Winter Newsletter 2026

An Evening of Faith, Food, and Fun Celebration of Faith 2025:

On October 11th, 2025, Foundation supporters gathered at St. Joseph Marquette School in Yakima to celebrate Catholic education. Doug Rich, our Master of Ceremonies, did an incredible job running
the show! Not only were we able to celebrate the 150-year legacy of the Sisters of Providence in Central Washington, but we also witnessed the stories and accomplishments of our seven Champions of Catholic Education Award recipients. Again, this year, we offered a raffle and a variety of “Holy Spirits” and mocktails at the event. Celebrity Chef Shawn Niles, The Fat Pastor, served a fall-themed dinner, cooked on-site, highlighting the bounty of the Yakima Valley

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The mission of the Central Washington Catholic Foundation is to support Catholic education.
The CWCF strives to facilitate Catholic philanthropy and to pass our faith heritage to future generations. To learn more about the Foundation, visit https://cwcatholicfoundation.org

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From the Diocese

Written by Doug Rich, Director of Schools & Parish Services, Diocese of Yakima

Too often we read of evil acts perpetrated on school campuses; be they public, private, elementary, high school, or university. While statistics show that the safest place for a child to be is attending school, these incidents strike a chord nonetheless. Washington State Law is very specific in that only Licensed Enforcement Agents (LEAs) are allowed to carry their weapons onto a school facility, and this is reflected in our school’s policy and Employment Policy documents. So, what are we, as the Diocese of Yakima, and our schools doing to protect the safety of our students, faculty, and staff? In July 2024, I convened a committee of parishioners from the regions we serve with backgrounds in safety and security
to take a look at the data, issues, and options that schools (and parishes) can pursue to make our campuses more secure. We consulted with our schools, the Presbyterate, and parish leadership about our findings, and Bishop Tyson recently promulgated a “Diocesan Safety & Security Policy & Procedures” document that offers best practices of Risk Assessment and Resources to create training programs, and assess capital improvements to make our properties more secure. We will bring this training to the parishes and schools in 2026. Additionally, each of our six schools have already been working with their local school districts’ Safety Programs to create reaction plans and make campus improvements. I can confidently say the schools are well on their path to a more secure
environment, and many of these efforts can be repeated in our parish facilities as well. In short, awareness is high, and our schools are already in action. My prayer is that individuals who are contemplating such evil acts may find healing and guidance from God that will amend their ways. Regardless, please know that we are not standing still in improving the awareness and protection of
our souls who attend our schools.

As always, please feel free to contact me (doug.rich@yakimadiocese.org) if you would
like to discuss this important topic further.

Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community

Written by Agustina Rankin, Board President, Central Washington Catholic Foundation
As we move forward from the Christmas season and into the new year, Catholic Schools Week at the end of January offered a meaningful moment to reflect on the lasting impact of Catholic education and the people who make it possible.
The Catholic Schools Week theme for 2025–2026, “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,” highlights what makes Catholic schools unique: they are communities built on shared values, strong relationships, and a commitment to educating the whole child—academically, socially, and spiritually. Catholic schools strive to develop students who are not only well prepared for future success, but who are grounded in compassion, service, and respect for others.
Families play a central role in this mission. Parents are a child’s first teachers, and Catholic schools work in partnership with families to reinforce learning, character, and values both in and beyond the classroom. This collaboration creates a supportive environment where students feel known, encouraged, and inspired to grow. Equally important is the role of donors and supporters. Catholic schools depend on the generosity of the broader community to remain strong, accessible, and responsive to the needs of students and families. Through financial support, mentorship, and advocacy, donors help ensure that Catholic education continues to thrive and adapt for future generations.
Catholic schools are more than buildings or institutions—they are communities of people working together toward a common purpose. Teachers, administrators, staff, students, families, and supporters all contribute to an environment where learning is enriched by service, tradition, and a shared commitment to the common good.

Donors from July 1st, 2025 – December 31st 2025

Officers
President, Agustina Rankin (Christ the King, Richland) Vice-President, Steve Mercy (Holy Rosary, Moxee)
Treasurer, Linda Orozco (Holy Family, Yakima) Past President, Wendy Flanagan (St. Joseph, Wenatchee)
Secretary. Anthony Mejia (Our Lady of Fatima, Moses Lake)

Members
Rev. Brooks Beaulaurier (St. Juan Diego, Cowiche and St. John, Naches) Gordon Beecher (Christ the King, Richland)
Kevin Mass (Holy Spirit, Kennewick) Fr. Richard Sedlacek (Our Lady of Lourdes, Selah)
Betty Jo Murray (St. John, Naches) Ronald St. Hilaire (St. Joseph, Kennewick)
John Stadsvold (Christ the King, Richland)

Advisors
Matt Beaton (Holy Spirit, Kennewick)
John Riel (Holy Rosary, Moxee)
Terry Sliger (Christ the King, Richland)
Ann Sonn (St. Joseph, Wenatchee)
Russ Mazzola (St. John, Naches)

Ex-Officio Member Most Rev. Joseph J. Tyson
Executive Director Nicole St. Mary – Franson (St. John, Naches)
Staff Melissa Richter and Jo Spencer