Our Bishop and Shepherd
"I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently."
Jeremiah 3:15
Bishop of Yakima
Most Rev. Joseph J. Tyson, D.D.
Bishop | Shepherd of the Diocese | Teacher of the Faith
Catholic Diocese of Yakima
Yakima, Washington – USA
www.yakimadiocese.org | Tel: (509)965-7117
Most Reverend Joseph J. Tyson, D.D
Bishop of Yakima
Most Rev. Joseph Jude Tyson was born on October 16 in Moses Lake, Washington, and later moved with his family to Seattle. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1989 for the Archdiocese of Seattle.
Bishop Tyson earned degrees in Russian and Eastern European Studies and Editorial Journalism from the University of Washington, followed by a Master’s in International Relations from the same university. He later completed a Master of Divinity at the Catholic University of America and received an honorary Doctorate of Letters from St. Martin’s University.
In 2005, he was consecrated Auxiliary Bishop of Seattle and served as Vicar General. From 2008 to 2011, he also guided Catholic education as Superintendent of Catholic Schools. On May 31, 2011, Bishop Tyson was installed as the Seventh Bishop of the Diocese of Yakima.
Today, Bishop Tyson serves not only as shepherd of the Diocese of Yakima but also plays an active role nationally. He is the Episcopal Liaison for the Catholic Climate Covenant, Episcopal Moderator for the Catholic Migrant Farmworker Network, and serves on several committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), including those on Pastoral Care for Migrants, Refugees, and Travelers, Hispanic Affairs, and Migration and Refugee Services. He is also a member of the Catholic Relief Services Board of Directors and the Committee for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.
Through his ministry, Bishop Tyson continues to emphasize care for creation, support for migrant farmworkers, cultural diversity, and a deep pastoral commitment to those on the margins of society.
