Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane

Latin Catholic ecclesiastical jurisdiction in Washington, USA

Diocese of Spokane

Dioecesis Spokanensis

Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes

Coat of arms

Location
Country|  United States
Territory| Northern and Eastern Washington State
Ecclesiastical province| Province of Seattle
Population|

* 103,000[1] (13.0%)

Information
Denomination| Catholic
Sui iuris church| Latin Church
Rite| Roman Rite
Established| December 17, 1913
Cathedral| Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes
Patron saint| Our Lady of Lourdes[2]
Current leadership
Pope| Leo XIV
Bishop| Thomas Anthony Daly
Metropolitan Archbishop| Paul Etienne
Bishops emeritus| William S. Skylstad
Map
Website
dioceseofspokane.org

The Diocese of Spokane (Latin: Dioecesis Spokanensis) is a Latin Church ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Catholic Church in Washington State in the United States. It is a suffragan diocese in the ecclesiastical province of the metropolitan Archdiocese of Seattle.

The mother church of the Diocese of Spokane is the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in Spokane. As of 2023, the bishop of Spokane is Thomas Daly. The diocese was erected on December 17, 1913.

## Territory

[edit]

The Diocese of Spokane encompasses the following counties:

Okanogan, Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Lincoln, Spokane, Adams, Whitman, Franklin, Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin.

As of 2025, approximately 85,000 Catholics were served by the diocese in 80 parishes.[3]

## History

[edit]

### 1830 to 1880

[edit]

The Catholic Church presence in the present-day state of Washington dates to the 1830s. At that time, missionary priests traveled from the British Province of Quebec to minister to Catholics in present-day Oregon, Washington State and British Columbia.

In 1843, the Holy See established the Vicariate Apostolic of the Oregon Territory, which covered a huge swath of territory from California to Alaska.[4] In 1846, Pope Gregory XVI divided the vicariate into three dioceses, with the Washington area part of the new Diocese of Walla Walla.[5]

In 1847, dissident Cayuse tribesman killed 11 Protestant missionaries and kidnapped others in southeastern Washington in what became known as the Whitman massacre,[6] It was followed that same year by the Cayuse War, lasting several years between the tribe and the territorial government of Oregon.[7] As the result of these conflicts, the Vatican in 1850 abandoned the Diocese of Walla Walla, shifting jurisdiction of the areas to the Diocese of Oregon City.[5] Later that year, Pope Pius IX suppressed the Diocese of Walla and erected the Diocese of Nesqually to replace it. In 1859, the church reestablished itself in Walla Walla, opening St. Patrick's Parish.[8]

### 1880 to 1913

[edit]

In 1881, the Church of St. Joseph was started in a converted carpenter's shop, the first Catholic church in Spokane.[9] The Sisters of Providence started Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane in 1886; it is today Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center.[10] Gonzaga University was opened by 1887 by the missionary Reverend Joseph Cataldo in Spokane.[11] In 1898, the Sisters of Providence opened the Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Spokane.[12] The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary opened the St. Joseph School in Spokane in 1905.[13]

In 1907, the Vatican suppressed the Diocese of Nesqually, replacing it with the Diocese of Seattle, covering all of what was now Washington State.[14]

### 1913 to 1950

[edit]

Bishop Schinner (1905)

The Diocese of Spokane was erected by Pope Pius X on December 17, 1913, its territory taken from the Diocese of Seattle.[15] While the canonical decree was signed in December of 1913, the news was publicly broken by The Catholic Bulletin in the Diocese of Saint Paul on February 7, 1914.[16][17]

The pope named Bishop Augustine Schinner from the Diocese of Superior as the first bishop of Spokane.[18] Schinner retired in 1925.

The second bishop of Spokane was Monsignor Charles White from the Diocese of Grand Rapids, named by Pope Pius XI in 1927.[19] The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration started the St. Anthony School in 1928.[20] The same order opened Marycliff High School for Girls in Spokane in 1929.[21]

During his 28-year tenure, White built Sacred Heart School and convent, the Sisters of the Good Shepherd Home in Spokane, St. Charles Parish in Spokane, St. Joseph Parish in Trentwood, and St. John Vianney Parish in Spokane.[22]In other areas of the diocese, White built the Grand Coulee Dam Parish in Grand Coulee and the nurses' home and school in Colfax For Native Americans, he established St. Gertrude Parish in Monse and St. Jude in Usk.[22] He also established the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine and the National Catholic Rural Life Conference in the diocese.[22]

In 1938, the Dominican Sisters of Washington opened St. Martin's Hospital in Tonasket. It is today the North Valley Hospital District.[23]

### 1950 to 2015

[edit]

Cardinal Cupich (2021)

In 1951, Pope Pius XII erected the Diocese of Yakima, taking territory from the Diocese of Spokane.[15] In early 1955, Pius XII named Reverend Bernard Topel of the Diocese of Helena as coadjutor bishop to assist White. When White died later that year, Topel automatically succeeded him as bishop of Spokane.[24]

During his 22-year tenure, Topel established several parishes and schools, the Mater Cleri Seminary in Colbert, the Bishop White Seminary at Gonzaga University, the Immaculate Heart Retreat House, homes for unwed mothers, and housing for the elderly.[22][25] Topel retired in 1978. To replace Topel, Pope John Paul II named Reverend Lawrence Welsh of Helena in 1978.[26] In 1990, shortly after Welsh was arrested in Spokane for driving under the influence of alcohol, he resigned as bishop of Spokane.[27][26]

John Paul II appointed Bishop William S. Skylstad of Yakima as the next bishop of Spokane in 1991. He retired in 2010.[27] To replace Skylstad, Pope Benedict XVI selected Bishop Blase J. Cupich of the Diocese of Rapid City in 2010.[28]

In 2011, Cupich discouraged priests and seminarians in his diocese from participating in demonstrations in front of Planned Parenthood clinics or supporting 40 Days for Life, an anti-abortion movement that conducts vigils at facilities that offered abortion services. Cupich later clarified his position through a statement that said that he wouldn't forbid priests from praying outside the clinics. In 2012, Cupich supported the decision of Gonzaga University to invite Anglican Bishop Desmond Tutu to speak at its graduation ceremonies and receive an honorary degree, against which the Cardinal Newman Society and others active in the anti-abortion movement were protesting.[29] In 2014, Cupich became archbishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

### 2015 to present

[edit]

Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington (2008)

In 2015, Pope Francis named Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Daly from the Diocese of San Jose as the next bishop of Spokane.[30] In a February 19, 2020, statement, Daly wrote that he was concerned by the Gonzaga University School of Law's establishment of an LGBTQ+ Rights Clinic without first consulting him.[31] In his statement, Daly speculated that the clinic might bring the law school "into conflict with the religious freedom of Christian individuals and organizations." He also expressed fear that it "will be actively promoting, in the legal arena and on campus, values that are contrary to the Catholic faith and Natural Law."[31]

In June 2020, Dr. Rob McCann, the head of Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, posted a video in which he endorsed the Black Lives Matter movement and described the Catholic Church as racist. In the video, McCann stated that "For me, as a White person, saying 'I'm not a racist' is like saying 'a fish is not wet'". He also said that "My Catholic Church and my Catholic Charities organization is racist... Our Catholic faith tradition was built on a tradition that a baby born in a manger in the Middle East was a White baby."[32]

Daly met with McCann, then posted a statement disapproving of McCann's statements along with the violence at some George Floyd protests. Daly further stated that "BLM is in conflict with Church teaching regarding marriage, family and the sanctity of life."[33] He condemned the "horrific and unjustified" murder of George Floyd and outlined steps that the diocese would take with Catholic Charities to address racism.

In November 2020, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and New Testament Baptist Church in Brewster suffered damage from arson attacks. The damage to Sacred Heart was minor, but New Testament was damaged beyond repair.[34] A suspect in both crimes was arrested in March 2022.[35]

As of 2023, Daly is the current bishop of Spokane.

### Sex abuse and bankruptcy

[edit]

In December 2004, the Diocese of Spokane declared Chapter 11 Bankruptcy to manage the claims of people credibly abused by its priests. As part of its bankruptcy agreement, the diocese agreed to pay at least $48 million to the victims as compensation. The money for the settlement was to come from insurance companies, the sale of church property, contributions from Catholic groups and from the diocese's parishes.[36]

In April 2007, four prominent donors to the diocese wrote private letters to Skylstad asking him to resign. In the letters, the donors termed the sexual abuse settlement as a "complete disaster". Skylstad expressed disappointment that the Spokesman-Review had published the contents of private letters.[37] In May 2012, the diocese reached an agreement with mediators and litigants to settle outstanding claims,[38][39] In 2015, the diocese reached a settlement with its former legal firm during the bankruptcy process, thus avoiding trial.[40]

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents in May 2013 searched the home and office of Reverend Gary Uhlenkott, a professor of music at Gonzaga University. They found over $1,600 worth of child pornography during their searches.[41] Uhlenkott pleaded guilty in February 2018 to viewing depictions of minors engaged in sexual explicit conduct in the 2nd degree and was sentenced in May 2018 to six months in jail.[42]

In December 2018, it became public knowledge that the Jesuit Order for 30 years had been housing Jesuit priests at the Cardinal Bea House at Gonzaga University with records as sexual predators in their previous parishes. The priests were supposed to be chaperoned when leaving the residence, but in actuality they had free movement around the Gonzaga campus. The last of the4se priest moved out of Cardinal Bea in 2016.[43]

## Bishops

[edit]

### Bishops of Spokane

[edit]

1. Augustine Francis Schinner (1914–1925)
2. Charles Daniel White (1926–1955)
3. Bernard Joseph Topel (1955–1978)
4. Lawrence Welsh (1978–1990), resigned; later appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis in 1991
5. William S. Skylstad (1990–2010)
6. Blase J. Cupich (2010–2014), appointed Archbishop of Chicago (Cardinal in 2016)
7. Thomas Anthony Daly (2015–present)

### Other priests of this diocese who became bishop

[edit]

* William Joseph Condon, appointed Bishop of Great Falls in 1939
* Walter James Fitzgerald Consecrated bishop February 24, 1939, appointed Vicar Apostolic of Alaska 20 May 1945

## Education

[edit]

### High Schools

[edit]

As of 2025, there are four high schools in the Diocese of Spokane:[44]

* Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame – Spokane
* Desales High School – Walla Walla
* Gonzaga Prep – Spokane
* Tri-Cities Prep – Pasco

### College

[edit]

Gonzaga University – Spokane

## Province

[edit]

See: List of the Catholic bishops of the United States#Province of Seattle

## See also

[edit]

* Catholicism portal

* Catholic Church by country
* Catholic Church in the United States
* Ecclesiastical Province of Seattle
* Global organisation of the Catholic Church
* List of Roman Catholic archdioceses (by country and continent)
* List of Roman Catholic dioceses (alphabetical) (including archdioceses)
* List of Roman Catholic dioceses (structured view) (including archdioceses)
* List of the Catholic dioceses of the United States

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Diocese of Spokane". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. David M. Cheney. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
2. ^ "Devotion to the Blessed Mother".
3. ^ "Catholic Diocese of Spokane". Catholic Diocese of Spokane. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
4. ^ "Portland in Oregon (Archdiocese) [Catholic-Hierarchy]". www.catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
5. ^ a b "Walla Walla (Diocese) [Catholic-Hierarchy]". www.catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
6. ^ Drury (2005) Vol. 2, pp. 250-252.
7. ^ Corning, Howard M. Dictionary of Oregon History. Binfords & Mort Publishing, 1956.
8. ^ Paulus Jr., Michael J. (August 18, 2010). "St. Patrick's Church is established in Walla Walla in 1859". www.historylink.org. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
9. ^ "Cathedral History". The Cathedral of Our Lady Of Lourdes. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
10. ^ "Sacred Heart Medical Center". www.providence.org. Retrieved 2025-04-18.
11. ^ "Gonzaga's History". www.gonzaga.edu. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
12. ^ "Sacred Heart School of Nursing (Spokane)". www.historylink.org. Retrieved 2025-04-18.
13. ^ "History". Trinity Catholic School. Retrieved 2025-04-18.
14. ^ "Seattle (Archdiocese) [Catholic-Hierarchy]". www.catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
15. ^ a b "Spokane (Diocese) [Catholic-Hierarchy]". www.catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
16. ^ "Spokane Center of New Diocese, Catholic Church". Spokane Chronicle. 11 February 1914. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
17. ^ "Diocese of Spokane". The Catholic Bulletin. 7 February 1914. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
18. ^ "Bishop Augustine Francis Schinner [Catholic-Hierarchy]". www.catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved 2022-08-31.
19. ^ "Bishop Charles Daniel White". Catholic-Hierarchy.org.
20. ^ "History". Trinity Catholic School. Retrieved 2025-04-18.
21. ^ "Then and Now: Marycliff High School". Spokesman.com. 2024-02-12. Retrieved 2025-04-18.
22. ^ a b c d "A Short History of the Diocese". Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane. Archived from the original on 2009-05-11 - via Web Archive.
23. ^ "HISTORY". North Valley Hospital. Retrieved 2025-04-18.
24. ^ "Bishop Bernard Joseph Topel". Catholic-Hierarchy.org.
25. ^ Estes, Jane (November 13, 1978). "In Spokane: A Pauperish Yet Princely Churchman". Time. Archived from the original on December 1, 2008.
26. ^ a b "Bishop Lawrence Harold Welsh". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. Retrieved October 12, 2018.
27. ^ a b Carla K. Johnson; Kevin Taylor (October 25, 2002). "Late bishop had secret". The Spokesman-Review. Archived from the original on November 6, 2013 - via Web Archive.
28. ^ "Pope Benedict XVI Accepts Bishop Skylstad's Resignation". KXLY.com. June 30, 2010. Archived from the original on February 24, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2012 - via Web Archvie.
29. ^ Morris-Young, Dan (April 18, 2012). "Tutu commencement invitation sparks controversy at Gonzaga". National Catholic Reporter. Archived from the original on September 24, 2014. Retrieved September 22, 2014 - via Web Archive.
30. ^ "Bishop Thomas Anthony Daly [Catholic-Hierarchy]". www.catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
31. ^ a b "Statement Regarding the new Gonzaga LGBTQ+ Rights Clinic". Catholic Diocese of Spokane. Archived from the original on 2020-02-22. Retrieved 2020-02-22 - via Web Archive.
32. ^ Walters, Daniel (July 16, 2020). "After a Catholic Charities video accuses the church of racism, Spokane's bishop wades into the Black Lives Matter fray". Inlander. Retrieved 2022-03-11.
33. ^ Segura, Olga (2020-08-11). "Catholic discourse on Black Lives Matter must amplify women founders". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 2020-10-22.
34. ^ McKeown, Jonah. "Two churches in Washington state burn in apparent arson attacks". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
35. ^ "Suspect arrested in pair of 2020 church arson fires in Brewster". NCWLIFE News. 2022-03-14. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
36. ^ "US Church offers abuse settlement". BBC News. 2007-01-05.
37. ^ Stuke, John (April 12, 2007). "Four asked Skylstad to resign | The Spokesman-Review". Spokesman-Review. Retrieved 2021-10-21.
38. ^ GALLAGHER, TOM (20 July 2012). "Mediation: A new model for settling sex abuse cases". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
39. ^ "Following mediation, diocese avoids foreclosure of parishes, schools". Catholic Culture. June 1, 2012.
40. ^ MORRIS-YOUNG, DAN (26 January 2015). "Spokane diocese and law firm reach resolution, avoid trial". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
41. ^ Alex Rozier, Rozier (May 29, 2013). "Gonzaga Priest Accused of Possessing Child Pornography". KHQ. Retrieved 2025-04-18 - via Bishop Accountability.org.
42. ^ DeYoung, Rachel (May 16, 2018). "Former Gonzaga Priest and Professor Sentenced for Child Porn Possession". KXLY. Retrieved 2025-04-18 - via Bishop Accountability.org.
43. ^ Schwing, Emily; Sankin, Aaron; Corey, Michael (2018-12-17). "Jesuits sent abusive priests to retire on Gonzaga's campus". The Oregonian. The Associated Press. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
44. ^ "Schools". Catholic Diocese of Spokane. Retrieved 2025-03-19.

## External links

[edit]

* Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane Official Site

* v
* t
* e

Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane

Bishops|

Augustine Francis Schinner
Charles Daniel White
Bernard Joseph Topel
Lawrence Welsh
William S. Skylstad
Blase J. Cupich
Thomas Anthony Daly

Churches|

Cathedral
Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes

Parishes
Mary Queen of Heaven Church, Sprague
St. Boniface Church, Uniontown

Education|

Higher education
Gonzaga University

High schools
Desales Catholic High School, Walla Walla
Gonzaga Preparatory School, Spokane
Tri-Cities Prep, Pasco

Priests|

Robert John Armstrong
William Joseph Condon

* Catholicism portal

* v
* t
* e

Roman Catholic Ecclesiastical Province of Seattle

* Archdiocese of Seattle
* Diocese of Spokane
* Diocese of Yakima

* Catholicism portal

47°39′32″N 117°25′30″W﻿ / ﻿47.65889°N 117.42500°W﻿ / 47.65889; -117.42500
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