We had a very successful meeting on 1/13 and have planned several hikes. The first event is soon—pull out your snowshoes and meet at the Assumption Parish parking lot on Saturday, January 24, at 8:30 to head to Gold Creek Sno-Park. For more info, contact Andrea Hews. Not interested in snowshoeing—we plan to do urban walks on: Wednesday, February 4, at 10:30, UW area; Saturday, February 21, at 9:30, Seward Park. Our next meeting: Tuesday, March 10, 6-7 pm at Assumption Parish.

Please enjoy reading Archbishop Etienne's Annual Letter.

Dear Friends in Christ, The church this week returns to the liturgical season of “Ordinary Time,” which invites us to recognize God’s presence in the mundane, day-to-day moments and activities of our lives. As he does in the story of the birth of Jesus, St. Joseph serves as an excellent role model for our daily lives as Christians.

Know of a family that is looking for an amazing PreK-8th school? Invite them to join us for our final Open House of the school year on Thursday, January 29th, at 9:30 am. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore ASB, meet our community, and see what makes our school such a special place. Register at asbschool.org!

Please note, due to the MLK, Jr. Holiday, there will be no Adoration at St. Bridget on Monday, January 19.

The Third Grade classes from Assumption–St. Bridget warmly invites our senior groups to a special Valentine’s Breakfast filled with smiles, sweet treats, and heartfelt fellowship. Wednesday, February 11 11:00 AM Assumption Parish Fellowship HallSeniors, You're Invited to a Third-Grade Valentine "Breakfast"!

Calling all students in grades 6–8! Join us for the annual Middle School Encounter, a fun, faith-filled, day-long retreat designed just for middle schoolers. This year’s theme, Saints in the Making, reminds us that holiness is possible — and joyful — right here and now.

Join us at St. Bridget following Mass on Sunday, February 1, as we celebrate our patron saint’s feast day! All are invited to gather for a festive pancake breakfast, good conversation, and joyful fellowship as we honor St. Bridget together. Bring your family, invite a friend, and stay awhile — we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Dear Friends in Christ, This Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which brings the church’s celebration of Christmas to a close. I found Christmas this year particularly comforting as it offered a spiritual refuge from the incessant rain that has been drenching us for what seems to be forever. Here’s to our faith, which invites us to seek the Lord for refuge from the storms, be they spiritual or literal. Continue reading...

On Saturday, January 31, the Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center (IPJC) is sponsoring a Community Assembly - a chance to engage with others to build power for social change. 9:00 – 5:00, at St. Edward Church. No charge; donations welcome. Click here for more information.

Social Seniors at St. Bridget Join us for our next Social Seniors gathering on Wednesday, January 14 at 11:00 am in the St. Bridget Parish Hall. Enjoy good conversation, fresh coffee, and tasty treats in a relaxed and friendly setting. All are welcome — come connect, catch up, and share a few laughs with friends old and new. We’d love to see you there!

Interested in helping with one of our many liturgical ministries at St. Bridget's? Take a moment to see what is available. If you need training, please reach out to Alex Chopyak, who can assist you. achopyak@neseattlecatholic.org. Click to learn more.

Help needed with Sunday Children's Church

Partners in the Gospel is an archdiocesan-wide initiative launched by the Archdiocese of Seattle to strengthen the mission and vitality of the Catholic Church in Western Washington. As we look to the future, this effort helps ensure that our parishes, schools, and ministries continue to thrive, adapt, and serve the needs of our faith communities.

Curious where we are in the Partners in the Gospel process? Each week, we’ll highlight a question and give a clear, current answer. Have a question you’d like us to cover? Send it our way and we’ll feature it in an upcoming update. Click to submit a question.

Our parish family is now entering Stage Two of the One Parish Planning process, called “Who Are We?” This stage invites us to reflect on who we are as a parish family, our people, ministries, gifts, and opportunities. What we learn together will help shape our future direction as one faith community.

Children's Church at St. Bridget's will resume on January 18th. It will also be held on January 25th. This program is run solely by volunteers and so we need your help to continue the program. Please reach out to Meagan Westphal (meaganhastings@gmail.com) if you are able to assist with teaching classes or preparing materials.

Looking for a meaningful way to end your weekend and begin the new week grounded in faith? Join us for Sunday Evening Mass at 5 PM on January 4 at Assumption Parish. This special Mass is hosted at Assumption and led by ministers from all four NESCC parish locations, bringing our parish family together in a beautiful expression of unity. Sunday Evening Mass is especially great for busy families, middle and high school students, and anyone seeking a reflective, hope-filled way to reset before the week ahead. Come as you are, breathe deeply, and be nourished by prayer, community, and a positive message to carry with you into the new week.

Dear Friends in Christ, The Epiphany of the Lord we celebrate this weekend reminds us that our faith in Christ is meant to inspire us to share his love and compassion with all peoples of the world. How can average folks like us do that in a global community so diverse and often divided in our time? The following words by the spiritual writer Robert Adams offer us a path to follow in the new year of 2026, which we have begun:

Discernment Day with the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia will host a discernment retreat day on Saturday, January 31st (10 am-4:30 pm). Open to single Catholic women ages 17-30, the event includes Mass, prayer with the sisters, Adoration, spiritual talks, and lunch at the University of Washington Catholic Newman Center. For more information or to register, please email vocation@op-tn.org. Come spend time with the Lord, and get a glimpse of the beauty of religious life!