February 1, 2026 – St. Joseph Catholic Church

Archdiocese News

Partners in the Gospel Update

Earlier this month, Archbishop Paul D. Etienne opened the new year with his annual letter summarizing the happenings of 2025 and sharing the vision for 2026. Here is an excerpt from his letter about Partners in the Gospel:

“This Partners in the Gospel process is our highest priority this year. Creating a strong faith community in the new parish family, celebrating the sacraments, proclaiming God’s Word and practicing charity in all its forms — this is what we are called to do amid today’s world and realities. The world changes, but Christ and his Church are always one and the same through the ages. But in every age, we must be sensitive to how the Holy Spirit seeks to form us into the Body of Christ in specific places and concrete situations — and those are the changing realities we are facing.

I encourage everyone to participate in the parish family consultation sessions that will take place over the next few years. Conversations may be difficult, but respectful, prayerful listening and dialogue provide the opportunity to rethink this present moment – to think about the larger Catholic community and the capacity of our resources, human and spiritual. We will need to let go of some of our own desires and comforts to courageously embrace a new way of fulfilling the Church’s mission. In the coming year, we will be asked to set aside our personal desires and listen attentively to the voice of the Holy Spirit. In the process, we will discover God’s dream for us and make that dream our new reality!”

Read the full letter on archseattle.org.

A Well-Ordered Society Rooted in Truth, Justice, and Peace

A Pastoral Letter by Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, January 26, 2026, Feast of Saints Timothy and Titus.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in Our Lord Jesus Christ.

In these turbulent times — marked by conflict abroad, fragmentation at home, and profound questions about our shared moral life — the Church once again lifts high the Gospel as the light by which we must walk. The Second Vatican Council, Catholic Social Teaching and the Jan. 9, 2026, address of Pope Leo XIV to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See illuminate our path with clarity and a renewed urgency. In his address, the Holy Father framed the challenges of our age through the lens of St. Augustine’s “City of God,” offering a deeply Christian vision of peace, justice, and right order.

I wish to reflect with you on these themes, especially as they touch two essential pillars of any Christian society:

Charity — love of neighbor

Respect for the rule of law

These do not stand apart from the principles of our social teaching, but they flow directly from them.

Our Catholic Social Teaching makes clear that rights also come with corresponding duties. Every person has the right to what is necessary for human decency — food, work, safety, health care — but also the responsibility to ensure these rights for others.

The purpose of this pastoral letter is to help us understand these basic principles and to commit ourselves to building a better society.

Read the full letter on archseattle.org.

Parish News

Parish Office Hours

Effective February 1, Office Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9am-2pm.

Closed Wednesday.

First Friday Confessions

When: Friday, February 6, 2026, 4:30-5:30pm
Where: Church of the Assumption

Monthly First Friday Confessions at Church of Assumptions. Multiple Priests available to hear confessions.

Legacy of Faith and Family Protection Seminar

When: Friday, February 6, 2026, 7pm
Where: St Joseph, Ferndale

All Catholic families are invited to participate in an educational seminar scheduled for 7:00 PM, Friday, February 6, 2026 at St Joseph Church in Ferndale, WA, that the Knights of Columbus in Whatcom County are organizing. This event aims to guide Catholic families through the complexities of aging, and financial preparation. Presentations will feature an elder law attorney discussing family transitions. A Knights of Columbus insurance representative will explain protective financial products that honor the charitable legacy of the organization’s founder, Father Michael J. McGivney. Attendees will learn how to strengthen communal bonds and secure their loved ones’ futures through these various legal and fiscal resources. All Catholic families are invited to participate.

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 Joseph, Ferndale Rummage & Bake Sale

December Giving

Year to Date Giving Summary through December

	24-25 YTD	25-26 YTD	% Change
Assumption	538,309.35	529,838.17	-2%
Sacred Heart	325,964.98	304,427.56	-7%
St. Joseph – Ferndale	145,814.19	164,908.89	13%
St. Anne	76,336.09	87,714.08	15%
St. Joachim	30,291.65	36,332.40	20%
St. Joseph – Lynden	155,841.05	150,906.21	-3%
St. Peter	74,704.64	63,556.33	-15%

Extra Collections Remitted During December

CCS Appeal for the Poor	1,433.00
Church in Central Europe	610.00
Priest Pension	255.00
Church in Latin America	35.00
Archdiocese for the Military	30.00
Peter’s Pence	25.00
Catholic Relief Services	10.00
World Mission Sunday	5.00

School News

Assumption School Open House

When: Sunday, February 1, 11:30-1:30pm
Where: Assumption

We will host an Open House this Sunday, February 1, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm! Current Assumption families are welcome, and we encourage you to share the information with your friends and family who may be interested (kids get a FREE DRESS PASS if they do!). Parent and student ambassadors will be on hand to help provide tours and answer questions.

DON’T FORGET! If you refer a new family who enrolls for 2026-27, you’re eligible to receive a tuition credit of $275 (registration for one child)! The new family must remain enrolled through November, at which time your account will be credited (December 1, 2026). Please contact the office if you have any questions about this incentive!

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/

Affiliated Organizations

Washington CRS State Coalition

The Washington CRS State Coalition highlights Saint Martin’s students who are turning faith into action to support education, health care and community-led development. Their message: advocacy is something anyone can do to help communities thrive.

Visit crs.org for more information.

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 ccsww.org/projectrachel or facebook.com/projectrachelww.

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

Upcoming

Monday, February 2

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Tuesday, February 3

Wednesday, February 4

12-2pm: St Mary’s Guild Luncheon – St Joseph, Ferndale
Parish offices closed.

Thursday, February 5

Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

8:30am-8:45am: Confessions/Rosary – St Anne
9am-10am: Mass – St Anne
5pm-6pm: Mass – St Joachim
6:30pm: Mens Group – St Joseph, Ferndale, Disciples Den

Friday, February 6

First Friday
Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

9am-10am: Mass – St Joseph, Ferndale
4:30-5:30pm: First Friday Confessions – Assumption
7pm: Legacy of Faith and Family Protection Seminar – St Joseph, Ferndale

Saturday, February 7

3pm-4pm: Confessions – St Joseph, Ferndale
4:30-4:45pm: Confessions – St Anne
5pm-6pm: Mass – St Anne
6pm: St Anne Altar Society Galentine Dinner – St Anne
6:30-8:30pm: High School BLAST Night – Assumption

Sunday, February 8

8am-8:15am: Confessions – St Joachim
8:30am-10am: Mass – St Joachim
10:30am-12pm: Mass – St Joseph, Ferndale

In case you Missed it

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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!