Faith and Freedom: A Catholic Reflection for the Fourth of July As we gather this week to celebrate the Fourth of July, we give thanks to God for the gift of our nation and the many freedoms we enjoy. This holiday invites not only patriotic pride but also deep spiritual reflection. As Catholic Christians, we recognize that true freedom is not merely the ability to do what we want, but the grace to do what is right. In Galatians 5:13, St. Paul reminds us: “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love become slaves to one another.” This is the heart of Catholic freedom: a freedom rooted in truth, ordered toward love, and expressed in service. Our Founding Fathers spoke of certain “unalienable rights” endowed by our Creator—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As people of faith, we know that the fullness of these rights is realized when they are guided by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Life is sacred from conception to natural death. Liberty is a call to moral responsibility. Happiness is found not in possessions or pleasure, but in a life lived in communion with God and neighbor. This Fourth of July, let us pray for our country: for its leaders, that they may govern with wisdom and integrity; for its citizens, that we may renew our commitment to justice, compassion, and truth; and for our Church, that we may be a prophetic voice in the public square, defending the dignity of every human person. May Mary, the Immaculate Conception and patroness of the United States, intercede for us, that we may always be “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Happy Independence Day—and may our true freedom always be found in Christ! in Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Benedict XVI On Leisure & Reading The Bible Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Last weekend I spoke on the need for our busy culture to rediscover the value of prayer and leisure. For this week’s bulletin column I would like to share with you a wonderful message from Pope Benedict XVI on how the Lord refreshes our hearts through music, art, and prayer. As I speak about frequently, music has been an instrumental part of my faith journey with the Lord. I remember how happy I was when I read a passage in the Book of Revelation that referenced the “Song of Moses”. Not only will we be with the Lord in heaven with our loved ones, but there will also be music! My dad and I played spoons for two and half hours my first Christmas in Tukwila since we didn’t have a midnight Mass. That is a huge cherished memory of God’s goodness for me.  Have a blesssed week!  in Christ, Fr. Jim  Dear Brothers and Sisters, In this period I have recalled several times the need for every Christian, in the midst of the many occupations that fill our days, to find time for God and for prayer. The Lord himself gives us many opportunities to remember him. Today I would like to reflect briefly on one of these channels that can lead to God and can also be of help in the encounter with him. It is the way of artistic expression, part of that “via pulchritudinis” — the “way of beauty”, of which I have spoken several times and whose deepest meaning must be recovered by men and women today. It may have happened on some occasion that you paused before a sculpture, a picture, a few verses of a poem or a piece of music that you found deeply moving, that gave you a sense of joy, a clear perception, that is, that what you beheld was not only matter, a piece of marble or bronze, a painted canvas, a collection of letters or an accumulation of sounds, but something greater, something that “speaks”, that can touch the heart, communicate a message, uplift the mind. A work of art is a product of the creative capacity of the human being who in questioning visible reality, seeks to discover its deep meaning and to communicate it through the language of forms, colour and sound. Art is able to manifest and make visible the human need to surpass the visible, it expresses the thirst and the quest for the infinite. Indeed it resembles a door open on to the infinite, on to a beauty and a truth that go beyond the daily routine. And a work of art can open the eyes of the mind and of the heart, impelling us upward. However some artistic expressions are real highways to God, the supreme Beauty; indeed, they help us to grow in our relationship with him, in prayer. These are works that were born from faith and express faith. We can see an example of this when we visit a Gothic cathedral: we are enraptured by the vertical lines that soar skywards and uplift our gaze and our spirit, while at the same time we feel small yet long for fullness…. Or when we enter a Romanesque church we are spontaneously prompted to meditate and to pray. We perceive that these splendid buildings contain, as it were, the faith of generations. Or when we listen to a piece of sacred music that plucks at our heartstrings, our mind, as it were, expands and turns naturally to God. I remember a concert of music by Johann Sebastian Bach in Munich, conducted by Leonard Bernstein. At the end of the last passage, one of the Cantatas, I felt, not by reasoning but in the depths of my heart, that what I had heard had communicated truth to me, the truth of the supreme composer, and impelled me to thank God. The Lutheran bishop of Munich was next to me and I said to him spontaneously: “in hearing this one understands: it is true; such strong faith is true, as well as the beauty that irresistibly expresses the presence of God’s truth”. Yet how many pictures or frescos, fruits of the artist’s faith, in their form, in their colour, in their light, urge us to think of God and foster within us the desire to draw from the source of all beauty. What Marc Chagall, a great artist, wrote, remains profoundly true: that for centuries painters have dipped their paintbrush in that coloured alphabet which is the Bible. Thus how often artistic expression can bring us to remember God, to help us to pray or even to convert our heart! Paul Claudel, a famous French poet, playwright and diplomat, precisely while he was listening in the Cathedral of Notre Dame to the singing of the Magnificat during Christmas Mass in 1886, had a tangible experience of God’s presence. He had not entered the church for reasons of faith but rather in order to seek arguments against Christians and instead God's grace worked actively in his heart. Dear friends, I ask you to rediscover the importance of this path also for prayer, for our living relationship with God. Towns and villages throughout the world contain treasures of art that express faith and beckon to us to return to our relationship with God. May the visits to places filled with art, then, not only be opportunities for cultural enrichment — that too — but may they become above all moments of grace, incentives to strengthen our bond and our dialogue with the Lord so that — in switching from simple external reality to the more profound reality it expresses — we may pause to contemplate the ray of beauty that strikes us to the quick, that almost “wounds” us, and that invites us to rise toward God. I end with a prayer from a Psalm, Psalm 27[26]: “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and contemplate his temple” (v. 4). Let us hope that the Lord will help us to contemplate his beauty, both in nature and in works of art, so that we, moved by the light that shines from his face, may be a light for our neighbour. Many thanks.

View the current schedule for this fall on our website at https://www.stbarbarachurch.org/faith-formation-classes Faith Formation & Sacramental Preparation Registration Form: https://archseattle.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/5343/responses/new

Don't Miss the Celebration! For All Our Volunteers and Ministries  Faith in Action Kick-Off!   May 3-4  Please join in the Narthex and Hall in celebrating St. Barbara ministries and volunteers. This weekend will launch a 2-month movement to share the fruitful works of our ministries and call each of you to serve through your God-given gifts and talents.  For, "the body is not a single part, but many," and each of us are called to nurture and grow the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:14).

Now Accepting Vendor Applications for the 2025 St. Barbara’s Fall Artisan Bazaar Join us for the St. Barbara’s Fall Artisan Bazaar  on Saturday, October 25, 2025 , from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM  at 32416 6th Ave, Black Diamond, WA 98010 . We are now accepting vendor applications! This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for artisans and small businesses to showcase their handcrafted goods in a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with music, a cozy café, and local promotion. Vendor Fees   (same as last year, no price increase): $50 for one 8 ft. table (provided) $80 for two 8 ft. tables (provided) $40 for one 8 ft. table (bring your own) $70 for two 8 ft. tables (bring your own) To secure your spot, please submit your signed application  and merchandise description  (documents attached). Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served  basis. Raffle Participation: Vendors are kindly asked to donate an item valued at $10–$15  to be included in our event raffle. Let’s make this year’s bazaar another vibrant celebration of creativity and community. We look forward to having you join us! Contact: Zack Midles 360-789-5589 zmidles@gmail.com

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity   Dear Parish Family, This Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, one of the central mysteries of our Catholic faith. The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is not a puzzle to be solved but a divine reality to be embraced. It reveals to us who God is: a communion of love, eternal relationship, and perfect unity. Many of us may remember learning that the Trinity is "three Persons in one God." It's a simple phrase, but it points to an infinite mystery. We believe in one God, not three gods, yet this one God is a relationship of three distinct Persons, each fully God, co-eternal, and consubstantial. While we may never fully comprehend this mystery with our minds, we are invited to enter into it with our hearts. Why does this matter for us? Because we are made in the image and likeness of God. If God is relationship—perfect, self-giving love—then we are most fully ourselves when we live in loving relationship with God and with one another. The Trinity isn’t just a doctrine; it’s the foundation of Christian life. It teaches us that love is not something God does—it is who God is. This solemnity also reminds us that every part of our faith life is Trinitarian. We were baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  We begin and end our prayers with the Sign of the Cross. The Mass itself is filled with Trinitarian language, from the opening greeting to the final blessing. Let this Sunday be an invitation to dwell in the love of the Triune God. May the Father’s providence, the Son’s saving grace, and the Spirit’s guiding presence continue to bless and strengthen our parish family. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit! In Christ,Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ   Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ—a feast that invites us to renew our wonder, gratitude, and love for the great gift of the Eucharist. In his apostolic exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis  (“The Sacrament of Charity”), Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that the Eucharist is not only the source and summit of the Church’s life, but also a mystery that transforms how we believe, worship, and live. The Eucharist: A Mystery to Be Believed At the heart of our faith is the belief that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. This is not a symbol or a mere reminder—it is Christ Himself, given for us. As Pope Benedict wrote, “The Eucharist is Jesus Christ, who gives himself entirely to us.” Believing this changes everything. When we approach the altar with faith, we are truly encountering the Risen Lord. The Eucharist: A Mystery to Be Celebrated The Holy Mass is where this mystery becomes real among us. It is not just a ritual, but the re-presentation of Christ’s one sacrifice on the Cross. In every Mass, heaven and earth are united. The reverence, beauty, and silence surrounding the celebration remind us that we are standing on holy ground. As we adore and receive Christ in the Eucharist, our hearts are drawn into His. The Eucharist: A Mystery to Be Lived The Eucharist doesn’t end at the dismissal—it begins there. We are sent forth to live what we have received: to be Christ’s presence in the world. Pope Benedict said that the Eucharist “increases our responsibility to the poor and suffering.” Our communion with Christ must overflow in love for our neighbor, in acts of justice, mercy, and peace. On this great feast of Corpus Christi, let us deepen our love for the Eucharist. May it be the center of our parish life, our families, and our personal journey with the Lord. And may we never take for granted this most precious gift: Jesus Christ, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. in Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

United in Mission, Bold in Faith: The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul Each year on June 29, the Church celebrates the great Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul—two towering pillars of our faith whose lives, though very different, converged in a shared mission: to proclaim Christ to the world. Peter was the fisherman chosen by Jesus to lead the apostles. Though impetuous and imperfect, Peter’s love for the Lord was deep and sincere. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.”Peter's leadership reminds us that God uses our weaknesses to accomplish great things when we remain rooted in love and humility. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, was transformed by an encounter with the Risen Christ on the road to Damascus. He became the Church’s greatest missionary, tirelessly preaching the Gospel across the Roman world and writing letters that continue to shape Christian theology and practice today. Together, Peter and Paul show us the breadth of God's mercy and the power of conversion. Peter represents the stability and unity of the Church; Paul, the passion and urgency of evangelization. Their martyrdom in Rome is a witness to their unwavering fidelity. They gave their lives so that the message of Jesus would live on. As we honor them this Sunday, let us ask: How is God calling me to be a witness? Where do I need to deepen my trust like Peter, or reignite my zeal like Paul? May Saints Peter and Paul pray for us, that we too may be courageous apostles in our time—firm in the truth, joyful in the Spirit, and faithful to Christ to the very end. in Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

06-05 Consultation Meeting: Parish Demographic Surveys, Community Engagement, and Communication Strategies   Date & Time: 2025-06-05 18:41:35Location: [Insert Location]Attendees: [Insert Names] Background This consultation meeting focused on the administration and engagement strategies of three Catholic parishes. Key topics included collecting and verifying demographic feedback (especially from the Hispanic community), summarizing and communicating survey results, managing a new grant-funded business administrator position, updating and sharing building condition data, ensuring inclusivity and representation, and planning parish events. The group discussed best practices for transparency, data privacy, and effective communication with parishioners, as well as timelines for upcoming surveys and reporting requirements to the archdiocese. Action items were assigned to ensure progress on data collection, analysis, communication, and event planning. Q&A 1. How to collect and verify feedback from the Hispanic community. Feedback from the Hispanic community has been received, but further verification is needed as more feedback may be forthcoming. 2. How to convey and summarize the results of the parish demographic surveys, given the large amount of information collected. There is a significant amount of information in the survey reports, making it challenging to summarize for parishioners. Some patterns in age distribution were observed, such as one parish having roughly a third of each age group, but these patterns are not always visually apparent in the data. The reports are not yet complete as data is still being entered, so analysis is pending. There is uncertainty about how to define parish population (registered families vs. actual attendees). Participation rates vary, with St. Aloysius reporting about two-thirds response rate. Lessons were learned about maximizing survey participation, such as providing pencils and collecting forms during Mass. 3. What is the grant, its details, and its implications for staffing and budgeting? A one-year grant of $100,000 has been awarded to fund a business administrator position to help unify administration across the three parishes. Any unused funds must be returned. The grant is not expected to be renewed for a second year, so the budget must be realigned within one year to sustain the position. The position is not a personal assistant but a business administrator role. A job description exists from the diocese but will be customized. Other parishes applied for similar grants; some did not receive funding and must self-fund the position. 4. How and when to distribute the survey results to parishioners, and what level of transparency to maintain. There is debate about whether to leave survey forms out for longer or to set a final collection date. The group needs to decide how much information to share with parishioners to avoid overwhelming them. There is a need to balance transparency with the risk of causing anxiety among parishioners. Some members favor absolute transparency, while others suggest a more measured approach. Guidance from the Parish Family Advisory Council suggests creating a summary report for parishioners, not distributing raw data. The plan is to synthesize demographic and building data into a summary for presentation at future listening sessions. 5. How to handle and update building condition data from the Archdiocese, and whether to disclose it to parishioners. Some building data is outdated (up to three years old) and does not reflect recent renovations or repairs. There is discussion about whether the Archdiocese needs to update the data or if the parishes can update it themselves. Accurate building data is important if it is to be disclosed publicly. Some members recall that building data was not previously shared with parishioners, only demographic data. There is concern that disclosing outdated or negative building data could cause unnecessary anxiety among parishioners. The consensus is to use building data internally to inform a parish profile, not to distribute raw reports. 6. How to ensure representation from the Hispanic community on the team. A team member from the Hispanic community is stepping back due to health reasons. The group will seek a replacement to ensure continued representation. 7. Are parishioners asking questions about the survey or the process? No significant questions or concerns have been raised by parishioners regarding the survey or the process. Even with active promotion of the survey, there has been little inquiry about results or next steps. 8. How should demographic data be summarized and reported to parishes? A one-pager per parish summarizing key demographic data (members in household, age groups, ethnicity, languages—16 languages noted) is preferred over the previous 26-page reports. Reports should be anonymous, focusing on patterns rather than individual names/addresses. A summary should include both individual parish data and an overall group snapshot, possibly as a front-and-back handout. A QR code could be included for those who want to access more detailed data. Transparency is important; summaries should be made available to all, even if not everyone is interested. 9. What is the purpose of collecting and sharing these demographic numbers? The immediate purpose is to answer 'Who are we?' for each parish, describing the current condition (population, age groups, ethnicity, languages, etc.). Eventually, the question will shift to 'What do we want to become?' but for now, the focus is on describing the present. The data will help prepare for future steps, such as identifying parish gifts, opportunities, and challenges. Some concern was raised about the interpretation of data and the need for context (e.g., comparing to other parishes or historical data). 10. How should the PFAC communicate progress and activities to parishioners? There is agreement on the need for greater transparency and regular communication. Suggestions include publishing meeting summaries (topics discussed, decisions made, dates) in parish bulletins or as separate flyers. Monthly updates are proposed, with identical blurbs for all three parishes, possibly signed by PFAC members rather than clergy to show lay involvement. Recap of Year 1 (acclimation of priests and schedules) and Year 2 (data collection) should be included. Some concern exists that lack of communication leads to parishioner anxiety and confusion. 11. What is the timeline for the next phases (demographic summary, 'What are our gifts?' survey, opportunities/challenges)? Demographic survey was conducted in May 2025; analysis and summary are expected to be completed and shared by July 2025. 'What are our gifts?' survey/listening sessions are planned for June 21-22, 2025, but may run longer due to scheduling conflicts and seasonal attendance drops. Opportunities and challenges sessions are tentatively scheduled for end of September or October 2025, with flexibility for slower-moving parishes or those with holiday/family obligations. There is recognition that June, July, and August are challenging months for participation due to graduations and vacations. 12. How should the 'What are our gifts?' survey/listening session be conducted? Format: Listening sessions or brainstorming gatherings, 5-10 minutes per question with multiple sub-questions, followed by small group sharing. Event should be celebratory, possibly including cake, sparkling cider, and a prayer recognizing key faith figures. PFAC may participate in a reflection prior to the parish-wide event to help facilitate. Survey can be conducted via bulletin insert, online, written survey, or meeting handouts. Uncertainty exists whether responses should be by household or individual; consensus leans toward household, but gifts may vary by person. Encouragement to run the survey longer and use multiple collection methods. 13. How should data interpretation be handled to ensure accuracy and avoid bias? Concern was raised that data interpretation can be subjective and may influence outcomes. Need to clarify what demographic data is being compared to (other parishes, historical data, etc.). Agreement that the current focus is a snapshot of the present, with deeper analysis or extrapolation to come later. Group consensus is needed on summary and interpretation before sharing with the wider parish. 14. Who is responsible for preparing and distributing bulletin announcements and inserts? The bulletin is compiled by one person who receives content from various contributors. Advisory council members, not the leadership team, should take turns making announcements at Mass. A common script should be used for consistency across all parishes. Bulletin inserts and announcements will be coordinated to ensure identical messaging. 15. Should advisory council members make announcements at Mass, and how should this be organized? Yes, advisory council members will take turns making a two-minute announcement at Mass using a common script. This will increase visibility and help parishioners know who to approach with concerns. Announcements can be made at any parish, not just the member's home parish. 16. What is the timeline for bulletin inserts and announcements? Target is to have the insert and announcement ready for the weekend of June 14th and 15th, not the immediate upcoming weekend. Materials should be sent electronically for in-house printing and distribution. Coordination is needed to ensure inserts are ready for the correct weekend. 17. Should both a bulletin insert and a verbal announcement be used? Yes, both a bulletin insert (flyer) and a verbal summary at Mass will be used to maximize communication. This approach ensures visibility and clarity for parishioners. 18. When should the 'What are our gifts' survey be launched and how long should it remain open? The survey will launch on June 21st and 22nd. It should remain open for approximately four weeks, through July 13th, to accommodate vacations and events like Father's Day and graduations. Progress will be evaluated during this period, and additional announcements may be made if response rates are low. 19. How should survey responses be collected and managed? Surveys will be collected individually by each parish, similar to previous demographic surveys. Responses will be stored in binders for organization and privacy. Online survey links will be made available, and AI tools may be used to collate open-ended responses. Care must be taken to protect personal information such as addresses. 20. Should the survey questions be modified for local context? Minor rephrasing is allowed to fit the community, but the core questions should remain unchanged as per guidance. Consistency is important for reporting to the archdiocese. 21. What are the reporting requirements for the archdiocese? A summary of activities and survey results will be compiled at the end of the year. Formal reporting to the archdiocese is expected in the spring of the following year, with guidance to be provided by Tom East. A standardized booklet or form may be used for reporting. 22. Clarification on whether parishioner addresses are required in the survey process and how address information is being handled. Addresses were only required if they were not already on file or needed updating; otherwise, providing them was optional. In the SurveyMonkey input, addresses were not included in the summary, as address collection is a separate process. Patty initially collected addresses, and now the process is being managed by another team member, with updates ongoing. 23. Status update on the collection and processing of survey forms and whether there are outstanding forms. All received forms are up to date except for a small remaining pile. There may be additional forms still outstanding, and a check will be conducted next week to confirm. The process is ongoing, but most forms have been processed. 24. Request for a summary of motions and current activities for clarity among participants. A summary will be provided, including what has been accomplished in year one, current status in year two, and next steps. This summary will be included in a flyer for parishioners. 25. Question about the recommended format for the 'gifts and challenges' survey and whether there is guidance on how to conduct the sessions. Notes from the last meeting indicate that listening sessions for opportunities and challenges should allow 5-10 minutes per question, with small group sharing. For the 'What are our gifts?' question, the event should be celebratory, possibly with cakes, sparkling cider, and a prayer recognizing key contributors. Tom East, the liaison, advised that parishes can choose the format that best fits their community, including surveys, brainstorming sessions, or synodal-style listening sessions. Sessions may be held over a nine-day period, with both daytime and evening options, and should include opportunities for youth and young adults. Multiple methods (online, written, in-person) can be used, and a combination is encouraged. 26. Discussion on how to maximize participation and inclusivity in collecting parishioner input, especially considering cultural and language differences. For the Hispanic community, a different strategy may be needed, such as making announcements at the end of Mass and giving questions in advance for reflection. Some participants suggested using coffee and donuts after Mass for informal brainstorming, but noted that people often leave quickly. Offering multiple avenues for input (listening sessions, written surveys, post-its, email, etc.) is preferred to maximize participation. Providing questions ahead of time allows parishioners to reflect and provide more thoughtful responses. Plain language should be used to ensure all parishioners understand the questions, regardless of background. Both short and long answer formats should be available to accommodate different preferences. 27. How and when to distribute the summary flyer and survey questions to parishioners, and what content should be included. The flyer will include a summary of progress (year one and year two), the purpose of the survey, and the two key questions. The flyer and questions will be distributed next weekend, along with an update from the advisory council. Questions will be articulated from the pulpit (AMBO), and a short summary will be provided in the bulletin and flyer. The summary should be concise (four or five sentences), and the two questions should be highlighted as the next step in data collection. A universal lead-in to the questions will be drafted and reviewed collaboratively. 28. Clarification on responsibilities for drafting the summary and lead-in to the survey questions, and coordination of communication materials. Debbie will draft the summary of what has been accomplished and current status, to be included in the flyer. Another participant will draft a few sentences about the questions and send them to Debbie for review and integration. The flyer will be finalized and distributed to all parishes as part of the open announcements the week after next. 29. Will there be a flyer in all bulletins and an announcement at AMBO at the end of March? Yes, the plan is to have a flyer in all bulletins and an announcement at AMBO at the end of March. The goal dates are the 14th and 15th. 30. When will the surveys go out and when will collection start? Surveys will go out the following year after the announcement. Collection of surveys will start the weekend of the 21st and 22nd, and will run for four weeks. 31. Is Zabig available on the 21st or 22nd for survey collection? Zabig is not available on the 21st and 22nd, but will be back on the 24th. 32. How should input on 'gifts' be gathered and prioritized? Input may be gathered and then put back out to help prioritize, rather than just creating a long list. Demographic survey data is easier to summarize, but qualitative data on gifts may require more processing and prioritization. 33. Should there be regular check-in meetings (Zoom/Teams) to review progress and adjust plans? There is support for weekly 30-minute Zoom or Teams meetings after each weekend of survey collection to review progress and make adjustments. Some members feel their church can handle this without extra meetings, but a check-in after the first weekend (after the 22nd) is agreed upon. 34. Is there a council meeting scheduled for July or August? No, July and August are off for council meetings, which is why check-ins are considered important. 35. Should there be a longer meeting (Saturday/Sunday) for data processing once survey data is available? There is agreement that a longer meeting may be needed to process data, possibly on a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon. The group may break into smaller groups to summarize stacks of surveys, then reconvene to discuss summaries. 36. How should the group handle scheduling conflicts for meetings? If a single date cannot be found for everyone, smaller groups can meet on different dates to summarize surveys, then meet together to discuss. Homework assignments (summarizing key points) are suggested to save time. 37. What are the possible dates for the next regular meeting in July? Several dates are discussed: July 6, 13, 20, 27, and Mondays. July 13 and 20 are possible, but some members are unavailable. July 27 is not possible for some. Weekdays (Wednesday, Friday, Thursday) are also considered, with Wednesday being challenging due to mass at 6pm. 38. How should the group process and summarize survey data? The group may assign stacks of surveys as homework to individuals, who will bring key points to share at the meeting. This approach is seen as more efficient than reviewing all surveys together in one long session. 39. Should the September meeting be at the rectory, and what is the date? Yes, the September meeting is moved to the rectory on September 17th, with food provided. 40. What is the deliverable for the archdiocese? The group will provide 500 surveys to the archdiocese, with data being input into AI for processing. 41. Scheduling the next meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for the 16th at 3 o'clock. Dave confirmed availability, noting the Garden Club PN Tour at his house in the morning. 42. Request for possible questions to help summarize hardpoint data. It was agreed that a series of questions would be provided to help analyze the data and look for patterns. Debbie will receive these questions. 43. Review of current bulletin production processes and possible improvements. A rudimentary table was presented showing software used, hours spent, number of pages (Sacred Heart: 4 pages), number of copies, and lead time. Katie Baker compiles the St. Barbara bulletin and sends it to LPI, which handles advertising. Bulletins are free due to ad revenue; more ads mean more pages and higher quality. Lead time is 7-10 days; bulletins must be submitted on Monday to be received by Thursday of the following week. Sacred Heart currently produces bulletins in both English and Spanish and uses Flocknote for timely electronic communication at $115 per month (cost increases with more users). Flocknote is used for email, Publisher for paper bulletins. Suggestion: As a stopgap, each parish could send important info to the others for inclusion in their bulletins. Long-term, LPI representative could meet with parish reps to discuss unified bulletin production. 44. Discussion of combining bulletins and the impact on staff. There is an inference that bulletins will be combined, but no formal decision has been made. Need to consider staff impact, especially for those who enjoy the creative aspect of bulletin production. Important to allow room for objections and to distinguish between logical inferences and actual decisions. Need to consider how changes affect individuals and the importance of clear communication to avoid misperceptions. 45. Family judgment issue. Theresa and another participant discussed and resolved the issue privately. 46. Parish picture directory update. Discussion about updating the parish picture directory, referencing a previous directory done at St. Aloysius. Most directory photographers have gone out of business. A photographer may be available in about a year. Consensus to wait until the parishes have a unified name before producing a new directory. 47. Upcoming clergy anniversaries and related events. Father Jim's ordination anniversary is being celebrated on Saturday night and Sunday at Sacred Heart. Father Davis's 40th anniversary is being celebrated by Matthews and Mark, who are collecting photos from places he worked. Father Steve's ordination celebration is in September (exact date not specified). Deacon George's last weekend is the last weekend of June; information will be included in bulletins starting next week. The Hispanic community is organizing an afternoon event, and there may be a wine and cheese event Saturday night. 48. Parish picnic planning. Tentative date for the parish picnic is September 21st, after the 12 o'clock Mass (starting at 1 PM). Date to be confirmed; some confusion about the day of the week. 49. Corpus Christi processions. Corpus Christi procession scheduled for September 22nd after the Spanish Mass at Sacred Heart. St. Aloysius will also have a procession. St. Barbara's has not typically held a procession due to priest availability. Action Items  [ ] Double-check and collect any additional feedback from the Hispanic community. [ ] Finalize data entry for the demographic surveys and prepare a summary report for distribution to the team and, eventually, parishioners. [ ] Meet next week to review and customize the business administrator job description for the new grant-funded position. -- 2025-06-12 [ ] Decide on a final date to remove survey forms from the churches and begin summarizing the collected data. [ ] Contact Matt Hawkins to inquire about updating building condition data and clarify whether parishes can update the data themselves. [ ] Seek a replacement representative from the Hispanic community for the team. [ ] Synthesize demographic and building data into a summary report for presentation at future listening sessions, likely in the fall. -- 2025-09-01 [ ] Debbie and another member will draft a set of questions to guide demographic data analysis and pattern recognition. Group members will review and respond, then develop a group summary. -- [Debbie]  [ ] Prepare and distribute a one- or two-page demographic summary for each parish and the overall group, including a QR code for detailed data access. Share with parishioners before the next survey phase. -- by July 2025 [ ] Conduct 'What are our gifts?' survey/listening sessions, using multiple methods (bulletin insert, online, written, handouts), with events tentatively scheduled for the weekend of June 21-22, 2025, but allowing for extended collection due to seasonal attendance issues. -- June 21-22, 2025 (tentative); may extend into July/August 2025 [ ] Publish monthly identical blurbs or flyers in all parish bulletins summarizing PFAC activities, progress, and next steps. First blurb to include recap of Year 1 and Year 2 activities. -- [PFAC members]  monthly, starting June 2025 [ ] Plan for 'Opportunities and Challenges' sessions at the end of September or October 2025, with flexibility for parishes with scheduling conflicts. -- end of September or October 2025 [ ] Prepare and distribute a standardized bulletin insert and announcement script for the weekend of June 14th and 15th. -- [Advisory council members]   [Bulletin coordinator]  2025-06-14 [ ] Launch the 'What are our gifts' survey on June 21st and 22nd, keeping it open for four weeks through July 13th, with ongoing evaluation and weekly announcements. -- [Advisory council members]   [Parish volunteers]  2025-06-21 [ ] Collect survey responses in binders and ensure privacy of personal information; make online survey link available and use AI tools for data collation. -- [Parish volunteers]   [Survey coordinators]  [ ] Compile a summary of activities and survey results by the end of the year for submission to the archdiocese in spring, following guidance from Tom East. -- [Advisory council]   [Tom East]  [ ] Check for any outstanding survey forms and update the collection status. -- [Dave]  2025-06-12 [ ] Draft a summary of progress (year one and year two) and current status for inclusion in the parish flyer. -- [Debbie]  2025-06-09 [ ] Draft a few sentences about the survey questions and the universal lead-in, send to Debbie for review and integration. -- [Unspecified participant (possibly Valerie or another council member)]  2025-06-09 [ ] Finalize and distribute the flyer with the summary and survey questions to all parishes, as part of the open announcements. -- [Advisory council]   [Parish office]  2025-06-15 [ ] Distribute flyers in all bulletins and announce at AMBO at the end of March. Goal dates: 14th and 15th. -- March 14, March 15 [ ] Surveys to be distributed the following year after the announcement. Survey collection to start the weekend of June 21st and 22nd, running for four weeks. -- June 21, June 22 [ ] Provide 500 surveys to the archdiocese and input data into AI. [ ] Hold a check-in meeting after the first two weekends of survey collection to review progress and make adjustments. -- July 18 [ ] Hold a regular meeting in July to review data and assign homework for survey summarization. Possible dates discussed: July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30. -- July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30 [ ] September meeting to be held at the rectory with food provided. -- September 17 [ ] Send out a summary to Matt on Monday for review and distribution. -- [Unspecified (possibly Dave)]  2025-06-09 [ ] Provide possible questions to help summarize hardpoint data to Debbie. -- [Unspecified (possibly Matt)]  [ ] Katie to send out a bulletin template to the other two parishes as a stopgap measure. -- [Katie Baker]  [ ] Consider meeting with LPI representative to discuss unified bulletin production after surveys are completed. -- [Representatives from each parish]   [LPI representative]  [ ] Continue sharing important information between parish offices for inclusion in each other's bulletins. -- [Parish offices of St. Aloysius, St. Barbara, Sacred Heart]  [ ] Include information about Deacon George's last weekend in bulletins starting next week. -- [Parish bulletin editors]  2025-06-09 [ ] Confirm and organize parish picnic for September 21st, starting at 1 PM after the 12 o'clock Mass. -- [Leadership team]   [Valerie]  2025-09-21 [ ] Organize Corpus Christi processions at Sacred Heart and St. Aloysius after the Spanish Mass on September 22nd. -- [Sacred Heart]   [St. Aloysius]  2025-09-22 AI Suggestion Based on your recording, which contains some professional information on Catholic parish administration and community engagement, AI has found the following resources to help you learn more: Parish demographic data collection and analysis best practices: https://www.vibrantfaith.org/resource/collecting-and-using-parish-data/ Effective parish communication strategies (including multilingual and multicultural outreach): https://www.catholicextension.org/stories/engaging-hispanic-catholics/ Parish business administrator role implementation and sustainability: https://www.catholicjobs.com/job/11652740443 Parish survey design, distribution, and privacy: https://www.catholicresearch.surveygizmo.com/ Inclusive parishioner engagement and feedback methods: https://www.pastoralcouncil.com/engaging-parishioners/ Case/Practice: Many Catholic parishes facing renewal or restructuring use a phased approach: first, they gather accurate demographic and facility data through well-designed, multilingual surveys and listening sessions. Advisory councils ensure transparency by regularly updating parishioners through bulletins, meetings, and digital channels. To maximize engagement, parishes often appoint liaisons for underrepresented groups (such as Hispanic communities) and use both print and electronic communication. When introducing new administrative roles (e.g., business administrator), parishes clarify responsibilities, secure sustainable funding, and provide ongoing training. Throughout, clear reporting to the archdiocese and regular feedback loops with parishioners are maintained as standard practice.

Purchase items to help us make VBS amazing from our Amazon Wish List ! Registration is FULL! We are no longer taking participants, but we are accepting volunteer help. DONATE add note "VBS support" here https://osvhub.com/stbarbarachurch/giving/funds/vacation-bible-school-fee Volunteer form click here THANK YOU! This year, children will embark on The Great Journey with Jesus – Through the Church Year , discovering how Christ is present in every season of faith. ✅ Event Details Dates:  June 23 - June 27, 2025 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 Emily at 701-330-5753 or emilysimburger@gmail.com 💲 Cost:  See tables below! --> Includes snacks, craft supplies and take home saint cards. (Full and Partial Scholarships available!) 👕 VBS shirts can be purchased separately for $20 each when registration opens. 🎉 Volunteer Perk:  Parents or Guardians who volunteer 3 or more days during VBS receive 25% off registration + early registration access! Limited spots available! ✔️ General registration closes June 1 (or when full) Number of Children Price per Child Total Cost 1 Child $70 $70 2 Children $60 Per Child $120 3+ Children $55 Per Child (Family Cap: $165 for 3+ kids) $165 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 $52.50 $52.50 2 Children $45 per child $90 3+ Children $41.25 Per Child (Family Cap: $123.75 for 3+ kids) $123.75 ✨ 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 📌 Ready to volunteer?   Sign Up Here 📣 Spread the Word! VBS is more fun with friends! Invite other families  to join this unforgettable journey of faith. 📞 Have questions?  Contact Emily Simburger  at 701-330-5753 or 📧 emilysimburger@gmail.com . 📌 Mark your calendars and register early – spaces fill quickly! We can’t wait to see you at VBS! 🌟

Join Us for a Special Afternoon of Tea, Stories, and Community! Spring is here, and what better way to celebrate than by gathering for an elegant afternoon of tea, treats, and inspiring stories? We invite you to the Women’s Spring Tea at St. Barbara’s Church —an event dedicated to fellowship, creativity, and faith-filled storytelling. 📅 Date:  Sunday, May 18, 2025 ⏰ Time:  1:00 – 3:00 PM (Doors open at 12:30 PM) 📍 Location:  St. Barbara Parish Hall RSVP by May 4th! Walk-ins are always welcome. 👉 RSVP Sign Up Link (Sign up to bring an item or host a table!) Guest Speaker: Shemaiah Gonzalez We are honored to welcome Shemaiah Gonzalez , a Seattle-based Catholic storyteller and essayist, as our featured speaker. She will be sharing on "Everyday Stories of Faith: The Power of Stories to Shape and Encourage Our Faith."  Her reflections will uplift and inspire, reminding us of the beauty and power of storytelling in our faith journeys. Her writing has appeared in America Magazine, Our Sunday Visitor, Loyola Press and Dappled Things among others. A Los Angeles native, she now lives in Seattle with her husband, whom she has known since she was 14 years old, and their two teen sons who delight them to no end. Her book Undaunted Joy: The Revolutionary Act of Cultivating Delight , a collection of essays on finding joy in the mundane and the magnificent, will be published with Zondervan/Harper Collins in April 2025. Table Host Contest – Show Off Your Creativity! We invite you to participate in our Table Host Contest ! If you love decorating and enjoy bringing people together, this is your chance to shine. Here’s how it works: 🌸 Host a table for 7-8 guests  using your personal tea china, teapot, and décor. 🌸 Choose a theme —be it classic elegance, vintage charm, or something whimsical! 🌸 Compete for prizes  in two categories: Best Theme & Most Creative Table. 🌸 Partner with a friend  to co-host if you’d like to team up! Hosting Essentials Each host is kindly asked to provide the following for their table: Teapot Teacup Plate Fork, knife, and spoon Linen napkin (or we can provide paper ones) Water glass (plastic cups available if needed) Small dessert or salad plate (we also have small paper plates on hand) Need something else? Just ask — we might have it! Notes: Tables are 60 in rounds and we can provide a base white table cloth. Winners will receive a signed copy of Shemaiah's newly published book, Undaunted Joy: The Revolutionary Act of Cultivating Delight , along with some special surprises. Hosting a table is a beautiful way to create a warm, inviting atmosphere while making the experience memorable for everyone. 👉 Sign-Up Link for Table Hosting & RSVP Support the Event There is no required cost to participate, but a donation of $30  is appreciated to help cover event costs. If you feel called to give, you can do so here: Online Donation Link Bring a Friend & Enjoy an Afternoon of Connection This event is all about community, faith, and joy —so bring a friend and an open heart for a wonderful afternoon together. Enjoy delightful treats, great conversation, and a sneak peek at what’s coming next year! 📞 Want to RSVP in person? Call/Text or email Emily  at 701-330-5753  or emilysimburger@gmail.com  to get on the list. We are also collecting recipes during tea time for our cook book fundraiser! We can’t wait to see you there! 💐☕✨