Bishop of Yakima
509-965-7117
Email: bishop@yakimadiocese.org
Most Rev. Joseph Jude Tyson was born on October 16 in Moses Lake, Washington and at an early age moved to Seattle with his family. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1989. His degrees include a Bachelor of Arts in Russian and Eastern European Studies as well as Editorial Journalism from the University of Washington, a Masters in International Relations from the University of Washington, a Masters of Divinity from the Catholic University of America, and an honorary Doctorate of Letters from St. Martin’s University in Lacy.
In 2005, he was consecrated Auxiliary Bishop of Seattle and named Vicar General. From 2008-2011, he served as Superintendent of Catholic Schools. He was installed as Bishop of Yakima in 2011 and currently serves as a member of the USCCB’s Committee for Cultural Diversity and Chair of the USCCB’s Pastoral Care for Migrants, Refugees and Travelers.
Education
1980 B.A. Russian and East European Area Studies, University of Washington
1980 B.A. Communications – Editorial Journalism, UW
1984 M.A. International Relations, UW
1989 M.Div., Theological College, Catholic University of America
2011 Honorary Doctorate of Letters, St. Martin’s University, Lacey, Washington
Ministry
1980-84 Campus Minister, Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Washington
1984-85 St. Vincent de Paul Society — Refugee Services
1989 Ordained to priesthood for Archdiocese of Seattle
1989-91 Parochial Vicar, St. Louise de Marillac Parish, Bellevue
1991–93 Parochial Vicar, St. James Cathedral, Seattle
1993-96 Pastor, St. Mary of the Valley Parish, Monroe
1996-2005 Pastor, St. Edward, St. George, St. Paul Parishes, South Seattle
2005-11 Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General, Archdiocese of Seattle
2008-11 Superintendent, Archdiocesan Catholic Schools
2011 Installed as Seventh Bishop of the Diocese of Yakima
Active Member in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
Present – Member of USCCB Committee for Cultural Diversity
Present – Chair for Subcommittee on Pastoral Care for Migrants, Refugees and Travelers.