Champoux Honored for 50th Anniversary

Yakima Herald-Republic, YAKIMA, Wash. -- After passing the half century mark, now there are even more honors. The Rev. Tom Champoux is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a priest. Champoux, a Yakima native, is pastor of Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland. He was honored recently at his parish with news that Pope Francis had named him a Chaplain to His Holiness, with the honorary title of Monsignor. The surprise announcement was delivered by Bishop Joseph Tyson. In his homily to parishioners, Tyson said, “Father Tom Champoux has embodied ... God’s grace in concrete acts of charity and kindness and, you, by bringing him your challenges, have shaped and formed him as a priest who gives you ‘a reason for your hope.’”

Champoux served as director of Catholic Charities until 1996 and has continued as chairman of the board of trustees.

He will be celebrating a Mass of Thanksgiving at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 28, at St. Paul Cathedral, the parish where he grew up.