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                                                                                       JMJ

Fr. Dale Tuckerman began his tenure as our Parish Administrator in June 2018.

My name is Fr. Dale Tuckerman, and I am so thankful to be joining you here in the communities of St. Anne, St. Michael and Mary Queen of Heaven!
 
I am so happy to be a priest - and now to be your priest! My 4 years as a priest have been such a gift: first living, worshipping, teaching and serving with the communities at St Charles and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Spokane and then for the last three years in Pasco at St Patrick parish. I am excited to see how the Lord will again faithfully reveal his love for each of us in Medical Lake, Reardan, and Sprague.
 
I grew up in a small town of about 4,000 people, so I'm also thankful that the bishop has given me this assignment in a similarly cozy area - and he's assured me a long stay. I'm looking forward to it!
 
Since I'm joining this community, I'd like to take a moment to introduce myself. As I mentioned, I have been a priest for 4 years. I am 37 years old. I grew up mostly in rural Connecticut, but left to go live in the mountains of Colorado when I was 23. After getting a degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership (the most fun, but useless college degree available), I traveled around looking for adventure until I landed in Spokane in 2005 with a climbing buddy and decided not to leave Eastern Washington.
 
I actually grew up in various Christian denominations (mostly very anti-catholic ones), but thanks be the God, several faithful Catholic friends, several 'knock you off your horse' experiences, and a Buddhist (seriously! It's a long story) I started looking into Catholicism during my time in Colorado. I ended up entering the Church into full communion and receiving my first Communion and Confirmation at St Aloysius Church in Spokane in April 2007. That was the happiest day of my life up till then.
 
By God's amazing Providence I was shocked to find myself in seminary in 2009. It was a time of great grace, though no small difficulties (all the best ones go hand in hand!). In October 2013 I was ordained a deacon in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome - the happiest day of my life up till then! Then I was ordained a priest of Jesus Christ on June 27, 2014 at St Aloysius in Spokane. Between that ordination and the Mass of Thanksgiving the next day, I did not know such joy was possible this side of Heaven. For me, being a priest is 'The Best’!
 
God, in his Providence, has made me very aware through the years that I am also a sinful, foolish human being. So, as I begin this assignment for the first time as an administrator, I ask your patience and help as I learn the ropes. I desire to be able to lead so that each person can bring their gifts forward to serve for the glory of God. Please don't hesitate to let me know when I am acting counter to this desire! I need your help as I learn.
 
I generally like to think I'm a normal guy, though I'm often told otherwise😋. I love the outdoors and biking and an occasional craft beer. I love rock climbing and alpinism, though I don't do it as much as I used to. But I especially love saying the Holy Mass and witnessing God’s love and mercy in Confession. These give me inexpressible joy.
 
I also love people. And families! Outside celebrating the Sacraments, it is one of my greatest joys to spend time with families of the parish and our communities. So please, invite me over to spend time with your family! I eat ramen noodles and pizza as readily as duck l’orange and sushi and everything in between, so there's no need to worry that you need to make me something special (but I certainly won't complain if you do!).
 
I'm excited about getting to know each of you and sharing our love for Jesus with one another.
 
In Mary’s Immaculate Heart,
  +FrDT