Rev. Jacob Maurer (2011–2015)

Holy Rosary and Saint Joseph Parishes were detached from the Regional Parish Cluster on July 1, 2011, and Rev. Jacob Maurer was appointed Priest Administrator of Holy Rosary and Saint Joseph.

The Holy Rosary Liturgy Commission was re-formed. All members are given a copy of the book The Spirit of the Liturgy by Pope Benedict XVI. Under the guidance of Father Maurer, discussion of a “strategic liturgical plan” to restore the majesty and mystery of our liturgical celebrations began.

As the school celebrated the centennial of the building’s construction, numerous improvements and upgrades were begun, including the abatement of asbestos tile floors, new doors, lights, furniture, windows, and the installation of interactive whiteboards.

On January 26, 2012, the formation of the Juan Diego Academy was announced at Holy Rosary School. This two-way Spanish / English immersion program began in September for the Pre-K and Kindergarten students and expanded upward by one grade level each year in subsequent years. This program was the first of its kind for Washington State’s Catholic Schools.

As a result of the reform of the school, enrollment increases dramatically over the following years.

On June 2, 2013, the Most Rev. J. Peter Sartain, Archbishop of Seattle, celebrated the Noon Corpus Christi Mass at Holy Rosary. Concelebrating are Rev. Jacob Maurer and Rev. Jim Altman. Rev. Mr. Mark Kiszelewski is the Deacon of the Mass.

The Mass is followed by a Eucharistic Procession from Holy Rosary to Saint Joseph and back, with Benediction offered at both churches. In future years, this procession became an annual tradition, ending only when the parish was suppressed in 2020.

On July 1, 2014, Rev. Jacob Maurer was appointed Twelfth Pastor of Holy Rosary Parish and Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish.

In 2015, Eucharistic Adoration followed by chanted Vespers was offered during the Sundays of Lent, and chanted Tenebræ on Wednesday of Holy Week. It may have been the first time this has been offered here since the Benedictines left in 1998.

This becomes an annual occurrence, with Advent Sunday Vespers being added later that year.