Two Parishes, One Family on the Highline
St. Philomena Catholic Church stands at 1790 South 222nd Street in Des Moines, Washington, a few blocks east of Puget Sound. Since July 2024 it has been formally joined with St. Thomas Catholic Church in neighboring Tukwila (4415 South 140th Street) under the Archdiocese of Seattle's Partners in the Gospel initiative. Together the two communities are moving toward functioning as one canonical parish while continuing to worship at their current locations. A Parish Family Advisory Council, chaired by coordinator Joan Glaman, helps Father Todd Strange think through the changes, and a Parish Family Leadership Team that includes Father Ben Bray, Deacon Jerry Graddon, school principal Steve Morissette, and parish staff from both churches carries the work forward.
The parish mission is direct: "We are the Roman Catholic Faith Community of St. Philomena, called to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our celebrating and praying together, through our support of the faith development of each member and through our compassionate service and care for one another and the world. We do this because of our commitment to our faith, our hope in the reign of God and our love of God and neighbor."
A Shared History on the Highline
The roots of the partnership run deep. The first Mass known to have been celebrated in Des Moines took place in January 1927, with forty-five people in attendance. Two months later the property that would become St. Philomena was purchased, and in June of that year Saint Philomena Mission was formally established. In 1952 the mission was elevated to the status of a canonical parish with Father Joseph Orpen as its first pastor. Five years later the current building was constructed, and on April 23, 1957, Archbishop Thomas Connolly consecrated the church and its marble altar.
Across the river, Saint Thomas Catholic Church of Tukwila was originally known as Saint Joseph Mission. Its first church was built in 1913. As the mission grew it was elevated to canonical parish status in 1946 with Father John C. O'Connell as the first pastor. Two years later the name was changed to Saint Thomas the Apostle, and in 1963 the community moved to its current site. Bishop Thomas Gill formally dedicated the new church on October 20, 1963.
Sunday Mass in English and Spanish
At St. Philomena in Des Moines, Saturday worship begins with an 8:00 AM Mass and concludes with the Sunday Vigil Mass at 5:30 PM. Sunday brings four celebrations: 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM in English, followed by 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM in Spanish. Daily Mass is offered Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 7:30 AM, Friday at 8:30 AM, and Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM in Spanish.
At St. Thomas in Tukwila, the Saturday Vigil Mass is celebrated at 5:00 PM. Sunday Masses are at 8:30 AM in Spanish and 10:30 AM in English. Weekday Mass is offered Tuesday at 7:00 PM in Spanish and Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 9:00 AM in English.
Confession, Adoration, and First Friday
Confession is available at both parishes throughout the week. At St. Philomena: Wednesday 5:30 to 6:30 PM, Saturday 9:00 to 10:00 AM, and Saturday 4:00 to 5:00 PM. At St. Thomas: Tuesday 5:30 to 6:30 PM, Friday 10:00 to 11:00 AM, and Saturday 3:30 to 4:30 PM.
Eucharistic Adoration at St. Thomas runs Tuesday from 5:00 to 6:30 PM and Friday from 9:30 to 11:00 AM. The first Friday of each month carries a full devotional schedule at St. Thomas: 9:00 AM Mass, followed by Anointing of the Sick and Exposition of the Eucharist, then 10:00 AM confessions, 10:30 AM Rosary, 10:50 AM Litany of the Sacred Heart, and 11:00 AM Reposition. From 3:00 to 6:30 PM that afternoon the church hosts prayers in Spanish.
Mass in Two Languages
Hispanic ministry is central to parish life. Deacon Abel Magaña serves as Pastoral Assistant for Hispanic Ministry, working with Ania Velasco in the parish office and Eduardo Ramirez, Music Director for the Hispanic Community. Spanish Masses are scheduled every Sunday afternoon at St. Philomena (1:00 and 5:00 PM) and every Sunday morning at St. Thomas (8:30 AM), along with a Wednesday evening Mass at St. Philomena and Tuesday evening Mass at St. Thomas. Quinceañeras are celebrated and prepared a year in advance through the parish office, and retreats such as the Retiro para padres y madres de familia give Spanish-speaking families their own formation opportunities.
Sacraments for Every Stage of Life
The parish walks families through every sacramental milestone.
Baptism. Parents bringing infants for baptism are asked to be registered at the parish for at least three months and to be attending Sunday Mass. A Baptism Packet is available from the parish office, and baptismal preparation classes are required. Godparents must be at least 16, confirmed Catholics in good standing whose marriages are recognized by the Church, and must have taken a preparation class within the past two years. Children above the age of reason (about seven) and adults enter the faith through OCIA or OCIC.
First Reconciliation and First Communion. The First Sacraments program is intended for children already baptized in the Catholic Church, registered at St. Philomena or St. Thomas, and attending Mass weekly. Classes run through the program year, with no more than three absences allowed.
Confirmation. The youth Confirmation program at St. Philomena is designed for seventh graders and older, with classes on Sundays starting at 2:30 PM, twelve sessions in all, plus a retreat at Camp Don Bosco. The cost is $200, with assistance available. Adults who missed Confirmation as youth can join an Adult Confirmation class, coordinated through Vianey Valenzuela, Pastoral Assistant for Faith Formation.
Marriage. Couples must begin preparation at least six months before the wedding, and at least one spouse must be a practicing Roman Catholic registered at the parish for three months. The parish coordinates with Seattle Catholic Engaged Encounter and follows the Archdiocese of Seattle's sacramental policies. Convalidation is offered for couples civilly married outside the Church.
Anointing of the Sick and Funerals. Anointing can be requested at any time for serious illness or before surgery; for a sacramental emergency after hours, callers follow the office voicemail prompts to reach a priest. Funeral Masses are typically scheduled Monday, Tuesday, or Friday at 11:00 AM, and a parish staff member helps the family select readings, music, and coordinate with a Catholic funeral home. Eulogies are given by a single person before Mass begins.
Becoming Catholic. The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) and the parallel program for Children (OCIC, ages 7 and older) walk inquirers through the stages of inquiry, catechumenate, Lenten purification and enlightenment, the Easter Vigil celebration of the sacraments, and the mystagogy period of Easter. Baptized Christians from other traditions may be received into full communion at any time of year.
The Mass, Explained
The parish offers a thorough reflection on what Catholics encounter at Mass. The celebration is divided into four parts: the Introductory Rites, where the congregation asks God for forgiveness; the Liturgy of the Word, with readings from a three-year cycle culminating in the Gospel and the Creed; the Liturgy of the Eucharist, where bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ through the prayer of the priest and the work of the Holy Spirit; and the Concluding Rites, where the faithful are blessed and sent back into the world.
First-time visitors are gently reminded of a few practical courtesies: arrive early to quiet the heart; fast one hour before receiving the Eucharist and refrain from chewing gum during Mass if intending to receive; stay until the priest has reached the back of the church; and dress appropriately for God's house. Children are warmly welcomed, with parents encouraged to sit near the front and step into the Gathering Space with restless little ones if needed before returning.
Faith Formation and the Parish School
Vianey Valenzuela coordinates faith formation for both parishes. Beyond the sacramental programs, the parish offers ongoing formation for every age. Lectio Divina, taught by Pope Benedict XVI, is recommended as a way to pray the Scriptures, and the parish links to the daily USCCB readings, the iMissal and Magnificat apps, the iRosary, the Amen app, and the full New American Bible. Other resources include the Vatican.va app, the iBreviary for the Liturgy of the Hours, DivineOffice.org, Hallow, the Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center at the Palisades, and FORMED, a Catholic streaming service available to all parishioners after a simple sign-up through the parish name "St Philomena & St Thomas 98198."
St. Philomena Catholic School serves as an extension of the parish, with Dr. Steve Morissette as principal and Myla Diamond as School Development Director. The school shares the campus at 1790 South 222nd Street and is also supported by the parish's Respect Life and family initiatives.
Youth and Young Adult Ministry
The SeaTac Catholic Youth Ministry, led by Carina Schoen, serves middle schoolers and high schoolers from both parishes. Middle school youth group meets most Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM with games, conversation about Jesus and the saints, and service projects throughout the year. High school youth group gathers on the fourth Sunday of the month from 6:00 to 7:30 PM in the school for dinner, conversation, and community. The ministry can be reached at youthgroup@stphil.com and followed on Instagram and Facebook at @stphilomena.youthgroup.
The SeaTac Catholic Young Adult Ministry serves 18- to 35-year-olds through hikes, nights of adoration, barbecues, bonfires, communal rosaries, and teaching Masses. Calendar and details are posted on Instagram at @seataccya.
Works of Mercy in Des Moines
The parish's outreach reflects Catholic social teaching in concrete ways. On the fourth Friday of each month at 6:00 PM, in partnership with the Des Moines Food Bank and other local churches, St. Philomena hosts the Loaves and Fishes Meal in the parish hall for those who are hungry.
The Works of Mercy Collection, taken up on the fourth weekend of every other month (September, November, January, and so on), supports a fixed list of local ministries: 25 percent to St. Vincent de Paul, which already serves through St. Thomas; 20 percent to the Des Moines Food Bank; 20 percent to the Thea Bowman Apartments, part of Catholic Housing Services that provides housing for veterans, the homeless, and those dealing with chronic mental illness or substance abuse; 15 percent to Respect Life Initiatives; and 20 percent to Family Life Initiatives including Des Moines Pregnancy Aid and Prepares through Catholic Community Services.
Respect Life
The parish Respect Life Committee, coordinated through Father Ben Bray, works to foster a culture of life through prayer and service. Its advocacy covers abortion, assisted suicide, bioethics, capital punishment, domestic violence, end-of-life issues, and human trafficking. The committee hosts prayer campaigns including 40 Days for Life, sponsors speakers, runs baby-bottle, diaper, food, coat, and sock drives, and partners with St. Philomena School on student efforts. National partner organizations include the National Catholic Bioethics Center, USCCB Respect Life, 3W Medical for Women, and Care Net of Puget Sound.
Prayer Chain, Rosary Makers, and the Men's Prayer Group
The parish Prayer Chain mobilizes prayer warriors who receive emailed prayer intentions and lift them up regularly. A Rosary Making Group gathers to craft rosaries for parish use and mission. The Men's Prayer Group, led by Casey Bessey, offers fellowship, prayer, and connection for men of the parish.
Knights of Columbus Centennial Council 8079
Council 8079 is one of the most visible engines of parish fellowship. Monthly Council Meetings and Officers Planning Meetings keep the work moving. Annual fundraisers include a Lasagna Dinner in the parish hall following the Saturday Vigil Mass, a Pancake Breakfast after the Sunday morning Masses, periodic Blood Drives in partnership with Bloodworks Northwest, and ongoing coffee and donuts gatherings after Mass. Proceeds support the council's charitable works.
The Patrons: St. Philomena and St. Thomas
St. Philomena is one of the Church's most unusual patrons. In 1802 the remains of a young woman were discovered in the catacomb of Saint Priscilla on the Via Salaria, marked with symbols indicating she was a martyr. So little was historically known about her that she became the only person recognized as a saint solely on the basis of miraculous intercession. After cures of cancer and other ailments were reported at her shrine in Mugnano, Italy, Pope Leo XII granted permission for churches in her honor, Pope Gregory XVI named her patroness of the Living Rosary, Pope Pius IX named her patroness of the Children of Mary, and Pope Pius X raised her Archconfraternity to a Universal Archconfraternity with St. John Vianney as its patron. She is the patron saint of babies, infants, and youth, traditionally venerated as a young woman martyred around age 14 in the early days of the Church.
St. Thomas the Apostle, patron of the Tukwila parish, is the "Doubting Thomas" of John 20, whose confession "My Lord and my God!" became one of the Church's great professions of faith. According to tradition, he carried the Gospel along the trade routes of the Arabian Sea to the Malabar Coast of India in 52 AD, established seven Christian communities there, and was martyred in 72 AD. The San Thomas Cathedral Basilica in Chennai stands above his burial site, one of only three churches in the world built above an apostle's tomb.