Catholic churches in the West End will be receiving a special gift this year.

St. Anne Church of Forks and St. Thomas the Apostle of Clallam Bay have been without a resident priest since the passing of Fr. Patrick O’Hogan in August. Fr. Mark Stehly, who has come out of retirement to celebrate weekend Masses on the West End since September, as a volunteer, is not available this Christmas due to his ministry in the missions of downtown Seattle. 

The Most Rev. Alexander J. Brunett, Archbishop Emeritus, Seattle Archdiocese has graciously offered his services to preside over the 2011 Christmas Celebrations in both West End communities.

Archbishop Brunett served as the chief shepherd of the Archdiocese of Seattle from 1997 until 2010 when he retired. Brunett’s home church is the Cathedral of St. James in Seattle.

Christmas Eve Mass at St. Thomas in Clallam Bay is scheduled to be celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 24 at 5 p.m., beginning with their traditional Christmas Pageant. That same night, Christmas services at St. Anne’s in Forks will begin with a half-an-hour Christmas Carol Service at 10 p.m., followed by the traditional Midnight Mass. Archbishop Brunett will also preside at Christmas morning Mass on Sunday, Dec. 25  at 9 a.m.

Marsha West from the St. Anne parish said all are welcome to attend the service including parishioners, guests, and visitors from other faith traditions.