February 15, 2026 – St. Joseph Catholic Church

Pastor’s Note

Ash Wednesday

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. A few quick notes:

The Ash Wednesday Mass Schedule can be found at https://www.whatcomcatholic.org/mass
Catholics are required to fast and abstain from meat, according to the laws of the Church. This means:
- For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal.
- The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.
Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, through attending one of our liturgies is an excellent way to mark the beginning of Lent.
We are not allowed to simply give people ashes. Ashes must be distributed in the context of a full liturgy. As such, we will not be providing ashes to people who drop by the parish office, nor will we be sending ashes home with anyone except parish ministers trained in the liturgy. You can read more about this in my 2022 Pastor’s Note: https://frmoore.com/2022/03/04/march-04-2022-pastors-note/

Tax Returns

A parishioner recently reminded me that tax returns are soon to come in the mail. Many of us do not budget for these returns and treat them like a bonus. As such, would you be willing to tithe on your tax returns, so that out churches can get a bonus, too?

Liminal Coffee Shop

On Thursday I attended “Pastor’s Day” at the Liminal Coffee shop, which is opening this week. It is located on the ground floor of Lighthouse Mission’s new building, on the corner of Holly and F streets in Bellingham. (Official website, CDN article, Bellingham Herald article)

“Liminal” is a word coming from the Latin word for door frame, and it refers to a space between two spaces. Liminal Coffee Shop is a ministry of Lighthouse Mission, with the goal of providing meaningful employment opportunities for folks on their way out of homelessness. I am so proud of Lighthouse for the monumentous achievement of opening its new building and for envisioning this coffee shop as part of its new complex.

I was able to chat briefly with Hans Erchinger-Davis, the director of the Mission, who provided some additional good news:

In addition to the coffee shop, Lighthouse is working on other employment training opportunities for their clients, including courses in 3D-Printing and commercial cooking (which could potentially spin-off into a Lighthouse-sponsored catering service).
Lighthouse’s new building has separate living spaces for clients who are temporarily struggling with housing (think couch-surfing or living in their car) versus clients who have persistent and profound issues with mental health or addiction. Hans reports that this has significantly increased and expedited the “graduation rate” for the couch-surfers, as they are more comfortable seeking help from the Mission and are better able to access the services that they need. (Related Seattle Times op-ed for those interested)

New Facilities Staff Hired

Guest Pastor’s Note written by Olivia Phillips, Director of Operations

Whatcom Catholic is pleased to announce that the county has hired a new Regional Director of Facilities, Keri Cleary. She will be taking over the previous position of Bert Bertshinger, who will be retiring near the end of this month. Keri will work on a part-time basis and be responsible for the administrative tasks associated with the Regional Director of Facilities. Keri will supervise all parish family maintenance employees, serve as the project manager for all facilities projects, and work to ensure compliance with local and Archdiocesan policies. Keri will also help with establishing best practices across the county and creating facilities maintenance schedules. Keri comes to the county with a wealth of non-profit project management and emergency management experience. Keri served as the interim emergency manager and emergency & safety specialist at the Swinomish tribe. She also served as the transportation and emergency manager for the Nooksack Indian tribe.

In addition to Keri, the county is pleased to announce that we have hired Ryan Wittig as a Regional Maintenance Person. Ryan will serve in his position full-time. Ryan will work throughout the county providing hands-on maintenance to the buildings, grounds, and equipment across the parish family. Ryan previously served as Maintenance Director for Christ the King and owned his own construction company.

Keri, Bert, and Ryan will be overlapping for the next 2 weeks until Bert retires. While Ryan’s work will be primarily hands-on, he will have a desk in the regional office annex in Lynden. Keri’s office is based out of Church of the Assumption.

We are so thankful for Bert and his dedication and service to the county, and hope he enjoys his retirement with hopefully fewer emergency facility phone calls.

Please join us in welcoming Keri and Ryan—we are so thankful to have them aboard the Whatcom Catholic parish family.

Partners in the Gospel

Utilization Metrics Bulletin Announcement

The second Viability Metric the PFAC looked at was Utilization Metrics. This involves looking at church utilization and capacity at each location. The general goal for a parish family is a utilization between 50%-80%. In this metric we also looked at the number of weekend Masses per priest.

Church utilization and capacity: This identifies how full the churches in a parish family are on a given weekend. To determine utilization, count the participants at each Mass on a weekend, then divide by the total weekend capacity (number of Masses x total seating capacity). The general goal for a parish family is a utilization between 50% and 80%.
Number of Sunday Masses per priest: As is stated in canon law, “A priest is not permitted to celebrate the Eucharist more than once a day except in cases where the law permits him to celebrate or concelebrate more than once on the same day. If there is a shortage of priests, the local ordinary can allow priests to celebrate twice a day for a just cause, or if pastoral necessity requires it, even three times on Sundays and holy days of obligation.” B1: Who Are We Overview | 1 (Can 905 §1-2) Given local realities, Archbishop Etienne has determined that pastoral necessity requires permitting celebrating up to one Saturday Vigil and three Sunday Masses. The goal, therefore, is that priests celebrate no more than three Sunday Masses and one Saturday Vigil Mass. This metric determines whether the Sunday Mass schedule meets this goal.

Prior to the Challenges and Opportunities Listening Sessions in April the Utilization Metric information will be shared.

Parish News

Women’s Connect

Women’s Connect are holding an event for women , “Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit” at Sacred Heart Parish Hall on Thursday February February 26th from 6-8.30 pm. All women are welcome. There will be prayer, food, singing by Kerry Morton of Sacred Heart, crafting, liturgy helps and a message by Zelda Buck from CCS and a testimony by Theresa Meurs of Assumption Church. Please reply on the website www.womensconnect.live. There is a $10 charge at the door or by pushpay on the website. We look forward to seeing you there.

Thank You From St Joseph Altar Society

St. Joseph Altar Society would like to thank everyone for supporting our Spaghetti Luncheon after Mass, Sunday, February 1. We received $993 in donations that will be used for our Church. In the past we have purchased altar server albs, replating in gold a paten and chalice, and vases for flowers by the tabernacle. We hope everyone had a wonderful time visiting with our parish family.

Annual Report to the Parishioners

Each year, parishes are asked to prepare and create an Annual Report to Parishioners (ARP), as highlighted in canon 1287. This year, in conjunction with Partners in the Gospel, Whatcom Catholic compiled all of the ARP into one document to include all 7 churches, Assumption Catholic School, and the Viking Catholic ministry. If there are any specific questions about the ARP, please look at the compilation information below on who to contact, and then visit our staff page. Whatcom Catholic is thankful for the time, treasure, and talent of its parishioners and volunteers.

Please view the report on whatcomcatholic.org or ask the office for a printed copy.

January Giving Update

Year to Date Giving Summary through January

	24-25 YTD	25-26 YTD	% Change
Assumption	633,230.10	641,323.29	1%
Sacred Heart	387,687.15	378,548.40	-2%
St Joseph, Ferndale	169,859.86	195,808.67	15%
St Anne	94,628.55	101,074.27	7%
St Joachim	36,370.90	41,841.65	15%
St Joseph, Lynden	181,552.03	174,502.58	-4%
St Peter	85,989.55	73,135.54	-15%

Extra Collections Remitted During January

Church in Latin America	1,499.00
Priest Pension	510.00
Catholic Relief Services	60.00
Peter’s Pence	50.00
Holy Land	50.00
NW Catholic	35.00
Rice Bowl	25.00

Lent Information

Ending Hunger With CRS Rice Bowl

This Lent, our community will participate in CRS Rice Bowl—connecting our prayers, fasting and almsgiving to encounter God through our global family. We’ll meet, pray for and learn from families in Ghana, Guatemala and Timor-Leste who are rising above the challenges of hunger and malnutrition. Pick up your rice bowl from Your Local Church on February 14th or 15th. Then, visit crsricebowl.org/join to share your Lenten prayer intentions.

Lent Small Group Sessions

Hope and Renewal Through the Season of Lent with Pope Leo XIV
Five 60-90 minute small group sessions of prayer and reflection for the Jubilee Year, focused on the Lenten Scriptures with reflections from Pope Leo XIV’s Dilexi te.
During this Lenten season, we reflect on the Word of God and pray that our hearts may be open to encounter Jesus in all the ways he comes to us: in word, in sacrament, in service, and in all his people, especially the poor.

When: Every Thursday Starting February 19, 2026-March 19, 2026, 6:30-8pm
Where: St Joseph, Ferndale Disciples Den
RSVP: David Day [email protected]
or
When: Every Friday Starting February 27, 2026-March 27, 2026, 10-11:00 am
Where: St Joseph, Ferndale Disciples Den
RSVP: Myra Whiting [email protected]
or
When: Every Thursday Starting February 19, 2026-March 19, 2026, 10:30 am-Noon or 6:30 pm-8pm
Where: St Anne Hall
RSVP: Christy Schroeder [email protected]

Stations of the Cross Volunteer Opportunity

St Joseph, Ferndale volunteers are needed to lead Stations of the Cross during Lent. Please call the parish office or email [email protected] to secure a date. All stations will start at 5pm and last 30 minutes, then enjoy a fish dinner in the hall. Dates available are every Friday February 27th through March 27th.

School News

Why a Catholic high school matters, especially here

The idea of a Catholic high school is new for our region. There aren’t generations of alumni stories being passed down at the dinner table, so for many families the top questions tend to be: Why choose a Catholic high school, and why is it worth the investment? The answer lies in the student experience.

Catholic high schools educate the whole person, creating an environment where students are known, challenged, and guided during their most formative years. Students benefit from close relationships with teachers, strong academics and mentorship, and a community that supports their personal growth and faith development. This combination builds a strong foundation for life beyond high school.

What does that look like in real life? Alexa Rosson, a 2015 graduate of Archbishop Murphy High School, recently shared how her Catholic high school experience shaped her both personally and professionally. Her story offers a powerful glimpse into what’s possible for both our students and our Catholic community.

Watch Alexa’s story on our new Northern Deanery Catholic High School YouTube channel at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5Zf68f2vOI

Interested in enrolling a student in this school, but unsure if it works financially? We have a new scholarship fund available to help families like you! For more information, send an inquiry via our Contact Us page.

Growing Great Kids Auction & Gala

When: Sunday, March 7, 2026, 5pm
Where: Bellingham Golf and Country Club

Get your tickets to the 26th Annual Growing Great Kids Auction & Gala— Assumption Catholic School’s largest fundraiser of the year—for a full evening of silent and live auctions, dinner, and fun, or join us for the silent auction part from 5-7pm featuring drinks and hors d’oeuvres. This year the event will be at the Bellingham Golf and Country Club. Contact the school office or scan the QR code in the pews to register for tickets or for more info.

Affiliated Organizations

Interfaith Coalition: Spring Music Festival

When: March 7, 2026, 3pm
Where: First Congregational Church, 2401 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham

Our Music Festival has been scheduled for March 7, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church. Thank you to the many of you who have expressed interest in joining us in this tradition. We are proud to bring this event back to Interfaith!

Join the St Joseph Ferndale Choir for an afternoon of beautiful Music offered by local congregations and celebrate our diversity in Whatcom County!

Please contact Susan at [email protected] (360-201-1564)
or Sandy [email protected] (360-220-1988) with questions, suggestions, or to discuss the festival.

Interfaith Coalition: Community Meal

When: March 8, 2026
Where: First Christian Church, 495 E Bakerview Rd.

Starting February 8th, First Christian Church with be hosting monthly community meals open to anyone in need of a hot plate and a friendly face. We are looking for other congregations or members of congregations who might be interested in volunteering in collaboration with them.

If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up online.

Interfaith Coalition: Volunteers/Assistance Needed

As you may know, we are assisting families that are dealing with flood recovery. Some of the needs requested this week include:

Plumbing assistance
Twin Bed Frame
Queen/Full size bed

If you can assist with any of these, please contact Jen at [email protected].

Rachel’s Corner: Project Rachel Post Abortion Healing

Retreats

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

Wednesday, February 18

Ash Wednesday

Parish offices closed.
7:15 am: Mass – St Joseph, Ferndale
7:15 am: Mass – Sacred Heart
8:00 am: Mass – Lynden
10:00 am: Word & Ashes – Assumption
12:30 pm: Mass – St Anne
12:30 pm: School Mass – Assumption
5:00 pm: Mass – St Joachim
5:00 pm: Mass – WWU Campus
5:30 pm: Spanish Mass – St Joseph, Ferndale
5:30 pm: Word & Ashes – Assumption
5:30 pm: Mass – Deming
5:30 pm: Word & Ashes – Lynden

Thursday, February 19

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

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

Friday, February 20

Friday after Ash Wednesday

9am-10am: Mass – St Joseph, Ferndale

Saturday, February 21

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

3pm-4pm: Confessions – St Joseph, Ferndale
4:30-4:45pm: Confessions – St Anne
5pm-6pm: Mass – St Anne
6pm: All Church Chili Contest – St Anne

Sunday, February 22

First Sunday in Lent

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

In case you Missed it

Summer Youth Programs Information Night

When: Sunday, Feb 15 (after 5 p.m. Mass)
Where: Sacred Heart

Learn about Steubenville Youth Conference, Agape / Days of Grace, and registration details. Email [email protected] to get info directly if you can’t attend.

Ash Wednesday Mass Schedule

7:15 am, Mass, Ferndale
12:30 pm, Mass, Blaine
5:00 pm, Mass, Lummi
5:30 pm, (Spanish) Mass, Ferndale

Please see whatcomcatholic.org for county-wide Mass Schedule.

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.

High School BLAST Retreat

When: Saturday, March 7, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Where: Camp Lutherwood

A day of faith, fun, games, and building healthy relationships for all high school youth. Email [email protected] to get registration info directly.

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.

Middle School BLAST Retreat

When: Saturday, March 14, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Where: Camp Lutherwood

A day of faith, fun, games, and community for all middle school youth. Email [email protected] to get registration info directly.

St Joseph, Ferndale Rummage & Bake Sale

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!