Wildfires are currently ravaging Los Angeles and other areas of California. Please help families recover after the fires pass. Make an emergency donation to CCUSA today to help provide lifesaving resources. 100% of your gift supports wildfire relief efforts. Donation Link Full Press Release - Additional Information

Celebrate the lives and achievements of the six Black Catholics on the road to sainthood. Come for an evening of culture, song, stories and soul. The Black Catholic Advisory Circle of the Archdiocese of Seattle invites you to a special concert featuring acclaimed songwriter, composer, and storyteller ValLimar Jansen. ValLimar Jansen Two performances - one amazing cultural experience. DATES/TIME: February 7, 2025 7:00 PM February 8, 2025 1:00 PM LOCATION: St Madeline Sophie 4400 130th Pl SE Bellevue, WA 98006 Tickets: $20/person, $10/student ( BUY TICKETS ONLINE ) For more information: 206.240.6675 www.bcacseattle.org

The St. Barbara Pastoral Council is here to listen and grow with you. We’re inviting all parish members to share their thoughts, suggestions, and ideas to help strengthen our community and deepen our faith. Visit our Pastoral Council page to learn more about what we do and how your input will guide our efforts. Together, we can build a more vibrant parish that reflects the heart of our faith. We’d love to hear from you—click the link to get started! https://www.stbarbarachurch.org/pastoral-council

You're Invited to a Parish Spaghetti Feed! 🍝 📅 Date:  Sunday, February 1st. ⏰ Time:  6:00 PM 📍 Location:  St. Barbara Parish Hall Join us for a delightful evening of good food and great company, hosted by the Knights of Columbus! Bring your appetite and, if you're able, bring a dessert to share . We can’t wait to see you there!

"I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly." John 10:10 Beginning February 2nd, 2025... Want to do something different for Lent? Try the 10:10 Challenge! Get the Book Here If cost is an issue I can get you a copy, just let me know emilysimburger@gmail.com 3 Ways to Participate Do this as an individual Do this with a friend online or in person. Join our online group on Sunday night >>> Details Below If you're interested in joining us online for accountability and encouragement, email emilysimburger@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link. Each week will feature a guided discussion centered around the week's focus. We'll meet on Sunday nights from 8:15 pm to 9:15 pm via Zoom. The schedule is as follows: February 2nd: Conversation 1: Pray from the Heart pg 7 February 9th : Conversation 2: Dwell in God's Word pg 37 February 16th: Conversation 3: Grow in Freedom pg 69 February 23rd: Conversation 4: Worship the Lord pg 103 March 2nd: Conversation 5: Love your Neighbor pg 135 March 9th: Conversation 6: Encourage One Another pg 167 March 16th: Conversation 7: Follow God's Lead pg 197 March 23rd - Conversation 8: Call on Mary and the Saints pg 229 March 30th - Conversation 9: Entrust Your Life to Jesus pg 265 April 6th - Conversation 10: Share the Good News pg 295 April 13th (Palm Sunday) Final Conversation pg 327 Each section provides daily guided prayers and reflections to mentor you through the week's focus. Spend 10 to 15 minutes a day on spiritual exercises, with optional bonus material for deeper exploration. It's ideal for those seeking to grow in prayer, refresh their spiritual life, or learn new methods. You'll explore prayer techniques rooted in the saints' wisdom and Catholic traditions, clearly explained for all experience levels. With each week designed to bring you closer to experiencing the abundant life Jesus came to give. Take a look at week one of the 10:10 Challenge Copyright Material Do Not Distribute Buy the Book Here Any questions or request please direct to Emily at emilysimburger@gmail.com

The Knights of Columbus are excited to invite all parish members to a peaceful and uplifting evening of prayer and reflection. Every fourth Monday of the month, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m ., we’ll gather in the Parish Hall to come together as a community in faith. The hour will begin with 30 minutes of prayer, followed by a meaningful reflection on the upcoming Sunday Gospel reading. This time of spiritual enrichment is open to everyone—whether you’re attending on your own, with family, or bringing little ones along. We’ll even have engaging activities to help children enjoy their time too! Come as you are, and join us for an evening to renew your spirit and connect with our parish community. We look forward to welcoming you!

Saint Barbara’s Historical Catholic Church on dedication day – Oct. 23, 1910 Courtesy of the Black Diamond Historical Society For the first 25 years of its existence, only the Congregational Church was allowed in the coal mining town of Black Diamond, but “everybody went to the same church, Catholics and all,” according to Dusalina Cavaletto. About every two to three months Catholic Masses were held in the old show hall when a priest was paid to travel by train from Mount Virgin Church in Seattle and parishioners paid him for coming using the opportunity to baptize their children. Around 1910, Pacific Coast Coal which owned the company town leased land at nominal rates for a Presbyterian Church, featured in the past two columns, and Saint Barbara’s Catholic Church seen in this Oct. 23, 1910 photo at its dedication performed by Rev. Edward J. O’Dea of the Seattle diocese. At the time of the dedication, flags from the Papal State, Austria and the United States were flown. In Oct. 1939, Pacific Coast gifted this land to the Corporation of the Catholic Bishop of Seattle. The church was built on an original one-acre lot at Sixth Avenue and Baker Street for $2,227. According to a Sept. 30, 1910 article in the Enumclaw Courier, the lumber was supplied by the White River Lumber Co. of Enumclaw. It was hauled up Lawson Hill from the railroad by two teams of horses driven by Matt Paschich and Pete Veronick. Catholic coal miners loaded the lumber on flat cars and unloaded it at the church site. Ival Parks was the contractor and Alex Gillessen, both of Enumclaw did the painting, but most of the casual labor was provided by parishioners. The Benedictine fathers of St. Martin’s Abbey in Lacey established the church to bring Catholic services to the many Italian, Polish, and Austrian immigrants who had poured into Black Diamond to work the coal mines. Father Aloysius Mlinar was the person most responsible for its construction. According to Alice DeWinter Shanks, the first couple married at St. Barbara’s Church, were her mother, Cecelia Jones, and father, Philemon DeWinter. Before St. Barbara’s was built, some Catholics walked three miles along the railroad tracks to the coal mining town of Franklin, having to cross a long trestle at Old Lawson. Franklin’s Catholic Church, beautifully situated directly above the Green River Gorge was built about 1905 but later burned down. The adjacent Holy Rosary cemetery is still actively maintained occasionally hosting a new burial. The bell for St. Barbara’s tower came from the Franklin parish. In 1997, a new and larger church was constructed east of the original chapel still used for smaller weddings and weekday masses. The campus now encompasses 6.5 acres. Saint Barbara is the patron saint of miners comforting them from the dangers they face tunneling deep underground. This prayer hangs in the Black Diamond church: “As I now descend into the dark bowels of the earth, I beseech thee, sweet Barbara, that I be kept safe from harm, for it liketh me not that I rush unbidden into God’s presence.” This photo comes courtesy of the Black Diamond Historical Society whose volunteers gather each Thursday to improve one of the finest small-town museums in our state. If you’ve never visited, you’re in for a treat while exploring two floors of displays, artifacts, photos, and maps that tell the fascinating story of the little town that could, and still does. Museum hours are Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm, and Saturday-Sunday, 11 am to 3 pm. The museum is located at 32627 Railroad Avenue just a stone’s throw from the famous Black Diamond Bakery, and kitty-corner from the increasingly popular Black Diamond Grill, an Italian-American-inspired restaurant. By Bill Kombol, When Coal Was King, Voice of the Valley and then the date the column appeared Dec. 18, 2024.

As we continue our journey with the Partners in the Gospel  initiative, the role of the Parish Family Advisory Council (PFAC)  becomes even more critical in shaping the future of our parish family. This council serves as a key consultative body, working closely with the pastor to create a unified One Parish Plan  that will guide our mission and structure as we move toward becoming one canonical parish. What is the Parish Family Advisory Council? The Parish Family Advisory Council (PFAC)  is made up of parishioners from each of the parishes within the parish family. These individuals are chosen to represent a diverse cross-section of our community, ensuring that the perspectives and needs of all members are considered. The council is tasked with advising the pastor on important decisions related to Partners in the Gospel , including changes that impact our parish family, shared events, and opportunities for collaboration across parishes. Above all, the PFAC’s focus is on the health of the entire parish family. While individual parishes may have distinct needs, the council's work is rooted in looking at the bigger picture—ensuring that our collective efforts strengthen the mission and vitality of all our communities, rather than just focusing on individual parish concerns. The council’s primary responsibility is to guide the creation of the One Parish Plan , a strategic pastoral plan that will be submitted to the archbishop. This plan is a critical step in the restructuring process, paving the way for our eventual unification as one canonical parish. Key Roles and Responsibilities The PFAC will be involved in many facets of this journey: Consultation on Parish Family Matters : The council will provide feedback and guidance on changes impacting the parish family, such as shared events and cross-parish collaboration. Creation of the One Parish Plan : This document, submitted to the archbishop, outlines the strategic direction for our future. The PFAC will play a pivotal role in helping shape and refine this plan. Discernment Process : The PFAC will ensure that the necessary discernment processes are in place to ensure the plan reflects the collective needs and hopes of all parish communities. Council Composition and Mechanics The PFAC will be comprised of 9-12 people , with a minimum term of three years  (renewable as needed). The members will represent the age, ethnic, cultural, and economic diversity  of the parish family, ensuring a broad range of perspectives. Key characteristics of the council members include: A diversity of skills and expertise , including backgrounds in ministry, service, finance, properties, and strategic planning. Representatives from schools and other parish ministries , ensuring that all aspects of parish life are considered. A commitment to representing the entire parish family , rather than advocating solely for their individual parish, interest, or ministry. This approach ensures that the PFAC is a holistic and balanced body, focused on the overall health and future of the parish family as a whole. Support for the Parish Family Advisory Council The PFAC will not be working in isolation. They will have the support of two key groups: Parish Family Leadership Team (PFLT) : This team, formed by the pastor, will include staff members (or volunteers, where staff is unavailable) who will help facilitate the Partners in the Gospel  process. They will be responsible for implementing the activities outlined in the One Parish Plan and providing logistical support to the PFAC. This team will also be involved in organizing public events and guiding the council through its work sessions. Parish Liaisons : Hired by the Archdiocese of Seattle, Parish Liaisons will serve as local experts and guides for the Partners in the Gospel  initiative. These liaisons will provide technical support, answer questions, and offer suggestions, helping the PFAC stay on track. While they will assist in facilitating discussions, it’s important to note that the liaisons will not be responsible for the day-to-day tasks involved in creating the One Parish Plan. Moving Forward Together As we embark on this next phase of our Partners in the Gospel  journey, the Parish Family Advisory Council  will be instrumental in guiding us toward a unified future. We encourage all members of our parish family to support this process, pray for the members of the PFAC, and engage with them as they work to ensure our collective vision is realized. This is an exciting time for our parish family—one that holds the promise of greater collaboration, growth, and mission. Together, with the guidance of the PFAC and the support of our leadership teams, we will continue to walk forward in faith and unity, ready to embrace the future that God has prepared for us. in Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

During the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis is calling on all the faithful to become Pilgrims of Hope. The Jubilee Year begins when Pope Francis opens the Holy Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24, 2024. The doors will remain open until the end of the Jubilee Year on January 6, 2026. During the Jubilee, millions of pilgrims are expected to travel to Rome to walk through the Holy Doors and participate in Jubilee events. Those unable to travel to Rome can participate in the Jubilee locally by making a pilgrimage to St. James Cathedral in Seattle or to one of the other designated pilgrimage sites. View the Seattle Archdiocese Jubilee Guide

Navigating Life’s Choices: Insights from St. Ignatius Do you sometimes have a hard time making decisions? Have you ever wanted help discerning God’s voice? Join us for a special event where you’ll discover St. Ignatius' rules for discernment—timeless tools to help you navigate all of life’s decisions, from the everyday to the extraordinary. Event Details Date:  Sunday, January 12th, 2025 Time:  1:00 PM to 3:30 PM Location:  St. Barbara Catholic Church (Parish Hall and Church) Our gathering will begin in the parish hall at 1:00 PM, where Patrick Sharkey will guide us through St. Ignatius’ principles of discernment. You’ll learn how to apply these tools in your daily life to grow closer to God and make better decisions. Following the talk and a Q&A session, we’ll move to the church for a time of adoration. During this sacred time, Patrick will provide additional prayer guidance to help us put these discernment principles into practice. This event is open to all women in our parish family, so invite a friend! Patrick Sharkey About Patrick Sharkey Patrick Sharkey is a certified Spiritual Director, is the former Director of the Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center and currently serves as Director of Operations for 3 Catholic parishes in Western Washington. As a spiritual director, Patrick has trained to help others hear the voice of the Lord in their lives. He has a passion helping others along the path to union with God and helping them unlock the treasure trove of spiritual wisdom in the Catholic Church. He holds a master's in business administration from Franciscan University and is currently working on a master's certificate in Spiritual Theology through the Avila Institute. He and his wife, Andrea live in Puyallup with their five children.  Want to hear more from Patrick? Check out his inspiring discussions on the Faith Retriever Podcast. Save the Date Mark your calendars and join us on January 12th for an afternoon of faith, fellowship, and practical tools to grow closer to God. Itinerary: 1:00 PM : Doors Open (Hall) 1:30–2:30 PM : Talk by Patrick Sharkey and Q&A (Hall) 2:30–3:30 PM : Adoration with Prayer Guidance (Church) We can’t wait to see you there!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we continue our journey through the Christmas season, we arrive at one of the most beautiful feasts of the liturgical year: the Epiphany of the Lord. The Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi, the wise men from the East who came to adore the newborn Savior. Their journey to Bethlehem, guided by the light of a star, marks a pivotal moment in salvation history—the revelation of Jesus as the Savior of all people. The word "Epiphany" means "manifestation" or "revelation." In the Magi’s encounter with the infant Jesus, we see God’s plan unfold. The visit of these non-Jewish sages is a sign that Christ’s light is not limited to the people of Israel alone but is intended for the whole world. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to all nations, and in this feast, we celebrate the universality of Christ's saving mission. The gifts the Magi bring—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—are rich in symbolic meaning. Gold acknowledges Jesus as the King, frankincense affirms His divinity as the Son of God, and myrrh, used for anointing and embalming, foreshadows His suffering and death. These gifts remind us that Christ’s mission is not just to reign as King, but also to give His life for our salvation. As we reflect on the Epiphany, we are invited to ask ourselves: How am I responding to the light of Christ? Like the Magi, we are called to seek Jesus with hearts full of faith, to follow His guiding light, and to offer our lives—our talents, our love, and our service—as a gift to Him. The journey of the Magi teaches us that the search for Christ is worth every effort and sacrifice. May we, too, seek Him with open hearts and eyes that are ready to be illuminated by His grace. This feast also reminds us of the importance of sharing Christ’s light with others. The Magi, in bringing their gifts to the child Jesus, were among the first to spread the message of His birth. We are called, in turn, to be messengers of that light, bringing the hope of Christ to a world in need of His love and peace. As we celebrate the Epiphany, let us renew our commitment to follow Christ more closely, to be His witnesses, and to share His light with those around us. May the light of Christ illuminate your hearts and homes in the coming year, guiding you to deeper faith, greater love, and a renewed sense of purpose. Happy Epiphany, and may God bless you and your families with His abundant grace in the new year. In Christ's love, Fr. James Northrop Pastor

Spiritual Maturity & The Grace of Baptism Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we continue our journey through the liturgical year, it’s a good time to reflect on the meaning and power of baptism—not just as a sacrament of initiation, but as the gateway to the life in the Holy Spirit. The Church teaches that Baptism is essential for salvation, but it is also much more than a simple ritual; it is the beginning of a lifelong relationship with God. In the early days of the Church, Baptism was typically administered to adults who had made a conscious, mature choice to follow Christ. They approached the waters of Baptism as an act of faith, a free and intentional decision to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Today, however, we often baptize infants, whose parents and godparents stand in for them as the primary professors of faith. While this is beautiful and necessary, there is a tendency to overlook the personal and conscious proclamation of faith that Baptism initially represented. This is where the concept of the Baptism in the Spirit  comes into play. The Baptism in the Spirit is not a separate sacrament, but it is an important experience that can “reactivate” and renew the grace of our original Baptism. This is not a new sacramental rite, but rather a deeper openness to the Holy Spirit that allows the baptized person to fully embrace the Christian life. The Baptism in the Spirit  invites us to make a personal and mature response to God's call. It’s as if a light switch is turned on, allowing the full power of the Spirit to flow freely in our lives. When we are open to the Spirit, we experience a transformation that renews our faith, empowers our prayers, and strengthens our witness. Just as Jesus was unable to perform miracles in Nazareth due to the lack of faith (Mt. 13:58), we too may find that our lives feel stagnant or lacking in the power of God when we do not actively choose to live in the fullness of the Spirit. Baptism is not a one-time event but a lifelong process of growing in the grace and knowledge of God. When we make a personal choice to embrace the Holy Spirit, we unlock the gifts that were given to us at Baptism and allow them to flow freely in our lives. This is where true Christian maturity begins—when we, by the grace of God, respond wholeheartedly and actively to the gift of salvation and make a conscious decision to say, “Jesus is Lord.” As we begin this new year, let us examine our own hearts and our own relationship with the Holy Spirit. Have we fully opened ourselves to the grace of Baptism? Are we actively living out our faith in a way that allows the Holy Spirit to flow freely in our lives? Let us pray for a renewed outpouring of the Spirit, so that we might experience the fullness of life that God desires for each of us. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop Pastor