Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we continue our journey through the Christmas season, we arrive at one of the most beautiful feasts of the liturgical year: the Epiphany of the Lord. The Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi, the wise men from the East who came to adore the newborn Savior. Their journey to Bethlehem, guided by the light of a star, marks a pivotal moment in salvation history—the revelation of Jesus as the Savior of all people. The word "Epiphany" means "manifestation" or "revelation." In the Magi’s encounter with the infant Jesus, we see God’s plan unfold. The visit of these non-Jewish sages is a sign that Christ’s light is not limited to the people of Israel alone but is intended for the whole world. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to all nations, and in this feast, we celebrate the universality of Christ's saving mission. The gifts the Magi bring—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—are rich in symbolic meaning. Gold acknowledges Jesus as the King, frankincense affirms His divinity as the Son of God, and myrrh, used for anointing and embalming, foreshadows His suffering and death. These gifts remind us that Christ’s mission is not just to reign as King, but also to give His life for our salvation. As we reflect on the Epiphany, we are invited to ask ourselves: How am I responding to the light of Christ? Like the Magi, we are called to seek Jesus with hearts full of faith, to follow His guiding light, and to offer our lives—our talents, our love, and our service—as a gift to Him. The journey of the Magi teaches us that the search for Christ is worth every effort and sacrifice. May we, too, seek Him with open hearts and eyes that are ready to be illuminated by His grace. This feast also reminds us of the importance of sharing Christ’s light with others. The Magi, in bringing their gifts to the child Jesus, were among the first to spread the message of His birth. We are called, in turn, to be messengers of that light, bringing the hope of Christ to a world in need of His love and peace. As we celebrate the Epiphany, let us renew our commitment to follow Christ more closely, to be His witnesses, and to share His light with those around us. May the light of Christ illuminate your hearts and homes in the coming year, guiding you to deeper faith, greater love, and a renewed sense of purpose. Happy Epiphany, and may God bless you and your families with His abundant grace in the new year. In Christ's love, Fr. James Northrop Pastor

You're Invited to a Parish Spaghetti Feed! 🍝 📅 Date:  Sunday, February 1st. ⏰ Time:  6:00 PM 📍 Location:  St. Barbara Parish Hall Join us for a delightful evening of good food and great company, hosted by the Knights of Columbus! Bring your appetite and, if you're able, bring a dessert to share . We can’t wait to see you there!

Strengthening Our Families As we reflect on the importance of family in our lives, we are reminded of the profound words of Pope Francis, who frequently emphasizes that the family is "the first school of human values," a "domestic church" where we learn love, forgiveness, and compassion. In our busy, fragmented world, it is easy to forget just how vital the family is as the foundation of society and the bedrock of personal and spiritual well-being. The family is meant to be a place of unconditional love, security, and formation—where individuals first experience God’s love and learn how to relate to others. Yet, many families today struggle with brokenness, trauma, and dysfunction. It’s a reality that Pope Francis also acknowledges, calling for a deeper understanding and support for families to heal and grow together. This is where the work of the John Paul II Healing Institute (JPII Healing Institute) and the ministry of Dr. Bob Schuchts come into play. The mission of the JPII Healing Institute, rooted in Catholic teaching, seeks to support individuals and families in healing emotional wounds, strengthening relationships, and fostering spiritual growth. Through its various programs, retreats, and resources, the Institute addresses the deep needs that many families face, including brokenness, isolation, and emotional or spiritual trauma. Dr. Bob Schuchts, a renowned counselor and educator, has dedicated much of his life to helping families and individuals experience healing and restoration through a deeper understanding of God’s love and mercy. With a background in counseling, Dr. Schuchts integrates psychological insights with spiritual principles to create a comprehensive approach to healing—what he calls “integral healing.” His work focuses on the intersection of faith and mental health, helping people identify and address underlying wounds—especially those that affect the way we experience relationships and the love of God. I have had the privilege of attending several retreats with Dr. Schuchts and they have been extremely helpful and filled with grace and healing. One of the cornerstone programs offered by the JPII Healing Institute is the "Healing the Whole Person" retreat. This transformative experience invites participants to explore the healing power of Christ in their lives, especially in the context of family dynamics. The retreat combines teachings on emotional healing with prayer, scripture, and the sacraments. It is designed to bring healing to the wounds that often stem from childhood, relationships, and family life. Participants often leave with a renewed sense of peace, reconciliation, and a deeper understanding of how God’s love can heal even the deepest hurts. Dr. Schuchts also emphasizes the need for men and women to take responsibility for their emotional and spiritual health, especially as it relates to their roles within the family. Healing, he often says, is not just about fixing brokenness—it is about becoming whole and allowing God’s grace to transform our hearts so that we can better love and serve others, particularly within the family. If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional pain or brokenness in the family, consider reaching out to the John Paul II Healing Institute or attending one of their retreats or programs. Healing is possible, and with the right support and a strong faith foundation, families can find the peace and strength they need to thrive. Remember: as Pope Francis reminds us, the family is the "first school of human values." It is also the place where we learn that we are loved beyond measure, by a God who is always ready to heal and restore us. For more information on the John Paul II Healing Institute and upcoming retreats, visit www.jpiihealingcenter.org. In Christ,
 Fr. Jim
Pastor

Christmas Mass St. Barbara Parish, Black Diamond  Christmas Eve 5:00 PM (Children's Mass) ​ Christmas Day 10:30 AM ​ Sacred Heart Parish, Enumclaw Christmas Eve (Spanish Mass) 6:30 PM​ Christmas Day 10:30 AM ​ St. Aloysius Parish, Buckley  Christmas Eve 4:00 PM Christmas Day 8:00 PM

The Knights of Columbus are excited to invite all parish members to a peaceful and uplifting evening of prayer and reflection. Every fourth Monday of the month, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m ., we’ll gather in the Parish Hall to come together as a community in faith. The hour will begin with 30 minutes of prayer, followed by a meaningful reflection on the upcoming Sunday Gospel reading. This time of spiritual enrichment is open to everyone—whether you’re attending on your own, with family, or bringing little ones along. We’ll even have engaging activities to help children enjoy their time too! Come as you are, and join us for an evening to renew your spirit and connect with our parish community. We look forward to welcoming you!

All-Parish Family Advent Retreat ✨ Waiting in Joyful Hope  ✨ Prepare your hearts for the season of Advent! Join Father Jim for a meaningful day of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. This retreat is open to all parishioners in our parish family – a perfect opportunity to come together in faith as we anticipate the joy of Christmas. When:  Saturday, December 14th Time:  9:30 AM – 2:00 PM Where:  St. Aloysius Catholic Church 211 W Mason Ave, Buckley, WA What to Bring:  Please pack a snack lunch for yourself and your family members. Let’s grow closer to Christ as a parish community. We look forward to seeing you there! ( Mark your calendar and spread the word! )

The Knights of Columbus will be selling red poinsettias for your home after each mass on December 7 - 8th and 14 - 15 th with a suggested donation of $15. A majority of proceeds will be going to help KOC charitable programs. Use the Christmas Flower Envelopes in your pews if you would like to purchase a poinsettia for the church decor in honor of a loved one. The name of your loved one will be listed in the Christmas bulletin. The deadline for purchasing a flower in honor of a loved one is Dec 22nd.

The St. Barbara Pastoral Council is here to listen and grow with you. We’re inviting all parish members to share their thoughts, suggestions, and ideas to help strengthen our community and deepen our faith. Visit our Pastoral Council page to learn more about what we do and how your input will guide our efforts. Together, we can build a more vibrant parish that reflects the heart of our faith. We’d love to hear from you—click the link to get started! https://www.stbarbarachurch.org/pastoral-council

Navigating Life’s Choices: Insights from St. Ignatius Do you sometimes have a hard time making decisions? Have you ever wanted help discerning God’s voice? Join us for a special event where you’ll discover St. Ignatius' rules for discernment—timeless tools to help you navigate all of life’s decisions, from the everyday to the extraordinary. Event Details Date:  Sunday, January 12th, 2025 Time:  1:00 PM to 3:30 PM Location:  St. Barbara Catholic Church (Parish Hall and Church) Our gathering will begin in the parish hall at 1:00 PM, where Patrick Sharkey will guide us through St. Ignatius’ principles of discernment. You’ll learn how to apply these tools in your daily life to grow closer to God and make better decisions. Following the talk and a Q&A session, we’ll move to the church for a time of adoration. During this sacred time, Patrick will provide additional prayer guidance to help us put these discernment principles into practice. This event is open to all women in our parish family, so invite a friend! Patrick Sharkey About Patrick Sharkey Patrick Sharkey is a certified Spiritual Director, is the former Director of the Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center and currently serves as Director of Operations for 3 Catholic parishes in Western Washington. As a spiritual director, Patrick has trained to help others hear the voice of the Lord in their lives. He has a passion helping others along the path to union with God and helping them unlock the treasure trove of spiritual wisdom in the Catholic Church. He holds a master's in business administration from Franciscan University and is currently working on a master's certificate in Spiritual Theology through the Avila Institute. He and his wife, Andrea live in Puyallup with their five children.  Want to hear more from Patrick? Check out his inspiring discussions on the Faith Retriever Podcast. Save the Date Mark your calendars and join us on January 12th for an afternoon of faith, fellowship, and practical tools to grow closer to God. Itinerary: 1:00 PM : Doors Open (Hall) 1:30–2:30 PM : Talk by Patrick Sharkey and Q&A (Hall) 2:30–3:30 PM : Adoration with Prayer Guidance (Church) We can’t wait to see you there!

December 15th, 2024 5 to 7pm Parish Social Hall Save the date for our all Parish Christmas party. All ages are welcome. Come enjoy an evening of fun. Please bring a food item to share, main dish, side dish or dessert. See you there.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, let’s come together as a parish family to ready our church for this joyous season. This is a wonderful opportunity to show love and care for our sacred spaces, while sharing fellowship with one another. Whether you’re a longtime parishioner or new to the community, your help will make a difference as we create a warm and welcoming environment for all who gather to worship this Christmas. Who:  All St. Barbara Parishioners What:  Church Cleanup Day Where:  Narthex, Pews, Flooring, Sanctuary, and the Little Saints Room When:  Saturday, December 21st, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Why:  To prepare our sacred spaces for the joyous celebration of Christmas! If you are able to please bring rags/cloths to help wipe down the pews and other items. Event Schedule: 10:00 - 10:15 AM : Meet in the Hall for snacks, coffee, and prayer 10:15 - 10:30 AM : Cleaning plan overview and supply distribution 10:30 - 11:20 AM : Cleanup across all designated spaces 11:20 - 11:30 AM : Wrap-up and final touches Let’s work together with joy and gratitude as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior. We can’t wait to see you there! ✨ If you have any other questions please email Riza at Rsuriben08@gmail.com

At Christmas, we celebrate more than just the birth of a child in a manger. We mark the unbreakable bond God forms with humanity—a bond born of love, compassion, and a profound desire to be near us. In the quiet, holy moment of Christ’s birth, God reaches down to us, offering us the dignity of being His children, inviting us into a relationship of mutual love and understanding. This is the true meaning of Christmas: God’s infinite love, made manifest in the most unexpected of places—a humble stable in Bethlehem. But this love, which God so generously extends, calls us to something deeper. It calls us to empty ourselves—of our pride, our distractions, our false securities—so that we can truly embrace the gift of Christ. It’s in this emptying that we make room for the fullness of God's presence in our lives. Only by surrendering our own will can we experience the profound mystery of Christmas in its fullness. The German priest and theologian Alfred Delp, who lived through the hardships of Nazi Germany, reminds us that even in the darkest times, the Christmas message calls us to hope. In the face of despair, we are invited to live differently—not in resignation, but in anticipation of God’s transformative work in the world. “We will go on waiting, watching, and praying until the star rises,” he wrote. This Christmas, we too are called to wait, to watch, and to pray with the certainty that God’s light will pierce through even the darkest moments of our lives. Delp’s words echo an important truth: without embracing our humanity—our dignity as created and beloved children of God—we are not truly capable of connecting with God. We are not capable of understanding the fullness of His love or the richness of His grace. Yet, even when we fall short, God's grace is already at work, prompting us, healing us, and making us ready to receive His love more deeply.  Christmas invites us to open our hearts to this grace, allowing God’s Spirit to work in us. In the midst of the chaos and hardship of life, we are called to trust that this very moment—the one we are living in right now—is the place and the time where God can bring about a new birth in us. Even when we feel battered by life's storms, even when the world seems dark and heavy, we are assured that the light of Christ shines through. The gift of Christmas is not just a one-time event; it is the ongoing invitation to let Christ be born anew in our hearts. This Christmas, may we remember that our dignity as children of God is inseparable from His love and grace. Let us empty ourselves of all that distracts us, that we may make room for the hope, peace, and joy that Christmas offers. And in the midst of uncertainty, let us trust that the star will rise, guiding us to a new birth, a new beginning, and a renewed hope for all humanity. Merry Christmas, and may the peace of Christ fill your hearts and homes this season and always. In Christ, Fr. Jim Pastor