Afio Mai – Welcome to the St. Peter Chanel Samoan Ministry, a warm and thriving community within Holy Cross Catholic Church. Every second and fourth Sunday of the month, our ministry comes together at 12:00 pm for prayer and fellowship, celebrating our Samoan heritage and Catholic faith. We extend a heartfelt invitation to all to join us and experience the rich traditions and spiritual nourishment of our community.
About the St. Peter Chanel Samoan Ministry
The St. Peter Chanel Samoan Ministry is dedicated to serving as a central and welcoming hub for Samoan Catholics across Western Washington. Our primary goal is to foster unity and fellowship amongst our members, providing a space to deepen their faith and participate in liturgical celebrations conducted in the Samoan language. We are deeply committed to nurturing harmonious relationships within the broader parish community and supporting the spiritual growth of each individual. Through our shared faith and cultural heritage, we create a strong and supportive environment for all who join us.
St. Peter Chanel: Our Patron Saint
Our ministry proudly takes its name from St. Peter Chanel, a revered figure as the patron saint of the Samoan community and Oceania’s first martyr. Father Peter Chanel’s life of dedication led him to the island of Futuna in New Hebrides, near New Zealand, where he ultimately gave his life for his faith. Beatified in 1889 and canonized in 1954, St. Peter Chanel’s Feast Day is celebrated on April 28th. His sacrifice and unwavering commitment to his mission serve as a constant inspiration to our ministry and its members as we strive to live out our faith.
A History of Samoan Catholic Presence in Western Washington
The roots of the Samoan Catholic community in Western Washington stretch back over five decades, marking a significant and enduring presence within the Archdiocese of Seattle.
The Pioneering Years: 1970s – 1980s
In the 1970s, the seeds of our community were sown at St. George Parish in Seattle. This marked the initial gathering place for Samoan Catholics before the arrival of the first Samoan priest from the Archdiocese of Samoa, Apia. Father Poao played a pivotal role during these formative years, serving at St. George Parish and later extending his ministry to St. Ann Parish in Tacoma, recognizing the growing Samoan population there. He thoughtfully divided his time between these two parishes, fostering a sense of community across locations.
Word of Samoan Masses being celebrated at St. George and St. Ann parishes spread rapidly, drawing Samoan Catholics from throughout Western Washington, from Everett in the north to Vancouver in the south. For over a decade, Fr. Poao faithfully served the Archdiocese of Seattle, nurturing the burgeoning Samoan Catholic community. However, his eventual return to Samoa created a void, leaving the community without a Samoan priest. This absence led to a sense of displacement, as the community longed for the familiarity of worship in their native language and cultural context. Consequently, many families dispersed, returning to their local parishes, while some sought spiritual fulfillment in non-Catholic faiths, seeking a sense of belonging that resonated with their cultural identity.
Reconnecting and Rebuilding: 2016
A significant turning point arrived in 2016 with the assignment of Father Laga Olaaiga, the second Samoan priest to serve the Archdiocese of Seattle after a three-year gap. Fr. Laga’s arrival served as a catalyst, drawing the scattered community back together. Discussions arose about centralizing the Samoan community at either St. George or St. Ann Parish to strengthen their collective identity and worship experience. However, a definitive decision regarding centralization was never reached during this period. After ten years of dedicated service, Fr. Laga returned to Samoa in 2016. In the absence of another Samoan priest, Deacon Sagato Pele, the Archdiocese’s only Samoan deacon, stepped forward to provide crucial clergy leadership and guidance for the community, ensuring continuity and support.
Transition and New Beginnings: 2018
In early 2018, the Seattle Archdiocese made a significant decision, designating St. John of the Woods in Tacoma as the new home for the Samoan community within their faithful network. In a collaborative spirit, the Archdiocese engaged with the community, establishing a leadership committee to enhance communication and partnership. However, later in 2018, Deacon Sagato and his family relocated to Florida, prompting another period of transition for the community.
Finding a Home at Holy Cross: 2019 and Beyond
Currently, the St. Peter Chanel Samoan Ministry thrives as a vibrant collective of Samoan Catholics representing diverse parishes throughout Western Washington. These parishes include St. Olaf in Poulsbo, Our Lady Star of the Sea in Bremerton, Sacred Heart in Lacey, St. John of the Woods in Tacoma, Our Lady Queen of Heaven in Spanaway, and St. Francis and St. John in Tukwila.
Since 2019, Holy Cross Catholic Church has graciously served as the cherished home parish for the St. Peter Chanel Samoan Ministry. We are now an integral part of the ministries of Holy Cross, working together to enrich the spiritual life of our community. Poasa Fa’aita currently chairs the St. Peter Chanel Samoan Ministry (SPCSM), providing dedicated leadership and guidance. We invite you to join us and experience the warmth and faith of the St. Peter Chanel Samoan Ministry at Holy Cross Catholic Church.
