January 25, 2026 – St. Joseph Catholic Church

Archdiocese News

Vocations

Called By Name campaign reminder:
A call to increase vocations
Jan. 31 & Feb. 1
Deadline to submit names: Feb. 13.

Please see archseattle.org/Called-By-Name for details.

Partnership for a World without Nuclear Weapons

Statement on the Fifth Anniversary of the
Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

SEATTLE—Wednesday, January 21, 2026—The Partnership for a World without Nuclear Weapons released a statement in recognition of the fifth anniversary of the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons:

We hope for its further expansion through additional ratifications, now that a majority of the world’s countries have signed the Treaty. In July 2017, the Vatican was the first nation-state to sign and ratify the Treaty as part of its “unwavering commitment to the total elimination of nuclear weapons.”

We condemn the fact that the nuclear weapons powers have never honored their long-held obligations under the 1970 Non-Proliferation Treaty to enter serious negotiations leading to global nuclear disarmament.

In contrast, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was a great step toward the light of peace. The nuclear-armed states have a moral obligation to hear the voices of the majority of the world, and to listen to those who face the threat of annihilation due to the reckless decisions of any one of their nine leaders. Russia’s nuclear saber-rattling over Ukraine makes this clear, while ongoing crises in the Middle East further escalate the risks. Meanwhile, the nuclear weapons powers are engaged in massive “modernization” programs, designed to keep nuclear weapons forever…

Full press release

Pastor Note

January 21, 2026 – Pastor’s Note

Divine Mercy Image at Assumption

I have been working with some Assumption parishioners who would like to have an image of the Divine Mercy displayed at that church. We have explored a few possible locations, but the one I and they like best is actually above the main doors between the gathering space and the church, where an old crucifix is currently mounted. (We would find a dignified place for that crucifix, potentially above the fireplace in the church offices.)

I want to run this by our parishioners before making a final decision, so if you have strong thoughts either way, or have a better idea for a location, please fill out this form: Divine Mercy at Assumption – Fill out form (And yes, I know I still have an opinion form out for Assumption on the steam heating / painting project. I am waiting for the final piping bids to come in before reporting back on that.)

Unusual Mass Rotations

For most of this year, we have been experiencing the general stability that we sought after our Sunday Mass changes. However, with Fr. Stephan in India for a month and Fr. Gerardo soon to be gone to Mexico for a similar time, our Mass rotations are “whatever we can make work” until early March. Thank you for your patience as we work with our (very generous) fill-in priests.

Old Lummi Article

A parishioner recently made an amazing donation to the Lummi/Ferndale archives: copy of the “American Reveille” newspaper (out of Bellingham) from December 16, 1906. Apparently, a friend of this parishioner found the paper used for insulation in a house that was being renovated, gifted it to our parishioner who had it framed, and now the parishioner has decided it might be better kept in the hands of the church.

This particular paper has a full page spread on the Lummi Indians, but of particular interest to our churches are the following paragraphs:

Hillaire Crockett, son of the former chief of the tribe, and who is now recognized as the foremost man in the reservation, although he takes no active part in the management of the affairs, passed through the city in the last few days on his way to British Columbia points where he went to visit with old tillicums. Crockett reported that preparations are already being made for the observation of Christmas on the reservation. Services will be held in the little white church that can be seen plainly across the bay, and the different families will have feasts in their modern homes. In the last few years the Indians have come to recognize the Christmas day of the whites as one of their own holidays and as a day of joy for all.

Father Boulet, who has been associated with the Indians on the Lummi reservation for the last fifty years, will have charge of a part of the services at the reservation this year as he has done for years past. The midnight mass on the eve of Christmas day is the feature of the celebration for the Indians. The venerable Catholic priest tells of the celebration and of the preparations that will be made for it as follows:

“For two or three days before the feast everybody is busy in preparations for decorating the church. Some of the men are cutting and hauling green trees, others are gathering mosses and ferns, while more and the women are arranging the trees inside of the church, making garlands of greens, building a rural crib in which to place a wax representation of the Infant Jesus, which I procured for them many years ago. These decorations, together with the hundreds of lamps and candles burning during the services make the church look like a fairy bower and a very pleasant sight.

“At 11:30 p. m. the last bell calling in the worshippers is heard. Every man, woman and child able to come is sure to be there for the occasion. At the entrance of the church are placed boxes of candles to be used for the procession. As the Indians enter the church each one takes and lights a candle and two by two they proceed towards the crib, and deposit their candles in a box placed nearby. “Then then [sic] make a small money offering to the Infant Jesus, after which each one repairs to his seat. During the procession, which usually lasts a full half hour, the whole congregation sings hymns in the native language appropriate to the occasion. These candles are afterwards stored away for use during the year, while the money is used for church purposes, repairs, etc. High mass is now proceeded with, a sermon in English and another in Chinook for the different classes of hearers.

“This closes the night service for the Indians. They meet again in church at 11 a. m. on Christmas day and hold a lay service among themselves, as after the midnight mass an Indian takes me home to Ferndale, where I hold two services on Christmas morning for my white congregation.”

Three things to note:

The idea that Fr. Boulet had been working with the Lummi for 50 years is likely incorrect. The Treaty of Point Elliot had been signed 50 years before this article was written, but Fr. Chirouse (very helpful biography here) only seems to have established a regular presence at Lummi beginning in 1860. And Fr. Boulet took over Fr. Chirouse’s duties as primary priest to the North Puget Sound and Salish Sea Indians only after Fr. Chirouse’s transfer to British Columbia in 1878. It is likely that, by 1905, Fr. Boulet had worked amongst Western Washington Indians for 50 years, but not necessarily the Lummi Indians for that entire period.
This article was written in 1906, the year after Fr. Ferland took over as Pastor of Assumption and Fr. Boulet was transferred to full-time ministry at Ferndale and Lummi. (This is also the year after Sacred Heart was formed by Fairhaven Catholics desiring their own church.)
The “little white church that can be seen plainly across the bay” refers to St. Joachim, which had previously stood near the mouth of the Nooksack River. The building was moved out of the flood plain in the 1920s to land donated by Chief Kwina, the very Catholic chief of the Lummi Indians at the time.

DEMOGRAPHIC SURVEY BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

Before a parish family can start planning for who they would like to become it is important to make sure they know who they are. This includes knowing about the people, gifts, ministries, and opportunities and challenges present in the parish family today.

An important starting point for discussions is to identify the people the parish family serves, both within the parish and within the wider community. On the weekends of 1/31 – 2/1 and 2/7 – 2/8 we will take a few minutes at the beginning of Mass to have one member of each household fill out a Demographic Survey.

The purpose of this survey is to collect information about our parish community to help us as we think about what ministries we offer, what the needs in our community are, and where there are opportunities to expand or start new ministries.

There will be 10 data points that the survey will cover: 1. Which church in our Parish family do you usually attend? 2. Where do you live, city & area code? 3. Your age. 4. How many people live in your household. 5. What are the ages of others in your household? 6. How long have you attended this parish? 7. What is your current marital status? 8. What ethnicity/race(s) do you and other members of your household identify as? 9. What language(s) do you or your family speak? 10. Do any of the members of your family have accessibility needs?

Questions please call:
St Anne
Dennis Doyle
[email protected]
314-852-6830

St Joseph/St Joachim
Sonja Wolf
[email protected] (corrected email)
(360) 739-6985

Parish News

Sister Maureen in session on Skills for Praying the Scripture

When: January 27th Tuesday 5-6 pm
Where: St Annes 604 H St Blaine, WA

Join Sister Maureen in session on Skills for Praying the Scripture on ZOOM
When: January 27th Tuesday 7-8 pm
Zoom Link: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85352386965?pwd=hnjcW7M3Sqwx0qYif5oaVmYsbpDmzG.1 – January 27: Ignatian Contemplation

Women’s Connect

When: February 26, 2026, 6:00 to 8:30 pm
Where: Sacred Heart Hall

The Theme is “Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit” Zelda Buck from Catholic Community Services is coming to show us their various ministries and Teresa Meurs will give a short testimony. Kerry Morton will lead us in song. More to add to our Liturgical Binder and another craft. It should be a great evening and we look forward to seeing you.

RSVP to www.womensconnect.live.

Valentines Party

When: February 14, 2026, 6:00-10:00 pm
Where: Assumption Church Gym

Live band for listening and dancing. Food for snacking and a no host bar- CASH or CARD available.
Cover charge for the whole evening is $10 per person. Adults 21 and older please.
Sponsored by Knights of Columbus and Catholic Daughters

St Anne Altar Society No-host Galentine Dinner

When: February 7, 2026, after 5pm Mass
Where: Paso Del Norte

All ladies are welcome to gather after mass for fellowship and no-host dinner.

St Anne All Church Chili Contest

When: February 21, 2026, after 5pm mass
Where: St Anne Hall

Please share your talents

Bring the Heat! Enter our annual Chili Contest for a chance to be crowned the Chili Champion.

Show us what you’ve got and take home the title of Best Chili or bring a side or dessert to share. Everyone is welcome.

St Joseph, Ferndale St Mary’s Guild Luncheon and Meeting

When: Wednesday February 4, 2026, Noon-2pm
Where: St Joseph, Ferndale Hall

All Ladies are welcome to join St Mary’s Guild. Bring your favorite dish to share and learn about all the upcoming events sponsored by the Guild.

Middle School BLAST Night

When: Saturday, January 31, 6:30-8:00 pm
Where: Church of the Assumption Gym

Join us for a fun evening as we learn about Lent and prepare for this special season—see the flyers for registration info.

High School BLAST Night

When: Saturday, February 7, 6:30- 8:30 pm
Where: Church of the Assumption Gym

Join us for a fun evening exploring Lent and the Works of Mercy—see the flyers for registration info.

St Joseph, Ferndale Rummage & Bake Sale

School News

Help us meet our fundraising goal – how to make a financial pledge to NDCHS

Planning for the Northern Deanery’s first Catholic high school continues to move forward, bringing us ever closer to our goal of opening in fall 2026. Thanks to the generosity of early supporters, we have $1.2 million pledged toward our $2 million start-up goal—funds that will hire faculty, recruit students, and grow enrollment as we prepare to launch.

We are now inviting all parishioners and community members to prayerfully consider a financial pledge to help bring this new school to life. This is a concrete opportunity to invest in our local Catholic families and community for generations to come.

Pledges may be fulfilled over a three-year period and become capital commitments upon Archdiocesan school approval. Securing these additional commitments by the end of February will help ensure we start strong and can confidently welcome our first Northern Deanery Catholic High School students this fall.

We invite you to be part of the growing community of supporters working to give our families the gift of a Catholic high school education that is close to home! Learn how to pledge at https://ndhighschool.org/donate/

Ready to be inspired? Meet our Director of Implementation, Dr. Andy Remien, and hear more about this exciting project at https://ndhighschool.org/mission-vision/

Wider Community

Whatcom County Pregnancy Clinic

We are currently seeking a Registered Nurse to join our medical team for 20 hours per week. We are looking for someone who is committed to serving women, men and families with compassion and empathy. This candidate must be strong interpersonal, communication, and client care skills and be able to work independently and with a team. Please contact Linda at [email protected] or call the clinic for more information at 360-671-9057

Rachel’s Corner: Project Rachel Post Abortion Healing Retreats

“It is like someone has given a huge gift to your garden that for years has not been green nor growing, and suddenly, everything begins to grow again in the garden of your life. I feel loved by God, worthy of His love and I have been able to accept the mercy of God again. I am alive again.” – Testimonial

English Retreat – Friday, March 6 – Sunday, March 8, 2026
Spanish Retreat – Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 7, 2026
English Retreat – Friday, Sept. 25 – Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026

English: (206) 920-6413 (leave a confidential message)
Español: (206)-450-7814 (deje un mensaje confidencial)
Email [email protected]. Visit us at www.ccsww.org/projectrachel or www.facebook.com/projectrachelww.

Project Rachel is a program of Catholic Community Services.
You are loved with an everlasting Love!

Upcoming

January 28, 2026

January 27, 2026

Sister Maureen Skills for praying Ignatian Contemplation St Anne 5-6 pm in the hall and on Zoom 7-8 pm

January 28, 2026

Parish Office Closed

January 29, 2026

St Anne Daily Confessions/Rosary 8:30 am
St Anne Daily Mass 9:00 am
St Joseph Ferndale, Disciples Den 6:30 pm Mens Group
St Joachim Daily Mass 5:00 pm

January 30, 2026

St Joseph Daily Mass 9:00 am
St Joseph Divine Mercy 9:30 am
St Joseph Spanish Ministry Bible Study 6:00 -9:00 pm

January 31, 2026

St Anne Confessions 4:30 pm
St Anne Vigil Mass 5:00 pm

February 1, 2026

St Joachim Confessions 8:00 am
St Joachim Mass 8:30 am
St Joseph Mass 10:30 am
St Joseph Spaghetti Luncheon 11:30 am

In case you Missed it

St Joseph, Ferndale Spaghetti Luncheon

When: Sunday February 1, 2026, 11:30 am
Where: St Joseph, Ferndale Hall

Spaghetti Luncheon after mass, donations to Benefit Altar Society. Lunch will include Spaghetti with or without Meat Sauce, Garlic Sticks, Salad and Dessert.

If you are unable to attend and would like to Support the Altar Society you may provide a donation.

Jesus Day Camp

Save the Date June 22-26, 2026, for Jesus Day Camp at St Joseph, Ferndale.

Mom’s Group Meeting

When: every Monday after the 8:15am Mass
Where: Sacred Heart in Fairhaven, Toddler Room

Moms with children 5 years old and under are welcome to join a new mom’s group meeting. The Whatcom Catholic Moms groups is a community for mothers with children five years old and under to gather in faith, support, and friendship. We seek to listen to the Spirit as He guides and strengthens us to bring God’s love to our families, and through them, to the world.

Contact Connie Schmidt (832) 210-3371 with any questions. We’d love to see you!

Assumption School

SAVE THE DATE!
When: Saturday March 7, 2026
Where: Bellingham Golf & Country Club

Our 26th annual “Growing Great Kids Auction & Gala” is right around the corner. This year it will be at the Bellingham Country Golf and Country Club. Tickets will be on sale soon. Start planning your table guests and invite your friends and family for a wonderful time supporting our local Catholic School in Whatcom County.