On the first Sunday of each month, something new is happening at St. Ann Parish in east-central Spokane: a Mass in Swahili. Many know the parish for its commitment to social justice work. As the neighborhood around St. Ann has changed, the church has strived to keep serving its neighbors and attracting new parishioners. Some of the new parishioners, immigrants from East Africa, proposed to the pastor that a Mass in Swahili be offered at the parish. Father Patrick Baraza, a native of Kenya and a professor at Gonzaga University, happily agreed.

“It came from the people; I had no idea actually,” he said.

The Mass is the first in Swahili in Eastern Washington. Father Baraza said he is excited for the opportunity to celebrate Mass in his native language at his own parish. Prior to the parishioners approaching him about adding this Mass to the schedule, he said, “I never thought I would say Mass there in Swahili.”

A choir composed of parishioners and volunteers provides music for the liturgy. “They worship in the way they worship back home, because the Church in Africa is a vibrant church,” Father Baraza said. “Singing, praising God, with all your strength, with all your mind, with everything.”

All those interested in experiencing the Mass celebrated in a uniquely East African style are welcome to attend on the first Sunday of every month at 11 a.m. The Mass is the same Mass as is celebrated elsewhere, but the music, forms of participation and experience will be something new for many Catholics. “It is a singing church,” Father Baraza said. “This is not acting; it is their way of life.”

St. Ann Catholic Church is located at 2116 E. 1st Ave. in Spokane.