To Archbishop Brunett, January 10, 2004.
Catholic Ministers for Church Renewal [originally known as Concerned Catholic Ministers] and its mission.

January 10, 2004


Most Reverend Alex J. Brunett, D.D., Ph.D.
Archbishop of Seattle
910 Marion Street
Seattle, WA 98104

Dear Archbishop:

We are most pleased to advise you that several priests, deacons, religious and lay ecclesial ministers have been gathering in this past year to dialogue, support one another and consider ways to further integrate the vision of Vatican II into our ministries here in the Archdiocese of Seattle. Shortly after the 40th Anniversary Celebration sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University last fall, we came together in the spirit of that celebration to continue the conversation inspired by that event. Enriched by that gathering, we have continued to come together on a monthly basis and have since united in such a way that we would like to make ourselves known to you as our Archbishop and, so, submit to you our Mission Statement:

We are Catholic ministers, lay ecclesial, religious, deacons and presbyters. We deeply love the Church and desire, with earnest concern, to incarnate the vision of Vatican II in our life as God’s People. As ministers grounded in theological reflection, prayerful discernment, and the experience of pastoral life, we gather to encourage mutual support and collaboration in ministry, to be agents for renewal, to be responsive to the realities present in our Church and our world, and to be a strong and courageous voice in proclaiming the gospel.

In our capacity as a group of ministers gathering in discernment, we hope to be in dialogue with you about the goals implicit in our mission statement. Thank you for your consideration and your leadership.

Sincerely in Christ,


Concerned Catholic Ministers Leadership Team
Del Hoover
Mary Ellen Johnson, CSC
Kathleen Kichline, M.Div
Shannon O’Donnell