Whom to Contact Staff — Whatcom Catholic
Our parish staff is here to help with whatever you need to grow closer to Jesus. The office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Closed on Wednesday’s. (360) 384-3651
- Priests ([email protected]) – Confession, Spiritual advice, anointing of the sick. Priest appointments
- Myra Whiting ([email protected])– Location Manager, Front office reception, building scheduling, and everything else
- Jill Sawicki ([email protected] – Sacraments, Faith formation,
- Dawn Zimmerman ([email protected])-Childrens, Middle, and High School Youth Groups
- Emergencies requesting a priest – (360) 733-1388
- For Bulletin request email: [email protected]
Liturgical Offerings
Daily Masses
St Joseph Friday 9 am
St Joachim Thursday 5 pm
St Anne Thursday 9 am
Weekend Masses
St Joseph Sunday 10:30 am
St Joachim Sunday 8:30 am
St Anne Saturday 5 pm
Confessions
St Joseph Saturday 3 pm
St Joachim Sunday 8-8:15 am
St Anne Thursday 8:30 am Saturday 4:30 pm
First Friday Confessions at Assumption
As a reminder First Friday confessions are held at Church of the Assumption from 4:30-5:30pm. For 2026, first Friday confession dates are: January 2nd, February 6th, March 6th, April 3rd, May 1st, June 5th, July 3rd, August 7th, September 4th, October 3rd, November 7th, and December 4th. A full list of confessions times can be found at https://www.whatcomcatholic.org/mass or you can email [email protected] to schedule a confession
Whatcom Catholic
Whatcom Catholic Churches: For comprehensive information regarding all Catholic Churches in Whatcom County, including priest schedules, Mass times and locations, please visit whatcomcatholic.org. For all Whatcom Catholic staff Information, visit: whatcomcatholic.org
Assumption School
Assumption Catholic School (360-733-6133) is a ministry of the parish in service to the Gospel, serving grades pre-K to 8th. We form our students in the Catholic faith, helping Catholics and non-Catholics alike un- derstand the message of Jesus and how to live a virtuous life. More information can be found at our website http://assumption.school.org or by e-mailing [email protected].
Northern Deanery High School
Over the past two years, we’ve made great progress in building a strong foundation for our new Catholic high school located within Bellingham’s Sacred Heart Parish Hall —confirming community interest, developing a sustainable financial model, designing a rich curriculum, securing Archdiocesan affiliation, attracting our cornerstone investor, welcoming our first team member, and selecting our initial location. For more information please visit our website ndhighschool.org
Pastor Note
To all parishioners and visitors to our Whatcom County Catholic Churches – Merry Christmas!
It is famously hard to convince family, friends, and neighbors to help you move. Packing and carrying heavy boxes all day is no one’s idea of a good time. So when someone does agree, we are immensely thankful. In fact, we often wonder what we did to deserve such a loving, generous friend or family member. Now let’s extend that idea to the incarnation. Moving may be unpleasant, but it is nothing compared to the overall burden of a human life under the yoke of sin and death. And yet, Jesus freely chose to enter into our existence, to share our struggle, to unite himself to our pains. What did we ever do to deserve such a savior? Why would he ever want to empty himself to such a radical extent?
Because he loves us. He has loved us since the moment he created the universe and knit us together in our mothers’ wombs. He loves us on our best days and on our worst days. He loves us so much that he could never imagine leaving us alone to our burdens – he has always wanted to be with us, he was simply looking for the most opportune time.
That time was 2025 years ago in a backwater of the Roman Empire, on the Eastern shores of the Mediterranean. And ever since that day, humanity has been united in thanksgiving for such an incredible and unmerited gift.
Why does Christmas hold such power for us? Why is the nostalgia double strong for this season? Why is our desire to be with family and attend church so potent in these holy days? Because, in the small, sleeping figure of the Christ child we are reminded that God made himself small out of love for us. There is no purer or potent love than the love of God in his incarnation.
May the Lord bless you and your families!
Fr. Moore
Archdiocese News
Partners in the Gospel
Partners in the Gospel is a strategic pastoral planning effort taking place across the Archdiocese of Seattle to re-invigorate and renew our local Catholic Church. Functionally, it is a process to join neighboring parishes together so that, with combined financial, physical, and human resources, our parishes can become stronger than ever.
To learn more about Partners in the Gospel, please visit https://archseattle.org/Partners
Archbishop Paul D. Etienne’s Christmas Video
Please share with your parish family. English | Spanish
Faith Formation Opportunities
Sacramental Prep Classes
Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, contact Jill Sawicki ([email protected])
Consider Becoming Catholic-OCIA
The Catholic Church is the community of believers in Jesus Christ who seek to worship and follow the Lord in fidelity to the teachings of Jesus’ Apostles and their successors. We believe that, despite our human failings which often obscure the truth, our Church is the Church that Jesus intentionally established before Ascending into Heaven. If you are considering becoming Catholic, please visit our website at stjosephferndale.org to register or contact Sharon Patrick ([email protected]) for more information and to get started. Anyone is welcome to attend meetings for as long as they would like to learn and ask questions, without having to make a commitment to the Catholic faith.
You can register onlne Discover Catholicism – St. Joseph Catholic Church or Contact Sharon Patrick at [email protected] for more information or for help getting registered.
Marriage / Marriage Preparations
Holy Matrimony is a beautiful gift given by God and elevated by Christ to the dignity of a sacrament for the baptized. Choosing to undertake this blessed adventure is a witness of love for the world. Marriage preparation includes formation classes, paperwork, and liturgy planning, through which parish staff will assist couples. We are happy to answer any questions regarding marriage and specific situations. We also assist Catholic couples who were married civilly outside the church to co-validate their marriage in a sacramental ceremony. Please contact Anna at least 6 months before the date you hope to be married.
Contact: Anna Wittmershaus [email protected] 360-594-5791
Marriage Preparation Mentor Program
We are always seeking more mentors to support our engaged couples through marriage preparation. Married individuals or couples can mentor engaged couples by facilitating pre-marriage classes or providing one-on-one support. To learn more please contact: Anna Wittmershaus [email protected]
High School BLAST Nights – All Teens Welcome
If you have a high school student looking for community, connection, and a place to grow in faith, our BLAST Nights are an easy way to get involved. Students are welcome to join us for any of the upcoming events:
- February 7 – BLAST Night 6:30–8:30 p.m., Assumption Gym (Students coming from Mass are welcome to join right after).
- March 7 – High School Retreat 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Location TBD (If your teen is interested, please email Daniel so we can keep you in the loop as details develop).
- April 11 – Race to Midnight Event 6:30 p.m.–Midnight, Ferndale (A special end-of-year experience for all high school Students
If you would like to learn more about our youth gatherings or inquire about small group availability, contact Daniel Prenosil at [email protected].
Middle School BLAST Nights – All 6th–8th Graders Welcome
Our Middle School BLAST Nights – All 6th–8th Graders Welcome Our Middle School BLAST Nights offer fun, faith, and a welcoming community for all students. Kids can join us anytime for the upcoming dates:
- January 31 – BLAST Night Assumption Gym •
- February 28 – BLAST Night St. Joseph Church, Ferndale •
- April 25 – BLAST Night Assumption Gym • March 14 – Middle School Retreat 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Location TBD Times may vary slightly depending on the retreat venue.
If you’d like more information about these events or want to ask about small group availability, please contact Daniel Prenosil at [email protected].
Making it even that one evening commensurate with results immediate damage was so much more effective watching Humphrey come through monster experience
Interest and Service Groups
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization that provides support for the Church, the parish, our bishops and priests, families, youth, seminarians, and the community. Catholic gentlemen 18 and over are invited to join. Contact: Lloyd Mitchell 907-723-2151
Catholic Daughters of Americas – Whatcom Catholic
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) works to help women develop their spirituality by providing opportunities to share their faith with other Catholic women (spirituality), then live that out by helping others through charitable acts in the spirit of Jesus Christ (service). CDA is open to Catholic women 18 and older. Contact: Michele King ([email protected])
Women’s Connect
A women group that gathers in the evenings for Socializing, prayer, singing, personal testimony and discussion. For more information please visit their website: www.womensconnect.live
Coracle Men’s Group
Led by Deacon Dale Pollard, meets Saturdays from 7:30-9am in the Stafford room at Assumption Church, with Adoration from 7:45-8:15. We are an intentional group of men spurring each other on through deeper discipleship and transformation. The name “Coracle” comes from the hide-covered boat St Brendan used to sail to parts unknown to share the Gospel. Contact: Deacon Dale [email protected]
PREPARES
Prepares is a nurturing response of the Catholic community, open to all, to provide meaningful, local and unconditional support to Washington mothers, fathers, and families as they nurture their children through pregnancy and early childhood. Our vision is that a mom or family can come to any Catholic community in the state and be served.
Whatcom Catholic has two PREPARES programs. Bellingham Contact: Kathy Jenkis ([email protected]) East county: Pam Ames 360-510-2334 or [email protected]
Saint Vincent de Paul
St Vincent de Paul in Whatcom Catholic is a ministerial outreach to the poor of Whatcom County. Working at Sacred Heart Church and Hope House, we meet with and talk to members of our community who come to us for assistance. Our ministry is conducted by dedicated volunteers who see the face of Christ in the poor and strive to meet their needs. We are able to help the poor because of the kind generosity of our parishioners, whose continued support we greatly appreciate and encourage. If you would like to join our ministry and become a Vincentian, please contact us at 360-734-2722.
Parish News
Parish Office
The Parish office will be closed December 24-January 2 to allow our team to spend quality time with their families. The office will resume its normal operations on Monday January 5, 2026. We appreciate your understanding and support during this Christmas Season. Thank you
Facility Ministry
Maintenance – Buildings
Volunteers attend the physical maintenance of the church buildings. All handymen are needed but it is helpful if they have plumbing or electrical experience. Please contact the Parish Office
Maintenance – Grounds
Maintain/adopt the flower beds and plants around the Church and Rectory. Before Easter and Fall there is a parish wide effort to clean, trim, mow and mulch the beds. Please contact Nita Harksell [email protected] if interested
Worship
Altar Servers
Grade 3 through High School. If interested contact George Wolf [email protected] #### Cantors: Lead the congregation in singing hymns at Mass. Contact Will Nichols [email protected]
Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministry:
Parishioners in full practice of the faith may distribute Communion and Wine at Mass. Contact Maureen Thomas [email protected] #### Lectors: Lectors proclaim the Word of God at Mass and other liturgies. It is open to parishioners at least 16 years of age who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Contact Tiffany Schuman [email protected]
Homebound Eucharistic Ministry:
The homebound ministry provides communion to the sick and those unable to attend Mass. Contact Marcia Thomsen [email protected]
Ushers
Welcome parishioners and assist in the orderly celebration of the Mass and funerals. Contact Steve Malpezzi [email protected]
Volunteers
Every Parishioner has Talents, but do you have the time to share it with your Church Community. Our Churches belong to each of us, and we can use your help in many ways. Please contact: [email protected] or 360-384-3651
Payer and Bible Group
Divine Mercy Chaplet
St Joseph, Ferndale Friday after 9:00 am Mass
Litany of Saint Joseph
1st Friday after 9:00 am Mass
Rosary
St Joseph Every Sunday 10:00 am St Anne Every Thursday 8:30 am
Prayer Chain
Request prayers for people: St Joseph, Ferndale, Anne VanderVeen (360) 354-4241 St Anne, Terry Aiello [email protected]
Epiphany Chalk: Instructions for How to Bless Your Home
January 4, 2026, at all Epiphany Masses, there will be a blessing of chalk during the Epiphany Masses. The priest will bless the chalk, and then it will be distributed after Mass. Parishioners are encouraged to take chalk home and above their door write 20+C+M+B+26 The letters stand for the names of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. The letters also represent the Latin Blessing: Christus mansionem beneicat, which translates to “May Christ bless this house.” The 20 and 26 represent the year.
The National Catholic Register has an article on how to lead the prayer with your house here: https://www.ncregister.com/cna/epiphany-2025-home-blessing
Limited printed copies of the prayer will be available after Mass.
St. Joachim Jubilee Year Closing Mass
Celebrate the end of the Jubilee pilgrimage year with the final Mass at St. Joachim on January 6, 2026 at 5:30 pm. This will be your last chance to receive a plenary indulgence at St. Joachim. St Kateri ICON will be present at Mass. All are welcome!
Parish Life
Childrens/Youth Group
All Children Pre K-High School to come and learn about faith and have fun contact Dawn Zimmerman ([email protected]) ## Youth Group Our tri-parish community offers a combined youth group for Middle and High Schoolers from 12-2pm in the Disciples Den at St. Joseph Ferndale on as many Sundays as we can – all 6th-12th graders are invited! We serve lunch, pray, learn about our Faith, play games, have fellowship, discuss and grow closer to Jesus together. Youth Group generally runs from October – Mid November, and again from January to May. Please see https://stjosephferndale.org/6-12-grade/ for upcoming Youth Group Dates and other events, and to register. When you register we will also send you text reminders for upcoming events.
Children’s Ministry
Epiphany Children’s Mass & Storybook Sunday Please join us on January 4th at the 10:30am Mass at St. Joseph Ferndale. Children can wear Nativity costumes, sit in the front pews with our Youth Helpers, & have a seat up front for Father’s Homily. After Mass we head to the classrooms until 1:00 for a Storybook, teaching about Epiphany, donut snack, and a craft! Please come at 10:00 am to the Classrooms to pick a costume! Or 10:20 by the main doors to line up for the procession.
Future Dates for Children’s Mass & Storybook Sundays: February 1, March 1, April 12, May 3.
Jesus Day Camp
Save the date: Jesus Day Camp will be the last week in June. 6/22-6/26.
Faith and Fun Registration at St Anne
Wednesday afternoons from 3-4:30. Open to all children from K-6th grade. Sacrament classes are also available starting in the Fall. Please call Eydie @ 360-319-3643 for more Information. Or scan the QR code to register.
Middle School Youth Group– St Anne
6th-8th graders are invited to St. Anne/Blaine Wednesdays 5:30-7 PM
We are starting a foundational series from YDisciple on discipleship designed to help teenagers wrestle with important questions like: What does it mean to follow Jesus? What is the Gospel? Why do I need community? For more information call 360-319-3643.
St Joachim Sacramental Prep
Are you interested in receiving Sacraments, classes are Thursday Evening after 5:00 pm Mass. Please contact the Parish Office if interested. 360-384-3651
St. Joseph Parish Guilds
There are three guilds for the women of our St Joseph parish with particular functions. Each of the guild’s staff one Sunday coffee hour a month and are responsible for church flowers and cleaning holy water fonts three times a year. Diana Reese [email protected]
St. Bernadette’s Guild
The main focus of St. Bernadette’s Guild is to support the youth ministry programs of our tri- church community. Meetings are scheduled on an “as needed basis”. Kay Schulte [email protected]
St. Jude’s Guild
This guild consists of a large range of ages from young moms to great grandmothers. As a fundraiser they hold gift basket raffles in the fall in order to contribute to Jesus Day Camp, the Youth Mission, and other needs. Quarterly meetings are held in the evenings. Susan Burgler [email protected]
St. Mary’s Guild
This guild provides coffee, punch and cookies for funeral receptions for parish members. They meet the first Wednesday of the month in the church hall for a potluck luncheon/meeting. Noreen Clark [email protected]
St Anne’s Altar Society
This group meets every other 1st Saturday of the month after mass. They provide refreshments for Funerals and many other events and activities. Tracie Gobbato [email protected]
Great Catholic Podcast
Ascension Press and Fr. Mike Schmitz offer both “Bible in a Year” and “Catechism in a Year” podcasts for those who want to read the Bible and the Catechism but can never find time to sit down and read. Search for them in your favorite podcast apps or download the Ascension app. https://ascensionpress.com/pages/ascension-app
FORMED
We are excited to announce that our parish has subscribed to an exciting new online platform: Formed.org. It provides 24/7 access to the truth, beauty, and meaning of the Catholic Faith anytime, anywhere. Use it on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Containing informative and inspiring teaching from renowned speakers such as Dr. Scott Hahn, Dr. Edward Sri, Bishop Robert Barron, Dr. Tim Gray, Father Michael Gaitley, Teresa Tomeo, and many more! Multiple programs to address multiple parish needs: Adult Faith Formation, Marriage preparation and enrichment, scripture study, OCIA, Sacrament preparation, small groups, and much more! Here’s how easy it is: Go to Formed. org. Look for our parish by address: St Joseph, Ferndale 5781 Hendrickson Ave Ferndale WA 98248 Sign up following the prompts.
Eucharistic Reflection-Sister Maureen
Join Sister Maureen Discussing Eucharistic Reelections on Zoom Every Thursday 7-8 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83545441635?pwd=bx4d7PhaNm93iH3ba9eKSVOWyh2xHc.1