Fr. Oakland’s Living Arrangement

When he arrived at Holy Rosary, Fr. John had been cautioned by the Archdiocese not to live in the Parish Offices. He said he would live in the building only temporarily, but that turned out to be a permanent arrangement. With Fr. Oakland coming to the community, the Archdiocese has again recommended that he live off-site. He has found a house to lease and will be moving in at the end of the month. Some have asked why he doesn’t just live in the Parish Office. It is preferred for priests not to live in the work and ministry space. They need physical separation, a mental, psychological and spiritual break, and room to simply cook breakfast in a kitchen which is not shared space with the parish staff. Even Jesus hopped into a boat to get away from the crowds!


Fr. Oakland's Letter to Holy Rosary

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Most of the time while driving through Seattle on I-5 I am so fixated on not getting into an accident that I don’t spend much time taking in the beautiful setting. A few weeks ago, however, I looked to the west as I left the downtown corridor. My eyes scanned the horizon and there was the bell tower of Holy Rosary Parish. Like a lighthouse it stood – a beacon of the Light of Christ. The tower itself and the peal of bells has served not just as a call to prayer and worship, but a reminder of the presence and action of God in the world for all who hear – Catholic and non-Catholic alike.

For over 100 years Holy Rosary Parish has served the Catholics and wider community of West Seattle and beyond. The physical churches as well as the people who worshipped in them have embodied the revelation that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) It is incredible to think of the countless number of people impacted by Holy Rosary over the years, the many ways in which the parish community and its school have helped her members and neighbors draw nearer to Jesus Christ and to share His love here on earth.

As of July 1 ^st, Archbishop Sartain has appointed me to be the pastor of this community - your pastor, your shepherd, to aid in continuing that work. I am excited for what God has in store for me personally and for us as a community together. His graces, His blessings are unending to those who are faithful to Him and open to receiving them. I look forward to getting to know you and the community, and the many wonderful ways in which your love for God and for one another is manifested. I look forward to celebrating the Holy Mass with you, and bringing you Jesus in His Word and in His Sacraments.

I found out that I was being named your pastor during the 4 ^th week of Easter. On the preceding Sunday we had celebrated Good Shepherd Sunday. It was this image that was before my mind and in my heart as the Archbishop was telling me about Holy Rosary. This is what I will strive to be for you – a good shepherd. A shepherd who knows his flock, who loves them, who leads them, who guides them. A shepherd who seeks after those that have gone astray. A shepherd that brings into the flock those wandering about the countryside. A shepherd that keeps away the wolves. I am not, however, the true Good Shepherd, and therefore I can also tell you now that I will fail you in the years ahead. I will err and make mistakes and get things wrong. There will be things about Fr. John Madigan that you prefer, just as there may be things about me that you prefer to him.

What I ask from you is that same love of Jesus Christ. It is the mark of Christians – their love for God and for one another. It is in this love that we are united, and in this love that we help one another on the journey to the Promised Land.

Though I am not yet with you, we are still joined together as members of Church, and especially united in the Holy Mass. Let us continue to uphold one another in prayer. I remain, always and everywhere

Yours In Christ,
Fr. Matthew Oakland