Even in one of the U.S.'s most non-religious areas, early data suggests more people in the Seattle area are converting to Roman Catholicism.

The archdiocese of Seattle keeps tallies on catechumens, which refers to a person who will be baptized, confirmed and receive Holy Communion. In 2026, the archdiocese already reports over 1070 catechumens, across more than 130 parishes, a 17 percent increase over last year and a 40 percent increase since 2024.

We spoke with a handful of recent converts to Catholicism from around the Seattle area about why each of them converted, and what role faith plays in their lives now.


Guest

Kevin Brown, Graduate Program director and a lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies at Gonzaga University. He also currently serves as the editor of the Proceedings of the Catholic Theological Society of America.   

Related Links

Roman Catholic Churches See a Surge of New Converts - The New York Times

National Rise in Catholicism Conversions Makes its Way to the Puget Sound - The Seattle Spectator

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Even in one of the U.S.'s most non-religious areas, early data suggests more people in the Seattle area are converting to Roman Catholicism.
The archdiocese of Seattle keeps tallies on catechumens, which refers to a person who will be baptized, confirmed and receive Holy Communion. In 2026, the archdiocese already reports over 1070 catechumens, across more than 130 parishes, a 17 percent increase over last year and a 40 percent increase since 2024.
We spoke with a handful of recent converts to Catholicism from around the Seattle area about why each of them converted, and what role faith plays in their lives now. Guest Kevin Brown, Graduate Program director and a lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies at Gonzaga University. He also currently serves as the editor of the Proceedings of the Catholic Theological Society of America. &nbsp;&nbsp; Related Links <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/26/us/catholics-converts.html">Roman Catholic Churches See a Surge of New Converts</a> - The New York Times <a href="https://seattlespectator.com/2026/04/15/national-rise-in-catholicism-conversions-makes-its-way-to-the-puget-sound/">National Rise in Catholicism Conversions Makes its Way to the Puget Sound</a> - The Seattle Spectator Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

At Mass, new Catholics probably don't slip up on "and with your spirit" instead of "and also with you." 

Why people in Seattle are converting to Catholicism

Every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page.

It’s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward.

Guest: Soundside Producer Maleeha Syed

Related Links:
Was the World Cup win over Paraguay the best in USMNT history?
At Gonzaga, a glimpse of Salah and a city's day of wonder
After Somali referee denied entry, Seattle organization returns World Cup tickets
Seattle moves to take guns from traffickers on Aurora as mayor closes streets
WA weather: Highs in Seattle area could touch 90 on World Cup game day

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page.
It&rsquo;s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward.
Guest: Soundside Producer Maleeha Syed
Related Links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49053328/was-fifa-world-cup-win-paraguay-best-usmnt-history">Was the World Cup win over Paraguay the best in USMNT history?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/jun/10/at-gonzaga-a-glimpse-of-salah-and-a-citys-day-of-w/">At Gonzaga, a glimpse of Salah and a city's day of wonder</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/world-cup-seattle/after-somali-referee-denied-entry-seattle-organization-returns-world-cup-tickets/">After Somali referee denied entry, Seattle organization returns World Cup tickets</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/seattle-moves-to-take-guns-from-traffickers-on-aurora-as-mayor-closes-streets/">Seattle moves to take guns from traffickers on Aurora as mayor closes streets</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/weekend-weather-heat-risk-for-seattle-and-western-wa-through-monday/">WA weather: Highs in Seattle area could touch 90 on World Cup game day</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page.

Front Page: World Cup, Aurora Ave N, and THE HEAT!

If you’ve ever walked around First Hill in Seattle, you might have noticed the Stimson Green Mansion on the corner of Seneca and Minor Avenue. 

The house is celebrating its 125th year. It used to be home to some of the most influential and first families of Seattle. 

Guest: 
Chris Moore - Executive Director of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation
Abby Armato - Public Programs Specialist of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation

Related Links: 
Stimson-Green Mansion - Washington Trust for Historic Preservation  
Stimson-Green Mansion - History Link
Joshua Green - History Link
First Hill Park - First Hill Improvement Association 

If you&rsquo;ve ever walked around First Hill in Seattle, you might have noticed the Stimson Green Mansion on the corner of Seneca and Minor Avenue.&nbsp;
The house is celebrating its 125th year. It used to be home to some of the most influential and first families of Seattle.&nbsp;
Guest: 
<ul>
<li>Chris Moore - Executive Director of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation</li>
<li>Abby Armato - Public Programs Specialist of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation</li>
</ul>
Related Links:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://preservewa.org/info/stimson-green-mansion/">Stimson-Green Mansion </a>- Washington Trust for Historic Preservation &nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.historylink.org/File/2713">Stimson-Green Mansion</a> - History Link</li>
<li><a href="https://www.historylink.org/file/1689">Joshua Green</a> - History Link</li>
<li><a href="https://www.firsthill.org/new-page-34">First Hill Park</a> - First Hill Improvement Association&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Celebrating the Stimson-Green Mansion's 125th Birthday

For the first time in 16 years, a new King County Executive gave a state of the county address.

Executive Girmay Zahilay was in Federal Way last night to outline the work he has done in his first six months in office and look forward to what he plans to accomplish in the next 3 and a half years of his term.

Zahilay spoke about new investments in childcare, homelessness, and mental healthcare, amid the rapidly shifting federal environment over the last year and a half. 

He also acknowledged the need to build trust after recent troubling audits looking into  KCRHA and the county’s Department of Community and Human Services.

Guest:

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay

Relevant Links:

Seattle Times: Zahilay wants more King County childcare funding, bus service, housing 

For the first time in 16 years, a new King County Executive gave a state of the county address.
Executive Girmay Zahilay was in Federal Way last night to outline the work he has done in his first six months in office and look forward to what he plans to accomplish in the next 3 and a half years of his term.
Zahilay spoke about new investments in childcare, homelessness, and mental healthcare, amid the rapidly shifting federal environment over the last year and a half.&nbsp;
He also acknowledged the need to build trust after recent troubling audits looking into&nbsp; KCRHA and the county&rsquo;s Department of Community and Human Services.
Guest:
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay
Relevant Links:
Seattle Times: <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/zahilay-wants-more-king-county-childcare-funding-bus-service-housing/">Zahilay wants more King County childcare funding, bus service, housing </a>

For the first time in 16 years, a new King County Executive gave a state of the county address.

KC Exec Zahilay has ambitious goals, first he wants the county to rebuild trust

There's so much to do this weekend, so LET'S GET TO IT:

LINKS:
Salmon Bay FC vs FC Olympia - Public Radio Night!
Brass Screw Consortium
Seattle Pride Classic 2026
Pride Ice Skate
Lifelong Pride Gala
Washington Brewers Fest 2026
Beacon Arts Street Fairs
Viking Tour – Poulsbo Rotary Club
Furry 5K

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

There's so much to do this weekend, so LET'S GET TO IT:
LINKS:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://tickets.upthebridges.shop/event/salmon-bay-fc-vs-fc-olympia-u18tli">Salmon Bay FC vs FC Olympia</a> - Public Radio Night!</li>
<li><a href="https://brass-screw.org/">Brass Screw Consortium</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.seattlepridehockey.org/seaprideclassic26/">Seattle Pride Classic 2026</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://seattlepride.org/events/pride-ice-skate">Pride Ice Skate</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.pridegala.org/">Lifelong Pride Gala</a></li>
<li><a href="https://washingtonbrewersguild.org/events/washington-brewers-fest">Washington Brewers Fest 2026</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.beacon-arts.org/street-fairs">Beacon Arts Street Fairs</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://poulsborotary.org/viking-tour/#bike-ride">Viking Tour &ndash; Poulsbo Rotary Club</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.furry5k.com/">Furry 5K</a> </li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

It's the first weekend of the World Cup, but there's SO much more to do this weekend! Check it out!

Soundside's Weekend Warmup - Pride Hockey, Viking Biking, and the Furry 5K

Every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page.

It’s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward.

Note: Microsoft is a financial supporter of KUOW, but we cover them like we do any other company.

Guest

Catharine Smith, KUOW politics editor

Related Links

Seattle data center ban heads to Mayor Wilson's desk- KUOW

Transgender ballot initiative could require genital exams for WA secondary school students- KUOW

School cellphone ban proposed by WA governor, superintendent - The Seattle Times



Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network

Every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page.
It&rsquo;s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward.
Note: Microsoft is a financial supporter of KUOW, but we cover them like we do any other company.
Guest
<a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/catharine-smith">Catharine Smith</a>, KUOW politics editor Related Links
<a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/seattle-data-center-ban-heads-to-mayor-wilson-s-desk">Seattle data center ban heads to Mayor Wilson's desk</a> <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/joshua-mcnichols"></a>- KUOW
<a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/transgender-ballot-initiative-could-require-genital-exams-for-wa-secondary-school-students">Transgender ballot initiative could require genital exams for WA secondary school students</a> <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/sarah-mizes-tan"></a>- KUOW
<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/school-cell-phone-ban-proposed-by-wa-governor-superintendent/">School cellphone ban proposed by WA governor, superintendent</a> - The Seattle Times 
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network

This week, Gov. Ferguson also threw his weight behind a cell phone ban in K-12 public schools.

Front Page: Seattle's data center ban, KUOW's reporting on trans athlete ballot initiative 

We’re just over six months into Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's tenure, which means the honeymoon period’s in the rear view mirror. Voters have gotten a look at how her administration is handling  some of the biggest issues facing the city:
How ready is Seattle to host its first World Cup game on Monday?
What happened to those 500 shelter beds that were supposed to be added before the games
How is the Mayor taking criticism from the business community over some of her progressive messaging?
How will Wilson, as a former transit rider organizer, prioritize moving people throughout the city?

Guest:

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson

Relevant Links:

Seattle Times: Mayor Wilson agrees to turn on stadium-area cameras ahead of World Cup 

Politico: The World Cup’s biggest policy bet

Seattle Times: Seattle mayor pitches sales tax increase to boost bus service 

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

We&rsquo;re just over six months into Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's tenure, which means the honeymoon period&rsquo;s in the rear view mirror. Voters have gotten a look at how her administration is handling&nbsp; some of the biggest issues facing the city:
<ul>
<li>How ready is Seattle to host its first World Cup game on Monday?</li>
<li>What happened to those 500 shelter beds that were supposed to be added before the games</li>
<li>How is the Mayor taking criticism from the business community over some of her progressive messaging?</li>
<li>How will Wilson, as a former transit rider organizer, prioritize moving people throughout the city?</li>
</ul>
Guest:
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson
Relevant Links:
Seattle Times: <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/mayor-wilson-agrees-to-turn-on-stadium-area-cameras-ahead-of-world-cup/">Mayor Wilson agrees to turn on stadium-area cameras ahead of World Cup&nbsp;</a>
Politico: <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/31/world-cup-seattle-housing-00749371">The World Cup&rsquo;s biggest policy bet</a>
Seattle Times: <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/seattle-mayor-pitches-sales-tax-increase-to-boost-bus-services/">Seattle mayor pitches sales tax increase to boost bus service&nbsp;</a>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

We’re just over six months into Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's tenure, which means the honeymoon period’s in the rear view mirror. Voters have gotten a look at how her administration is handling  some of the biggest issues facing the city

Seattle Mayor Wilson on World Cup, CCTV cameras, shelter promise, and Ballard light rail

In Washington, many families that have children with disabilities are supposed to have help with care. Actually finding that help, though, can be incredibly difficult.

The struggle some families have experienced and the lengths they're going to to try to make it better.

 

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

In Washington, many families that have children with disabilities are supposed to have help with care. Actually finding that help, though, can be incredibly difficult.
The struggle some families have experienced and the lengths they're going to to try to make it better.
&nbsp;
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

In Washington, many families that have children with disabilities are supposed to have help with care. Actually finding that help, though, can be incredibly difficult.

Many parent caregivers are struggling with disability care. Here are their stories.

If you’re a TV news viewer in  Seattle, there’s a REALLY good chance you know this signoff:

“Lori Matsukawa, KING 5 News” 

Lori spent 36 years as one of KING 5’s most celebrated news anchors, before retiring in 2019. Now, she has written a memoir which takes readers from rural Oahu, to Stanford University, and from the skies above Mt. St. Helens as it erupted to the Imperial Palace of Japan. 

Lori Matsukawa’s book is titled “Being There: Memoir of an Asian American Journalist.” 

GUEST: Lori Matsukawa

LINK:Being There: Memoir of an Asian American Journalist by Lori Matsukawa

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

If you&rsquo;re a TV news viewer in&nbsp; Seattle, there&rsquo;s a REALLY good chance you know this signoff:
&ldquo;Lori Matsukawa, KING 5 News&rdquo;&nbsp;
Lori spent 36 years as one of KING 5&rsquo;s most celebrated news anchors, before retiring in 2019. Now, she has written a memoir which takes readers from rural Oahu, to Stanford University, and from the skies above Mt. St. Helens as it erupted to the Imperial Palace of Japan.&nbsp;
Lori Matsukawa&rsquo;s book is titled &ldquo;Being There: Memoir of an Asian American Journalist.&rdquo;&nbsp;
GUEST: Lori Matsukawa
LINK: <a href="https://www.chinmusicpress.com/product-page/being-there-memoir-of-an-asian-american-journalist">Being There: Memoir of an Asian American Journalist by Lori Matsukawa</a>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Lori Matsukawa reflects on 36 years at KING 5 news and beyond with Soundside's Libby Denkmann

How Lori Matsukawa became a Seattle news icon

Every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page.

It’s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward.

Guest
Chase Hutchinson, film critic and journalist

Related Links

Sound Transit study suggests fare gates at 14 busy stations by 2030 - The Seattle Times
Sound Transit Recommends Fare Gates at 14 Stations for Initial Pilot - The Urbanist
‘Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ Boost Movie Theaters to Major Win at May Box Office - The Hollywood Reporter
SIFF bringing back 70mm screenings for Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ - The Seattle Times



Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page.
It&rsquo;s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward.
Guest
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hutchthegreat/?hl=en">Chase Hutchinson, film critic and journalist</a></li>
</ul>
Related Links
<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-study-suggests-fare-gates-at-14-busy-stations-by-2030/">Sound Transit study suggests fare gates at 14 busy stations by 2030</a> - The Seattle Times <a href="https://www.theurbanist.org/so/">Sound Transit Recommends Fare Gates at 14 Stations for Initial Pilot</a> - The Urbanist <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/may-box-office-exhibitors-1236610415/">&lsquo;Backrooms&rsquo; and &lsquo;Obsession&rsquo; Boost Movie Theaters to Major Win at May Box Office</a> - The Hollywood Reporter <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/movies/siff-bringing-back-70mm-screenings-for-christopher-nolans-the-odyssey/">SIFF bringing back 70mm screenings for Christopher Nolan&rsquo;s &lsquo;The Odyssey&rsquo;</a> - The Seattle Times 
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Listen to this episode if you've always wondered why film bros are talking about 70mm screenings.

Soundside

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