Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The past several weekends we have been hearing the Bread of Life discourse from the Gospel of St. John. This weekend we end our journey with the sad reality that because this teaching was hard and required faith and patience many of his followers left him. Years ago during a Wednesday audience, Pope Benedict XVI gave a fascinating teaching about what our Mass should be like based on a passage from St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. I would like to end this reflection by sharing with you the last part of his message and ask you to join me with his prayer request that our Masses reflect the power of the Eucharist to get to the “heart” of our lives. Have a blessed week! in Christ, Fr. Jim Excerpt from the Wednesday Audience of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI (November 22, 2006) Obviously, underlining the need for unity does not mean that ecclesial life should be standardized or leveled out in accordance with a single way of operating. Elsewhere, Paul taught: “Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thes 5:19), that is, make room generously for the unforeseeable dynamism of the charismatic manifestations of the Spirit, who is an ever new source of energy and vitality. But if there is one tenet to which Paul stuck firmly it was mutual edification: “Let all things be done for edification” (1 Cor 14:26). Everything contributes to weaving the ecclesial fabric evenly, not only without slack patches but also without holes or tears. Then, there is also a Pauline Letter that presents the Church as Christ’s Bride (cf. Eph 5:21–33). With this, Paul borrowed an ancient prophetic metaphor which made the People of Israel the Bride of the God of the Covenant (cf. Hos 2:4, 21; Is 54:5–8). He did so to express the intimacy of the relationship between Christ and his Church, both in the sense that she is the object of the most tender love on the part of her Lord, and also in the sense that love must be mutual and that we too therefore, as members of the Church, must show him passionate faithfulness. Thus, in short, a relationship of communion is at stake: the so to speak vertical communion between Jesus Christ and all of us, but also the horizontal communion between all who are distinguished in the world by the fact that they “call on the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 1:2). This is our definition: we belong among those who call on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, we clearly understand how desirable it is that what Paul himself was hoping for when he wrote to the Corinthians should come to pass: “If an unbeliever or an uninitiated enters while all are uttering prophecy, he will be taken to task by all and called to account by all, and the secret of his heart will be laid bare. Falling prostrate, he will worship God, crying out, ‘God is truly among you’ ” (1 Cor 14:24–25). Our liturgical encounters should be like this. A non-Christian who enters one of our assemblies ought finally to be able to say: “God is truly with you”. Let us pray to the Lord to be like this, in communion with Christ and in communion among ourselves.

September 1&2 St. Barbara Catholic Church is going to have a booth at the Black Diamond Labor Day Fair. We will be handing out balloons and candy! Stop by and say HI!  Want to be part of something special?  Come volunteer 2 hours  at the booth and help hand out smiles, balloons and candy! This is a great way to connect to the community and build relationships.  SIGN UP HERE! Learn More about the Fair Here>>>

Come learn and ask questions about your Catholic faith. Classes Begin September 11th Wednesday - 7:00 to 8:30 p.m . Lower Level of the Church Questions? Contact: Valerie Winston Healy paa@stbarbarbarachruch.org 360-886-2229

Join us for mass and celebrate Our Lady. August 15th 9:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Main Church See you there!

Foster Champs Sock and Underwear Drive August 10th - 25th St. Barbara Parishioners – Help us ensure every child starts the school year with dignity & comfort! Many children entering foster care come with little to nothing. Your donation of new socks and underwear will make a significant difference in their lives. Please consider purchasing new pairs of socks and underwear (any children’s sizes) and dropping them off at St. Barbara’s. Beginning August 10th there will be a collection box in the narthax. Thank you for your generosity. Questions: Contact Deb Melton (425) 281-1447 email debmelts@gmail.com or Liz Anderson at mewja@comcast.net

July 15th to 19th, 2024 9am to 12pm VBS is for those 3 years old through those who will be entering 5th grade in the Fall. Every day, our kids are bombarded with questions: Did God really create everything? Why do bad things happen? Was Noah’s ark real? Why do I need to be saved? Can I trust the Bible? At this VBS, your kids will explore the biblical answers to these questions as they set off on an epic adventure from Genesis to Revelation. Amid sloths, butterflies, river dolphins, and dart frogs, your children will sail along on a fun jungle cruise, stopping at seven ports of call. These ports are the 7 C’s of History: Creation, Corruption, Catastrophe, Confusion, Christ, Cross, and Consummation. Kids will discover how these events shape our world, and they will learn to reconnect the Bible to their everyday life. Prepare to swing into fun as we head out on The Great Jungle Journey !   The registration link can be found below:   2024 VBS Registration - Google Forms   Pay Here Please note that we need a lot of volunteers in order to make VBS a reality, especially as we are wanting to have a special area/program for those in PREK. VBS is for those 3 years old through those who will be entering 5th grade in the Fall.  If you have an older child or teen going into 6th grade and above, please invite them to consider helping this year, especially if they are part of the Confirmation program and looking to fulfill their service project hours.   God bless,   -Allison Ramirez allison@stbarbarachurch.org

July 6th & 7th July 13th & 14th After each Mass in the Narthex/Entry Volunteer Sign Up Sheet Dear Parishioners, We are delighted to announce a special series of welcome events to introduce and get to know our new priests, Father Jim Northrop and Father Steve Woodland!  Join us for a warm reception filled with fellowship and treats over two weekends in July. The first welcome event will take place on the weekend of July 6th/7th , with a reception following the Saturday evening Mass and continuing after each Mass on Sunday. The following weekend, July 13th/14th , we will hold another reception to continue the festivities, giving everyone the opportunity to meet both priests. We will have a delightful assortment of refreshments, including cheese and fruit plates, cupcakes, and donuts. We invite you all to attend these welcoming events, meet our new priests, and share in the joy of our growing parish community. Volunteer Request To ensure the success of these celebrations, we are seeking volunteers to assist with setting up, serving, and breaking down after each event. If you can spare some time to help, please sign up below or contact Emily at 701-330-5753 or emilysimburger@gmail.com . Your support will be greatly appreciated as we come together to welcome our new priests. Thank you for your generosity and enthusiasm in making these events memorable! Sign Up Here to Help Google Sheet

Date: June 30th Time: Following the 10:00 a.m. Mass Join us in celebrating Father Davis and wishing him well as he begins his new assignment at St. Mark and St. Matthew Parishes. The Pastoral Council invites everyone to an Old-Fashioned Church Potluck! What to Bring: - Your favorite potluck dish to share (appetizer/salad, main course, or dessert). - The Parish will provide a cake. Volunteers Needed: We need help with setup, cleanup, and organizing the buffet tables. If you can assist, please contact Janie Edelman at 206-948-6064 or janieedelman@comcast.net. Let's come together to show our gratitude and support for Father Davis!

Come join us, all are welcome! August 4th at 11:30am after 10 am mass. At the parish grounds. Bring your family and friends for lunch, fellowship and games. See you there!

13th. Sunday in Ordinary Time (year B). June 30, 2024 Wisd. 1:13-15,2:23-24; 2Cor.8:7-9,13-15; Mark 5:25-34. In faith, the woman said: "If I touch even his garments, I shall be made well." As Catholic Christians, do we approach the Lord Jesus with expectant faith or with skeptical doubt? Scripture teaches us that, many people in desperate or helpless circumstances were not disappointed when they sought Jesus out. Life Message: What drew them to Jesus? Was it hope for a miracle or a word of comfort in their affliction? What did the elderly woman who had suffered miserably with hemorrhage, for twelve years expect Jesus to do for her? Where there seemed to be no human cause for it, Jesus spoke words of hope to the woman to ignite the spark of faith in her: “…Take heart, daughter, your faith has made you well!”. Thus, through the afflicted women's being healed her faith was made manifest. Conclusion: In both instances (the ailing old lady, and Jarius, the Synagogue Official), we see Jesus' personal concern for the needs of others and his readiness to heal and restore life. In Jesus we see the infinite love of God extending to each and every individual as he gives freely and wholly of himself to each person he meets. Do you approach the Lord with confident expectation that he will hear your request and act? In desperate situations, like the old lady, let’s say with faith: "If I touch even his garments, I shall be made well." PRAYER: Father, you love each of us individually with a unique and personal love. Touch my life with your saving power, heal and restore me to fullness of life. Help me to give wholly of myself in loving service to others. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. AMEN!!!

Oktoberfest 2024 Planning has begun for our 3rd annual Oktoberfest Auction! We're on the lookout for special items and unforgettable experiences to make this year's event even more memorable. To donate or to join the planning committee, please reach out to Sarah Midles at sarahmidles@gmail.com or 425-205-1849. Let's make Oktoberfest 2024 the best one yet!

11th.Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B) (June 16, 2024) Ezek.17: 22-24; II Cor 5:6-10; Mk 4:26-34. “The word "impossible" is not in God's dictionary. For with God all things are possible.” Introduction: Today’s readings are about the birth and growth of the reign/Kingdom of God, in our human lives and about the gigantic growth of the Church from very humble beginnings. Both growths are slow and mysterious, guided by the power of the Holy Spirit. Today’s Gospel teaches us how God causes His Kingdom to grow in human hearts and communities in a slow but steady way. Life Message: The word "impossible" is not in God's dictionary: You remember David, a preteen shepherd boy, taking down the mighty soldier Goliath? You remember Moses, the stuttering herdsman who, in a personal interview with God, was directed to liberate his nation Israel, Pharaoh in Egypt. Albert Einstein seemed so slow and dull that his parents feared that he was mentally deficient. But the word "impossible" is not in God's dictionary. He grew up to become a great scientist and inventor. Indeed, 80% of success is perseverance! Hence, in today’s Gospel, Jesus compares the growth of the Kingdom of God to the germination of a wheat seed and that of a tiny mustard seed. Both have very small beginnings. The wheat seeds, by gradual but steady growth, give the farmer a bumper crop. In the same way, the life principle in a tiny mustard seed enables it to grow into a large bush. The reign of God in human hearts and the growth of the Church in the world also have small beginnings. But the Source of all life, God the Holy Spirit, gives to both a steady, persistent and gigantic growth. Conclusion: A parable of encouragement: Firstly, the parable of the mustard seed is a word of encouragement for us, especially in the face of persecution or disillusionment. Things might not be what you and I want them to be, but there is still hope. God works in mysterious ways. God is still with us even when our efforts are frustrated, because He is the Source of growth. Growth often starts out small like a mustard seed and then blossoms into something huge. Secondly, these words of Jesus do is to remind us that while we are called to do something, we are not called to do everything. We scatter the seed, but the growth is up to God. The same process works in the Christian life. We practice daily prayer and Bible reading. We find ways to be of service to others. We pledge money and time to the Church and charitable purposes. We join the people of God at the altar regularly. These are some of the seeds that God uses to mold and shape our lives in love, peace, and hope. But the shaping happens both at God's own pace and as we are willing and able to cooperate with Him. Therefore, don’t lose hope, let’s encourage one another and remember that: “The word "impossible" is not in God's dictionary. For with God all things are possible.”