An Invitation To Find More Joy & Purpose in Life   Dear Parish Family,   Our Lord came to set us free from oppression and works of the devil and to help us live life more abundantly (c.f. John 10:10).   As we reflect on our contemporary culture, we see that many people are being misled and are not living abundantly. Too often people are lied to about God and His saving plan of redemption for all humanity.   The Lord wants to begin a powerful movement of renewal in His Church so that all of us can be part of His desire to renew all things in Christ. God is generous and wants to lavish the gracious gift of the Holy Spirit upon us in abundance to help us operate in dynamic power.   I personally want to extend an invitation to you to join us for a great opportunity to experience personal and powerful transformation and renewal so that we can be equipped to take our place in the Church to bring the Good News to those around us. The time has come for us to pray for the fire of the Holy Spirit to i gnite  our lives, burn  away doubt and confusion bringing healing and clarity of mind and heart, and giving us supernatural power to conduct  the mission of the Church to share the Good News with great joy and enthusiasm.   Please mark your calendars for our All Parish Family Lenten Mission from March 9-11 from 6:30PM-8:30PM at Sacred Heart.   In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

The Beatitudes - Ingredients for Happiness   I am a huge fan of Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, who served as the Preacher of the Papal Household from 1980–2024. I have read most of his books and in particular enjoyed his book on the Beatitudes titled Beatitudes — 8 Steps to Happiness.   The Beatitudes are more than moral ideals; they are a way of participating in the life of Christ. Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa invites us to hear them not as distant poetry but as practical invitations to conversion that shape the Christian’s interior life and public witness.   Poverty of spirit . Cantalamessa reminds us that true freedom begins when we recognize our dependence on God. Poverty of spirit is the soil in which every virtue grows: humility opens us to grace and keeps our eyes fixed on Christ rather than on ourselves. Those who mourn . Sorrow, especially over our sin and the brokenness of the world, becomes a source of compassion when it leads us to God. Mourning softens the heart so we can receive divine consolation and become channels of God’s mercy to others. The meek . Meekness is not weakness but strength rightly ordered. It is Christ’s power lived without domination: patient, gentle, and rooted in trust that God is ultimately Lord. Hunger and thirst for righteousness . Cantalamessa calls us to an interior longing for God’s justice that transforms action. This hunger impels us to seek holiness and to work for a world shaped by truth, charity, and the common good. Mercy . The Beatitude of mercy reflects the heart of the Gospel. Mercy heals, reconciles, and breaks cycles of vengeance, reminding us that we are first recipients of God’s mercy and thus called to extend it generously. Purity of heart . Purity is single-heartedness for God. It clarifies our vision so that we can see God and neighbor without distortion, freeing us for a love that is sincere and whole. Peacemakers . To make peace is to act with the patience and creativity of Christ the Reconciler. Peacemaking requires courage: to listen, to forgive, and to build community even when it costs. Persecuted for righteousness’ sake . Cantalamessa emphasizes the paschal dimension of Christian witness: suffering for Christ’s sake unites us to his cross and opens us to resurrection joy. Faithfulness under trial is itself a powerful testimony.   How to live them? Cantalamessa points to prayer, humility, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. The Beatitudes are practiced in small, daily acts: forgiving an offense, a quiet act of service, a moment of prayerful surrender. They shape interior dispositions that bear fruit in how we treat others and how we face suffering.   As a parish community, let us allow these attitudes to become our recipe for joyful living, not as a program to master, but as an apprenticeship to Christ: to be formed by him through prayer, sacraments, and one another. When we do, the Beatitudes cease to be abstract sayings and become the living presence of Christ among us and ingredients to a happy and abundant life.   In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Do Not Neglect The Gift   The other day I was watching a TV series that dealt with law enforcement and the tragic reality of suicide. All of a sudden, as I was watching it, I had a flashback to a very difficult situation I encountered during my second year of priestly ministry.   I was in my office when I received a call from an officer with the Washington State Patrol. He asked if I would go with him to make a death notification. He explained what had happened and that the widow was a member of my parish. A few minutes later he pulled in front of the parish offices to pick me up. I remember distinctly having a knot in my stomach as I got into the car and feeling a bit anxious about what was about to happen.  We headed to the Labor and Industries building in Tumwater, where the widow worked. There was a brief conversation with the officer in the car, but in the moments of silence I prayed to the Holy Spirit to give us strength, grace, and direction. When we got to the offices, the officer asked me to remain in the hallway while he went in to direct the widow toward me. As soon as she saw me, her face sank and she burst into tears. I felt so much sorrow for her and learned more details surrounding the suicide as we talked and prayed together. I was then assigned to be the celebrant for the funeral.   This was a really difficult experience, but I remembered the words from St. Jude:      I share this story with you to remind you, as St. Paul reminded St. Timothy, not to neglect the gift of the Holy Spirit that we have all received through the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation (c.f. 2 Timothy 1:6-7).   When you find yourself in a difficult situation and are feeling overwhelmed, pray in the Holy Spirit and ask the Lord to strengthen you to face your challenge. We are not helpless in the midst of adversity. It is precisely in these moments that I have felt the greatest gratitude for my faith and life in Christ.   In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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