Once upon a time my faith in the Catholic Church and it’s leadership was absolute. In my naivete I once believed that the hierarchy (read Archdiocese of Seattle) existed only in the best interest of it’s flock.
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I’m here to tell you that I was incredibly wrong. The Archdiocese of Seattle is no more than a greedy business enterprise shamelessly bible clutching while stuffing their pockets full of your hard earned dollars. They beg for your cash time and time again.
While I, and many like me, have voluntarily given my sweat and tears tirelessly to save the iconic church of Holy Rosary, Archbishop Etienne kicks back in his newly purchased $2.4M mansion on Lake Washington. You don’t believe me? Read about it here. All while saying there is no money to repair the church.
The Archdiocese of Seattle blatantly lies about repair costs, and dangles the stinky fish of hope our way before mercilessly snatching it back, time and time again.
Throughout the public outcry garnered by Save Tacoma’s Landmark Church, the Archdiocese of Seattle systematically closed more churches here in Tacoma. They have consolidated a total five churches into one blaming a dwindling Catholic community (or real estate, whichever). In doing so they have further alienated the faithful and purposely scattered the ones that would be the building blocks of a resurgence in faith, in these trying times we live in today.
The administration flicks us away like bothersome flies.
The $2M that they have said it will take to reopen the church has been raised by the very same flock that the Archdiocese turned it’s back on and treats as a plaything. Once that marker was reached, they moved the bar ever higher. The idea that STLC would be offered the opportunity to purchase the property was forgotten as fast as they themselves presented it.
The Archdiocese of Seattle, led by Archbishop Etienne continues to move forward at an agonizing snail’s pace with every intention of demolishing this incredible church. They wish to take down the 210′ tower of hope that graces our Tacoma skyline during the day and is lit up as a beacon of might in the night.
They want to take down the building that serves as a reminder to every single driver on Interstate 5 (270,000 cars per day) that God is indeed present and shines his light for our salvation. Holy Rosary Church is under direct attack by it’s own benefactor.
Holy Rosary Church was built by the early settlers of Tacoma, by only the people in the town, with only their own money, brick by brick. It took 10 years. That building is still standing 103 years later! It was offered to the Catholic Church over 100 years ago in exchange for a priest to lead these same people, beseeching the opportunity to spread God’s Word.
If the Seattle Archdiocese truly wants to abandon this gift over 100 years later it should be given back to the people of Tacoma. The establishment (read Seattle AD) are not keeping up their end of the original deal. SHAME ON THEM!
They have taken away their leadership, they are not fostering the community and are merely gearing up for a greedy land grab. They only see the dollar signs in turning the campus into condos. They are turning a blind eye to over 100 years of history, community and family that this building and the people that love it have maintained.
They absolutely refuse and continue to refuse to allow an independent study on repairs needed. They also refuse to share the estimate that they received for the same.
I will tell you though, since the church was closed (due to supposedly dangerous conditions) in almost 5 years ago there has been no further deterioration. There is no more damage than that caused by the clogged gutters in 2018, which was immediately remedied.
Something must be done to stop this wolf in sheep’s clothing from destroying history and perhaps of greater danger, destroying the faith of the hundreds of thousands of people witnessing Holy Rosary in her glory every single day.
I have been and will continue to be one of the many crying out against this outright greed and deception until my very last breath.
Save Tacoma’s Landmark Church has done nothing but placate the Archdiocese and kowtow to their wishes. We have been following Canonical and civil law in protesting this travesty and have respected and attempted to communicate the wishes of the very people the Archdiocese counts on for their money. We have appealed the decision to Rome, this fight still goes on in the manner of the civilized people.
HOWEVER.
Now it’s time to stop playing nice. It’s time the people knew the truth.
Please join STLC in fighting to save Holy Rosary. This is not over.
Sign up for our email updates at www.savetacomaslandmarkchurch.com, follow us on our facebook page. There are opportunities for you to help.
At the very least, please do me a favor, from this day forward never ever give the Archdiocese of Seattle a dime of your money.
The facts and opinions expressed here are my own and I take full responsibility for any repercussions.
TRUTH
Are there any more Save Tacoma Landmark Church signs available? Mine was repeatedly taken down until one day, I came home and it was busted in pieces in my yard.
Also, I find it remarkable that Saint John XXIII school is getting a makeover by Korsmo construction.
I will look. I think I have some here at the house.
Super interesting considering that Holy Rosary School was remodeled two years before closure, including an elevator. They just throw money at lipstick on a pig. There is no respect for money spent whatsoever.
Obviously it’s always been about greed!
She’s the Devil in disguise!
How sad that this world has come to greed instead of coming together and helping each other when in need!
People need god in their lives especially now!
Send her to the poor house, Bankruptcy, an audit maybe? or even kicked out of the Catholic Church!
Most importantly SAVE THE TACOMA LANDMARK CHURCH!!