Archdiocesan News
Disability Inclusion Mass & Dance
When: Saturday, May 9, 2026, 11am
Where: St James Cathedral, 910 Marion St., Seattle
The Archdiocese of Seattle’s Disability Inclusion Ministry serves and works collaboratively with our parishes and schools to promote the inclusion and meaningful participation of people with disabilities in the life of our Catholic faith community.
For any questions, please contact Miguel Smith at [email protected]
Parish News
Easter Egg Hunt
When: Sunday, April 5th, after 10am Mass
Where: Assumption
An Easter egg hunt will take place after the 10am mass at Assumption on Sunday April 5th. We ask that you hold off on participating in the hunt until mass has ended and bring your own baskets or bags to collect eggs in. There will be a collection box labeled “Easter Egg Recycling” placed near the Hope House collection bin in the gathering space and next to the office at Assumption School after Easter Sunday to recycle any plastic eggs for next year.
February Giving
Year to Date Giving Summary through February
| 24-25 YTD | 25-26 YTD | % Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assumption | 722,169.91 | 732,721.32 | 1% |
| Sacred Heart | 442,588.76 | 435,695.59 | -2% |
| St. Joseph – Ferndale | 189,238.41 | 219,652.85 | 16% |
| St. Anne | 105,950.16 | 111,895.12 | 6% |
| St. Joachim | 40,959.99 | 46,447.82 | 13% |
| St. Joseph – Lynden | 205,333.67 | 198,182.32 | -3% |
| St. Peter | 91,989.94 | 83,693.77 | -9% |
Extra Collections Remitted During February
| CCS PREPARES Appeal | 1,992.05 |
| Rice Bowl | 570.88 |
| Church in Latin America | 405.00 |
| Catholic Relief Services | 391.28 |
| World Mission Sunday | 200.00 |
| Priest Pension | 170.00 |
| NW Catholic | 170.00 |
| Church in Central Europe | 110.00 |
| Holy Land | 83.00 |
| CCS Appeal for the Poor | 50.00 |
| Peter’s Pence | 20.00 |
| Black & Indian Missions | 20.00 |
Partners in the Gospel
Opportunities & Challenges Listening Sessions
Register Online English: click here or Spanish: haga clic aquí
Capability to Maintain Buildings Metrics
The 4th Viability Metric assesses our Capability to Maintain Buildings throughout Whatcom County.
The following data points will be included:
- Number of buildings and their condition status: The Archdiocese of Seattle conducted facility assessments in 2024 and classified each structure with a color coding. Black status (facility with at least two critical structures that need addressing) Red status (facility with at least one critical structure that needs addressing) Yellow status (repairs needed but not in critical condition) Green (no major needs at this time).
- Insured value of buildings: this provides some sense of the value of the buildings. It also reflects an approximate replacement cost of each property.
- Total maintenance spending to insured value: This measures total dollars spent annually on maintaining buildings and related systems compared to insured value. A ratio of at least 0.64% represents a parish family that budged adequate funds to maintain the property and should be the goal for this metric. For instance, if a parish family has $10,000,000 in total building insured value, they should be spending at least ($10,000,000 + 0.0064) $64,000 on maintenance annually.
- Ratio of PRF to insured value: This is the ratio of PRF savings (parish revolving fund) for the parish family to the insured value of the buildings. A low ratio of PRF savings to insured value is indicative of a lack of ability to cover the building maintenance expenses needed. The goal is for the PRF balance to be more than 6% of the value of the insured buildings. For instance, if a parish family has $10,000,000 in total building insured value, they should have at least ($10,000,000 * 0.06) $600,000 in their PRF savings account.
*Assumption School Facility data is still being developed as is a current project list for each location.
The Seattle Archdiocese’s 2024 evaluation of Whatcom County Catholic church facilities, as summarized in the table above, indicates that most locations fall short of recommended benchmarks for annual maintenance spending and reserve balances. (It should be noted that in the intervening months since 2024 projects have been completed that could improve the original assessment of buildings.)
Church Events
Shadow Stations of the Cross
The youth of St. Anne & St. Joseph in Ferndale invite you to experience a powerful presentation of the Stations of the Cross. Using shadows, the youth portray the Passion of Jesus in a moving and memorable way.
Two opportunities to attend:
- Friday, March 20 at 7:00 PM – St. Joseph Church, Ferndale
- Friday, March 27 at 6:00 PM – Church of the Assumption Gym
Thank you for supporting our youth.
Knights of Columbus Salmon & Cod Dinner
When: St Joseph Friday March 20th and March 27th 5:30 pm and Sacred Heart March 20th 6:30 pm
Where: St Joseph and Sacred Heart
Knights of Columbus are hosting a Fish Dinner following Stations of the Cross and Confessions. Everyone is welcome to attend this delicious meal.
Faith Alive with Fr. Tyler
When: Saturday March 28th, 7-8pm
Where: Sacred Heart Church, 1110 14th St, Bellingham
Everyone is invited to a special evening of Faith Alive with Fr. Tyler. He’ll be speaking on the beauty and power of Marriage—a perfect chance to deepen your faith and appreciation for this sacrament. Whether you are married, engaged, or just looking to strengthen your understanding, this is for you. Invite a friend.
Divine Mercy Sunday
When: Sunday, April 12, 2026 3:00 pm
Where: St Joseph, Ferndale
The parish will observe Divine Mercy Sunday with the singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Church in Ferndale. The chaplet is a traditional prayer of the Church associated with the feast.
St Joseph, Ferndale Faith Formation Volunteers Needed
If you are interested in any of the following volunteer opportunities please contact [email protected]
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.
Youth Group Shadow Stations Practice
When: Sunday, March 15, 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 to practice for Shadow Stations of the Cross.
Lent Information
CRS Rice Bowl: Feeding Dreams in Timor-Leste
By participating in CRS Rice Bowl, we’re helping young people in Timor-Leste find opportunities and support to fulfill their dreams of becoming leaders in their communities. Visit crsricebowl.org/week-4 to read about Adriana’s dream of becoming a doctor in this week’s Story of Hope.
School News
Strong Starts at Assumption!
Providing your child with a quality Catholic education is one of the greatest gifts you could ever give them. Assumption Catholic School has some space available in select classes, particularly in our rising second grade, and we would love to welcome your family into our community.
If you have ever thought about learning more, now is the time! We invite you to visit our website (school.assumption.org) or call the school for a no-obligation tour (360-733-6133). Some tuition assistance is still available, and we are happy to answer your questions. Please email Dayna Dennis ([email protected]) to learn more!
Auction Success
Thank you for your support of the 26th Annual Growing Great Kids Auction & Gala! We’re delighted to report that this year’s auction on March 7th was an amazing success. The gross proceeds from the evening came in at an incredible $256,000. Of this total raised, we are thrilled that $47,000 went to our “Fund the Need” initiative for updating our security systems. We want to give our deepest thanks to our auctioneer, Jeff Ziels, for his great energy and fun spirit. We know we could not have accomplished this without the generosity and support of our wonderful sponsors, donors, parish community, parents, and volunteers. We hope that you can join us again next year or make next year your year to attend for the first time.
With deep appreciation, Auction Chairs Jessica Rosetta and Christy Karowski
Affiliated Organizations
Families of Incarcerated
In April a prison ministry was been launched out of Sacred Heart Parish in Lacey and it’s reach extends throughout the Archdiocese of Seattle. We understand that having a loved one who is incarcerated can be a difficult and lonely journey. You are not alone. The Families of Incarcerated ministry is here to offer you compassion, community, and support as you navigate this challenging time.
Please consider contacting us by visiting our website to connect with our welcoming community where you’ll find understanding hearts and shared experiences.
Please visit sacredheartlacey.com/families-of-incarcerated for more information.
Catholic Relief Services Collection
As you may know, 2025 was a difficult year for Catholic Relief Services, particularly for its partners overseas. Reductions in US Government-funded programs have led to staff cuts and elimination of programming.
Loss of funding means millions of people are at risk. Children are starving. Families are fleeing conflict. Entire communities are being cut off from the aid they need to survive. As government support declines, your compassion becomes essential. In addition to supporting Rice Bowl, you can make an additional donation to the CRS Collection.
The CRS collection was established by the US bishops to support 6 Catholic agencies working for families including CRS, USCCB Migration and Refugee services and Catholic Legal Immigration Network, which among other services, helps to assist our international priests and nuns. Thank you for your support!
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.
Upcoming
Thursday, March 19
Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- 8:30am-8:45am: Confessions – St Anne
- 8:30am: Stations of the Cross – St Anne
- 9am-10am: Mass – St Anne Offered in memory of Maria Ut Tran, RIP
- 10:30: Small Lent Group – St Anne, Hall
- 5pm-6pm: Mass – St Joachim
- 6:30pm: Small Lent Group – St Joseph, Ferndale, Disciples Den
Friday, March 20
Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent
- 9am-9:30am: Mass – St Joseph, Ferndale
- 10am: Small Lent Group – St Joseph, Ferndale, Disciples Den
- 5:30pm: Fish Fry – St Joseph, Ferndale
- 7pm: Shadow Stations of the Cross – St Joseph, Ferndale
Saturday, March 21
Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
- 3pm-4pm: Confessions – St Joseph, Ferndale
- 4:30-4:45pm: Confessions – St Anne
- 5pm-6pm: Mass – St Anne
- 6pm: Irish “Pot of Luck” Potluck – St Anne
Sunday, March 22
Fifth 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
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, 10:30-11:30am
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.
Lent Food Drive
40 Day Food Drive for the Ferndale Foodbank and Blaine Foodbank St. Joseph, Ferndale and St Anne, will be running a 40-day drive for the foodbank. Parishioners are encouraged to either give $40 to the foodbank or bring 40 cans of food. Donated food expiration date must be no more than 2 years old. St Joseph Ferndale has so far donated 114lbs of food.
Information can be found at the St. Joseph, Ferndale Parish office.
St Anne Potluck
When: March 21 after 5:00 pm Mass
Where: St Anne, Blaine
Please join us for our Irish “Pot of Luck” Bring a dish or dessert to share. All are welcome.
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.
LAMENTATION
When: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 1pm-3pm
Where: Assumption School, Teacher’s Lounge Room
Assumption Parish will host LAMENTATION, an eight-week grief ministry program written and led by Deacon Dale Pollard with the parish grief ministry team. The series is open to Whatcom Catholic parishioners who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
Contact Dr. Kathy Ernst at [email protected] or 253-356-5523 for information.
Jesus Day Camp
Save the Date June 22-26, 2026, for Jesus Day Camp at St Joseph, Ferndale.
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:
Saturday, May 16, 8am- 2pm
Hotdogs, sodas, and baked goods will be available.
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