March 1, 2026 – St. Joseph Catholic Church

Vatican News

Message of Pope Leo XIV for Lent 2026

Please read Pope Leo XIV’s Message for Lent on the official Vatican Website.

Archdiocesan News

Northwest Catholic Magazine

We will take up the Northwest Catholic Collection this weekend. Your support ensures that Northwest Catholic magazine is delivered six times a year, free of charge, to every registered Catholic household in Western Washington, and that its website, NWCatholic.org, is updated every day with local, national and international Catholic news.

Northwest Catholic is an essential evangelization tool in the archdiocese, providing local stories of faith, inspiring columns from our bishops and information about what’s happening in the archdiocese. Thank you for your support of this ministry.

Parish News

Partners in the Gospel

Listening Sessions for Opportunities and Challenges

To support the next phase of our Partners in the Gospel process, this round of Listening Sessions has been intentionally streamlined. Fewer sessions allow us to encourage parishioners to attend at a location other than their usual one — helping us build new relationships across the wider Whatcom Catholic community. A more focused schedule also gives the PFAC the time needed to synthesize feedback between rounds while making the best use of the time our volunteer hospitality ministers, small-group facilitators, and note takers are giving to the Partners process.

Registraton will open in March

April 19, 2pm: Sacred Heart
April 22, 10am: St Anne
April 24, 7pm: St Joseph, Ferndale (Spanish)
April 25, 10am: St Joseph, Lynden
April 28, 6:30pm: St Joseph, Ferndale
May 2, 10am: Assumption

Church Events

Holy Week Schedule

St Joseph, Ferndale

April 2, Holy Thursday, 7-8:30pm
April 3, Good Friday Confession, 6-7pm
April 3, Good Friday Service, 7-8:30pm
April 4, Easter Vigil, 8-10:30pm
April 5, Easter Sunday, 5-6:30pm

St Joachim, Lummi

April 5, Easter Sunday, 8:30-10am

St Anne, Blaine

April 5, Easter Sunday, 9:30-11am

For the full Holy Week schedule, please see whatcomcatholic.org.

Lenten Confession Schedule & Shadow Stations

During Lent, First Friday Confessions at Assumption are canceled. Confessions are available at St. Joseph on Fridays at 5:00 p.m. during Stations of the Cross (except March 20, 2026) and at St. Anne on Thursdays at 8:30 a.m.

Shadow Stations will be held at St. Joseph Church on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., and at the Assumption Gym on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

Roof Recovery Appeal

Last fall we completed a necessary roof replacement to prevent further water damage and protect our parish facilities. This work was essential to avoid much larger, long-term repairs.

To recover financially we must raise $73,000 in one-time gifts. If you can, please donate today. For full details, read Fr. Moore’s complete letter on the St Joseph Website.

St Joseph Altar Society Meeting

When: Saturday, March 7, 10:30am
Where: St Joseph Ferndale Hall

St. Joseph Altar Society will meet on Saturday, March 7, in the church hall from 10:30-12:00.

Youth Group Shadow Stations Practice

When: Sunday, March 8, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Where: St Joseph Ferndale, Disciples Den

Youth Group will meet from 12:00–2:00 p.m. in the Disciples Den. Participants will also serve at Coffee Hour and rehearse for the upcoming Shadow Stations.

Wills & Estate Planning Seminar

When: Tuesday, April 7, 10-11:15am
Where: St Mary Parish, Father Auer Center, Room 5, 4001 Saint Mary’s Dr, Anacortes

St. Mary Church will be hosting a Wills & Estate Planning Seminar on Tuesday, April 7th from 10:00–11:15 a.m.

We are pleased to extend this invitation to all parishioners throughout the Skagit, Island and Whatcom Counties. This seminar is a wonderful opportunity for individuals and families to learn more about the importance of having a will, planning their estate, and ensuring their wishes are clearly documented.

Youth Steubenville NW Opportunities

If you are interested in Steubenville Northwest, Days of Grace, Franciscan LEAD, or our summer youth trips, please email Daniel at [email protected] or Dawn Zimmerman at [email protected] for details. Fundraising opportunities are available, and things are moving quickly, so be sure to reach out soon!

Lent Information

CRS Rice Bowl: Empowering Growth in Ghana

By supporting CRS Rice Bowl, you help parents and caregivers in Ghana to receive training in health, nutrition and early childhood development. That means, young children in these communities are better able to thrive and meet critical milestones in their growth. Visit crsricebowl.org/week-2 to read this week’s Story of Hope

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]

School News

Explaining “4 means more”: NDCHS to follow a 4-day bell schedule

One of the exciting things about being a startup high school is that we can break the mold in how we do things.

Our academic schedule will be one of those areas of innovation. Inspired by Seton Catholic High School’s very successful “4 means more” program in Vancouver, WA, our students will attend classes Tuesdays through Fridays. Mondays will be dedicated to other programs:

Education Development (Tutoring and academic support)
Staff Development (In-service hours and class planning)
Social Impact (Service hours, class retreats, clubs, activities)
Career Exploration (College and vocational tracks)

Supported by academic research, a four-day bell schedule is more predictable and can have positive impact on student growth. At NDCHS, we are also modeling a schedule that slightly increases instructional hours for the year overall – so no academic time will be lost.

We are excited about this innovative schedule and invite you to reach out to learn more about the benefits our program could have for your children!

Want to learn more about the 4-day bell schedule, to see how this might work for your student? Send us an inquiry via our Contact Us page.

Growing Great Kids Auction & Gala

When: Saturday, 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.

Tickets still available and the due date has been extended until February 25th! There is a silent auction, live auction, food, drinks, fun times and Jeff Ziels is our auctioneer. There is so much to see and all proceeds help Assumption School teach generations to come that are rooted in faith! Call the office for information if you prefer not to do online registration @ 360-733-6133.

Affiliated Organizations

Hope House Sock and Underwear Drive

Hope House is a local Catholic non-profit serving homeless and low-income families in Whatcom County. They are in need of new socks and underwear to clothe our neighbors in need.

During the month of March, drop off donations at Assumption or Sacred Heart parish offices or in the gathering space, or bring them to Hope House during their open hours.

207 Kentucky St, Bellingham
Mon: 9-11:30am
Tue: 9-11:30am, 6:30-8pm
Thu: 9-11:30am
Fri: 12-1:30pm

For more information, please visit Hope House on the web at facebook.com/bellinghamhopehouse.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter

When: April 24-26, 2026
Where: Hamton Inn, Everate, WA

April 24-26, 2026 May the love of God heal and strengthen our marital bonds so we can live in Love and experience Joy. The next Worldwide Marriage Experience (WWME) will be at the Hampton Inn in Everett, WA on April 24-26, 2026. Apply at www.wwme.org: tap on APPLY, scroll down to April, click on Everett and fill in your information. For more info. Leave a message at 206-772-2344.

WSCC: Depolarizing Within: In-Person Workshop

When: Saturday, March 21, 9am-noon
Where: Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center, 4700 SW, Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, WA, 98023

The Depolarizing Within: In-Person Workshop teaches participants to look at their own attitudes towards the political “other” to develop strategies for engaging in politics without demonizing, and to constructively intervene in conversations with like-minded peers when those conversations stereotype or demonize the other side.

Mass will follow the workshop at Noon.

Community News

Bellingham Festival of Music Volunteer Opportunity

The Bellingham Festival of Music is looking for people who are willing to host a classical musician this summer. Proximity to WWU is very helpful. The musician would need a private bedroom, access to a bathroom, and kitchen privileges. The musicians of the Festival orchestra are in Bellingham from June 30th- July 25th. We have both long stay (26 days) and short stay (3-4 days) available. Please contact Erika Block [email protected] if you are interested and would like more information!

Upcoming

Wednesday, March 4

Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent

Noon: St Mary’s Guild Lunch Meeting – St Joseph, Ferndale, Hall

Thursday, March 5

Thursday of the Second Week of Lent

8:30am-8:45am: Confessions – St Anne
8:30am: Stations of the Cross – 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
6:30pm: Small Lent Group – St Anne, Hall

Friday, March 6

Friday of the Second Week of Lent

9am-9:30am: Mass – St Joseph, Ferndale
9:30-10am: Divine Mercy – St Joseph, Ferndale
10am: Small Lent Group – St Joseph, Ferndale, Disciples Den
5-5:30pm: Stations of the Cross and Confessions – St Joseph, Ferndale
5:30pm: Fish Fry – St Joseph, Ferndale (after Stations)

Saturday, March 7

Saturday of the Second Week of Lent

9am: High School BLAST Retreat – Camp Lutherwood
10:30am: Altar Society Meeting – St Joseph, Ferndale Hall
3pm-4pm: Confessions – St Joseph, Ferndale
4:30-4:45pm: Confessions – St Anne
5pm-6pm: Mass – St Anne
6pm: Altar Society Meeting – St Anne
5pm: Growing Great Kids Auction & Gala – Bellingham Golf and Country Club

Sunday, March 8

Third Sunday of Lent

8am-8:15am: Confessions – St Joachim
8:30am-10am: Mass – St Joachim
10:30am-12pm: Mass – St Joseph, Ferndale
12-2pm: Youth Group & Shadow Stations Practice – St Joseph, Ferndale, Disciples Den

In case you Missed it

St Joseph St Mary’s Guild

When: Wednesday March 4, 2026, Noon
Where: St Joseph Ferndale Hall

Please join us for lunch, fellowship and meeting, great food and help us plan our next events.

Please bring a dish or dessert to share. All ladies welcome!

Knights of Columbus Lent Fish Fry

When: Friday, March 6, 5:30pm (and every following Friday of Lent)
Where: St Joseph Hall

Knights of Columbus prepare a delicious Fish Dinner during Lent, please join them after attending the Stations of the Cross at 5pm.

Donations are appreciated to help fund 2026 High School Scholarships.

Divine Mercy Sunday

Divine Mercy Sunday will be observed on April 12, the Octave of Easter. The Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed on the first Friday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Assumption Church and after the 9:00 a.m. Friday Mass at St. Joseph, Ferndale.

Information about the Divine Mercy devotion is available at Women’s Connect and TheDivineMercy.org. For additional information, contact Barbara Karabin at [email protected].

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.

St Anne Altar Society Meeting

When: Saturday, March 7, after 5pm Mass
Where: St Anne

Please join us after Mass for a time of community, great food and help us plan our next events.

Please bring a dish or dessert to share.

All ladies welcome!

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.

Jesus Day Camp

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

St Joseph Grounds Clean Up

When: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 9am-4pm (or earlier if we get everything done)
Where: St Joseph, Ferndale

We will be cleaning and weeding flowerbeds and trimming bushes, to beatify our grounds for Easter and to get them ready for the growing season. Lunch will be provided. Come and join us, it is a great opportunity to volunteer and get to know some of our wonderful parishioners. If you have any questions, call Nita Harksell at 360-380-6134.

St Joseph, Ferndale Rummage & Bake Sale

St Joseph Adopt a Flowerbed

We have many flowerbeds around our lovely campus that need someone to give them the TLC that they need throughout the year. We Want You. Adopt A Flowerbed. You may keep the flowerbed clean on your own time, no set day or time to do it. You would be keeping them weeded and any shrubs trimmed as needed. Some of them are such that new flowers may be planted, but most are just pulling weeds. If you already have a bed, let me know if you will continue to keep it up, or if you wish to change flowerbeds, or if you need someone to help you, or if you need to discontinue. Contact Nita Harksell at 360-380-6134 or see her after mass on Sundays

Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te (4 October 2025), 9.↩︎
Augustine The Usefulness of Fasting, 1, 1.↩︎
Benedict XVI, Catechesis (9 March 2011).↩︎
Paul VI, Catechesis (8 February1978).↩︎