Due to a disastrous flood on New Year's Weekend 2021, which severely damaged the Parish Center, the building was rendered unusable due to ceiling and floor damage on all 5 levels. (The only part usable was the gymnasium and cafeteria – only with minor entrance damage). As the restoration work, covered by insurance, progressed and walls were opened, the entire plumbing in the building was found to be in need of replacement, along with the whole HVAC system. 

With over 300 students in our Religious Ed program (Grade, Middle, and High School), an active RCIA program. Resurrection Group, Knights of Columbus, Diocesan and Parish events and classes, and hoped-for social events, it is imperative that we have gathering spaces and classrooms in order to fulfill our parish mission. 

Also, our Cathedral Church, which is a treasure for our Yakima community, a religious and cultural center for concerts and ecumenical services, and an architectural gem because of its age, requires continued upgrading and beautification. 

For our parish center, valued by contractors with a 50-to-60-million-dollar replacement value – our goal is to raise 3 ½ million dollars to pay for the restoration and improvements as new lavatories are installed and to provide necessary repair and maintenance for our beautiful Cathedral Church. 

While we are a unit of the Corporation of the Catholic Bishop of Yakima, it is up to us as CHURCH to support our own parish needs. Please prayerfully consider a generous, sacrificial gift for your parish because WE ARE THE CHURCH!!

Established on the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19, 1914, under the pastorate of Father (later Bishop of Sacramento) Robert Armstrong, the first Mass of the new St. Paul Parish was offered in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Hospital in Yakima, Washington. In September of that first year, four sisters of St. Dominic of Tacoma arrived to initiate and staff the new school, which began classes in the old farmhouse convent on October 21st of the same year. In 1921, the present rectory was built, followed by the Spanish mission-style church in 1927, which housed the first Mass celebrated by Father Armstrong on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1927. 

On July 18, 1951, Pope Pius XII created the new Diocese of Yakima and named St. Paul’s as the Cathedral Church with Bishop Joseph Patrick Dougherty as its first bishop. Twelve pastors followed Father Armstrong until the appointment in 1988 of Monsignor John Ecker, who had previously served as curate or Associate Pastor from 1958-63 and Pastor/ Rector from 1963-66. 

The school expanded and, in 1958, was the largest private school west of the Mississippi River, with over 1300 students and 30 Sisters as principals and teachers. 

A vibrant Community of Faith, St. Paul’s, the seat of the Most Reverend Joseph Tyson, 7th Bishop of Yakima, stands as a “beacon of faith” grateful to be the Cathedral Church of Central Washington’s seven counties and anticipating many more years of faithful service as its “Mother Church.”

1st Phase (2024) 

Restoration of the Parish Center (formerly St. Paul Cathedral School) to provide usable space for parish activities and to enable us to fulfill our Mission of reflecting Jesus Christ to our city and diocese. Beautification of our Cathedral Church, installing new pavers, painting of the exterior, and providing preventative maintenance. 

ESTIMATED Cost: $3,500,000 

Maintenance and renovation of the parish center to fulfill its Mission - to provide parish offices and a functional center for parish and diocesan activities. Additional beautification of the Cathedral Church (replacement of chairs and renovation of pews, replacement of main roof and continual maintenance of the facilities and buildings of the parish. 

ESTIMATED Cost: $1,500,000

Q. When will the work begin? 

A. The work will begin as the funds become available from the Capital Campaign. 

Q. What will happen if we go over our goal? 

A. All gifts collected after we exceed our goal will be put towards the 2nd phase of our campaign. 

Q. Can I make my pledge online? 

A. Yes, we have set up a page on our website where you may make your pledge. 

Q. Why should I make a pledge? 

A. Most people take advantage of time-payments for major purchases. A pledge to the parish Capital Campaign is a “time-payment plan” that makes it possible for you to meet your parish obligations without undue hardship. Pledges enable you to consider a more significant contribution to the campaign than a one-time gift. 

Q. Is my pledge over and above my Sunday Offering? 

A. Yes. We can only reach our goal with a little extra sacrifice. We cannot reach our goal if we reduce our weekly offerings in order to make a pledge to the Capital Campaign. The parish will continue to have normal operating expenses during the pledge period. 

Q. Who will be asked to support the campaign? 

A. Every parish family will be invited to participate in this effort. It is our hope that every parish family will make a sacrificial gift for this major effort according to their financial ability. We hope everyone will play a conscientious role in renewing the future of the parish. 

Q. What happens if I cannot fulfill my pledge? 

A. Pledges are made in good faith and accepted as such. If hardship or illness prevents you from fulfilling your pledge, let the parish know, and other arrangements will be made. 

Q. What if I would like to give stocks, real estate or some other kind of gift? 

A. There are several ways to support our campaign; please see this webpage's "Ways to Give" section or call the parish office.

Stocks & Bonds* 

There are added advantages to giving stocks, bonds, and securities. 

Wills & Bequests 

Providing for St. Paul Cathedral in your will can have significant federal and estate tax advantages. For additional information, please contact the parish office at (509) 575-3713. 

Tax-Deductible Gifts 

All gifts are tax-deductible as provided by law. Receipts will be provided upon request. 

IRA Gifts* 

People over 70 ½ years old may also be eligible to make a charitable gift from your IRA assets with no tax complications. 

Matching Gifts 

Many firms have matching gift programs to provide incentives for their employees to make charitable donations. Please ask your Human Resources department for a matching gift form. Both current and retired employees may be eligible. 

Pledge Installments 

You will receive reminder notices in accordance with the payment method you select. Please make your checks payable to: St. Paul Capital Campaign. 

Sign up to fulfill your pledge using Online Giving.