Some weeks, the most informative Pastor’s Notes are just a run through my schedule from the last week. It gives a pretty good insight into what is going on in our parishes. (There are PLENTY of things going on that I do not know about – these are just the things are were on my calendar.)
Things were SUPER high school heavy this week, as we are reaching some really important deadlines that will determine whether we can open; and if we can open, whether that will be Fall 2026 or Fall 2027. The highlight of my week was definitely the Assumption School graduation. I am SO PROUD of our school and of the 8th graders it graduated this year.
May 30 / May 31 –Sacred Heart held a Marian arts festival on Friday and the Marian consecration (of about 120 people) the next morning. Fr. Tyler was on duty for both, as I held a wedding rehearsal (Assumption’s wedding coordinator is finishing up pregnancy leave) and witnessed the wedding at Assumption the next day. Also on May 31, the Lane family represented the Northern Deanery at the 175th Anniversary Mass at St. James Cathedral.
June 01 – In addition to my Mass schedule, Sacred Heart held their annual picnic at Zuanich Point Park. I was able to make the last part and was encouraged to see people from across the county participating.
June 02 – It was my day off, so I finished up opening my Christmas mail (yes, seriously), did a Zoom check-in with my college roommate, and joined a 7pm Development Committee call for the High School project.
June 03 – Blessedly 4 whole hours of office time. Among other things, I managed to approve computer models for a huge computer order (read: huge expense) coming up, due to the end-of-life of Windows 10. Most of our computers are too old to upgrade to Windows 11. Signed a bunch of checks at Sacred Heart. 2-hours of parishioner meetings, Mass at Assumption, dinner with parishioners in Ferndale.
June 04 – 2.5-hour meeting with my regional staff to go over parish data related to Partners in the Gospel and develop a plan for presenting this data to parishioners as Partners ramps up. Additional staff meetings. Zoom with the Superintendent of Catholic Schools about the high school. Lynden confessions/Mass. 1-hour meeting with parishioners in crisis. Signed a bunch of checks in Lynden.
June 05 – Funeral at Lummi from 10 – 2:30pm. Head to Assumption. Sign some checks. Mingle with students/parents at school pick-up. 8th grade graduation Mass and reception. 3-hours of high school work in the evening. Write this Pastor’s Note. Unfortunately, miss out on my Ferndale office hours. Who will sign their checks?
June 06 – Morning Mass at Assumption (without the school, very sad). Continue working on backlog of reviewing Assumption’s sacramental records. Zoom meeting with the other priests. Help prep an 11:00 am funeral for a long-time CCS employee, presided over by Bishop Schuster. Maybe answer some e-mails? Drive to Seattle to have dinner with my mother. Attend the Holy Hour for Vocations (6:30 pm, St. James Cathedral) in preparation for the next day’s priestly ordinations.
June 07/08 – Attend the priestly ordination of Joseph Tapia-Beeman at St. James Cathedral. Return to Assumption for 3:00 pm confessions. Do baptisms during the 5:00 pm and 8:00 am Masses and First Communions during the 10:00 am and 12:30 pm Masses. Maybe try to fit in one of the grad parties I have been invited to?
As the Pastor, I am blessed to see many of the big moments (like baptisms, first communions, graduations, and funerals), growth initiatives (like the high school project), and daily devotions (like Masses and confessions). I can tell you that many, many people are growing in their relationship with Christ here in Whatcom County and the Archdiocese of Seattle. I hope a little peek into my week helps you share in the blessings that are constantly bombarding me.
Fr. Moore 