Thank You For Your Prayers I am so grateful to report to you that I had a very successful surgery on Monday and am recovering with the help of all kinds of wonderful people from all three parishes. I truly feel surrounded by the love of God and the care and concern of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you so much. I am so grateful we have access to such great healthcare in our local community. I would like to share a passage of Scripture from St. Paul and just thank you all for your participation and dedication to the Lord as we move forward as a parish family. We are blessed! In Christ, Fr. Jim

The Baptism of the Lord   Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,   As we gather this weekend to celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, we find ourselves reflecting on a profound mystery, the moment when Jesus, the Son of God, chose to step into the waters of the Jordan River. This significant event marks not only the conclusion of the Christmas season but also the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, inviting us to consider our own journey of faith.   In His humble act of baptism, Jesus identified with us, taking on our human condition. Despite being sinless, He willingly chose to embrace the role of a servant, demonstrating an incredible model of humility and love. By being baptized, He set the stage for the sacrament that would later be bestowed upon us, inviting all believers to be washed clean and reborn into a new life.   As we celebrate this feast, we are reminded of the transformative power of our own baptisms. In baptism, we enter into a covenant with God, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit and being embraced into the family of the Church. This sacrament signifies our rebirth as children of God. This is a beautiful reminder that we are called to live in a way that reflects His love and grace in the world.   The Baptism of the Lord also calls us to action. Jesus’ example teaches us that we are not only recipients of His grace but also missionaries of His message. We are invited to pursue a life of service and compassion, reaching out to those in need and sharing the hope we have found in Him. Just as He entered the waters to show solidarity with humanity, we are encouraged to enter into the lives of others, bringing light and love into their darkness.   As we reflect on the significance of our baptism, let us renew our commitment to live as true disciples of Christ. May we strive to embody His virtues of kindness, humility, and love   In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

A New Bible Study Series Begins January 13th! Tuesdays at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Enumclaw Make learning Scripture part of your New Year’s journey. We invite you to a welcoming, beginner-friendly Bible study designed to help you truly understand the story of the Bible, from Genesis to Jesus. In this engaging series, you’ll explore Salvation History, gaining the big-picture framework that will equip you to dive more deeply into Scripture with confidence moving forward. No prior Bible knowledge is needed—just a desire to learn. Where:  CFC Building at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Enumclaw When:  Tuesdays at 10:00 AM   or   6:30 PM Instructor:  Danielle Curl Materials:  Books provided Cost:  In-class donations suggested, never required The study uses Bible Basics for Catholics (Expanded Edition): A New Picture of Salvation History  by John Bergsma. Whether you’re brand new to Bible study or looking for a solid foundation, this class is for you. Join us and start the year grounded in God’s Word. Contact Danielle for questions danielle@sacredheartenumclaw.org

Lectio Divina: Praying with Scripture 10 am Thursdays at Sacred Heart Church, Enumclaw Join us for Lectio Divina, an ancient and beautiful way of praying with Scripture that invites you into a deeper, more personal relationship with God. Lectio Divina - Latin for “Divine Reading” - is a slow, prayerful approach to Scripture traditionally promoted by St. Ignatius, focused not on study, but on spiritual transformation. Together, we move through four gentle stages of prayer: Lectio – reading the Scripture slowly Meditatio – reflecting on a word or phrase that stands out Oratio – responding to God in prayer Contemplatio – resting quietly in God’s presence This gathering is ongoing and continuous, using the upcoming Sunday Gospel each week. No preparation is needed. Scripture readings are provided, and drop-ins are always welcome. Where: CFC Building at Sacred Heart Church, Enumclaw When: Thursdays, 10:00 - 11:00 AM *no meeting on Jan 15th What to bring: Nothing, readings are printed RSVP: Not required Come listen, reflect, and share what God may be speaking to your heart through His Word. Questions? Contact Danielle danielle@sacredheartenumclaw.org

The Epiphany - Our Search For God   Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,   As we gather to celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany, we are reminded of the profound truth that God’s light shines for all nations. The visit of the Magi serves as a powerful symbol of this universal revelation, and it echoes beautifully in the story of Cornelius from the Acts of the Apostles.   In Acts 10, we encounter Cornelius, a Gentile centurion whose heart was already attuned to God. His story exemplifies the divine guidance that accompanies those who earnestly seek truth. Just as the Magi received direction from the star guiding them to the Christ Child, Cornelius was led by a vision that prompted him to seek out Peter. This intersection of faith and divine action reflects our own journeys toward understanding and embracing the gift of God’s love.   The Epiphany calls us to recognize that God's message is not confined by cultural or ethnic boundaries. Cornelius’s conversion marks a significant moment, showing us that the Good News of Jesus is intended for everyone. His sincere prayers and acts of kindness illustrate the restless heart longing for God, a longing that we all share.   We are all called to give an account for the hope inside us (cf. 1 Peter 3:15). I’ll never forget the intense joy I felt as I began to share my faith with others and realized that I could be used to help others encounter Christ. The first few attempts were a bit awkward because most of us who were raised Catholic were never taught how to share our personal testimonies. God brought the right people and resources into my life to help me. The most important thing is the desire of our hearts to show forth the compassion and love we have found in Jesus Christ.   Epiphany is all about recognizing the hunger for God that exists in every heart and praying in the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim God’s marvelous deeds through our words and actions.   God is going to equip us for the works of ministry (cf. Ephesians 4:11-12) as we move forward as a parish family, and wonderful opportunities await us as we share the hope that does not disappoint (Romans 5:5).   I wish you all a most blessed celebration of the Epiphany.   In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

The True Essence of Christmas   When I was a child, Christmas was one of my favorite times of the year. We spent Christmas with my grandparents in Tacoma, and I have many happy memories of the time we spent with them and other family members.   In 2001, while I was serving as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Enumclaw, I had a very unique Christmas. In some ways, it was a very difficult Christmas, as my grandmother was in the nursing home, and I had been trying to help my grandfather provide care for her. There were many disappointing experiences, as the medical care wasn’t great, and he was feeling overwhelmed trying to take care of her. I took her to many medical appointments.   After finishing all of my Christmas Masses, I left Enumclaw to spend the day with him in Tacoma. I hadn’t had the opportunity to pick up a Christmas gift for him, but I was so grateful to find an open Walgreens and to find a few items and a card to bring to him. I assumed that there would be a few restaurants open to pick up some food. After frantically calling around, I found a Chinese restaurant and was able to get a takeout order.   My grandfather was a man of few words, but he was a man of great integrity and character, and he would give you the shirt off of his back. We shared the meal with little conversation and then went to the nursing home to visit my grandmother. It was a difficult visit, as she was confused (suffering from dementia) and lying on the floor on a mattress. He kissed her goodbye, and we then returned to his home.   When I left his house, I reflected on my experience and realized most of the things I cherished as a child were gone. There were no stockings, Christmas tree, or presents, etc., as I had come to know and appreciate. It was just our family doing the best we could to face a very challenging situation.   Truly, that Christmas taught me to “value the things that really matter” (Philippians 1:10) and that the whole meaning of Christmas is that the Lord is close to us always, but especially in times of challenge and adversity. That is the essence of Christmas.   No matter what challenges you are facing right now I pray you will know how close the Lord is to you and that He will never abandon you but desires that you seek Him with your heart and you will indeed find Him.   In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

"Hymns of Hope: Embracing the Spirit of Christmas"   One of my favorite things about Advent and Christmas is the traditional hymns that we sing and hear.   My favorite Christmas song is “O Holy Night,” and I actually composed a homily entirely based on and inspired by this song. It is so packed with theology and meaning.   Recently, I was scrolling through YouTube and found a performance of “In the Bleak Midwinter.” I looked up the lyrics and found them to be incredibly powerful. The hymn reflects themes of poverty, humility, and divinity. It contrasts the harshness of winter with the warmth of Christ's love and suggests that the most profound offerings to God come from the heart rather than material wealth.   As I researched the history and composition of the hymn, I suddenly had a flashback to a pilgrimage I made to Rome and the General Audience I attended with Pope Benedict XVI on August 25, 2010. I was right below the balcony when he stepped out to deliver his message.   His message was about how everyone should have a special saint whom they love and feel close to in this life. Here is an excerpt from his address:   "Everyone must have some saint with whom he or she is on familiar terms, to feel close to with prayer and intercession, but also to emulate. I would therefore like to ask you to become better acquainted with the saints, starting with those you are named after, by reading their lives and writings. You may rest assured that they will become good guides to help you love the Lord even more and will contribute effective assistance for your human and Christian development.”   He then gave a beautiful testimony of how St. Augustine had inspired him with his zealous search for the truth and how his writings had helped Benedict XVI in his own spiritual journey.   At the end of the speech, he offered a beautiful invitation for people experiencing difficulties or hardships.   "Dear brothers and sisters, I would like to say to all of you, especially to those who are passing through a difficult moment in their journey of faith, to those who take little part in the life of the Church or who live 'as though God did not exist,' not to be afraid of the truth. Never interrupt your journey towards it and never stop searching for the profound truth about yourselves and other things with the inner eye of the heart. God will not fail to provide the light to see by and the warmth to make the heart feel that he loves us and wants to be loved.”   In the bleak midwinter, God came down to provide the warmth we need to know that he loves us and wants to be loved.   As you and your family prepare for the celebration of Christmas, my prayer is that you will know and experience this reality and share it with others.   In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

I Learned The Truth at Seventeen   Shortly before my seventeenth birthday, I had major surgery to try and correct a serious problem that was wreaking havoc in my life. This surgery would be the first of many others to attempt to correct this issue.   In 1975, singer/songwriter Janis Ian wrote a very popular song titled “At Seventeen.” The song reveals the torment of a teenager trying to find acceptance and love through human affirmation.   While the conclusion of the song (in my opinion) presents a cynical outlook on life due to the disappointment of feeling rejection and the introduction of a “victim” spirit—where one's happiness is based on how other people react to us and not on the truth that we are all children of God with a divine purpose and destiny (see Jeremiah 29:11)—the song is very well done and was a popular hit because it probably highlights the feelings of many who live solely focused on seeking human affirmation and love.   During my seventeenth year, while dealing with health problems and the death of a beloved aunt and godmother, God, in His infinite love, broke through my disappointment and misery and showed me that He loved me and had a wonderful plan for my life: to become a Catholic priest. Because of God’s amazing love, my life took a totally different direction. I learned the truth at seventeen, but it was not at all what this song was trying to express.   In the midst of sorrow and loss, God broke into my little world, snatching me away from falling into a spirit of despair and opening the door to the adventure of life in Christ.   This third Sunday of Advent is special. The Church invites us to be renewed in the joy of the Lord. The Lord invites us to recognize His love and creative power to lift us out of trials and misery and to affirm us in His love and the gift of His salvation for those who seek Him. So many people are “Looking For Love In All The Wrong Places” (cf. song by Johnny Lee).   Jesus Christ is waiting to break into our lives at any given moment to liberate us from our sin and error and to lead us into the fullness of life.   As we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, I hope that you too can relate to the intense joy of recognizing and experiencing the true love of God, who loves us intensely and was pleased to share in our humanity so that we could share in His divinity.   In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Waiting in Hope: The Heart of Advent   As we step deeper into the season of Advent, the Church invites us to rediscover one of its most essential themes: waiting. But this waiting is not passive or empty; it is an act of hope. Advent teaches us how Christians are meant to live in time: alert, expectant, and confident that God is at work, even when His presence remains hidden. Jesus uses many parables to show us what this hopeful waiting looks like: servants watching for the master’s return, virgins keeping their lamps lit for the bridegroom, farmers sowing seed and trusting that a harvest will come. Each image points to a truth at the heart of our faith: God is on the move in our world, and our task is to remain awake to His coming.   In many ways, our entire human experience is marked by waiting. Children wait to grow up, adults wait for success or stability, and in the later years of life we often long simply for peace or rest. And yet, there often comes a moment when we realize that our hopes have been too small. We may have placed our hearts in careers, accomplishments, or milestones, only to discover that they do not fully satisfy our deepest longing.   Even more clearly, illness or hardship reveals us as people who wait. We wait for healing, for relief, for good news. But not all waiting is the same. When time feels empty and when we can see nothing meaningful in the present, waiting becomes almost unbearable. But when each moment carries a sense of purpose, even unseen or unfinished, then waiting transforms into something life-giving. It becomes anticipation, even strength.   This is precisely what Advent seeks to give us: a way of waiting that is filled with meaning because God is already near. Christ’s gifts are not limited to some distant future. He is present now, quietly and humbly, speaking through Scripture, through the rhythm of the Church year, through the saints, through the beauty of creation, and through the small events of daily life. We can bring Him our questions, our impatience, our suffering, and know He hears us. If God is truly with us, then no moment is wasted. No season of life, whether illness, old age, or apparent stillness, is ever without value. Even when we can do nothing more than endure, that moment can become a place of growth, ripening, and grace. Christian hope does not escape from time; it fills time with meaning. It teaches us to treasure the present because God’s presence makes every moment capable of bearing fruit for eternity.   As we continue through Advent, may we learn to wait as Christians wait: not anxiously or aimlessly, but with a hope rooted in the God who has already drawn near and who promises to come again.   In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Partners in the Gospel Listening Sessions   Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,   I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in the parish family listening sessions, with a special word of thanks to those who facilitated and took notes. I was able to attend most of the listening sessions and found the process to be helpful in discerning our future as a parish family.   We will have additional listening sessions as we move forward, and I would like to encourage more participation from parishioners. I recently attended a meeting with the director of the Partners in the Gospel program from the Archdiocese of Seattle. He made a comment that I think is unfortunately true: “The vast majority of your parishioners will not take part in this process, and their interest is limited to Mass attendance.”   St. John Paul II once said that “many Catholics are sacramentalized but not evangelized.” I believe this is one of the greatest challenges facing us and is a key reason why parishioner involvement in the Catholic Church is so minimal. Many Catholics have settled for a minimalist version of the Gospel that is lukewarm and unattractive to those around them. We can’t give what we don’t have.   It is a great joy to see people “wake up” and come to experience a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Sacraments, etc., and begin to seek to share their faith with others. However, this is not yet the norm in the Catholic Church. Therefore, I will continue working with parish leadership to help us become an evangelized and evangelizing community. This is what drives my priestly ministry and is the most important goal the Lord has placed in my heart.   Let us continue to pray about everything as we move forward, asking for the grace of a New Pentecost.   In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

The True Face of Holiness: Grace Purifying Our Human Nature In our pursuit of a perfect world, we sometimes cling to an ideal of holiness free from sin and fault. We envision holiness as untouchable, pure, and unblemished. This view can lead to harsh judgments and rejection of people. Yet, Scripture and the life of Christ reveal a different truth: true holiness is not about separation, but union; not about judgment, but love that seeks to redeem. St. Augustine taught that grace builds upon nature, meaning that divine grace does not overthrow or destroy human nature but rather perfects and elevates it. Jesus ’holiness was upsetting to His contemporaries because it did not condemn, but forgave and mingled with sinners. He drew close to those trapped in sin, bearing their burdens and sharing in their plight and drawing so close that He took on their sin Himself. “He was made to be sin” (2 Cor 5:21), showing us that real holiness is found in love that goes to the margins, that touches the dirt of the world to bring God’s mercy. The Church, too, reflects this “unholy holiness.” It is not a pristine, untouchable institution, but a community that bears with one another in patience and love. The holiness of the Church is rooted in her tendency to forgive, to bear one another’s faults, and to offer grace even when her members stumble and fall. This is the true face of divine holiness: love that endures, a love that bears the weight of our brokenness. It is in this humility that we find solace. To be truly holy is to recognize our own weakness and to accept the brokenness of others, knowing that only through mercy and forgiveness can we be lifted up. Our imperfections remind us of our need for grace. Criticisms of the Church often reveal a pride that forgets her true purpose: not to be a pristine organization, but a community of sinners redeemed by love. It is in the faithful who receive her gifts in Word and Sacrament and strive for spiritual excellence that her true beauty is truly revealed. Let us remember: only when we embrace our own frailty and extend patience toward others can we participate in the holiness of Christ. This holiness transforms dirt into beauty, weakness into strength, and despair into hope. Through His grace we are all called to be part of this ongoing journey of redemption. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

St. Barbara’s Annual Giving Tree Program - November 29 th – December 14th It’s that time of the year once again! Our 2025 program will run November 29 th – December 14 th . We are partnering with the following organizations: Black Diamond Food Bank & Community Services, Fountain Court Senior Living & Foster Champs to bring some holiday cheer to those in need this Christmas season. Please consider selecting a tag from the trees located in the church main entrance and the side entrance. Bring your unwrapped gifts with the tag attached to St. Barbara Church and place them under the tree in the main entrance by no later than Sunday, December 14th.  If you have any questions, please contact Deb Melton via email  deb-melton@hotmail.com phone - (425) 281-1447, or Liz Anderson mewja@comcast.net – (425) 238-1025 Thank you in advance for your generosity!