Archdiocese News
January 14, 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Like many of you, I take time at the start of the new year to reflect on the previous year and pray about priorities for the future — not just for myself as your archbishop, but for the archdiocese as well. I take my ministry as your archbishop very seriously. While it can be challenging at times, I am grateful and honored to serve God and you in this way.
This past year has been full — full of grace, joy, of stress, of hardship, of laughter and many other emotions. I remain incredibly grateful to our priests, deacons and women religious, our staff, lay leaders and volunteers who selflessly serve the people of God. Our Church is not one of buildings and historic artifacts — rather, together we make up the mystical Body of Christ, living our faith in the world each day.
There are clear signs that God is blessing our efforts of proclaiming Christ and forming more disciples to serve in his name. Here is an overview of a few major initiatives from this past year.
Read the full 2026 Annual Letter:
English | Spanish | Vietnamese
Partners in the Gospel Listening Session: Participant’s Guide
“What opportunities and challenges exist for us?”
Process reminders
- The goal is to re-envision the parish family and how it moves forward. Everyone’s voice is important.
- This confidential listening session a “safe place” where people should feel free to share openly.
- For the listening session, each person will share in turn and there is no back and forth, response, agreement or disagreement. Everyone simply listens.
- The facilitator will keep time as needed.
- At the end of each round, everyone will be invited to share what was heard in the round.
- There will be time for free conversation at the end of the small group session.
Round One
What challenges do you see existing in the wider community? An example could be having a large homeless or undocumented immigrant population with specific needs.
This first question asks us to look at Whatcom County and establish what challenges us to respond to as Catholics. Homeless people, lack of church attendance, current cultural aspects that draw people away from a relationship with Christ, and any other challenges that come to mind. Each person answering the question should reflect on their experience and knowledge to identify areas of concern and where we might be able to be involved in improving the situation.
Round Two
What challenges do you see exist in the parish? An example could be having families with teenagers but not being able to hire a youth minister.
This question refers to Challenges and opportunities and is the one that asks us to reflect on the information that PFAC has provided on the following viability metrics: Finances, Facilities, Demographics, Staff, Utilization/Mass attendance, and Evangelization” This question needs preparation ahead of time prior to the listening sessions. PFAC will be providing further information in the next weeks.
The answers given will be crucial to the decisions we must make when we enter the next phase of Partners in the Gospel, which is “What do we want to become”
Round Three
Having heard information from the community demographics report, what opportunities do you see (in our parish and in the wider community) to more effectively serve and accompany others? Are there groups or individuals in Whatcom County that we can do a better job of reaching?
Since the demographic information comes from questionnaires filled by our fellow parishioners the answer for this question will begin with the locations in Whatcom Catholic but is not necessarily limited there. Again, we are asked to consider all of Whatcom County and problem solve and dream about where we need to be more active and involved. Catholics have always been involved in outreach throughout the world. Where are we currently active and where else might there be an opportunity for service in Whatcom County.
The answers given here will be necessary to effectively develop a vision of what do we want to become.
B6D: “What opportunities and challenges exist for us?” Listening Session Participant Guide | 1
What opportunities do you see (in our parish and in the wider community) to more effectively serve and accompany others?
For any questions/thoughts about “Partners in the Gospel” or “Parish Family Advisory Committee” Please contact:
St Anne
Dennis Doyle
[email protected]
314-852-6830
St Joseph/St Joachim
Sonja Wolf
[email protected]
(360) 739-6985
Parish News
St Anne Altar Society Potluck
When: Saturday January 24, 2026, After 5:00 pm Mass
Where: St Anne’s Hall
The Altar Society will be hosting its all-Church Potluck Please bring an Asian dish or a dessert to share. All are welcome.
Sister Maureen in session on Skills for Praying the Scripture
When January 20th & January 27th Tuesday 5-6 pm
Where: St Annes 604 H St Blaine, WA
OR
Join Sister Maureen in session on Skills for Praying the Scripture on ZOOM
When: January 20th & January 27th Tuesday 7-8 pm
Zoom Link: Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85352386965?pwd=hnjcW7M3Sqwx0qYif5oaVmYsbpDmzG.1
- January 20: Ignatian Meditation
- January 27: Ignatian Contemplation
Juanita Zimmerman Funeral
When: Monday January 19, 2026, 10:30am
Where: St Joseph, Ferndale
Juanita was a dedicated & faithful servant of the Lord & our community. Viewing of the body at 9:30 am, reception following mass.
St Anne Candy Cane Lane Market
Thank you to everyone supporting the Altar Society Christmas Market and making it a success!
We appreciate all those who donated baked goods, volunteered or supported us by purchasing raffle tickets and items from the market.
The winners of the baskets are:
Maria Fabrega, Kevin Streeter, Judy Rice, Nelson, Christy Lloyd, Mary Kay, Paxton Prosch, Laysalle Lloyd, Don Rathie, Victoria Lavert
Congratulations to all
Gospel Reflection on Fridays (Spanish)
We’ll start on Friday January 9th in Ferndale Hall
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Taller biblico del Evangelio de Mateo / Bible Workshop of Gospel of Matthew (Spanish)
Monday February 16th to Friday 20th in Ferndale Hall
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Retiro para ministros y servidores / Retreat to Hispanic Ministers and Local leaders (Spanish)
Friday February 27th – 6:00pm to 9:00pm in Ferndale Hall
Saturday February 28th – 8:00am to 4:00pm in Assumption Hall? (Fr. Manuel will decide it)
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!
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.
Local March for Life
When: Saturday January 24, 2026, 10am
Where: Assumption Church to Planned Parenthood and circle back
Please join the Bellingham, Ferndale, & Lynden Knights of Columbus along with all Whatcom Catholic churches for a March for Life this coming Saturday, the 24th of January. It will start at the Church of the Assumption at 10 AM with Mass, followed by a procession on the sidewalks down to Planned Parenthood, praying as we go. We’ll circle the block and come back to Assumption for a potluck lunch. Please bring your pro-life signs and a dish to share. Any donations may be made to Whatcom County Pregnancy Clinic, Prepares, or Project Rachel. See you there!
Questions can be directed to Jason Cronk
[email protected]
St Joseph, Ferndale Rummage & Bake Sale
Sponsored by St. Mary’s Guild
Are there items in your home collecting dust or clothes you haven’t worn in a long time?
A good way to clear your home of clutter is to donate clean usable clothing and items.
We are unable to accept TV’s, computers, electronics, baby car seats, Christmas trees, large furniture and appliances.
Drop off items at the Church Hall:
Friday May 15, 9:00 am- 2pm
Sale is:
Saturday, May 16, 8am- 2pm
Hotdogs, sodas, and baked goods will be available.
School News
Catholic Schools Week
Assumption will be joining the national celebration of Catholic schools the week of January 25 – February 1! Each day will have a different focus (students, teachers, parents, community), culminating in honoring our 2026 Distinguished Alumnus at the 8:15 am school Mass on Friday. Please see the attached for a full schedule and join us for Mass if you’re able! We will also be celebrating first semester Honor Roll and our January Peacemakers.
Open House
Providing your child with a quality Catholic education is one of the greatest gifts you could ever give them. As the only Catholic school in Whatcom County, Assumption is proud of our 112-year tradition of nurturing the children of our community in mind body, and spirit!
Join us for a schoolwide Open House on Sunday, February 1st from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Explore our wonderful programs, meet our dedicated teachers, and bring your questions. We’re excited to welcome you and your family!
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
Interfaith Coalition
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!
If you have a group, choir, performance that you would like to register to participate in this beloved event, please complete the registration form here by
Monday, January 26th: https://forms.gle/i1AePwMinfKERSpg9
Please contact Susan at [email protected] (360-201-1564) or Sandy [email protected] (360-220-1988) with questions, suggestions, or to discuss the festival.
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 19, 2026
- St Joseph Ferndale Funeral Juanita Zimmerman 10:30 am
January 20, 2026
- Sister Maureen Skills for praying Scripture Ignatian Meditation
St Anne 5-6 pm in the hall and on Zoom 7-8 pm
January 21, 2026
- Parish Office Closed
January 22, 2026
- St Anne Daily Confessions/Rosary 8:30 am
- St Anne Daily Mass 9:00 am
- Nativity Story in Matthew 7-8 pm Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83545441635?pwd=bx4d7PhaNm93iH3ba9eKSVOWyh2xHc.1 - St Joachim Daily Mass 5:00 pm
January 23, 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 24, 2026
- St Anne Confessions 4:30 pm
- St Anne Vigil Mass 5:00 pm
January 25, 2026
- St Joachim Confessions 8:00 am
- St Joachim Mass 8:30 am
- St Joseph Mass 10:30 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 scan the QR code below to provide a donation.
Jesus Day Camp
Save the Date June 22-26, 2026, for Jesus Day Camp at St Joseph, Ferndale.
Faith Alive with Fr. Tyler
When: Saturday January 24, 2026, 7-8 pm
Where Sacred Heart Church
Join Father Tyler in the 6th Session: Marian Theology/Devotion
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.