We are excited to announce the start of two special programs for our children this season! These programs are designed to help young hearts grow in their understanding of the faith, fostering a deep connection with God through meaningful experiences. Please Register, Select and download the form below Email complete form to faithformation@stbarbarachurch.org Or turn in paper copy to parish office Pay online link https://osvhub.com/stbarbarachurch/giving/funds/faith-formation-fees 1. First Communion & First Reconciliation Program For our 2nd graders, we offer preparation for the Sacraments of First Communion and First Reconciliation. These sacraments are important steps in a child’s spiritual journey, and we are committed to helping them fully understand and appreciate their meaning. When: Monday evenings from 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM Who: 2nd Graders Parent Meeting will be held Sunday Oct 6th at 11:15 (after mass) in the downstairs classrooms. Through this program, children will explore the beauty of these sacraments and grow in their love of Christ. It’s a wonderful time for them to come together with peers and deepen their faith in a supportive and welcoming environment. 2. Children's Liturgy of the Word For our younger children, we are excited to offer the Children's Liturgy of the Word during the 10:00 AM Mass on Sundays. This program is designed for children in Pre-K through 1st grade and gives them a chance to engage with the Word of God at their level, helping them develop a strong foundation in faith. When: During the 10:00 AM Mass Who: Pre-K to 1st Grade Parent Meeting will be held Sunday Sept 29th at 11:15 (after mass) in the downstairs classrooms. This program is a great way for younger children to participate in the Mass and experience the joy of God's Word. Registration Required Email complete form to faithformation@stbarbarachurch.org Any questions can be directed to faithformation@stbarbarachurch.org

December 9th Mass times 9 am and 7pm Please join us for this Holy Day of Obligation in the Main Church.

The Joy of Repentance This weekend in my homily, I highlighted the importance and gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Last January, I had the privilege of attending a Holy Desire retreat with about 50 other priests from all over the country in St. John’s, Florida. The retreat was conducted by Dr. Bob Schuchts and the John Paul II Healing Center. It was a profound experience for me to participate in this retreat and hear the testimonies and experiences of other priests as we acknowledged our own brokenness and desire for deeper healing and a more intimate relationship with the Lord. A huge component of the retreat was breakout sessions with other priests and members of the team to address areas of brokenness and trauma in our lives, and to pray for the healing power of the Holy Spirit to set us free so that we can be better priests. As we prayed, and I listened to the presentations and testimonies of other priests and the challenges they were facing, I knew I had to pull all of the blessings and graces of the week together by celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I had a beautiful confession at the end of the retreat and left feeling joy and liberation. It was definitely “amazing grace”! Confession is indeed a great grace, and Fr. Woodland and I want to be available to help you experience this healing Sacrament. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like to celebrate Reconciliation, and feel free to drop by during the regularly scheduled times at our parishes. I have asked the bulletin editors to include a resource on this Sacrament to help guide and prepare you. It is limited, but there are many other great resources available on the web. Personally, I try to use Scripture to help me prepare, and I have some favorite passages. I’ll end with one from St. Paul’s first letter to St. Timothy that highlights five things we can strive to embrace.

Be Alert! Advent has a common theme about being alert. What does this mean? It means that as followers of Jesus Christ, we are most concerned about loving God and loving people. We are invited to ask the Holy Spirit to help us not to lose our first love (cf. Revelations 2:4). The Holy Spirit is our interior teacher and Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help us in our struggle to be good witnesses to Christ. Advent is a time for us to bring our broken relationships to the Lord and ask for His guidance and help in experiencing life in abundance. God is for us. Isn’t it a sad reality that so many people think God is indifferent to all of our struggles and suffering here on earth? How much more could God prove His love for us than in sending His only-begotten Son to be our Lord and Savior? When we love people we want to walk with them and share in their journey of life. This is exactly what Jesus does for us when we invite Him into our hearts. He accompanies us and helps us be responsible and accountable for our words and actions. We are all sinners and we fail to love God and love people. This is a simple truth and we can see evidence of this everyday. But hope is not lost. When we turn to Jesus and invite Him to open our hearts, we can be renewed in the gift of hope and find peace and joy in all the wonderful people and events God has provided for us. “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Being alert is not some dreadful commandment to make our lives more difficult or miserable. It is the opportunity to allow the Lord to help us experience more gratitude and love. Advent is all about being renewed in the gift of hope. “And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5) I pray we will have a most beautiful and blessed Advent! in Christ, Fr. Jim Northrop Pastor

Thank you! As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I just wanted to take the opportunity to say “thank you” to everyone in our parish family for your love and dedication to the Lord as we move forward with the Partners in the Gospel program. I know the changes we have had to make haven’t been easy but you are all demonstrating a sense of graciousness as we discern concern as we discern our future. I wish you all a most blessed Thanksgiving and safe travels for those traveling to be with family and friends. Special prayers for those of you who will gather for the first time without a loved one who has since passed away. Our nation has had the tradition of setting aside one day a year to give thanks for our blessings but we know as a followers of the Lord Jesus Christ that everyday is a day to give thanks because we are blessed in so many ways. in Christ, Fr. Jim (Pastor)

Dear Ladies! You’re warmly invited to our Women’s Group Christmas Party and Service Project, a festive evening to celebrate the season of giving and fellowship! Join us as we gather to support families in need through Vine Maple Place, a local organization in Maple Valley. Together, we’ll assemble 100 take-home meal kits—50 Spaghetti Meals and 50 Chicken Noodle Soup Meals—bringing warmth and nourishment to local families this holiday season. Event Details: Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Location: St. Barbara Catholic Church Parish Hall Evening Highlights: Service Project: Help us assemble meal kits that will be distributed to families through Vine Maple Place. Prayer & Fellowship: We’ll come together in prayer for our community, sharing gratitude for the blessings of the season. Fun & Games: Enjoy festive games and laughter as we celebrate with one another. Treats & Mingling: Bring your favorite Christmas cookies or holiday treat to share (optional). We’ll provide tea, coffee, and holiday cheer! Here’s How You Can Participate: Donate Food Items: Check the list of ingredients and sign up (link below) to bring items for the meal kits. If you’re unable to attend but would still like to help, please arrange a drop-off or pickup with Emily ( emilysimburger@gmail.com or 701-330-5753). UPDATE!You can drop off items in classroom A in the basement of the church. Please be sure to place items in the provided bins under the table or bring items in a bag and place them on the table. When you drop items off please text me and let me know. Thank you so much. Join Us on Dec 4th: If you can make it, we’d love to see you there! Please RSVP using the link below so we can plan our setup, though last-minute drop-ins are always welcome. Bring a Treat to Share (Optional): Consider bringing your favorite holiday treat to share while we mingle and enjoy fellowship time. No sign up necessary. RSVP & Signup Link: https://grow.withlome.com/a/ce44e76b-8638-4e34-9723-04e76b7f919f Come for a joyful evening filled with fellowship, prayer, games, and the joy of giving. Thank you for helping make this season brighter for families in need! Blessings,Emily, Sarah, Riza and Kathy

Announcing the Launch of PREPARES at St. Barbara We are excited to announce the launch of the PREPARES program at St. Barbara Catholic Church! PREPARES (Pregnancy & Parenting Support) is an archdiocese initiative of the Catholic Church, dedicated to supporting vulnerable families from pregnancy through their child’s fifth birthday. At St. Barbara Catholic Church, we are committed to providing a nurturing and compassionate environment where families can receive emotional, material, and spiritual support. To learn more about PREPARES and how you can get involved, visit our PREPARES page https://www.stbarbarachurch.org/prepares Together, we can build a culture of life and support for families in need!

Inspiration from St. Teresa of Calcutta Dear Parish Family, At one of our recent prayer meetings, someone shared a beautiful reflection from St. Teresa of Calcutta. Thinking about how moved I was by this reflection, I wanted to share some inspiration this great saint gave us in the hopes to encourage you as we continue to serve the Lord. St. Teresa often spoke of the need to love with "small things with great love" . She reminded us that holiness is not found in grand gestures or in extraordinary acts, but in the everyday ways we show kindness, patience, and generosity. Her words continue to challenge us to seek God in the hidden, humble places of our daily lives: "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love". In a world that often values success, achievement, and recognition, St. Teresa teaches us that true greatness lies in the little things. Whether it’s offering a smile to a stranger, holding the door open for someone, or taking time to listen to a friend in need, these are the small acts that carry the heart of Christ. It’s through these small, daily moments of love that we encounter God and transform the world around us. Another powerful thought she shared was: “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” St. Teresa understood the power of individual action. She knew that one person can make a difference, even if it seems small. This is especially true in our Christian calling to serve others. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the vast needs of the world and the many issues that seem beyond our control. But St. Teresa’s message is simple: start where you are, with what you have, and do what you can. You may not be able to change the world all at once, but by helping one person at a time, you are bringing the light of Christ to someone in need. St. Teresa also deeply believed in the importance of seeing Jesus in every person, especially those who are suffering. She said: "Each one of them is Jesus in disguise." This powerful reminder calls us to look beyond outward appearances and see the face of Christ in every person we encounter. Whether it’s the homeless person on the street, the elderly neighbor who feels forgotten, or the child who needs our attention, St. Teresa encourages us to see them through the eyes of love and compassion. In our own lives, we can reflect on how we see and serve others. Do we look with compassion, or are we quick to judge? Are we willing to put aside our own convenience to reach out to someone in need? Finally, St. Teresa had an unwavering trust in God’s providence. She once said: “God doesn’t call us to be successful, but to be faithful.” In our own journey of faith, it’s easy to become discouraged when we don’t see immediate results or recognition for our efforts. But St. Teresa reminds us that our calling is not to be successful by the world’s standards but to be faithful to the love and service we are called to give. When we do our part with love, God will take care of the rest. As we continue our journey of faith, let us take time to reflect on the wisdom of St. Mother Teresa and allow her words to inspire us. Let us strive to do small things with great love, to serve others with compassion, and to trust in God’s plan for our lives. May we be open to seeing the face of Christ in every person we meet and respond to the call to love and serve in His name. In Christ’s Peace, Fr. James Northrop

Trusting in God Leads to Generous Hearts My dad loved to teach and was always trying creative ways to motivate his students to learn. He felt a bit sad when he had to give up teaching to become a principal in order to earn more money for our family. One day, he was called to substitute as a catechist for one of our CCD classes in the parish. The first reading about Elijah and the widow of Zarephath reminds me of the lesson he taught about the importance of thinking of others and not just our own needs. My father bought cookies for the class but deliberately had only half as many cookies as there were students. He passed them out and then apologized for not having enough for everyone. He was testing the students to see if they would break their cookies in half to share with the remaining students who didn’t get one. He noted that no one shared but quickly gobbled up their cookies, even though they saw that half the students didn’t receive one. He then taught a lesson about looking around and seeing other people rather than just being selfish and thinking of our own needs. I jokingly asked my dad if he were in the same situation whether he would have shared his cookie with someone else. I didn’t get a response. Later on, his mother (Grandma Esther) made a funny comment to me about how my dad was honest as the day was long. She said she could put a $10 bill on a counter and he wouldn’t touch it. However, a slice of pie on the counter was a whole different story. Every day, there are people in the world guided by the Holy Spirit who believe in the goodness and generosity of God and aren’t afraid to “share their bread with the hungry” (cf. Isaiah 58:10) because they know that God will take care of them. In a world that so often fosters selfishness, the Lord invites us to be mindful of how blessed we are and to look around and see who is on the margins and whose needs are not being met. Let us all pray for greater sensitivity to the poor and needy around us and trust that God will give us all that we need to advance the Kingdom of God.

Parents' Night Out: Pizza, Fun & More for Your Little Ones! Need a break? Let us take care of the kids while you enjoy a well-deserved evening off! 🎉 On Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM we're hosting a Parents' Night Out at St. Barbara Parish Hall! Your kids will have a blast with pizza, games, a fun project, and a movie—all in the company of friends! A $5 suggested donation is appreciated but not required to participate. We just want your kids to have a great time while you recharge! Be sure to RSVP by October 26th to secure a spot! Sign Up Here We can't wait to see your little ones for a night of fun while you take a well-deserved breather! ✨

Remember The Goodness of God Last night during our Thursday evening Prayer Meeting, the Lord definitely directed our attention towards the importance of being grateful and remembering the goodness of God. As we navigate the challenges of life, it is essential to take a moment to pause and reflect on the goodness of God. In times of uncertainty or difficulty, remembering His blessings can provide us with strength, hope, and renewed faith. Scripture invites us to reflect on God’s goodness regularly. The Psalms are filled with praises of His faithfulness and love. Psalm 100 reminds us to “enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.” This call to gratitude is more than a simple acknowledgment; it is an invitation to cultivate a heart that recognizes God’s active presence in our lives. One of the most profound aspects of God’s goodness is His unwavering mercy. Each day offers us a fresh start, reminding us that no matter our shortcomings, God is always ready to welcome us back with open arms. This mercy is not only for us but extends to everyone, reminding us to practice compassion and forgiveness in our own lives. Moreover, God’s goodness is often revealed through the people and experiences around us. In moments of kindness, love, and support from family, friends, and our faith community, we catch glimpses of His grace. By fostering relationships rooted in love and service, we can be instruments of God’s goodness in the lives of others. Reflecting on the beauty of creation is another powerful way to remember God’s goodness. Whether it’s a breathtaking sunset, the laughter of a child, or the simple joy of a shared meal, these moments remind us of the Creator’s generous heart. Taking time to appreciate the world around us helps us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude. As we go about our days, let us consciously remember to celebrate God’s goodness. Through prayer, acts of kindness, and a spirit of thankfulness, we can not only strengthen our own faith but also inspire others to recognize the blessings in their lives. In every season, let us hold fast to the truth that God is good, and His love endures forever. Have a blessed week and let’s pray a greater sense of gratitude in our lives even as we face daily challenges. We are blessed. in Christ, Fr. Jim