Growing In Discernment In our first reading this weekend we hear the impressive story of Solomon being offered anything he wished from the Lord. He chose the gift of wisdom (knowledge of God) instead of material riches. The Lord rewarded this choice, and his kingship began on a very good footing. Unfortunately, Solomon took many foreign wives and concubines (700 wives, 300 concubines; 1 Kings 11:3). These marriages led him to tolerate and ultimately participate in the worship of their gods. Scripture explicitly says his heart was turned away from the Lord. I cannot help but think the same thing has happened in many of our Catholic institutions of learning. In the desire to be inclusive and to appeal to a wider audience, many Catholic schools and universities have lost their Catholic identity and become private schools that make a pretense of our faith while denying its real power (cf. 2 Tim 3:5). Right before he was elected, our 265th pope, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger wrote: “Today, having a clear faith based on the Creed of the Church is often labeled as fundamentalism. Whereas relativism — that is, letting oneself be ‘tossed here and there, carried about by every wind of doctrine’ — seems the only attitude that can cope with modern times. We are building a dictatorship of relativism that does not recognize anything as definitive and whose ultimate goal consists solely of one's own ego and desires. We, however, have a different goal: the Son of God, the true man. He is the measure of true humanism. An ‘adult’ faith is not a faith that follows the trends of fashion and the latest novelty; a mature, adult faith is deeply rooted in friendship with Christ. It is this friendship that opens us up to all that is good and gives us a criterion by which to distinguish the true from the false, and deceit from truth. We must develop this adult faith; we must guide the flock of Christ to this faith. And it is this faith — only faith — that creates unity and is fulfilled in love.” St. Paul reminds us that without love we are nothing but a clanging symbol. Love is not tolerating anything and everything; it is rooted in the truth God has revealed to us. Let us pray for a mature faith, rooted in love for God and for one another, that does not compromise but speaks the truth in love (cf. Eph 4:15). In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

The Knights of Columbus and Random Acts of Kindness I just returned from the Chalet Theatre in Enumclaw after my 11th viewing of the Knights of Columbus production, The Face of Mercy. I still get choked up during parts of it. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it. A huge thanks to all the Knights in our parish family for the many great things you do. I am a proud lifetime member and joined while I was in the seminary. The Knights showed tremendous kindness and support to me along the way and continue to do so; I am very grateful. I also remember a woman from my former parish who came to tell me about her mother, a real role model and woman of faith. Her husband had abandoned the family, and one Christmas they were in dire straits: they could not afford a tree, presents, or even enough food. She said she walked past her mother’s bedroom and saw her kneeling on the floor, praying the Rosary and begging God to help provide for the family. A short time later there was a knock at the door, and several Knights of Columbus arrived with a beautiful Christmas tree, presents, and a generous dinner for everyone. I was deeply moved by her testimony. I have always believed in the power of praying mothers and trust that the Lord has a special tenderness for them and the sacrifices they make for their families. There currently isn’t a working kitchen in the rectory because of a major plumbing breakdown. We were able to order new appliances over the Fourth of July holiday at a great discount, but there was nowhere to store them. I had to tackle my garage (a danger zone) and clean it out. I lined the driveway with items that needed to go to the dump. I don’t own a truck and was going to have to ask for help or rent one. One morning I woke to find everything cleared away. I tried to discover who performed this random act of kindness so I could say “thank you,” but I haven’t been able to find out. Thanks to whoever it was — and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a member of the Knights of Columbus. I am feeling grateful and blessed to be part of our parish family. Have a blessed week! In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Putting God First Our Scripture readings this weekend speak of the necessity of dying to ourselves and taking up our cross. Without the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, this teaching can seem harsh. For those growing toward spiritual maturity, it is foundational to being a disciple of Jesus Christ. What the Lord is actually teaching us is that God must come first in our lives, not be a secondary consideration. I remember reading a warning years ago about this perennial temptation: “The germ of all temptation is setting God aside, so that he seems to be a secondary concern compared with the urgent priorities of our lives. To consider ourselves and the needs and desires of the moment more important than he is—that is the temptation that always besets us. In doing so, we deny God his divinity, and we make ourselves, or rather the powers that threaten us, into our god.” (Pope Benedict XVI, On the Way to Jesus Christ, p. 86) We live in a society filled with idols, things that try to crowd out and replace our relationship with God. The widespread attempt to make faith merely a private, unimportant matter within our secularized society has ushered in many vices, dysfunctions, and chaos. We especially see these destructive effects within our families. When the Lord is first in our lives, the Holy Spirit orders and directs us toward the goal of love of God and love of neighbor. The first reading shows how putting someone else’s needs first (Elisha the prophet) brought the blessing of a child. Hospitality is a vital part of our Christian faith; making people feel loved and welcomed is the first step in sharing our faith with them. Taking up our cross in the modern world means laying down our cell phones and busy schedules and actively praying in the Holy Spirit for opportunities to be present to the Lord, who helps us be present to ourselves and to others. Many of Jesus’ teachings initially sound harsh because we hear them in the flesh and not in the Spirit. When we hear and obey them, our lives bear spiritual fruit, and healing and redemption are furthered in our world today. Have a blessed week! In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Yoked with Christ I am writing at the close of a deeply blessed five-day retreat at Franciscan University in Steubenville. The talks, Adoration, and prayer have been consoling and restorative. I leave rejuvenated and eager to share what the Lord has poured into me. On the first night one presenter spoke about acedia, a spiritual weariness that pushes us to substitute activity and busyness for real intimacy with God. The remedy he offered comes straight from Matthew 11:28–30: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me… for my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” During a guided meditation I was drawn back to a memory of lying on a dock at Lake Crescent with friends, staring up at a spectacular, meteor streaked sky. In that vastness I felt small and insignificant, until the Spirit gently brought me to the truth of the Incarnation. God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to draw us into a new life. Jesus invites us to take His yoke, not as a burden, but as companionship and formation. A yoke pairs two together so the more experienced guides the pace. When we are yoked to Christ, we do not walk alone or have to manufacture our worth by constant doing. We learn to pace our lives by gazing at Him, allowing His meekness and humility to shape our steps and to give rest to our hearts. May we all, especially when weariness tempts us to run ahead or to retreat into busyness, take up His gentle yoke and rest in His presence. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop

Get ready for Cathletics VBS - where kids train to become Champions for Christ! This high-energy, Olympic-themed adventure inspires children to aim high, grow strong in God’s Word, and go for the gold in their Catholic faith. Event Details REGISTRATION CLOSED Dates: July 27 - July 31st, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Friday ends at 1:30 PM) Location: St. Barbara Catholic Church, Black Diamond, WA Ages: Children entering Kindergarten - incoming 5th Graders View example schedule here 📞 Have questions? Contact Zack Midles at 360-789-5589 or zmidles@gmail.com 💲 Cost: See tables below! --> Includes snacks, craft supplies, and take-home items. (Full and Partial Scholarships available!) If you have already registered but are looking for payment instructions, you can go here: https://www.stbarbarachurch.org/vbs-payment-page 🎉 Volunteer Perk: Parents or Guardians who volunteer 3 or more days during VBS receive 25% off registration + early registration access! Registration CLOSED Limited spots available! ✔️ General registration closes June 28th (or when full) Number of Children Price per Child Total Cost 1 Child $85 $85 2 Children $75 Per Child $150 3+ Children $70 Per Child (Family Cap: $210 for 3+ kids) $210 Max Total Full and Partial Scholarships available, we don't want cost to be a reason to not come! ✔️ Volunteer 25% discount registration Number of Children Price per Child Total Cost 1 Child $63 $63 2 Children $56 per child $112 3+ Children $52 Per Child (Family Cap: $123.75 for 3+ kids) $156 ✨ What to Expect Every day is packed with faith-building fun, including: 📖 Bible Stories & Lessons – Making Scripture come to life 🙏 Catholic Prayers & Traditions – Woven into daily activities 🎨 Creative Crafts & Hands-On Projects – Bringing faith into action 🎶 Music, Worship & Movement – Singing and celebrating together 🏃 Outdoor Games & Team Challenges – Building friendships & teamwork 🎉 Friday Family Celebration – Parents are invited to join the joy! This program is designed to help children connect with their faith in a fun, engaging, and memorable way. We Need You! Parent & Guardian Volunteers Get Perks! VBS is only possible with the help of volunteers like you! Whether you can serve for a day or the entire week, your presence makes a difference. ✅ Volunteer Perks: Free childcare – For younger siblings (toddler - pre-K) on volunteer days (limited spots). 25% off your child’s VBS registration – If you volunteer for 3 or more days! Middle schoolers can help – If a parent is also volunteering that day. Ways to Help: Group Leaders & Assistants – Guide small groups Snack & Craft Helpers – Support hands-on activities Game Leaders – Organize outdoor fun Music Leaders – Help kids engage through song and movement Youth Volunteers (High School) – Assist with songs, skits, and small groups Setup & Cleanup Crew – Help create a welcoming space and clean up on Friday Single Day Shifts Available Registration CLOSED 📣 Spread the Word! VBS is more fun with friends! Invite other families to join this unforgettable journey of faith. Have questions? Contact Zack Midles at 360-789-5589 or 📧 zmidles@gmail.com Mark your calendars and register early – spaces fill quickly! We can’t wait to see you at VBS! 🌟

Reparation — Overcoming Evil with Good If you have not read Archbishop Etienne’s pastoral letter on the Sacred Heart, I highly encourage you to do so. It appears in the most recent edition of Northwest Catholic and is also available on the Archdiocesan website. It offers a beautiful exposition of the Sacred Heart devotion and explains why it is so relevant. Reading the section on reparation reminded me of an experience I had while attending the 2005 International Retreat for Priests in Ars, France. One day we were bused to Paray‑le‑Monial, the town where the apparitions were given to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. We were told the day was set aside as a day of reparation for the clergy sexual‑abuse crisis. I entered the day with a partially hardened heart — feeling shame about the whole sad reality but also thinking that I hadn’t done anything wrong. I felt anger toward those bad priests and at the harm they inflicted on innocent children. As the day went on, numerous presentations explained the significance of the Sacred Heart apparitions and devotion. I could feel my heart beginning to soften and realized that we couldn’t run away from the tragedy but had to do what we could to seek forgiveness and healing. Whether we like it or not, our actions affect one another for good or for ill. The theology of reparation is rooted in St. Paul’s words to the Colossians: “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church” (Colossians 1:24). Seeking reparation for our sins and for those of others helps us avoid a victim spirit. We can offer our sufferings for the good of the Church, and in doing so the Holy Spirit leads us to deep healing and to a sharing in the sufferings of Christ. In this way we are enabled to love with the heart of Jesus for the salvation of the world. Recently a friend who was facing serious medical problems told me she was offering that suffering for the conversion of at least fifty priests. I smiled and thanked her. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Learning From The Example of Others My first assignment as a newly ordained priest was with Fr. Jim Lee, who passed away on December 22, 2024. He was a great blessing and mentor to me, and I thank God that I had the opportunity to learn from him. We both stepped into a very difficult environment because past leadership in the parish had greatly compromised and undermined the role of the pastor and, in general, the clergy. A group of people loyal to the previous pastor and determined to resist the new leadership quickly formed, and we had to deal with their complaints. They were not at all orthodox or faithful to Catholic teaching and doctrine. One of these members cornered me after Mass and criticized me for declaring the divinity of Jesus Christ, saying that he clearly didn’t believe in it. He had been helping as a catechist with people interested in coming into the Catholic Church. We had numerous meetings with this group of disgruntled parishioners; it was a very difficult time, especially for Fr. Lee. I was still on my honeymoon as a newly ordained priest. Although I was included in some of their complaints, which they shared with the Archdiocese, they were incredibly unkind and vicious toward Fr. Lee. Eventually, a representative from the Archdiocese was brought into one of these meetings. When I asked her how she thought the meeting had gone (which I thought was awful because of the conduct and disrespect shown), she replied, “It is hard to hold hands with a hissing snake.” Through this tumultuous first year, Fr. Lee demonstrated tremendous charity but ultimately discerned that these people were not going to show respect or, in any way, be team players; they were determined to attack and undermine him. He finally concluded that they were taking his time and pastoral attention away from other people who truly believed in Catholic teaching. He respectfully said that he would celebrate the Sacraments for them but did not wish to dedicate any further time or attention to their concerns. I must admit that my response to them wasn’t quite as charitable. Fr. Lee taught me that the way we conduct ourselves in these situations is of utmost importance. Scripture says to overcome evil with good (cf. Romans 12:21). I am so grateful for the wonderful men and women God has surrounded me with, who teach us by their example to follow the way of Jesus. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

“Ollie” The Octopus My father had a tremendous love and appreciation for the splendor of God’s creation. When he was eleven, his parents gave him John James Audubon’s book The Birds of America, and he memorized many of the birds by their Latin names. He instilled this love and fascination with God’s creatures in my brother and me. Shortly after my fourth birthday, I remember my encounter with “Ollie” the octopus. My father came home from work and called my brother and me to his side. He said there was a tremendous problem we had to help solve: Ollie the octopus had escaped from the aquarium (of course, there was no aquarium in Pullman, Washington), and we had to find him. We began a thorough search throughout the house, looking in closets, cupboards, and even the refrigerator. Our search finally ended in the bathroom. My father slowly opened the door, and there was a tentacle draped over the top of the bathtub. Our eyes were the size of saucers! We found Ollie! My childhood was filled with adventures in nature, including many fishing and hunting trips, as well as collecting bugs with those little plastic bug containers complete with tweezers. Nowadays, many children sit glued to televisions, computers, and smartphones, failing to recognize the splendor of God’s creation and to see how His glory is reflected in it. As we begin the summer months, I hope we can all find time to break away from our technology, enjoy the works of God’s creation, and be drawn into a spirit of gratitude for everything that reflects His majesty and glory. Have a blessed summer! In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

This June 11, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Devotion to the Sacred Heart has developed over the centuries following the experiences of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and the apparitions she witnessed in the seventeenth century. Popes have lauded the practice of consecration of the self, home, and even whole nations to the Sacred Heart. Why Consecrate our Nation? Archbishop Alexander K. Says that, “by celebrating this important national anniversary with this devotion, we have the opportunity to encourage all Catholics to honor our Lord and to infuse the spirit of the Gospel into various communities and departments of life. As we reflect with gratitude on the blessings God has bestowed on our country, our devotion to the Sacred Heart demands that we consider how we might foster truth, justice, and charity in American life. We are called to bring our faith into the actions we take and the lives we lead in our communities. This anniversary and consecration will be a great opportunity to promote the beautiful devotion to the Sacred Heart and to encourage the laity to offer their lives in service to God and their country. This consecration calls us all to a deeper devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.” You can watch the livestream of the consecration of the United States of America on Thursday, June 11, at 1 pm Pacific Time on the USCCB’s YouTube channel, youtube.com/usccb. To learn more and read what Archbishop Etienne just wrote in a new pastoral letter entirely devoted to the Sacred Heart, emphasizing the importance and relevance of this devotion. Please go here. The letter can be read in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. https://archseattle.org/sacredheart/ If you’d like to join in the Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Please go here for information. https://www.usccb.org/novena-sacred-heart-jesus Lastly we’d like to invite you to check out these five ways to grow closer to The Sacred Heart of Jesus available here. https://seattlearch.app.box.com/s/id1gkel4d0qb4tqevr9i0ek0d5m72kdg/file/2226485661433 We pray you join us in devotion to The Sacred Heart of Jesus this month of June and celebrate with us here at Parish Family #32. Many blessings.

Corpus Christi & Giving Thanks This weekend we celebrate Corpus Christi, a wonderful opportunity to give thanks for the marvelous gift of the Eucharist. I pray we will all deepen our love and our ability to “become what we receive” (St. Augustine). I also celebrate 29 years of ordination and service as a priest in the Archdiocese of Seattle. It is hard to believe how quickly the years have passed and how many amazing people I have met and accompanied in ministry. I truly feel blessed and grateful to mark this milestone and thank you all for your prayers, love, and support. I thank the Lord for my co-workers in the vineyard, our parish staff and the many volunteers who share their gifts and talents in service to our parish. I am very grateful for each of them. Lastly, I thank the Lord for the families who make up our parish. You have shown tremendous patience through the Partners in the Gospel program. As I’ve told you often, when I hear of the challenges some of my brother priests face, I leave those meetings with a deep sense of gratitude for this community’s love for the Lord and commitment. I pray you will have opportunities to rest and enjoy the summer. My brother and I have long made an annual fishing trip in honor of our father, but this year a family cruise to Alaska will replace that tradition in mid-September. Have a very blessed week. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Fanning The Flame Our celebration of Pentecost last weekend gave us a wonderful opportunity to thank the Lord for fulfilling his promise to fill us with power from on high to face the challenges of discipleship. I am well aware, as I have stated in my homilies, that not every Catholic has experienced baptism in the Holy Spirit, which is a tragedy since God wants everyone to have this grace. Trying to live out our vocations without the grace of Pentecost is like trying to play soccer with a half‑inflated ball — a timely image in light of the World Cup being hosted in Seattle in a few weeks! Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a tremendous gift, and I am so grateful that the Lord put people in my life who showed me how to yield to this grace. What drew me to open my heart was the witness of those who had already experienced it: the way they lived, the joy radiating from them, and the affectionate way they spoke of their relationship with God in Jesus Christ. They spoke about the Lord as if he were a real person who had dramatically changed their lives. We need powerful renewal in the Catholic Church so people can experience the reality of discipleship and be able to draw others to Christ. We cannot give what we do not have. Below is part of the Novena for Pentecost I received last October when I attended a powerful conference in Houston, Texas. The full text of the prayer can be found on the Pentecost Today website (www.pentecosttoday.org): Come, Holy Spirit! Fall afresh on us that we might receive an experience of the love of the Father and fully surrender to Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Come, Holy Spirit! Fill us with your power and presence. Transform us with your sanctifying gifts to make us holy, and equip us with your charismatic gifts for the building up of the Church and the evangelization of the world. Create in us a new heart, that we may be conformed to your will and be one in Christ. Have a blessed week, and may the Holy Spirit be fanned into flame in our hearts and in our Church. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

The Promise of the Father - Pentecost You have heard me speak frequently about the importance of Pentecost and our ability to welcome the gift of the Holy Spirit into our lives to help strengthen and guide us through the joys and challenges of Christian discipleship. There are three things I would like to highlight regarding the grace of Pentecost. Let’s call them the three “P’s” of Pentecost. Power. Jesus told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were empowered from on high (cf. Luke 24:49). When the Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples, they were immediately sent out with that power to preach the Gospel with boldness. The Holy Spirit gave them the ability to overcome obstacles (especially cultural barriers) and to “cut them to the heart” (cf. Acts 2:37). We need this power today to help us be bold and to put into practice the Scripture someone gave me before I went into the seminary: “Not by power nor by might, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6). The grace of Pentecost moves us out of self-reliance and into reliance on God’s grace and His power working within us. Purpose (Clarity of Mind & Heart). Before enduring his passion, Jesus told us that he would send an Advocate who would lead us into all truth (cf. John 16:13). The Holy Spirit moves us away from superficial and fleeting pleasures and into servants of God who follow His commandments to love one another as He has loved us (cf. John 13:34). The grace of Pentecost helps us focus on the things that really matter. Our purpose is to serve and glorify God and to help usher in the Kingdom of God through forgiveness and reconciliation. Gazing at the news and headlines, we see so much confusion and lack of purpose. The Holy Spirit helps us to feel our dignity as children of God and to live out the grace of our baptism. Proclamation. When the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary, she said, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46). The grace of Pentecost enables us to give the glory and honor to God where it belongs. We are the creatures and God is the Creator. We honor and reverence that relationship and, unlike Adam and Eve, do not fall for the lie of wanting to compete with God. The grace of Pentecost orders our entire lives — body, mind, and spirit — to the greater glory of God. We desperately need the grace of Pentecost in our Church today. It all starts with each one of us praying for the gift of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and allowing the Holy Spirit to send us forth with power, purpose, and proclamation. Have a most blessed Pentecost! In Christ, Fr. James Northrop — Pastor