Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,   In January I shared with you information about the Pastoral Family Advisory Council and our next steps in moving forward with the Partners in the Gospel program.   We had our first meeting last Thursday (April 3, 2025) at Sacred Heart parish and it was led by our Parish Family Liason, Tom East. We gathered for a simple meal and had an orientation as to our future together.   The Pastoral Family Advisory Council is the pastor’s go-to group to consult about Partners in the Gospel, including changes that impact the parish family, shared events, collaboration across parishes, and more. Comprised of parishioners from each parish in the parish family, this council focuses on the health of the entire parish family, looking beyond the needs of each individual community. They will be the key consultative body for the creation of the strategic pastoral plan called the One Parish Plan that will be submitted to the archbishop prior to becoming one canonical parish. They will also help ensure the necessary discernment processes are in place for the completion of the strategic pastoral plan.   I wanted to introduce the members of the PFAC to you so that you can go to them with your concerns and feedback as we move forward.   St. Barbara Parish Emily Simburger Matt Covelo Roberto Salas   Sacred Heart Parish Dave Weston Neomi Luna Zbig Kasprzyk   St. Aloysius Parish Teresa Cover Tom Marino   Please keep these members and all of our parish leadership in your prayers and feel free to share your concerns with them as they will be the “eyes and ears” for our parish communities in the future.   in Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Archbishop Etienne invites the faithful to fully participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent in this Jubilee Year of hope. Download the “How to go to Confession” guide created especially for this Jubilee Year Find a confession near you!

Watch this inspirational new video, created especially for the Archdiocese of Seattle’s 175th anniversary, which covers the history of the archdiocese, from its founding in 1850 to present day. This video features the milestones, visionary leadership, change and resilience that are part of our archdiocese’s great legacy of faith. For Spanish captions, click the cc on the bottom right and choose Espanol.  Discover the rich history and vibrant celebrations of the Archdiocese of Seattle’s 175th anniversary! Visit this page  to explore milestone events, historical insights, and ways to participate in this momentous occasion.

Praying the Pirate's Prayer Recently, a friend shared with me the Pirate’s Prayer which is a great resource to help us in our spiritual journey. In our daily lives, finding a structured yet personal way to connect with God can be challenging. The Pirate's Prayer, humorously named after the "ARRR" acronym, offers a simple and effective method to deepen your spiritual practice. Here's how you can incorporate this prayer into your routine: A – Acknowledge Begin by taking a moment to recognize God's presence with you. Reflect on your current feelings, thoughts, and any concerns weighing on your heart and mind. This step sets the foundation for an honest dialogue with God. R – Relate Openly share these reflections with God. Speak candidly about your joys, struggles, and desires, holding nothing back. This transparency fosters a deeper connection and trust in your relationship with Him. R – Receive After sharing, enter a period of quiet receptiveness. Be attentive to any thoughts, feelings, or Scripture passages that come to mind, as these may be ways God communicates with you. Remember, even in silence, God's presence is profound, and resting in that silence is a meaningful part of prayer. R – Respond Conclude by considering how you'll act upon the insights gained during your prayer. This might involve making changes in your life, continuing to pray about specific issues, or taking concrete steps inspired by your time with God. Seek His guidance on how to move forward faithfully. The Pirate's Prayer is versatile and can be practiced anywhere, whether you have a few minutes or a longer period to dedicate. It's particularly helpful when you're uncertain about how to begin your conversation with God, providing a clear framework to express yourself and listen to His guidance. By regularly engaging in this prayer method, you can navigate the seas of life with a clearer sense of direction and a deeper connection to your faith. I hope you are all enjoying a fruitful Lent! In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Welcome to the Parish Family Virtual Map for the Archdiocese of Seattle (Unofficial & Independently Created Resource) About This Map This Parish Family Virtual Map for the Archdiocese of Seattle is an independent tool designed to help Catholics navigate the Partners in the Gospel Program and understand Seattle Catholic parish boundaries . 📌 Important: This project is not affiliated with the Archdiocese of Seattle . It is an independently made map intended as a resource for those looking to explore parish groupings and understand how the parish restructuring plan works. View Map >>>

The Psalms - Heartfelt Dialogue with God   The Psalms have long been called the “prayer book” of the Bible, a collection of songs, prayers, and poems that express the full range of human emotion. They capture moments of joy, sorrow, fear, praise, and lament, all woven together in a powerful dialogue with God. For centuries, these ancient prayers have been a source of comfort, strength, and inspiration for believers, and they continue to speak to us today in the midst of our own challenges and joys.   The beauty of the Psalms lies in their raw honesty. The psalmists didn’t shy away from expressing their deepest struggles, doubts, and frustrations. In the face of hardship, they cried out to God with desperate pleas for help. And yet, even in their moments of anguish, the Psalms always return to a place of trust and hope in God’s love and faithfulness. They teach us that it is not only okay to bring our troubles before God, but it is also an essential part of our relationship with Him.   Psalm 23, perhaps one of the most well-known psalms, beautifully expresses the comfort of God’s presence in times of fear and uncertainty: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” It’s a reminder that, no matter the circumstances, God walks beside us, guiding us with His loving care. This psalm offers peace to our hearts, reminding us that even in the darkest valleys, God is with us, and we lack nothing when we trust in His provision.   The Psalms also invite us to praise God for His greatness. In Psalm 100, the psalmist declares, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” These words remind us that our relationship with God isn’t one-sided; it is meant to be filled with joyful worship, gratitude, and praise. The Psalms help us lift our voices in adoration of the Creator, acknowledging His goodness and majesty in all things.   Moreover, the Psalms remind us that prayer is not always about asking for something, but about being in God’s presence and seeking His will. Even in our suffering or confusion, the Psalms teach us to turn to God and place our trust in His plan. Psalm 42 expresses this longing beautifully: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” In these words, we are reminded that true fulfillment comes from God alone, and our hearts are most at peace when we seek Him above all else. In our busy lives, it can sometimes feel challenging to pray or find the words to express what we’re feeling. The Psalms are a powerful tool in such moments. They give us the words to voice our own joys, sorrows, hopes, and fears. In praying the Psalms, we enter into the rich tradition of those who have gone before us, finding solace and encouragement in their timeless wisdom.   As we read and reflect on the Psalms, may we remember that they offer us a deep and intimate connection with God. They invite us to bring everything before Him—our gratitude, our struggles, our pain, and our joy. Through these sacred words, we are reminded that God is near, listening to our hearts, and always ready to respond with love, comfort, and peace. “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18   in Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Easter Sunday is almost here, and we’re excited to celebrate with a special Easter Egg Hunt  hosted by the Knights of Columbus ! After the 10:00 AM Mass , families are invited to gather for a fun-filled egg hunt that will begin 10 minutes after Mass ends . 📅 Event Details: When:  Easter Sunday April 20th, right after the 10:00 AM Mass   Where:  Outside Front of the Church Who:  Open to all children! 🥚 How It Works: To make sure everyone has a great time, the egg hunt will happen in stages: 🐣 Ages 4 & under  will go first. (Around 2 minutes of hunting.) 🐰 Ages 5-7  will follow. (Around 2 minutes of hunting.) 🌸 Ages 8 & up  will go last. If any child doesn’t find many eggs, don’t worry! We have extra eggs set aside to make sure everyone goes home with a treat. 🎉 Come Celebrate With Us! This is a wonderful way for families to come together in the joy of Easter. Join us for Mass, stay for the fun, and let’s make this a memorable Easter Sunday! We look forward to seeing you there! 🐰🌸✝️

“Anyway” - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Mother Teresa, a saint known for her selfless love and tireless service, often shared these profound words, known as "Anyway."  These verses remind us that following Christ’s call means loving, serving, and giving—no matter the circumstances. People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. People really need help but may attack you if you help them. Help people anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give the best you’ve got anyway. You see, In the final analysis it is between you and God ;it was never between you and them anyway. At the heart of these words is the message of Christ: to love without condition, to serve without seeking recognition, and to give without expecting anything in return. Jesus Himself faced betrayal, opposition, and even death—yet He loved, healed, and forgave anyway. As disciples, we are called to do the same. In our families, workplaces, and communities, we may encounter ingratitude, misunderstanding, and hardship. But God sees our hearts. He blesses our efforts, even when the world does not. So today, love anyway. Do good anyway. Give anyway. And trust that God will use it all for His greater glory. In Christ,Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

40 Days, 40 Ways - A New Look at Lent   As we approach the season of Lent, a time traditionally dedicated to penance, prayer, and fasting, it’s a perfect moment to consider how we can deepen our spiritual practices. Whether you're looking for new ways to reflect on Christ’s journey to the Cross or seeking fresh inspiration for your Lenten observance, 40 Days, 40 Ways: A New Look at Lent by Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio offers a compelling resource that invites both individuals and families to engage with this sacred season in a meaningful way. In 40 Days, 40 Ways , Dr. D’Ambrosio provides a thoughtful daily devotional that takes readers through Lent with a focus on personal growth, spiritual renewal, and a deeper connection to the Church’s rich tradition. Each day offers a reflection on a specific aspect of the Lenten journey, combined with practical suggestions for how to integrate those insights into daily life. What makes this book unique is its accessibility and relevance. Dr. D’Ambrosio blends rich theological insight with practical, down-to-earth advice, making the Lenten season approachable for readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re a lifelong Catholic or just beginning to explore the liturgical practices of the Church, 40 Days, 40 Ways  offers something for everyone. The structure of the book also makes it easy to use in group settings, like parish study groups or family devotions. With its concise reflections and clear applications, it's a perfect guide for those looking to make Lent a time of personal transformation, rather than just a seasonal ritual. Here are just a few reasons why 40 Days, 40 Ways  is a great choice for your Lenten journey this year: •         Daily Reflections : Each of the 40 days of Lent is paired with a reflection that connects the season to everyday life. •         Practical Guidance : Simple yet profound suggestions for how to incorporate prayer, fasting, and almsgiving into your routine. •         Fresh Perspective : Dr. D’Ambrosio provides new insights that encourage readers to look at familiar Lenten practices with a renewed sense of purpose. •         Accessible for All : Written in an easy-to-understand style, making it perfect for individuals, families, or small groups.   As we prepare for this season of prayer and repentance, 40 Days, 40 Ways  offers a resource that can help you grow spiritually, reflect on Christ’s love, and engage more fully with the traditions of Lent. Make this Lent a season of true transformation—one that leads you closer to the heart of Christ. You can read reviews and get more information about the book on Amazon . in Christ,Fr. Jim