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!

The Wisdom of Waiting: Building on God's Divine Timeline I recently read some comments by Pope Leo XIV during his homily for the dedication of St. John Lateran. He said: "Brothers and sisters, as we diligently labor in the service of God’s Kingdom, let us be neither hasty nor superficial. Let us dig deep, unhindered by worldly criteria, which too often demand immediate results and disregard the wisdom of waiting.” These words call us to reflect on how we approach our faith and our service to others. In our busy world, there is a tendency to desire quick results, seek immediate success, and measure our efforts by superficial standards. Yet, true growth in God's Kingdom requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to dig deep. Our faith invites us to look beyond what is immediate and visible. Growth in holiness and in our community often happens quietly through consistent prayer, acts of charity, and ongoing commitment. It requires us to wait on God's timing and trust in His wisdom, even when results seem slow or imperceptible. As we move forward with the Partners in the Gospel, these words can help ground us in what the Lord wants to accomplish and how we are called to move forward. Let us also strive to encourage one another to resist the temptation of superficiality and hasty judgments. Instead, let us dig deep into our faith, our commitments, and our relationships, trusting that God's harvest will come in His perfect time. We are building on the legacy of many wonderful men and women who have been part of our parishes over the years. Surely, the Lord will see that the good work He has begun in us will be brought to completion. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

The Power of Gratitude The Power of Gratitude Gratitude is a powerful gift that transforms our hearts and opens our eyes to the many blessings around us. As we go through our busy lives, it is easy to focus on what we lack or what still needs to be done. But today, I invite you to pause and reflect on the importance of being grateful and giving thanks. The Bible teaches us that gratitude is a vital way to grow closer to God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are reminded to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. No matter our situation, there is always something to be grateful for—whether it is the love of family and friends, the beauty of creation, or the simple blessings of each new day. When we cultivate gratitude, our hearts become clearer and more humble. Giving thanks not only honors God but also lifts our spirits and strengthens our faith. It helps us recognize His presence in our lives, even during difficult times. Gratitude fuels hope, fosters kindness, and encourages us to share our blessings with others. Think of gratitude as a spiritual practice that transforms us from inside out. As we thank God for His many gifts, we are reminded that everything we have is a grace. Gratitude opens the door for joy and peace to fill our hearts and inspires us to be more compassionate and generous. This week, I encourage you to take a moment each day to express thanks, whether in prayer, in a conversation, or through acts of kindness. Let us remember that gratitude is not just a feeling but a way of life. As we give thanks, we become a radiant reflection of God's love and grace shining into the world, inspiring others to recognize the many blessings we share in Christ. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,   Our parish will soon host Partners in the Gospel listening sessions, and I warmly invite you to participate. These sessions are opportunities for our community to share what nourishes our faith, what challenges our parish, and how we can better serve families, form disciples, and reach those who have drifted away. Your experience, concerns, and hopes are vital to shaping how we move forward together.   Why attend? •         Your voice helps shape parish priorities — worship, formation, outreach, and ministries — so decisions reflect real needs. •         Listening together builds understanding and stronger relationships across generations and ministries. •         This is a prayerful process of discernment; your participation is a stewardship of our common life in Christ. Please sign up for one session so we can plan for meaningful conversation. Sessions are listed in the bulletin; you may attend whichever is most convenient. At our last deanery meeting, several parishes reported low attendance. I sincerely hope that will not be the case here because your input is needed and deeply valued.   In Christ, Fr. James Northrop James Northrop

Dear Parish Family, In our journey as disciples of Christ, we are called not only to care for the physical needs of others but also to tend to the needs of the soul. This is where the Spiritual Works of Mercy come into focus: seven beautiful and challenging ways we are invited to love others as Christ loves us. While the Corporal Works of Mercy address tangible, bodily needs (feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, etc.), the Spiritual Works of Mercy remind us that the soul, too, hungers for truth, peace, guidance, and forgiveness. These seven works are: • Instructing the ignorant • Counseling the doubtful • Admonishing the sinner • Bearing wrongs patiently • Forgiving offenses willingly • Comforting the afflicted • Praying for the living and the dead Each of these is rooted in the Gospel and reflects how Christ ministered to those around Him. Consider how often Jesus taught, forgave, consoled, and prayed for others. He met people not only in their physical suffering but also in their confusion, grief, and moral struggles. Through these works, we are invited to do the same. In a world overwhelmed by noise, division, and uncertainty, the spiritual works are more needed than ever. They require not money or special resources, but a heart open to the Holy Spirit, a willingness to listen, and a spirit of humility. Sometimes, the most merciful act is a patient ear, a word of encouragement, or the silent offering of prayer. These works also challenge us to grow in holiness. It is not always easy to forgive, to bear wrongs patiently, or to lovingly correct someone. But when done in charity, these acts become channels of grace for both the giver and the receiver. This week, I encourage each of us to reflect on how we can live these works in our daily lives. Is there someone in need of encouragement or prayer? Have we harbored a grudge too long? Can we offer a word of hope or guidance to someone in confusion? Let us be, in the words of St. Teresa of Ávila, Christ’s hands and feet on earth, bringing His mercy to both body and soul. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop In our journey as disciples of Christ, we are called not only to care for the physical needs of others but also to tend to the needs of the soul. This is where the Spiritual Works of Mercy come into focus: seven beautiful and challenging ways we are invited to love others as Christ loves us. While the Corporal Works of Mercy address tangible, bodily needs (feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, etc.), the Spiritual Works of Mercy remind us that the soul, too, hungers for truth, peace, guidance, and forgiveness. These seven works are: • Instructing the ignorant • Counseling the doubtful • Admonishing the sinner • Bearing wrongs patiently • Forgiving offenses willingly • Comforting the afflicted • Praying for the living and the dead Each of these is rooted in the Gospel and reflects how Christ ministered to those around Him. Consider how often Jesus taught, forgave, consoled, and prayed for others. He met people not only in their physical suffering but also in their confusion, grief, and moral struggles. Through these works, we are invited to do the same. In a world overwhelmed by noise, division, and uncertainty, the spiritual works are more needed than ever. They require not money or special resources, but a heart open to the Holy Spirit, a willingness to listen, and a spirit of humility. Sometimes, the most merciful act is a patient ear, a word of encouragement, or the silent offering of prayer. These works also challenge us to grow in holiness. It is not always easy to forgive, to bear wrongs patiently, or to lovingly correct someone. But when done in charity, these acts become channels of grace for both the giver and the receiver. This week, I encourage each of us to reflect on how we can live these works in our daily lives. Is there someone in need of encouragement or prayer? Have we harbored a grudge too long? Can we offer a word of hope or guidance to someone in confusion? Let us be, in the words of St. Teresa of Ávila, Christ’s hands and feet on earth, bringing His mercy to both body and soul. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop

The Need For Pentecost   I have just finished the 2025 Pentecost Today National Leaders Meeting & Conference in Houston, Texas. What an amazing experience and blessing to meet people from all over the country who are praying for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit to move in our Church.   There is a special grace whenever we are open and docile to the activity of the Holy Spirit. St. Bonaventure once said, “The Holy Spirit comes where He is loved, where He is invited, where He is expected.”   During the conference, I heard beautiful testimonies from people from every walk of life about how the Holy Spirit has helped them draw closer to the Lord and live out their vocations with a spirit of boldness and conviction.   I met one religious sister who is part of a new Franciscan religious order who was in the library during the Columbine school shooting in 1998. She said that horrible tragedy led her to commit her life to the Lord and to seek God’s will in her life. It was a huge turning point that opened the door to her vocation. Sadly, her brother was also at the school during the shooting and lost a good friend. He has struggled with drug addiction ever since that horrible event and was currently in jail. She asked us to pray for him.   People need to know that we serve a God who walks with us through our life events. The Lord doesn’t always shield us from suffering but wants to heal and help us through those painful moments in life.   When I was baptized in the Holy Spirit in 1988, my relationship with the Lord deepened tremendously and I began to understand the importance of welcoming the Holy Spirit to lead me and help me stay close to Jesus.   It was a special grace and blessing to be around so many people who were eager to give an account for the hope inside of them (c.f. 1 Peter 3:15).   As we move forward with the Partners in the Gospel program, we need to be praying for the Holy Spirit to be fanned into flame to help us overcome the challenges we face, but also to help us experience the supernatural power from on high that the Lord wants to send to us. The Lord wants to equip us for the work of ministry (c.f. Ephesians 4:11-12).   One of the resources that was shared was a Novena to be prayed for the 2000th anniversary of Pentecost. I wanted to share that resource with you and invite you to pray with me for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit to fall upon our Church and our parish family.   Here is the link to the resource. https://www.pentecosttodayusa.org/hs2033/   Come Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of your faithful!   In Christ, Fr. James Northrop Pastor