Wisdom from Thomas à Kempis A few weeks ago in my homily, I shared a passage from one of my favorite devotionals, The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis. I have been revisiting this well-loved devotional and wanted to share one of my favorite sections on regaining God’s grace. My child, “The LORD is good, a stronghold in a day of trouble” (Nahum 1:7). Come to me whenever you need help. The greatest hindrance to receiving consolation is your apparent reluctance to pray. Before you ask me for anything earnestly, you try to find other consolations, delighting yourself in so many external things. When it happens that nothing helps you out, you remember that I am the One who saves those who trust in me. Other than me you will find no power, nor profitable advice, nor lasting remedy. Now that you have survived the storm and recovered your spirit, try to grow strong again in the light of my tender mercy. I am here to lend a healing hand, to offer abundant, overflowing help beyond measure. Is anything difficult to me? Shall I be like one who promises and does not perform? Where is your faith? Stand firm and persevere. Be patient and have courage; consolation will come to you in due time. Wait patiently for me and I will come and cure you. It is temptation that bothers you and a useless fear that strikes you with terror. What do you get from worry about what may come in the future, except a multitude of sorrows? “Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Mt 6:34). It is vain and useless to feel grief or joy for future events that may never take place. Although it is natural for us to be deceived by such worries, it is a sign of a weak soul easily drawn away by the suggestions of the enemy. For he does not care if it is true or not when he tricks and deceives you. It matters little whether he overcomes you with love of things present or fear of things to come. “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (Jn 14:27). Believe in me and confide in my mercy. I am often closest to you when you think that I am far away. When you think that almost all is lost, it is often then that you are about to gain the greatest merit. All is not lost when something happens contrary to what you wanted. You must not judge according to how you feel at present, nor give yourself up easily to any trouble no matter where it comes from, nor imagine that all hope of deliverance is gone. Have a most blessed week! In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor Thomas à Kempis, Solace in Suffering: Wisdom from Thomas À Kempis, ed. Mary Lea Hill, Classic Wisdom Collection (Boston, MA: Pauline Books & Media, 2010), 61–64.

A Blessed Weekend - Two Celebrations! This weekend we are privileged to celebrate two occasions. We are joined on Saturday evening by Archbishop Etienne for the celebration of Confirmation at Sacred Heart Parish. This wonderful sacrament is a reminder of the Lord’s promise to send the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in our inner being so we may live out our baptismal calling as followers of Jesus Christ. I remember my own Confirmation in 1987 and the many graces I received with that sacrament. Let us pray for all the young people who have been preparing to receive this sacrament not to receive the grace of God in vain (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:1), but to allow it to transform their lives and make them bold witnesses to Christ. Secondly, our nation has set aside this Sunday to honor our mothers. My mother is still living and has been an integral part of my life and my faith for many years. Even though she is battling dementia, she remains a constant reminder of the goodness of the Lord and the importance of motherhood. As we honor all our mothers, living and deceased, let us thank the Lord for the way the tender goodness of God is shared through their lives. As we move through the month of May, life grows busy with social activities, graduations, and more. I am grateful to celebrate these two events with you as our parish family moves forward with Partners in the Gospel. May the Holy Spirit fan into flame a new awareness in all of us — to welcome the grace of a new Pentecost for our Church, helping us be vibrant, joyful, and eager to share the Good News of our life in the Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, Fr. Jim Northrop, Pastor

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we continue our journey through the Easter season and prepare for the joyful celebration of Pentecost, our first reading shows the origins of the ministry of the diaconate. In response to the growing number of believers and favoritism toward the Hebrew‑speaking converts, the leaders addressed the issue with confidence and prayed for guidance from the Holy Spirit. The criterion for selecting candidates was “reputable men, full of the Spirit and of wisdom.” This challenge and the prayerful solution the Lord provided through the diaconate should remind us that God will help us with our own challenges, both in life and as a parish family. We need only pray for wisdom and for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We distributed a resource at the parish mission from the JPII Healing Institute that helps us pray for clarity of mind and heart and against a spirit of confusion. I would like to remind you of this resource and pray that each of us may walk in confidence that the Lord will care for us and give us what we need to continue our journey of faith. Have a most blessed week! In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor Prayer Against Confusion “In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce the lie that everything is confusing, that I don’t understand anything, and that it is up to me to figure things out on my own. In Jesus’ name I declare the truth that I have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16) and that the Holy Spirit reveals whatever I need to know when I need to know it (1 Cor. 1:7). I declare the truth that the Lord gives wisdom and understanding to anyone who asks (Jas. 1:5). I declare the truth that God has given His Church to lead me into all truth. I declare the truth that I have understanding and enlightenment from the Lord.”

How to Avoid Rash Judgments In light of the disappointing situation between the President and the Pope that has been in the media the past few weeks, I thought it would be a good idea to create a resource about the dangers of rash judgments drawing upon the wisdom of my favorite saint, Saint Francis de Sales. “Judge not, and you shall not be judged” (Luke 6:37). St. Francis de Sales reminds us that rash judgments offend God because they put us in the place of the Divine Judge and mistake what only God can see—the intentions of the heart (2 Cor. 5:10). They also distract us from our first duty: to examine and correct our own faults. Common causes of rash judgment • Natural bitterness or sourness of temperament, which reads fault everywhere. • Pride and self‑complacency, which raise ourselves by lowering others. • Rationalizing our own sins by assuming others are equally guilty. • Love of talk, wit, or gossip—judging for entertainment. • Passion, prejudice, jealousy, fear, ambition, and other disordered affections. Practical remedies (St. Francis de Sales’ guidance) 1. Drink the “wine of charity.” Charity is the healing medicine: it prefers the kinder interpretation, turns away from evil, and, when possible, believes the best. 2. Judge yourself first. The apostle teaches that self‑judgment preserves us from being judged. Focus energy on interior reform rather than examining others. 3. Favor the fair interpretation. When an action can be read in many ways, choose the most loving, as Abimelech did toward Isaac and Rebecca, and as Joseph did toward Mary—he chose to trust and put the matter in God’s hands. 4. Limit doubts to reasoned grounds. It is lawful to be cautious when evidence is strong; it is sinful to multiply suspicions without cause. 5. Turn inwards rather than prying outward. Tender‑hearted souls avoid roaming through the hidden actions of others; they repair their own hearts instead. 6. When duty requires judgment (pastors, parents, magistrates), do it out of love and justice, not prejudice or curiosity—and then return to interior recollection. A short examen to practice • Before forming an opinion, ask: Do I know the heart or only an outward sign? • Could there be a harmless explanation? Which interpretation is most charitable? • Am I judging to wound, to amuse, or to protect and correct? • What correction do I need to make in myself? A closing thought Rash judgment is a “spiritual jaundice” that colors everything darkly. Counter it by cultivating gentle affections, humble charity, and careful self‑examination. In doing so we follow Christ’s command, spare our neighbor, and leave final judgment to God. Adapted from St. Francis de Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Parish Listening Sessions Announcement Session 3 We invite all members of our parish family to participate in our upcoming Listening Sessions as we continue discerning who God is calling us to become as a community. Session Times & Location English Session: Saturday, April 25th from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Spanish Session: Sunday, April 26th, following the 12:00 PM Mass Location: Sacred Heart Catholic Church Hall If you are unable to attend in person: Online Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCG8GJV Closes May 1st These sessions are an important opportunity to come together in prayer, reflection, and dialogue as we move forward in faith. Preparing for the Listening Sessions To make the most of our time together, we encourage everyone to review and prayerfully reflect on the questions ahead of time. These questions will guide our discussion during the sessions. Review previous listening session Opportunities and Challenges feedback: https://www.stbarbarachurch.org/post/opportunities-and-challenges-summary Phase 3: Listening Session Questions (Please review before attending) ROUND ONE – Identity & Vision Who is God calling our parish family to become as a new parish under the anointing of the Holy Spirit? What clear vision for evangelization, spiritual maturity, and sacramental encounter should guide us? ROUND TWO – Priority People Which groups or people should we intentionally prioritize in our evangelizing and outreach? Who in our neighborhood or community have we not been reaching or serving well? ROUND THREE – Ministries, Programs & Discernment What new ministries or programs would help equip everyone for ministry, deepen faith formation, and foster Christian maturity? Which existing ministries should be expanded or refocused to better fulfill our vision? Are there activities or programs we should stop or scale back so we can freely say “yes” to new priorities? ASE 3: Preguntas para la Sesión de Escucha PRIMERA RONDA: Identidad y Visión ¿En qué tipo de comunidad parroquial quiere Dios que nos convirtamos, como nueva parroquia bajo la unción del Espíritu Santo? ¿Qué visión clara en materia de evangelización, madurez espiritual y encuentro sacramental debería guiarnos? SEGUNDA RONDA: Personas Prioritarias ¿A qué grupos o personas deberíamos dar prioridad de forma deliberada en nuestra labor evangelizadora y de acercamiento? ¿A quiénes de nuestro barrio o comunidad no hemos estado llegando o atendiendo adecuadamente? TERCERA RONDA: Ministerios, Programas y Discernimiento ¿Qué nuevos ministerios o programas ayudarían a preparar a todos para el ministerio, a profundizar en la formación en la fe y a fomentar la madurez cristiana? ¿Qué ministerios existentes deberían ampliarse o reorientarse para cumplir mejor nuestra visión? ¿Hay actividades o programas que deberíamos suspender o reducir para poder decir «sí» sin reservas a las nuevas prioridades?

Opportunities and Challenges Presented by Our Parish Family Here are the opportunities and challenges presented by our parish family and summarized by your PFAC. Three themes are identified: proclaiming our faith, reaching out to the wider community, and growing as a parish family. 1. Proclaiming Faith Evangelize our parish communities and the wider community: Provide training, knowledge, and tools to help our parishioners know how to evangelize and witness to their faith Promote an understanding of the “why” of Catholicism  Invite people to “come and see” Promote life-long faith formation for people of all ages: Support growth in understanding of the faith through activities, and sacramental growth opportunities Connect liturgy with growth in faith understanding and practice Serve parents in forming a lifelong faith for their children and a renewal of faith for themselves: Address challenge of outside influences Provide resources and support for young parents Instill active and lifelong faith in their children Provide support and education after sacraments Serve families with faith programs Serve youth and young adults in our parish communities: Address the lack of youth programs Provide for leadership of youth and young adult efforts Stay connected with youth after confirmation Provide outreach to college-age young adults Address negative external influences 2. Reaching out to the Wider Community Address the physical needs faced in the community, including support for the homeless, assistance with economic hardships, and attention to the needs of the elderly Support ministries and services in the wider community through communication and promotion of existing resources 3. Growing as a Parish Family Acknowledge and address the workload on our priests: Two priests for 90,000 people Identify ways that lay faithful can help Adjust expectations – “how can I support my priest?” Initiate practical and prayerful support for vocations Address the large geographical area, population size, and physical barriers that present challenges for our parish family: Respond to recent large population growth and engage possible new parishioners Address the desire among parishioners to maintain small home feeling and have services close by Grow our visibility to the wider community Provide clear, frequent and consistent communication and collaboration within the parish family Address the concern that some people feel excluded or invisible Address particular needs for communication and engagement between and among the English and Spanish language communities beyond mass Build community and promote belonging: Cultivate community by providing opportunities for people of all ages to gather and grow in faith Promote collaboration within community to foster the feeling of family Invite the next generation of parishioners to take an active role in supporting and sustaining parish life

The Eucharist & Mission During our parish mission I reflected on a post synodal document by Pope Benedict XVI (The Sacrament of Charity) which reminds us that the Eucharist is not only the source of our worship but the wellspring of our mission. When we truly receive Christ in the Eucharist, when we believe in, celebrate, and allow his presence to shape us, we cannot keep that gift to ourselves. A living encounter with Jesus always overflows into love of God and concrete love of neighbor. A deep Eucharistic devotion clarifies the goal of all mission: to bring Christ himself to others, not merely a set of ideas or programs. The sacrament points to the unicity of Christ and the salvation he won for us; it calls every Christian into active witness. If we speak of love but fail to share the truth of Christ’s saving gift, we have not yet given enough. This truth calls us both to prayerful catechesis and to practical charity. Let our catechesis keep pointing people to Jesus in the Eucharist, forming hearts that recognize the Mass as mission-training ground. And let our parish life show that Eucharistic devotion leads to works of mercy, visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, inviting someone to Mass. Small acts made in the light of the Eucharist become genuine evangelization. May the Eucharist we celebrate deepen our love for God so that it naturally spills over into love for our neighbors. As we grow in reverence and devotion, let us pray for courage to bring others to Christ, confident that the gift we share is nothing less than the gift of his very person. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

In the Name of the Father: A Bible Study on God's Names Classes begin Tuesday, April 21st, drop in anytime, with sessions offered at 10:00 AM and 6:30 PM in the Sacred Heart Parish offices. Join us for a meaningful and engaging Bible study series exploring the names of God the Father. Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself through names rich with meaning—Yahweh, Adonai, Jehovah, each offering deeper insight into His character, His promises, and His relationship with us. In this series, we’ll take a biblical journey into the origins and significance of these names, uncovering what they teach us about who God is and how He invites us to know Him more fully. Whether you’re new to Bible study or have been studying for years, this series is designed for learners of all levels. All are welcome! Bring your own Bible or feel free to borrow one of ours. We look forward to learning and growing together!

Divine Mercy Sunday — An Experience From A Pilgrimage Easter joy continues on this Second Sunday of Easter, celebrated as Divine Mercy Sunday. I want to share a brief memory from a pilgrimage I made to Poland in 2019 that helped me hear this feast more clearly. Our small group of about 14 included my mother. As a longtime devotee of the Divine Mercy message, first introduced to me in seminary and deepened by my reading of St. Faustina’s Diary, I was thoroughly enjoying the pilgrimage. Then one day, while I was on my own for a time, I began reflecting on everything and grew quite irritated. I thought to myself: isn’t God’s mercy already clear in Scripture, as in Psalm 103, “The Lord is kind and merciful”? Scripture is filled with people encountering God's mercy. There really didn’t seem to be anything revolutionary about the message of Divine Mercy. Why then did a humble Polish nun bring this truth back to the Church’s attention? The answer came gently: we are forgetful. Every generation, in small and large ways, drifts toward self-reliance, hardness of heart, and forgetfulness of God’s tender mercy. That forgetfulness is why the message of Divine Mercy is not redundant but necessary. The Church needs prophets, witnesses, and simple souls who point us back to the heart of the Gospel, that we cannot save ourselves and that God’s love pursues us relentlessly. This Sunday is an invitation to remember and to become reminders. We need to receive the mercy of God offered to us through prayer and in the sacrament of Reconciliation. Many people have a mistaken image of God and live in a spirit of fear, afraid to approach the Lord for fear of judgment and condemnation. Each of us is called to be a beacon, offering forgiveness, compassion, and concrete acts of mercy. Divine Mercy Sunday reminds us to commit to this message, which brings healing and redemption. Let us invite the Holy Spirit to make us more attentive to the souls around us who live under the sentence of self-reliance and self-condemnation, and invite them to the fountain of mercy for healing and salvation. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

The Joy of the Resurrection   Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, and now because of this TRUTH we have the power to live our lives free from fear and the slavery of sin. This is such good news that it caused the disciples to run and announce it to others. An encounter with the Risen Lord is life-changing.   Even though the disciples were exposed to persecution and the agony of watching Jesus be crucified, He came back, and through the Holy Spirit is now at work in our lives, helping us to experience the power of His transforming love and grace.   In preparation for Pentecost, our first reading during the Easter season is taken from the Acts of the Apostles. This is a wonderful way for us to prepare our hearts for a new Pentecost. The devil is pressing hard to suppress the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection and to hurt and separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. We see the devil’s destructive work every day as we hear stories of war, violence, and people being isolated and falling into despair. The world needs our witness that when we are in Christ and open to the Holy Spirit, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).   As we celebrate the Easter season, let us pray for a deeper faith and trust in the Risen Lord and open our hearts to the Holy Spirit so that we can follow the mission the Lord has given us: to continue to allow Him to free those who are oppressed by the devil (1st reading today). This mission begins with our recognizing the strongholds in our lives and praying for the Lord to break them, which will increase Easter joy in our lives.   I wish you all a most joyful Easter, and I am praying that we all deepen our faith as we prepare for Pentecost. God wants to unleash a new Pentecost on the Church, so I will end this column with the beautiful prayer for boldness we find in the Acts of the Apostles after the religious authorities demanded that the disciples stop speaking about their experience of the Risen Lord.   In Christ, Fr. James Northrop

Prayers for Peace & The San Damiano Crucifix   Pope Leo XIV has reminded us that we need to be praying for peace, and in his letter to the Franciscan Family in preparation for the eighth centenary of the death of St. Francis later this year he made a special reference to the beloved Crucifix of San Damiano. Below is the closing excerpt from the letter: Dear brothers and sisters, may the example and spiritual legacy of this saint, strong in faith, steadfast in hope, and ardent in active charity towards his neighbor, inspire in everyone the importance of trusting in the Lord, of living a life faithful to the Gospel, and of accepting and illuminating every circumstance and action of life with faith and prayer. In this Year of Grace, I wish to offer you a prayer that Saint Francis of Assisi may continue to instill in all of us perfect joy and harmony: Saint Francis, our brother, you who eight hundred years ago went to meet Sister Death as a man at peace, intercede for us before the Lord. You recognized true peace in the Crucifix of San Damiano; teach us to seek in Him the source of all reconciliation that breaks down every wall. You who, unarmed, crossed the lines of war and misunderstanding, give us the courage to build bridges where the world raises up boundaries. In this time afflicted by conflict and division, intercede for us so that we may become peacemakers: unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ. Amen. Beginning Easter Sunday, we will display the San Damiano Crucifix in the church at St. Barbara which was made by one of our parish family members. May the Holy Spirit inspire us to follow the beautiful example of St. Francis in bringing the peace of Christ into our broken world. Have a most blessed Holy Week and a joyful Easter! In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Simple Faith   As we prepare to enter Holy Week, we are presented with the beautiful story of the raising of Lazarus. Jesus shows his deep empathy in the shortest sentence in many English Bibles: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). What a powerful reminder that Jesus entered our humanity so that we might share in his divinity.   Today’s Gospel invites us to sit beside Martha as she meets Jesus in the shadow of grief. While her brother Lazarus lies dead, Martha speaks with honesty and courage. She confesses her belief that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and she names both her hope and her doubt. In that moment, her faith is not a calm answer but a faithful reaching out, a trust that speaks even amid confusion and pain.   Martha teaches us that faith can be active and earnest. She moves beyond questions to address Jesus directly, inviting him into her sorrow and into the place of loss. Her words remind us that faith does not require perfect certainty before we call on the Lord. Rather, faith often begins with a simple naming of Christ and a willingness to bring our whole life to him.   This Martha is different from the woman in Luke 10:38–42, who was so preoccupied with serving that she chided Mary for staying at Jesus’ feet. That contrast shows the ongoing struggle to find balance in life and not to judge others who have different duties and responsibilities. While Mary sat with sorrow, Martha ran to meet Jesus and made a beautiful profession of faith.   As we approach Holy Week, let Martha’s example encourage you to bring your doubts, your grief, and your hopes to Jesus. Faith grows when we keep speaking, keep listening, and keep trusting that the One who raises Lazarus is present to raise and renew our own hearts.   Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our Holy Week celebrations. (The schedule has been posted in the bulletin and on our parish websites for the past several weeks.)  We do not simply show up for Easter; we journey with Jesus through each powerful night of the Triduum. These liturgies offer special graces and form the high point of our liturgical year.   In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor