Fr. William Heric

A priest appointed by the Archbishop as a temporary leader of a particular parish. He has the same authority as a pastor. (CIC, c. 540 §1-3). This office may be held, for example, by seasoned, newly arrived priests or by newly ordained priests who require more experience and formation before being assigned as pastors.

Fr. William Heric was born on Queen Anne Hill, the oldest of seven children. His family eventually settled in now Shoreline where he was formed at St. Luke Parish and School. Fr. Bill entered the seminary in 1969, and was ordained a priest in 1981 by Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen. He has served in a variety of ministries from parish work, to hospital and school chaplaincy. While having recollections of the church in the 50’s and early 60’s, Fr. Heric was deeply formed in the spirit of Vatican II. When asked if he is a liberal or conservative, Fr. Heric’s usual answer is always “I am a Catholic.” He enjoys walking, reading, and spectator sports, especially the Seattle Mariners and UW Huskies. Fr. Bill is a regular practitioner of centering prayer, loves prayerful and beautiful liturgy, and is a keen student of the New Evangelization.

Fr. Bill began his tenure as Priest Administrator at Christ Our Hope on July 5, 2018. Fr. Bill was appointed Pastor of St. Bridget Parish in Seattle effective May 6, 2019. 

Dear Friends In Christ,

A few weeks back I shared with you the decision by Archbishop Sartain that beginning July 1st, Christ Our Hope will be paired with St. Patrick's on North Capitol Hill. In that announcement, you learned that both parishes will remain distinct communities, but will be served by a single Pastoral Coordinator (not a priest pastor) and a Parish Priest. I also announced that the Archbishop asked me to take a new assignment starting July 1, 2019.
 
Since that time, the Archbishop has asked me to serve as the new pastor of a Seattle area parish. Because of some special circumstances, he asked if I would be willing to start the assignment early and knowing the circumstances, I agreed. I have learned that my new assignment will now begin May 10th. It saddens me that I am leaving with such short notice, but May 5th will be my last Sunday at Christ Our Hope.

Father Tom Lucas SJ, Father Alejandro Baez SJ, Father Armando Perez and the Redemptorists from Sacred Heart have graciously agreed to celebrate our Sunday liturgies and most of the weekday Masses until July 1st. Day to day parish business will be coordinated by our staff under the supervision of Deanna Tighe, our Pastoral Associate. A transition team chaired by Paula Holmes will be meeting to help prepare the parish community for this transition and new model of leadership. I have confidence that the Christ Our Hope community will continue to support each other during this time. My hope and prayer is that all remain positive in their commitment to the mission and life of the parish.
 
The time I have spent with you, although brief, has been a great blessing in my life and ministry as a priest. I feel that every priest in our Archdiocese should come and be witness to the beacon of light in downtown Seattle that is Christ Our Hope. Thank you for your kindness and support over the past year! My last day in the parish will be May 8th. I am glad to address any questions or comments you might have before I leave. Please be assured of my prayers, hope, and love for all of you at Christ Our Hope. Thanks again for everything!
 
Yours In Christ Our Hope,  
Fr. William Heric