November 23, 2025

Pastor’s Note

Town Halls

In our current Mass arrangement, I only get to St. Joseph (Ferndale), St. Joseph (Lynden), St. Peter, St. Joachim, and our two Spanish Masses once every 8-weeks. Because of that, it has always been my intention to do brief town hall meetings after the Masses when I am at those locations. And to schedule similar meetings at St. Anne, Assumption, and Sacred Heart when it makes sense.

Well, I am terrible at looking ahead and my time in Lynden and Deming is this weekend. If I do not do a town hall now, I won’t see those communities again until mid-January. So, surprise, I’ll be available to chat in Lynden and Deming this weekend. Looking ahead, I’ll do town halls at Ferndale, Lummi, and our Spanish Masses the weekend of Dec. 13/14. And we will schedule at Blaine, Assumption, and Sacred Heart in the New Year.

Prepping for the Holidays

This week has really driven home how different and special are the six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years. We are trying so hard to finish up a bunch of projects so that no one has to think about them during the holidays. At the same time, there are so many additional things that get added to those six weeks, and we are frantically trying to get them running. For example:

• The Parish Family Advisory Committee (PFAC) is working overtime at the moment to finish the summaries and synthesis of our first round of parish listening sessions, so that they can be published before Advent.
• I am trying hard to finish letters to both St. Joseph in Lynden and St. Joseph in Ferndale about financial needs at those parishes, as well as make a final decision about the Assumption projects (link) based on submitted feedback.
• The High School (link) is looking to give update presentations all of our churches sometime in the next two weeks.

In addition, there are a bunch of added things coming because of Advent.

• There are Holiday Bazaars, Lessons and Carols, and all kinds of parties being planned. I believe some members of our staff are trying to put together a list of all the holiday activities around the county.
• We are trying to schedule confessions for our school students.
• Lots of work is being put into a novena of Masses in preparation for Our Lady of Guadalupe, and then Posadas following quickly on their heels.
• Oh, and Immaculate Conception, Guadalupe, Christmas, and New Years liturgical planning. And the schedule of Masses when everyone is on vacation. Right. Should probably work on those.

Holiday Recommendations

The freneticism of the season always leads me to suggest a liturgical approach to these weeks. Namely:

• The first half of Advent focuses on the second coming of Jesus. So use the business and craziness as a reminder that our highest anxiety ought to be for the coming of the Lord. Alternatively, use the coming of the Lord as an excuse to reprioritize and exempt yourself from all of the expectations of December, so that you can make more space for the Lord. 😉
• The Church does not turn her focus to the first coming of Jesus (the nativity) until the 3rd Sunday of Advent or, more powerfully, until Dec. 17. Feel free to put off shopping, decorating, or anything else Christmas related until then. You have my approval and encouragement.
• The liturgical Christmas season lasts until the Baptism of the Lord, which this year is on January 11. If you cannot fit in all the parties and dinners and celebration you want before Dec. 25, no problem! The Church says you have another three weeks to be festive, so feel free to tell people their Christmas party can wait until January.

Parish News

Office Closed

In observation of Thanksgiving, the parish office will be closed on Thursday November 27th and Friday 28th. Have a Blessed Thanksgiving

Knights of Columbus, Lynden – Mexican Food Sale

When: November 30th – 11:00 am to 3:00
Where: Marta’s Cocina – 1710 Front St, Lynden

The Knights of Columbus is hosting a Mexican food sale on Sunday, November 30th, at Marta’s Cocina, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. $20 per adult plate and $10 for children’s plate. All funds will go to Faith Formation.

Thanksgiving Mass Schedule

All Masses will be at 9am on Thursday November 27th at the following Church locations.:

• St Joseph, Lynden
• St Joseph, Ferndale
• Sacred Heart, Bellingham
• Assumption, Bellingham

New Job Opportunity Available for Whatcom Catholic:  Regional Director of Facilities

The family of Catholic churches in Whatcom County is looking for a regional director of facilities to ensure the proper maintenance and improvement of the campuses and buildings following Bert Bertschinger anticipated retirement. If you or know of someone interested in applying, please visit the following link: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=445497&clientkey=BB7A931544EE535844C24FB8F8C1578D 

Advent Lessons and Carols Friday, December 19th, 7:00 pm Sacred Heart Parish Candlelit evening of advent music and readings featuring various soloists and the Sacred Heart choir. The audience is invited to sing along with numerous advent hymns. Dessert reception to follow in the parish hall. This is a Whatcom Catholic event, and everyone is invited

Fr. Tyler for his Faith Alive Talk 

When: Saturday, November 29th at 7:00 PM 
Where: Sacred Heart in Bellingham

Everyone is invited! Join Fr. Tyler for his Faith Alive Talk. This is the 4th session, and the topic will be Spiritual Warfare — a powerful and inspiring discussion you won’t want to miss! Bring your friends and family

Candy Cane Lane Christmas Market

When: Friday December 5^th 9-6pm and Saturday December 6^th 9-3pm
Where: St Anne 604 H Street Blaine, WA

Hosted by St Anne Altar Society. Shop for unique handcrafted Christmas Treasures and Homemade Baked Goods.

Advent Lessons and Carols

When: Friday, December 19th, 7:00 pm
Where: Sacred Heart Parish

Candlelit evening of advent music and readings featuring various soloists and the Sacred Heart choir. The audience is invited to sing along with numerous advent hymns.  Dessert reception to follow in the parish

This is a Whatcom Catholic event, and everyone is invited!

Year to Date Giving Summary through October

Holiday Gift Assistance Program

When: Deadline Friday December 5^th
Where: St Anne Catholic Church

The Community Toy Store provides an opportunity for families with limited financial resources to purchase gifts for their children at drastically reduced prices. Brand new toys and gift cards for teens are donated, and prices are marked down by about 80%. Toys are arranged in a store-like setting where parents can shop, choosing several gifts per child. Vouchers are available for those needing additional assistance. Proceeds from toy sales will be distributed to non-profits that serve families and individuals in our own community. Your donations will have a big impact in the community

• Online www.blainecap.org
• In-Store Shopping Brand New Unwrapped Quality Toys price range $20-$50
• $25 Gift Cards
• Monetary Donations www.blainecap.org/donate

St Joseph Annual Giving Tree

When: November 30^th-December 14^th
Where: St Joseph Ferndale, Vestibule and Hall

St. Joseph’s Church, in cooperation with The Ferndale Holiday Giving Store (Ferndale Community Service Cooperative), wishes to brighten the holidays for our community children in need. Every child, age birth through high school who’s been enrolled in the G.T. program, receive gifts and an article of warm clothing.

• Starting November 30^th, take an ornament from a Giving Tree(s) located in the vestibule and hall, purchase the suggested gift or scan the QR code for age-appropriate ideas.
• Return the UNWRAPPED gift to a collection box. The final collection day is Sunday, December 14^th.
• *No time to shop? you can make a monetary donation and FCSC will purchase items most needed. Please mail donations to the FCSC c/o Holiday Giving Store PO BOX 2205 Ferndale WA 98248. Or, go to Ferndalecsc.org, choose the ‘Holiday Giving Store’ from the drop-down menu.

*St. Josephs can’t process monetary donations.

Thank you and God Bless You!

Please contact Susan Burgler for more information –360-319-5585

School News

Assumption School Christmas Bazaar

When: December 7th 9am – 3pm
Where: Assumption School Gym

Our Parent/Teacher Club (PTC) is hosting a family-friendly Christmas Bazaar on Sunday, December 7th! Come and enjoy a wonderful Christmas Bazaar from 9-3pm with over 40 vendors on display selling holiday goods and crafts. This event will feature baked goods for sale as well as a gently used book and puzzle sale run by the parents and students at Assumption Catholic School. All of this takes place in the school gym. You won’t want to miss it.”

Employment Opportunity

The preschool is currently looking for a part-time assistant teacher on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

For more information, please check the school employment page on the website.  Here is the link. 

Wider Community

Interfaith Coalition – Holiday Hope Auction Online Auction

When: November 20th – November 23rd
Where: Online

The Interfaith Coalition is hosting its Holiday Hope Online Auction starting Thursday. The event aims to raise funds to support community programs and provide hope during the holiday season. Please visit www.interfaithcoalition.org/2025-holiday-hope-auction for more information.

Upcoming

In case you Missed it

Catholic Men’s Bible Study Group

When: Thursdays at 6:30 PM weekly
Where: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ferndale, Disciples Den

 We are reading the book of Corinthians. This weekly gathering is a space for men to grow in faith, deepen their relationship with Christ, and support one another through Scripture, prayer, and open discussion. No prior Bible study experience is necessary—just come with a desire to grow and connect. Contact David for more information: 360-594-9426.