Death of Father Gary L. Desharnais
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- Created on Friday, 14 June 2013 18:01
- Written by Msgr. Robert Siler
Rev. Gary Lee Desharnais, a senior priest of the Catholic Diocese of Yakima, died Thursday, June 13, 2013 at Memorial Hospital in Yakima after an extended period of poor health. He was 73.
Fr. Desharnais was born Dec. 15, 1939 in Yakima to George and Florence (Brouette) Desharnais. He attended St. Joseph Elementary School and graduated in 1958 from Marquette High School, after which he attended Yakima Valley Community College (1958-1959), St. Phillip Neri College in Boston (1960-1961), and Seattle University (1962-1965).
After college, Fr. Desharnais worked in radio and as a print journalist, including a stint with the Yakima Herald-Republic. He was principal assistant to former Washington governor John Spellman in his successful 1968 campaign as the first King County Executive.
Fr. Desharnais worked in media jobs in Seattle and Los Angeles before settling in New Mexico for 23 years, much of that time as a photographer for the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He was married, and raised three daughters.
In 1996, following retirement from Los Alamos, Fr. Desharnais entered Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wis. and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Yakima on May 26, 2000 at St. Paul Cathedral by Bishop Carlos A. Sevilla, S.J.
Fr. Desharnais served for two years as parochial vicar of Holy Family Parish in Yakima, where he successfully recovered from throat cancer. He then served as pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Grandview and Immaculate Conception Parish in Mabton until June 19, 2009, when he returned to Holy Family as parochial vicar for health reasons. He retired on July 1, 2012 following a difficult recovery from several bouts of pneumonia. He had been receiving treatment for a cancerous tumor near his right lung when he died.
In the midst of his recent health difficulties, Fr. Desharnais was able to administer the sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion to his grandson Samuel Gomolski, at an April 22 Mass at Holy Family, a very special celebration for him and his family.
He is survived by his brother Wally (Carrol) Desharnais of Seattle; daughters Kati Soleil of Nashville, Tenn., Jodi Desharnais of Breckenridge, Colo., and Darci (Brian) Gomolski of Spokane, and their children Nicole, Zachary, Alexander, Samuel and Paula.
The Vigil for Fr. Desharnais is at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20 at Holy Family. Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. Friday, June 21 at Holy Family, immediately followed by burial in the priests’ plot at Calvary Cemetery, then a luncheon back at the church.
Donations in Fr. Desharnais’ memory may be made to the Diocese of Yakima Priest Retirement Fund or Seminarian Education Fund, 5301-A Tieton Drive, Yakima, WA 98908.
Fr. Gary's celebration of the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion
with his grandson Samuel recently was a special moment for him and his family.
Bishop and Pope Francis Discuss Yakima
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- Created on Friday, 07 June 2013 10:53
- Written by Msgr. Robert Siler
Dear Friends:
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Catholic Radio Station Experiencing Difficulties
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- Created on Friday, 31 May 2013 14:16
- Written by Msgr. Robert Siler
Radio KYTR, the Catholic radio station that broadcasts in the Yakima area, has been experiencing persistent technical difficulties over the past few weeks. While the station is not a ministry of the Diocese of Yakima, we are lending what support what we can. For those who are frustrated at the inconvenience, please know that the board and volunteers of the station are doing their best to overcome these technical difficulties. Let's keep this ministry in our prayers.
Msgr. Robert Siler
Register for Regional Stewardship Conference
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- Created on Friday, 31 May 2013 10:25
- Written by Msgr. Robert Siler
The Archdiocese of Seattle is hosting the Ninth Northwest Regional Catholic Stewardship Conference August 23 and 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The Conference will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 400 S. Andresen Road, Vancouver, Wash., 98661. Click here to view a detailed schedule of events:
NW Stewardship Conference Tracks
And click on the link below to register. The cost is $50 per day, or $75 for both days. Seattle Archbishop J. Peter Sartain extends a cordial invitation to our priests, deacons, parish staff and lay leaders who are involved, or wish to be involved, in helping to promote Stewardship in the Church.
https://www.seattlearchdiocese.org/stewardship/PS/conference.aspx
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Remembering The Long Lost Germans Of Texas
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- Created on Friday, 24 May 2013 15:28
- Written by Bishop Tyson
Dear Friends:
Diocese Youth Minister Retreat, June 27-30
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- Created on Friday, 24 May 2013 15:06
- Written by David B. Valdivia
Dear Youth Minister/Youth Ministry Volunteer,
The Diocese of Yakima invites you to the Youth Minister’s Retreat. This retreat will take place from Thursday, June 27th (evening) through Sunday, June 30th and everyone is welcome to this FREE EVENT. If your work or family schedule doesn’t allow you to be gone this long feel free to come for just Friday through Sunday, Saturday and Sunday, or even just during the day on Saturday. During the weekend there will be time to relax, pray, learn, and network with other Youth Ministers in the diocese. We will spend the weekend reflecting on how we continue to pursue and nourish our relationship with God within the busy and often stressful environment of Youth Ministry.
This retreat is a free event for the Youth Ministers serving the Diocese of Yakima, but we do require you to RSVP in order to make sure there is enough space and food for everyone. To RSVP or get more information please contact Mary Seidler, Youth Minister at Christ the King in Richland, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
All Diocese Picnic
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- Created on Friday, 24 May 2013 15:02
- Written by David B. Valdivia
All Diocese Picnic
June 23, after 11 AM Mass
Ahtanum Mission
Bring your lawn chairs, a potluck dish to share, plates, silverware, etc. Hamburgers and hot dogs with condiments and drinks will be provided. Bring your neighbors to show off our greatest historical jewel of the Valley. Everyone is invited to attend.
For more information please contact, Ron Gamache at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Help Promote the Fortnight for Freedom
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- Created on Friday, 24 May 2013 11:07
- Written by Msgr. Robert Siler
Dear Fathers:Please Take Action to Support Fair Farm Bill
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- Created on Thursday, 23 May 2013 14:47
- Written by Msgr. Robert Siler
Dear Friends,
Please consider taking action in support of a fair Farm Bill. The proposal now under consideration by the U.S. Senate would reduce funds that help feed the hungry and conserve our natural resources. Click on the link below to learn more. You'll have an opportunity from there to contact your U.S. Senators.
https://www.votervoice.net/link/target/wscc/G826izWB.aspx
Many blessings,
+Bishop Tyson
Ninth Annual CFCS Garden Gala June 8
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- Created on Wednesday, 22 May 2013 11:45
- Written by Catholic Family & Child Service
9th Annual Catholic Family & Child Service Garden Gala
Saturday, June 8th, 5:30pm to 11:00pm
Holy Family Church Gathering Hall, Yakima, WA
Catholic Family & Child Service would like to invite you to their 9th Annual Garden Gala. This extraordinary event will bring you to wine country with a beautiful garden venue developed by Russell's Nursery. You will experience a delicious chef-prepared dinner, delectable local wine from Gilbert Cellars, entertainment and auction. Proceeds benefit children's early learning programs. For ticket information, please call DeAnn Leita at (509) 965-7100.
Optional Collection for Midwest Tornado Victims
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- Created on Wednesday, 22 May 2013 11:16
- Written by Bishop Tyson
Dear Fathers:
Images from suburban Oklahoma City are a stark reminder that tragedy can strike at any time. It appears that this is one of the most destructive tornadoes ever to hit the Midwest. If you'd like, you have the option of taking up a special collection for Catholic Charities USA, which is on the ground through its diocesan affiliates assisting victims. If you take up a special collection just forward the amount to the Diocesan Finance Office and mark the check "Optional Collection for 2013 Tornado Victims." We will forward the collection to Catholic Charities USA. For those who wish to donate directly and on-line here is the link: Click Here
