St. Barbara
Catholic Church
Black Diamond, WA

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,   Our parish will soon host Partners in the Gospel listening sessions, and I warmly invite you to participate. These sessions are opportunities for our community to share what nourishes our faith, what challenges our parish, and how we can better serve families, form disciples, and reach those who have drifted away. Your experience, concerns, and hopes are vital to shaping how we move forward together.   Why attend? •         Your voice he

Dear Parish Family, In our journey as disciples of Christ, we are called not only to care for the physical needs of others but also to tend to the needs of the soul. This is where the Spiritual Works of Mercy come into focus: seven beautiful and challenging ways we are invited to love others as Christ loves us. While the Corporal Works of Mercy address tangible, bodily needs (feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, etc.), the Spiritual Works of Mercy remind us that the s

The Need For Pentecost   I have just finished the 2025 Pentecost Today National Leaders Meeting & Conference in Houston, Texas. What an amazing experience and blessing to meet people from all over the country who are praying for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit to move in our Church.   There is a special grace whenever we are open and docile to the activity of the Holy Spirit. St. Bonaventure once said, “The Holy Spirit comes where He is loved, where He is invited, where H

An Introduction to the Works of Michael O’Brien This week, I’d like to highlight the work of a modern Catholic voice who continues to inspire readers around the world: Michael O’Brien. He is one of my favorite authors, and his books have been a tremendous blessing to me over the years. A Canadian author, painter, and speaker, Michael O’Brien is perhaps best known for his acclaimed novel Father Elijah: An Apocalypse, published by Ignatius Press in 1996. This powerful work blen

Fall, the Rosary, & Safety Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I have such cherished memories from childhood, whether it was hunting for mushrooms, deer hunting, or learning to grow in the art of photography. Fall also reminds us of our vulnerability. As the weather turns colder and more unpredictable, we are reminded how fragile we are, and how quickly our routines and sense of security can be disrupted. Yesterday, I was deeply