About Our Lady of Guadalupe · Seattle, Washington
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is a diverse, welcoming Catholic community rooted in West Seattle, Washington, part of the Archdiocese of Seattle. Established in 1960 from portions of Holy Rosary and Holy Family Parishes, the community gathers in prayer, lives as disciples of Jesus Christ, and serves the High Point neighborhood and beyond. The parish operates Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School (K-8 with an Early Learning Center), a Walmesley Center gym/events facility, and is supported by a Knights of Columbus council, multiple outreach ministries, and a parish staff led by Fr. Phuong V. Hoang.
- Established
- 1960
- Patron
- Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Rector
- Rev. Phuong V. Hoang
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Seattle (South Seattle Deanery; Parish Family 19 with Holy Rosary, Seattle, under Partners in the Gospel, 2024)
Why belong here
Our Lady of Guadalupe describes itself as a parish with "open arms and caring hearts," welcoming people of every background—whether Catholic or not. Rooted in West Seattle's High Point neighborhood, it combines a historic Catholic school (K-8 with an Early Learning Center), a 650-family parish community, an active Knights of Columbus St. Juan Diego Council, and outreach efforts that range from refugee support and homelessness ministry to environmental advocacy. With daily and weekend Mass, Saturday reconciliation, First Friday adoration, RCIA, grief support, and an Arts & Environment ministry keeping the liturgy prayerful, it offers a place to worship, serve, and grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Mass times at Our Lady of Guadalupe
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 4:15 pm – 5:00 pm
- By appointment through the parish office
Adoration times
- First Friday 9:00 am – 11:00 am (Eucharistic Exposition & Adoration following the 9:00 am daily Mass, per parish newsletter)
Parish Identity & Welcome
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is a diverse, welcoming Catholic community rooted in West Seattle, led by the Holy Spirit, gathering in prayer and living as disciples of Jesus Christ. United around its core values, the parish serves its community and cares for all of God's creation, describing itself as 'A Parish With Open Arms and Caring Hearts.' Registration is open to all people from any background—whether Catholic or not—via an online form or in person at the Pastoral Center (7000 35th Ave SW), open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
- Tagline: 'A Parish With Open Arms and Caring Hearts'
- Registration available online and in person at the Pastoral Center
- Office hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday
- E-newsletter 'Guad Squad' distributed regularly (contact Velma at [email protected] to subscribe)
History of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
Established in 1960 by Archbishop Thomas A. Connolly from portions of Holy Rosary and Holy Family parishes, Our Lady of Guadalupe grew from a community meeting in borrowed spaces—Mount St. Vincent for the rectory, and the High Point Gym and Chief Sealth High School auditorium for Sunday Mass—into a 650-family parish with its own school (1962) and church (1970). The parish history page is rich with detail about the founding pastors, the role of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon in opening the school, and the long succession of clergy who built the community over more than six decades. In 2024 the parish entered the Archdiocese's Partners in the Gospel configuration as Parish Family 19, paired with Holy Rosary, Seattle.
- First parish Mass: March 7, 1960
- School opened: 1962, staffed by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon
- Existing church dedicated: April 12, 1970
- Parish Family 19 (2024) with Holy Rosary, Seattle, under Partners in the Gospel
Clergy, Staff, and Pastoral Team
The parish is pastorally led by Rev. Phuong V. Hoang, with Rev. Timothy J. Clark serving as Parochial Vicar. The parish staff supports liturgy, formation, outreach, and operations and includes a Pastoral Associate for Pastoral Care, a Pastoral Assistant for Social Outreach, a Pastoral Associate, an Office Coordinator, Bookkeeper, Music Director, Facilities Manager, Facilities Supervisor, and a Safe Environment Coordinator who also serves as Bulletin Editor. The team is rounded out by parish-specific roles such as the Arts & Environment Ministry coordinator.
- Rev. Phuong V. Hoang – Pastor
- Rev. Timothy J. Clark – Parochial Vicar
- Velma Jones – Office Coordinator (also e-newsletter liaison)
- Helen Oesterle – Bookkeeper (also Annulment process contact, [email protected])
- Ann Sager – Music Director (leads the 11:00 am Sunday choir)
- Dave Fitton – Facilities Manager
- John Overman – Facilities Supervisor
- Pam Stephen-Jordan – Pastoral Associate for Pastoral Care ([email protected])
- Michelle Scheving – Pastoral Assistant for Social Outreach
- Gail Neudorfer – Pastoral Associate
- Kelley MacKenzie – staff
- Sandy Plummer – Safe Environment Coordinator & Bulletin Editor
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School
Our Lady of Guadalupe School is a Washington State Green School perched at the highest point in Seattle, in the heart of West Seattle. Founded in 1962 and originally staffed by the Sisters of Saint Mary of Oregon (until 1974), the school today offers an Early Learning Center (ages 3 and 4), Elementary (K–5), and Middle School (6–8), with STEAM programs throughout. It is accredited by the Western Catholic Education Association, approved by the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and is a member of the National Catholic Education Association. A signature tradition is the Juan Diego Graduation Project, in which every eighth grader designs and implements a yearlong service focus. The school is located at 3401 SW Myrtle St., adjacent to the Walt Hundley Playfield and the parish's Walmesley Gym.
- Address: 3401 SW Myrtle St., Seattle, WA 98126
- Phone: (206) 935-0651; Fax: (206) 938-3695
- Programs: Early Learning Center, K–5 Elementary, 6–8 Middle School
- STEAM curriculum across all grade levels
- Juan Diego Graduation Project (yearlong student-designed service focus)
- Accreditations: Western Catholic Education Association; NCEA member; OSPI approved
- Facilities: 1960s main building, FOSS-based science lab, Denini Music Classroom, library/technology room, SMART/interactive boards, iPads & laptops, Walmesley Gym, newly renovated ELC, 'Salmon Waterfall' staircase mural
Faith Formation, RCIA, and Sacramental Preparation
The parish welcomes adults into full communion through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, also referenced on the parish site as OCIA). The process includes the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens for the unbaptized, the Rite of Welcoming for those already baptized in other Christian traditions, the Rite of Election at St. James Cathedral with the Archbishop, and the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. The parish also walks couples through marriage preparation and assists those who have been divorced through the annulment process or the 'Lack of Form' process for Catholics who did not marry in the Church; contact Helen Oesterle for pastoral resources.
- RCIA / OCIA – formation and rites for unbaptized and already-baptized candidates
- Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation preparation
- Marriage preparation in accordance with Archdiocese of Seattle requirements
- Annulment / Lack of Form process through Helen Oesterle ([email protected])
Outreach and Social Justice
Outreach at Our Lady of Guadalupe is grounded in Matthew 25 and serves the parish's own community, the High Point neighborhood, and the wider world through charity, direct service, advocacy, education, and solidarity. The parish partners with the Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center, Catholic Community Services of Western Washington, Catholic Relief Services, Pax Christi Pacific Northwest, Catholic Climate Covenant, the Washington State Catholic Conference, the USCCB's Justice for Immigrants, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, and the Archdiocese of Seattle's Missions Office, among others. Specific local efforts include a parish mental health survey, a Church Council statement supporting immigrants and refugees, a Safe Parking FAQ, and U.S. asylum fact sheets.
- Refugee and Immigrant Solidarity opportunities
- Homeless ministry in West Seattle and surrounding areas
- Combating Islamophobia resources
- Safe Parking program support
- Prayer partners / pen pals for seniors, school families, single parents, and those with health challenges (contact Pam Stephen-Jordan)
- Partnerships with CCS-WW, CRS, IPJC, Pax Christi PNW, Catholic Climate Covenant, WA State Catholic Conference, CCHD, USCCB Pro-Life, and the Archdiocese of Seattle Missions Office
Knights of Columbus – St. Juan Diego Council
The St. Juan Diego Council runs a wide array of programs under the Knights of Columbus Faith in Action model, spanning faith formation, family, community, and life initiatives. Programs include the Rosary Program, Silver Rose, Pennies for Heaven (supporting Washington State seminarians), Keep Christ in Christmas, Cor Christie Seminarian Program at McGivney Hall, Support Sisters of Providence Jubilee Mass, Support Life Ultrasound Program, Novena for Life, Tootsie Roll Program (supporting Washington State Special Olympics), Refugee Support, Pregnancy Center Support, CRS Rice Bowl, Community Loop, the 'Lupe Hamburger/Hotdog Stand, Lenten Fish Dinners, Hands of Jesus Essay Contest, Community Medical Closet, Coats for Kids, Leave No Neighbor Behind, Family Coffee and Donuts, Light up the Night, and ongoing support of the parish's own Feast Day, Picnic, School Carnival, and Funeral Ministry.
- Faith: Rosary Program, Silver Rose, Pennies for Heaven, Keep Christ in Christmas, Cor Christie
- Life: Support Life Ultrasound Program, Novena for Life, Tootsie Roll, Pregnancy Center Support
- Community: Refugee Support, CRS Rice Bowl, Community Medical Closet, Coats for Kids, Leave No Neighbor Behind
- Family/Parish: 'Lupe Hamburger/Hotdog Stand, Lenten Fish Dinners, Family Coffee and Donuts, Light up the Night
- Parish Support: OLG Feast Day, Picnic, School Carnival, Funeral Ministry
Liturgical and Parish Life
Beyond the Mass schedule, parish life includes an Arts & Environment Ministry that creates a welcoming, prayerful environment in keeping with the liturgical seasons—using candles, flowers, fabrics, plants, banners, and lights—and welcomes volunteers (contact Mia Sazon). Music is a centerpiece of the 11:00 am Sunday Mass, led by Music Director Ann Sager and the parish choir. The parish also publishes a monthly 'Catholic Update' exploring a key aspect of the Catholic faith or a current topic, and a 'Guad Squad' e-newsletter for ongoing news and developments.
- Arts & Environment Ministry (volunteer coordinator: Mia Sazon)
- Music Ministry – full choir at the 11:00 am Sunday Mass
- Family Coffee and Donuts fellowship
- Funeral Ministry
- Monthly 'Catholic Update' publication
- Monthly 'Guad Squad' e-newsletter (contact Velma at [email protected])
Volunteer and Pastoral Care Opportunities
The parish explicitly notes that you don't have to be a parishioner—or even Catholic—to get involved in its outreach. Practical options include becoming a prayer partner or pen pal to seniors, school families, single parents, and those with health challenges; writing letters to residents of the Josephinum (Catholic Housing Services); supporting Public Health–Seattle & King County research during health emergencies; and helping prevent stigma through resources provided by the parish. Pam Stephen-Jordan, the Pastoral Associate for Pastoral Care, coordinates the parish's prayer-partner and pen-pal outreach, and the parish also maintains an eight-week Grief Support Group for those who have lost a loved one.
- Prayer partner / pen pal ministry (contact [email protected])
- Josephinum (Catholic Housing Services) letter-writing and meal support
- Grief Support Group – eight-week program
- Pastoral visits to the sick and homebound
- Funeral Ministry support
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Richard Stohr1960–1964
Founding pastor; led creation of the new parish, oversaw the start of the school, and celebrated the first parish Mass on March 7, 1960.
- Rev. James Deady1964–
Succeeded Fr. Stohr; oversaw design and 1970 dedication of the existing church building.
- Rev. Brendan Coleman
Pastor in the succession listed on the parish history page.
- Rev. Gerald Lovett
Pastor in the succession listed on the parish history page.
- Rev. Richard Eberle
Pastor in the succession listed on the parish history page.
- Rev. Joseph Buck
Pastor in the succession listed on the parish history page.
- Rev. Richard Lesnick
Pastor in the succession listed on the parish history page.
- Rev. Jim Buck
Pastor in the succession listed on the parish history page.
- Rev. Patrick Callahan
Pastor in the succession listed on the parish history page.
- Rev. George McClain
Pastor in the succession listed on the parish history page.
- Rev. Jan Larson
Pastor in the succession listed on the parish history page.
- Rev. Vincent 'Pete' Peterson
Pastor in the succession listed on the parish history page.
- Rev. Thomas Wojtowick
Pastor in the succession listed on the parish history page.
- Rev. Michael Batterberry
Pastor in the succession listed on the parish history page.
- Rev. Paul Dalton
Pastor in the succession listed on the parish history page.
- Rev. Stephen Szeman
Pastor in the succession listed on the parish history page.
- Rev. Emil Anderson
Pastor in the succession listed on the parish history page.
- Deacon John LaRussa1990–1995
Pastoral Life Director.
- Rev. William (Bill) Hallahan, O.M.I.1995–2002
Oblate of Mary Immaculate; pastor.
- Rev. Jack Walmesley2002–2019
Long-serving pastor; the parish's Walmesley Center (gym/events) is named in connection with his tenure.
- Rev. Kevin Duggan2019–2024
Pastor; succeeded Fr. Walmesley.
- Rev. Phuong V. Hoang2024–present
Current pastor under the Partners in the Gospel Parish Family 19 configuration with Holy Rosary, Seattle.
- Rev. Timothy J. Clark2024–present
Current parochial vicar.