and have been updated several times.

To report any suspicion of abuse by any Church personnel, please contact local law enforcement. In addition, anyone who has knowledge of sexual abuse or misconduct by a member of the clergy, an employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Yakima is urged to call the diocesan hotline at 1-888-276-4490.

As Catholics, we believe that every life is sacred. Each person is created in the image and likeness of our loving God. Violence and abuse of any kind are unacceptable, and we have a serious responsibility to work towards their end. Together, we must do everything we possibly can to protect our children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

ATTENTION ALL WHO CELEBRATE SIGNIFICANT WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES IN 2018

To recognize jubilarian married couples of significant anniversaries celebrated in 2018 (25th – married in 1993: – 50th married in 1968; 60th – married in 1958, or 40 or 70 years) Bishop Joseph Tyson invites you and your families to a special Celebration of Marriage to honor you and uphold the dignity of Matrimony on Sunday, September 9, 2018 at the 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Paul Cathedral in Yakima, to be followed by a reception (heavy hors d' oeuvres and beverages at and near the Cathedral Assembly Place). Please inform the Cathedral by September 5th if you plan to participate so that adequate refreshments and mementoes of the occasion may be provided (15 S. 12th Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) noting your name, year celebrating and telephone number. Thank you!

        Click on image to read                        Haz clic en imagen para leer

Together, let us ask Jesus that any far-reaching decisions of economists and politicians may protect the family as one of the treasures of humanity.

Pope Francis - August 2018

When speaking of families, often the image of a treasure comes to my mind.
Today's rhythm of life, stress, pressure at work, and also the little attention paid by institutions, could put them in danger.
It's not enough to talk about their importance: it's necessary to promote concrete means and to develop their role in society with a good family policy.
Together, let us ask Jesus that any far-reaching decisions of economists and politicians may protect the family as one of the treasures of humanity.

Recemos para que las grandes opciones económicas y políticas protejan a la familia como el tesoro de la humanidad.

Papa Francisco - Agosto 2018

Al hablar de las familias, muchas veces me viene a la cabeza la imagen de un tesoro.
El ritmo de vida actual, el estrés, la presión del trabajo y también, la poca atención de las instituciones, puede poner a las familias en peligro.
No es suficiente hablar de su importancia: es necesario promover medidas concretas y desarrollar su papel en la sociedad con una buena política familiar.
Recemos para que las grandes opciones económicas y políticas protejan a la familia como el tesoro de la humanidad.

Saturday, October 13th 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
The Church Mission Congress provides inspiring speakers as well as networking of volunteers who can support each other in the mission of passing on the faith and building up the Church. The theme of the 2017 Congress is "Missionary Disciples - Witnesses of God’s Love." The Church Mission Congress is fast approaching. Please encourage all who are interested in bringing the Gospels to life to attend this event. Register here on line or call the Pastoral center at 509-965-7117 to register over the phone.

Sábado, 13 de octubre 9:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m
El Congreso de la Misión de la Iglesia ofrece a oradores inspiradores, así como la creación de redes de voluntarios que pueden apoyarse mutuamente en la misión de transmitir la fe y la construcción de la Iglesia. El tema del Congreso de 2018 es "Discípulos Misioneros – Testigos del Amor de Dios". El Congreso de Misión de la Iglesia se acerca rápidamente. Por favor anime a todos los que están interesados ​​en traer los Evangelios a la vida para asistir a este evento. Regístrese aquí en línea o llame al Centro Pastoral al 509-965-7117 para registrarse por teléfono.

Rev. William Watson, S.J.
Founder of The Sacred Story Institute

The Sacred Story Institute researches and develops a new class of Christian spiritual resources and is dedicated to revitalizing the classic 15-minute Ignatian Examination of Conscience. The mission of the Sacred Story Institute for this powerful daily spiritual discipline is to help adults, teens and youth encounter Christ, the Divine Physician, who heals us in body, mind and spirit, transforming our lives into a Sacred Story!                                                                                                   

Koren Ruiz has served over the past eighteen years as Youth minister, Multicultural Educator, School Administrator, Loan Officer, Music Composer, Professional Translator, Choir Director, Liturgical Presenter, and Fundraising Consultant. He is a bilingual/bicultural native Spanish speaker originally from Sinaloa Mexico; but he has resided in the United States for the past 17 years. In addition to his work with Stewardship in different parishes, Koren is currently a Published Composer, Artist, and Workshop Presenter for Oregon Catholic Press. He holds true that music is the best evangelical tool given to us. With a passion for service and stewardship, Koren has embodied that belief through more than a decade of involvement in music ministry and composition. Often ministering alongside his wife Jessica, Koren leads parishes across the nation in concerts, music for liturgical prayer events, formational events, and workshops on Christian Stewardship, as well as Guitar-centered skill building like “Guitar Rhythms” and “The guitar Player in the Liturgical Setting.” He has about a dozen songs published with OCP, and recently released his first OCP published album titled “Tu Me Sosten.

The Central Washington Catholic Foundation has announced Msgr. John Ecker has been selected as this year’s 2018 Champion of Catholic Education Special Honoree. The Celebration of Faith event will be held at the Yakima Convention Center on October 13, 2018. The keynote speaker this year will be Fr. Bill Watson, S.J, and founder of Sacred Story Institute. The purpose of this event is to honor champions of Catholic education and generously support Catholic education. With professional development for Catechists and teachers, college, scholarships, and tuition assistance for children (regardless of faith) to attend a Catholic school. For more information, visit the CWCF website, cwcatholicfoundation.org 

Dear Friends,

We are here in Rome on pilgrimage and are with the Holy Father, Pope Francis, at his Wednesday general audience. By happy coincidence today marks the start of the Holy Father's global campaign, "Share the Journey," where he invites us to walk with migrants refugees and – in his Spanish comments – "campesinos" – something quite particular to our Diocese of Yakima. Today's kickoff points to a Week of Prayer and Action October 7-13. For an overview of the campaign, including personal stories, click here.  For ideas and resources for Catholic leaders planning events for the week, click here.  For a parish toolkit put together by Catholic Relief Services, click here. For ideas for social media, click here. Para recursos en español, haz click aquí.

Here in the Diocese of Yakima we are uniquely positioned to share the journey as Spanish and English speakers forming a single Church witness. Let's "Share the Journey" with each other – especially the migrants and undocumented as well as those young people impacted by DACA. Many prayers.

+Bishop Joseph Tyson