Welcome to St. Anne Catholic Church. We are excited to be a part of the Northwest Seattle Catholic parish family with Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady of Fatima.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Archdiocese of Seattle is well into the second year of parish families, but many questions still surround the Partners in the Gospel strategic planning initiative and what the future holds. In the coming weeks, we will be including a series of FAQs as well as an update from our Parish Family Advisory Council (PFAC).

1. What is Partners in the Gospel?
Many have heard the phrase “Partners in the Gospel,” but may not be sure what it really means. Partners in the Gospel is a major pastoral renewal effort across the Archdiocese of Seattle—a process to strengthen, renew, and re-energize parish life so that we can better live our mission as Catholics today. At its heart, this is not simply about structures or combining parishes. It is about renewal in Christ.
Over time, our archdiocese has experienced many changes—fewer priests, shifting populations, and new pastoral needs. Rather than simply maintaining what exists, the Church is asking a deeper question:

How can we become more vibrant, mission-focused communities that help people know and love Jesus Christ?

That is what Partners in the Gospel is all about. This effort invites every parish to:

• Renew its mission
• Strengthen its ministries
• Reach those who are not yet connected to the Church
• Become a more vibrant community of faith

As Archbishop Etienne has said, “the status quo is no longer an option.” This is not just a reorganization—it is a spiritual renewal led by the Holy Spirit.

2.  Why are we doing this?
A natural question many are asking is: Why is this happening? The answer is both practical and deeply spiritual.

1. Changing Realities
Our Church today faces real challenges: fewer priests available to serve parishes; declining Mass attendance in some areas; and changing demographics and community needs. These realities make it difficult to sustain parish life as it has existed in the past. 

2. A Call to Renewal
But this is not just about responding to challenges. It is about responding to Christ’s call. Partners in the Gospel is an opportunity to: deepen our relationship with Jesus; become missionary disciples; and share the Gospel more effectively.

3. A Mission-Focused Church
The goal is not simply survival—it is mission. We want parishes that are: spiritually alive; full of engaged parishioners; strong in worship and the sacraments; and active in outreach and evangelization.

In brief, this is about becoming the Church we are called to be.