Alexander Joseph Brunett facts for kids

Styles of Alexander Joseph Brunett
Reference style	His Excellency The Most Reverend
Spoken style	Your Excellency
Religious style	Archbishop

Alexander Joseph Brunett (January 17, 1934 – January 31, 2020) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Seattle in Washington State. He held this important role from 1997 until he retired in 2010.

Before Seattle, Brunett was the bishop of the Diocese of Helena in Montana from 1994 to 1997. After his retirement, he also served as a temporary leader, called an apostolic administrator, for the Diocese of Oakland in California from 2012 to 2013.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Brunett became a priest in Rome in 1958. He held several church positions in the Detroit area for many years. In 1994, he was appointed bishop of Helena by Pope John Paul II. Later that year, he became a bishop. He was appointed archbishop of Seattle in 1997. He served until he reached the usual retirement age for bishops in 2010.

Life Story of Alexander Brunett

Growing Up and School

Alexander Joseph Brunett was born in Detroit, Michigan, on January 17, 1934. He was the second of ten children. His father, Raymond Henry Brunett, was a master plumber. His mother, Cecilia Una Mary Brunett, was born in Detroit, but her parents were from Ireland. Alexander's uncle was also a priest. Four of his sisters joined the Dominican Order, a religious group. However, three of them later chose different careers.

As a child, Brunett sold newspapers called The Detroit Times. In 1946, he started studying at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and was the top student in his class. In 1955, he was sent to study at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. There, he earned advanced degrees in theology.

Becoming a Priest

Brunett became a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit on July 13, 1958. This ceremony was led by Archbishop Luigi Traglia. While in Rome, he was chosen to be part of the honor guard for Pope Pius XII after the Pope passed away that same year.

When he returned to Michigan, Brunett worked as an associate pastor at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Detroit from 1959 to 1961. He then served at St. Alphonsus Parish in Dearborn from 1961 to 1962. While at St. Rose, he was asked to study at the University of Detroit. He later earned a Master of Education degree. His thesis was about his experiences at St. Rose.

From 1962 to 1964, Brunett was a chaplain at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He also became a chaplain at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in 1968. Brunett earned a doctorate in theology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He also did more studies in places like Jerusalem, Paris, and Germany.

In 1969, Brunett began teaching sacramental theology. He also served as the dean of St. John Provincial Seminary in Plymouth, Michigan. In 1973, he became the director of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the archdiocese. At the same time, he was the pastor of St. Aidan Parish in Livonia, Michigan. He also led the National Association of Diocesan Ecumenical Officers from 1974 to 1981. Brunett helped start and led the Ecumenical Institute for Jewish-Christian Studies.

He was recognized by the American Jewish Committee for his work. In 1989, he received the Leo Franklin Award from Temple Beth El in Detroit. This award was for his efforts to fight against prejudice and build respect between Catholic and Jewish people. In 1990, Brunett was given the title of Monsignor. In 1991, he became the pastor of the National Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak.

Serving as Bishop of Helena

On April 19, 1994, Pope John Paul II appointed Brunett as the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Helena. He officially became a bishop on July 6, 1994. The ceremony was held at the Cathedral of Saint Helena. Archbishop William Levada led the ceremony, with Archbishops Elden Curtiss and Adam Maida helping.

Soon after arriving in Helena, Brunett started visiting different parts of the diocese. He attended welcoming events and visited many parishes. He often visited local Indian reservations. He was even welcomed into the Blackfeet tribe and given the name "Holy Eagle Feather." In 1996, he was chosen to lead the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' committee on relations with other religions.

Leading as Archbishop of Seattle

Brunett was named the fourth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Seattle on October 28, 1997. He took over from the late Thomas Murphy. He was officially installed in his new role on December 18, 1997. On June 29, 1998, Pope John Paul II presented him with the pallium. This is a special cloth worn by archbishops.

Brunett was one of the Catholic leaders at the 1998 Lambeth Conference. In 1999, he became a co-chair of the Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission. This group works to improve understanding between different Christian churches. His efforts to connect with other faiths led him to meet important leaders. These included Archbishop George Carey of Canterbury, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. In 2006, Gonzaga University gave him an honorary doctorate. This was to recognize his work in talking with different Christian groups and other religions.

During Brunett's time as archbishop, donations from Catholics in Western Washington doubled. This happened even during a difficult economic time. These funds helped build new schools. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic High School opened in 2009 in Vancouver, Washington. Pope John Paul II High School opened in 2010 in Lacey, Washington. He also helped start the Fulcrum Foundation. This foundation gives scholarships to families so their children can attend Catholic schools. He also oversaw the purchase and renovation of the Palisades Retreat Center in Federal Way, Washington.

Retirement and Later Years

When he turned 75 on January 17, 2009, Brunett reached the age when bishops usually retire. He sent his resignation letter to Pope Benedict XVI. He also asked to continue serving for a while longer. His resignation was accepted by Pope Benedict on September 16, 2010. Bishop James Sartain became the new archbishop of Seattle.

Within the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, he served on committees for Native American Catholics. He was also on the board for several seminaries, which are schools for future priests. He was a lifelong fan of the Detroit Lions football team.

Temporary Leadership Role

On September 21, 2012, the Vatican named Brunett the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Oakland. This happened after Bishop Salvatore J. Cordileone moved to become the archbishop of San Francisco. Brunett served as the temporary leader for the diocese. He held this position until a new permanent bishop, Michael C. Barber, was installed on May 25, 2013.

Later Life and Passing

On September 12, 2013, Brunett had a major stroke. He needed intensive medical care. After recovering, Brunett continued to be involved in archdiocesan events. He attended important gatherings until he had a fall on April 26, 2019.

Alexander Brunett passed away in Seattle on January 31, 2020. He was 86 years old.

See also

Episcopal succession