Pascal Candle By: Carol Morgan We are nearing the end of the most important of all liturgical times, the season of Easter. There are 50 days of this season beginning with the First Sunday of Easter and ending with the observance of Pentecost. If we go back to the celebration of the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, you will remember the ceremonial blessing and lighting of the Pascal Candle. It is the first candle to be lit with a flame from this sacred fire, representing the light of the risen Christ coming into the world, as a symbol of light and life, dispelling darkness, and death. It is also a reminder of the pillar of fire that led the tribe of Israel through the desert into the promised land. The Paschal candle represents the Paschal mystery, which pertains to all the things that God sent Jesus to accomplish on earth, his passion, death, and resurrection. This mystery is at the center of Catholic faith and explains why the Paschal candle takes prominence during the Easter season. It is a symbol of the very basis of the Catholic Church and our beliefs. The Pascal candle is the largest candle in the Sanctuary and takes a place of distinction to the side of the altar. It is lit along with the altar candles, becoming part of the mass celebration, throughout the 50 days of the Easter season. On Pentecost Sunday, the Pascal Candle is extinguished just after the final Gospel symbolizing the ending of the Easter Season. The Candle is then moved to its traditional place near the baptismal font and will only be lit during those celebrations that emphasize the sharing of the light of Christ. The first would be during the sacrament of the Baptismal rite, when a small candle is lit by the Godparent and given to the newly baptized. The second is when the Paschal candle is lit and placed near the casket or urn during the funeral services such as the Mass of Repose and the Mass of Requiem. The candle signifies the hope of the resurrection into which Christians are baptized. And finally, we have the parents of our First Communion candidates light a small candle from the Pascal Candle to symbolize the communion of Christ within each of them. Only Christ, the true Light, can dispel darkness. As we gaze upon this “pillar of flame” may the Light of Christ flood every corner of our souls. As Catholics seek to restore the sense of the sacred, may we who have received the Light of Christ in Baptism be bright lights of Christ before the world. So, after the reading of the Gospel at the 10 a.m. mass on Pentecost Sunday, the Pascal Candle flame will be extinguished. This symbolic act will remind us of the risen Christ’s ascension and the transfer of his light as a continued presence in our church and within us. As we seek to welcome the sense of the sacred, may we who have received the Light of Christ in Baptism be bright lights of Christ before the world. May our hearts burn brightly with this flame like the disciples who walked along the Emmaus road with our Lord.

June 10th from 9:00 - 11:30 March with St. Barbara'sin the Maple Valley Days Parade! All ages are welcome! We will have float for our smaller parishioners to ride in, and be handing out candy to the community. If you would like to decorate the float, or march in the parade, please contact Zack Midles at zmidles@gmail.com

June 14th at 6:00 p.m. Tacoma Rainier's vs Albuquerque Isotopes Game Come watch the Tacoma Rainer's play. Ticket options range from $20 to $55. Dinner is included with your reserved seat. Please reach out to Young Kim for more details. oldkim@aol.com R.S.V.P required by May 12th

SBCC-5391 SBCC-9922 SBCC-9941-2 SBCC-5391 1/5 ST. BARBARA CATHOLIC CHURCH of BLACK DIAMOND, WA Cultivating spiritual growth for everyone, advocating the relationship of Christ and family within the home and community. Join Us For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. John 3:16 Mass Times Welcome to Our Parish We're so glad you're here. There are so many ways for you to connect with the vibrant life of our parish. We can't wait to get to know you! Mass Times SATURDAY - 5 pm (Main Church) SUNDAY - 8 & 10 am (Main Church) WED to FRI - 9 am (Historic Church) Daily Readings Confession SATURDAY - 3:30 to 4:30 pm Appointments available. Adoration First Friday of every month 9:45 to 10:45 in the historic church. Anointing of the sick is available at this time. Anyone who is spiritually, mentally or physically sick is welcome to receive this sacrament. 8am Livestream Directions Parish Upcoming Events May 21st - Knights of Columbus Pancake (& more) Breakfast Following the 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. mass Parish Hall 21st - Youth Choir & Faith Formation Celebration Following the 10:00 a.m. mass Lower Meeting Rooms 24th - Final Catholic Stuff Class 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Lower Meeting Rooms June 1st - Cemetery Prayer Walk 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. Black Diamond Cemetery 1st - Final Bible Study Class 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Lower Meeting Room 3rd - Cookies and Fellowship Following the 5:00 p.m. mass Narthex 4th - Pray the Rosary Following the 8:00 a.m. mass Main Church 4th - Donuts and Fellowship Following the 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. mass Parish Hall 10th - Maple Valley Days Parade 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. 11th- Ladies Afternoon Tea 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Parish Hall 14th - Family Night Out 6:00 p.m. Cheney Stadium Tacoma, WA Gift Today Learn More Parish News & Announcements 4 days ago Maple Valley Days Parade 4 days ago Family Night Out 4 days ago May 29th, Parish Office Closed 4 days ago Hospitality Servers Needed 1/2 Sunday Bulletin View All Posts Join Us Sacraments Encounter Christ through the sacraments. God shares his holiness with us so that we, in turn, can make the world holier. Discover Faith Formation Classes Explore your faith. Education for adults and youth, to continue and strengthen you and your family's journey. Learn More Engage and Serve Come serve Christ and His community. Engaging with the parish community helps others as well as your own faith. Get Involved Give The faithful are supportive of the Church’s work through financial contributions. "For where your treasure is, there also is your heart." Donate Subscribe to Our Newsletter Join the St. Barbara's email list to get short, weekly updates on parish events and opportunities. Sign Up I have been a member of St. Barbara Parish pushing past eight decades, baptized in the old church oh so long ago. The one constant over all of those years, regardless of who the Pastor was, was the living experience of Christ within the walls of church that continually beckoned to any and all to come to St. Barbara. The consistent message, “We want you, we need you to worship with us to celebrate the miracle of the Mass and all it represents.” I have observed, with glee, the appearance of many new folks showing up at St. Barbara Church recently. It sure puts a smile on my face! Gary H

Ministry Come serve Christ and His church. Engaging with the parish community helps others as well as your own faith. Find a way to encounter Christs' love in other ways. We have many groups for participation, service to the community, including liturgy and worship. Bring your talents and an open heart. Let's grow. ​ Unless otherwise noted, please contact the parish office directly at office@stbarbarachurch.org if you wish to serve. Church Ministries Church Ministries serve our congregation to encounter Christ through an impactful worship and liturgical experience. View Altar Server Ambassador Art and Environment Eucharistic Minister Faith Formation Teachers Homebound Ministers Lector Music Ministry Advisory Councils Advisory Councils are formal groups giving guidance and supporting operations for the church body and building. View Finance Council Pastoral Council Supporting Ministries Supporting Ministries encourages life enrichment opportunities to grow as disciples of Christ through various means of service and fellowship by tapping into church members time and talents. View Community Meal Program Faith Formation Support Grounds/Maintenance Helping Hands IT Support Knights of Columbus Prayer Shawl Welcoming Committee Youth Choir Church Ministries Church Ministries Altar Server Altar Servers assist the clergy in celebrating the Sacred Liturgy, especially the sacrifice of the Holy Mass. Altar serving is a wonderful way to advance in spiritual life and grow in vocational awareness. An altar server must be a practicing catholic and have received the sacrament of the Eucharist. There will be a training period with an experienced altar server. Mass times to serve are on Saturday at 5 PM, Sunday at 8 AM or 10 AM. Altar server roles are scheduled a month in advance. Some holy days and special celebrations may require attendance at different times. Please message liturgy@stbarbarachurch.org if interested. View brochure. ​ What does an Altar Server do? • Arrive 15 minutes before mass to prepare • Light the candles in the sanctuary • Lead the procession as a cross bearer or candle holder • Set the altar for the consecration • Receive the gifts of bread and wine • Assist Father during the act of consecration • Ring the bells • After communion replace the sacred vessels • Lead everyone out of the church at the end of mass • On special occasions you will assist Father with holy water and holding the liturgical books Ambassador An Ambassador Minister must be a practicing catholic, in a state of grace, and not conscious of an unconfessed mortal sin. Have gifts and skills in public communication. Have a love and reverence for the church and its people. Understand there are no stereotypes, anyone can serve. Acknowledge they are hosts who put a face onto the parish. Actively welcome those who arrive and begin the process of forming the congregation as a worshiping body of God. View brochure. ​ What does an Ambassador do? • Greet those entering • Help find seats for everyone • Assist in an emergency • Participate in the offertory collection • Identify someone to bring the gifts of bread and wine to the altar • Guide the distribution of communion • See to the safety and care of those in attendance • Ring the church bells Art and Environment Decorate the sanctuary in celebration of the liturgical seasons. Work closely with Father to plan out the colors, music and themes throughout the liturgical year. Eucharistic Minister A Eucharistic Minister must be a practicing catholic, in a state of grace, and not conscious of an unconfessed mortal sin. A Eucharistic Minister must be fully initiated into the sacramental life of the Church, and received the Sacraments of, Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist and not prevented by cannon law to serve (For example such as a marriage not recognized by the church) Please message liturgy@stbarbarachurch.org if interested. View brochure. ​ What does a Eucharistic Ministry do? • After the consecration, they distribute the body and blood of Christ to the parish community present at the mass • They are watchful that those receiving the body and blood of Christ are respectful and honoring of communion • Reverence for the Eucharist is the ultimate goal of all the practices they do Faith Formation Teachers Lead and instruct in Faith classes for Pre-K thru 12th grade. Time commitment varies. All volunteers are required to complete the Safe Environment training on Virtus . Consider taking a supporting role to aide Faith Formation leaders. Homebound Ministers Bring communion to those unable to attend mass. Lector A Lector Minister must be a practicing catholic, in a state of grace, and not conscious of an unconfessed mortal sin. Have gifts and skills in public communication and reading. Have a love and reverence for the Sacred Scriptures and engage in some form of regular study of them. Understand the importance of this ministry and appreciate the need for study and preparation, as well as the ministry’s connection to Christian life and practice. Please message liturgy@stbarbarachurch.org if interested. View brochure. ​ What does a Lector do? • Proclaims the first or second reading during the Liturgy of the Word • Delivers the weekly announcements to parishioners • Leads the Universal Prayer also known as the Prayers of the Faithful • During special liturgies may lead the faithful in prayer Music Ministry We use the gift of voice and instrument to lead the parish community in liturgical celebrations through music. See if your gifts can be used here and send a message to music@stbarbarachurch.org to learn more. Altar Serve Art and Environment Ambassador Eucharistic Minister Faith Formaton Teachers Homebound Ministers Lector Music Ministry Advisory Councils Advisory Councils Finance Council Finance Council Assist the priest and parish through financial matters. Pastoral Council A consultative body who works with the Pastor and parish to develop a common vision and purpose for the Parish. Learn who is currently serving on our About Page. Pastoral Council Supporting Ministries Supporting Ministries Community Meal Program Faith Formation Support Grounds/Maintenance Helping Hands IT Support Community Meal Program Community Meals is continuing to serve meals TO-GO on Wednesday evenings from 5-6:30pm during COVID-19. St. Barbara Catholic Church joins with other local churches to support the Community Meal Program. The Community Meal Program offers meals on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, hosted at various churches throughout the Black Diamond, Maple Valley, Hobart and Ravensdale areas. The Wednesday meal is hosted at St. Barbara parish in the hall. There is no charge for the meals. St. Barbara parishioners are responsible for preparing, set up, serving and clean up of the Wednesday meal. If you are interested in volunteering with the Community Meal Program, please contact the Parish Office . Faith Formation Support Help and support faith formation classes and special events. Examples included: chaperon, copy, cutting, collating, VBS supporting materials and props, Advent/Lent seasonal needs. Time commitment varies. All volunteers are required to complete the Safe Environment training on Virtus . Consider being a leader for Faith Formation Classes. Grounds/Maintenance Assist the parish by keeping up the lawns, trees, and shrubs on the parish grounds. Helping Hands Host funeral receptions for grieving families. This compassionate group of women and men serve our church family when a loved one has died. At this trying time, we strive to extend God's compassion and abiding love by hosting funeral receptions. This includes coordinating with the church office on the wants and needs of the grieving family, providing food, hall set up, serving guests and clean up. There are no meetings; rather we swing into action when the need arises. We are always looking for caring helping hands to assist us in any way they can to do God's work! Please contact the Parish Office for more information or to volunteer. IT Support Assist the parish with IT needs including website, social media, and computer issues. Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal society. The order has the founding principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. The Knights offers social and intellectual fellowship among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, and social welfare. The St. Barbara Knights participate in many activities in the parish church and the greater community. Some of the programs our Knights participate in are Coats for Kids, Tootsie Roll Drive to raise money for Special Olympics, blood drives, Keep Christ in Christmas, RSVP program to help seminarians, Food for Families, Scholarship program for graduating high school seniors, and Building the Domestic Church to name a few. Monthly meetings are held the third Monday of each month in the parish hall beginning at 7:00 PM. Visit our website to learn more. Prayer Shawl Prayer Shawl Ministry members share their talents by knitting or crocheting prayer shawls which are then given to anyone who is in need of comfort. These prayer shawls are prayerfully made with love and then blessed by Fr. Dave. Anyone needing a prayer shawl for themselves or for a family member or friend is welcome to take a prayer shawl. Prayer shawls can be pick up at the Parish Office and are also available after mass. The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 9:30 AM in the parish office. All are welcome to attend. Welcoming Committee The Welcoming Committee focuses on new and different ways to welcome visitors and new parishioners to our parish as well as promoting ways to help all parishioners come to know one another. We occasionally coordinate small refreshment gatherings after Mass and introductions during Mass. This is a wonderful ministry for those new to the parish to become involved by sharing how we can successfully welcome visitors and see themselves at home at St. Barbara parish. We also create welcome packets for visitors and conduct welcome calls upon receiving new parish registrations. The time commitment is minimal and can be as much or as little as members are able to commit. Youth Choir Join us for youth choir throughout the year. We practice every other Sunday after the 10am mass and perform during special liturgical celebrations. Message music@stbarbarachurch.org to join. Knigts of Columbus Prayer Shawl Welcome Commitee Youth Choir Let's Grow Together "To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek Him the greatest adventure; to find Him, the greatest human achievement." -St. Augustine of Hippo

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