Our Donut Sundays have become increasingly popular and we are happy and thankful to see so many people socializing after Mass. We are soliciting for families willing to host and serve donuts on these weekends. We also need a coordinator to lead this ministry. This is a wonderful opportunity for those who would like to volunteer to help meet parish needs but with a minimal time commitment. Donuts are currently served in the parish hall two Sundays each month following the 8:00 and 10:00 masses. We also need people who can provide refreshments and staff the table on Saturday evening to continue offering refreshments after the 5:00 pm Mass. Reimbursements for donuts and other refreshments is available. We need enough volunteers to build a monthly schedule. More volunteers will allow us to spread out the frequency in which volunteers will host. Please contact Polly March at 425-432-7685 if you are interested in assisting with this valuable ministry.

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

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

Join us for a wonderful afternoon of community and connection at our Women's Afternoon Tea Time on June 11th from 1-3 pm. All women of the parish are welcome to attend and enjoy refreshments, conversation, and fellowship with other women in our community. Don't miss this special opportunity to build relationships and make new friends. Be sure to pick up an invitation on your way out of church and then head to our Tea Time Page to RSVP and let us know you're coming. We look forward to seeing you there! https://www.stbarbarachurch.org/teatime

FATHER'S DAY (in U. S. A.) Message: June 18, 2023: Happy Father's Day to all who are fathers or grandfathers or stepfathers! Five weeks ago, we observed Mother's Day and offered Mass for our moms. Today, on this Father's Day, we are doing the same – offering our dads, living or dead, on the altar of God during this Holy Mass and invoking our Heavenly Father’s blessings on them. The Father's role in society: According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the vital importance of the father’s role comes from the fact that, with his wife, he cooperates with God the Creator in bringing a new human life into the world. Children who are raised with fathers present in the family have much lower rates of delinquency, drug and alcohol use, teen pregnancy, and so on, than those with absent fathers. The father's presence is also a significant positive factor in the children’s getting a college education, finding a satisfying job, and making a lasting marriage. A girl's choice of partner and satisfaction in marriage is often directly related to the relationship she has had with her father. A day to remember our Heavenly Father and our Rev. Fr. Pastors: Father's Day is a day to remember, acknowledge and appreciate the "World's Greatest Dad," OUR HEAVENLY FATHER (Rom. 8:15, Gal. 4:6) Who is our spiritual Daddy, actively involved in all areas of our lives. It is He on Whom we lean in times of pain and hurt; it is He on Whom we call in times of need; it is He Who provides for us in all ways -- practical, emotional, and spiritual. Many of us pray the “Our Father” day after day, without paying attention to, or experiencing, the love and providence of our Heavenly Father. Let us pray the Our Father during this Holy Mass, realizing the meaning of each clause and experiencing the love of our Heavenly Father for us. May all earthly fathers draw strength from their Heavenly Father! On this Father’s Day, please don’t forget to pray for us, your spiritual Fathers, – men who are called to be Fathers of an immensely large parish family through the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. (Corpus Christi). (Year A) (June 11, 2023). Dt 8:2-3,14b-16a; I Cor 10:16-17 Jn 6:51-58. “The Eucharist as our food and drink”. Introduction: The feast and its objectives: The last two precious gifts given to us by Jesus are the Holy Eucharist as our spiritual food on Holy Thursday and Jesus’ mother Mary as our spiritual Mother on Good Friday. Thus, “Corpus Christi” is the celebration of the abiding “Real Presence” of a loving God as Emmanuel – God-with-us – in order to give collective thanks to our Lord for his living with us in the Eucharist, so that we may appreciate it better and receive maximum benefit from the Sacrament. And so as Catholic Christians, we believe, and explain the “Real Presence” of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist by this theological/ philosophical term, “transubstantiation”, which means that the substance of the consecrated bread and wine is changed to the substance of the risen Jesus’ glorified Body and Blood by the action of the Holy Spirit, while its accidents (like color, shape, taste etc.), remain the same. Hence, although we celebrate the institution of the Holy Eucharist on Holy Thursday, (through Pope Urban IV who first extended the feast to the universal Church), the Mother Church wants to emphasize its importance by a special feast, formerly called “Corpus Christi.” Life Message: The Corpus Christi readings remind us of Jesus’ offering of his Body and Blood which serves in the Church as a lasting memorial of His saving death for us. We renew Jesus’ Covenant by participating in the banquet of his Body and Blood, a banquet that, through his death, gives us life. Can there be a religion in which God is closer to man than our Catholic Christianity? Jesus does not believe that he is humiliating himself in coming to us and giving himself to us in his Flesh and Blood to be our spiritual Food. John Chrysostom says: “What do communicants become? The Body of Christ. Just as the bread comes from many grains, which remain themselves and are not distinguished from one another because they are united, so we are united with Christ.” Christ is the Head and we are the Body, the members. Together we are one! This is symbolized by our sharing in the same Bread and the same Cup. Hence, Holy Communion should strengthen our sense of unity and love. Conclusion: We have tarnished God’s image within us through acts of impurity, injustice, disobedience and the like. Hence, there is always need for repentance, and a need for the Sacramental confession of grave sins, before we receive Holy Communion. We should remember the warning given by St. Paul: "Whoever, therefore, eats the Bread or drinks the Cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the Body and Blood of the Lord. Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the Bread and drink of the Cup. For all who eat and drink without discerning the Body, eat and drink judgment against themselves." [1 Cor. 11:27-9]. Therefore, let us receive Holy Communion with fervent love and respect -- not merely as a matter of routine. Because, such a union, plainly, means that our outward piety towards the consecrated Bread and Wine, cannot coexist with rudeness, unkindness, slander, cruelty, gossiping or any other breach of charity toward our brothers and sisters.

VBS dates for 2023 are to be 9:00-Noon, July 17-21 Registration will open soon. We had a great time last year and are looking forward to this year to be even better! Consider volunteering to help. This is a great way to get to know the parish family and make connections. Both adult and teens can volunteer. We have options for being a camp leader, helping decorate, music ministry, or leading VBS stations. Reach out to Allison Ramirez for additional questions or to volunteer allison@stbarbarachurch.org All Volunteers are required to complete the Virtus background check https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/

In observance of Memorial Day

THE FEAST OF THE HOLY TRINITY: Ex 34:4b-6, 8-9; II Cor 13:11-13; Jn 3:16-18. “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2Cor.13:13). Introduction: Today’s feast invites us to live in the awareness of the presence of the Triune God within us: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The mystery of the Holy Trinity, a doctrine enunciated by the ecumenical councils of Nicaea and Constantinople, is one of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity and the greatest mystery of our Faith, namely, that there are Three Divine Persons, in one God, sharing the same Divine Nature, co-equal and co-eternal. Our mind cannot grasp this doctrine which teaches that 1+1+1 = 1 and not 3. But we believe in this Mystery because Jesus, who is God, taught it clearly, the Evangelists recorded it, the Fathers of the Church tried to explain it, and the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople defined it as a dogma of Christian Faith. The Biblical basis & Importance of Holy Trinity in Christian life: 1) At the Annunciation, God the Father sends His angel to Mary, God the Holy Spirit comes upon her, the Power of the Most High overshadows her, and God the Son becomes Incarnate in her womb (Lk.1:26-28). 2) At the baptism of Jesus, when the Son receives baptism from John the Baptist, the Father’s Voice is heard, and the Holy Spirit appears as a Dove and descends upon Jesus (Matt.3:13-17). 3) At the Ascension, Jesus gives the missionary command to his disciples to baptize those who believe, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matt.28:19-20). 4) In John’s Gospel, chapters 15--18, we have a detailed account of Jesus’ teaching of the role of each Person of the Holy Trinity: a) God the Father creates and provides for His creatures. b) God the Son redeems us and reconciles us with God. c) God the Holy Spirit sanctifies us, strengthens us, teaches us, and guides us to God. Life Message: Then in our lives as Catholic Christians: 1) All prayers in the Church, especially the Holy Eucharist, begin in the Name of the Holy Trinity and end glorifying the Trinity. 2) All Sacraments are administered (we are baptized, confirmed, anointed, our sins are forgiven, our marriage is blessed, and our Bishops, priests and deacons are ordained) in the holy name of the Triune God. Summary: We are called to become more like the Triune God through all our relationships. We are made in God’s image and likeness. Just as God is God only in a Trinitarian relationship, so we can be fully human only as one member of a relationship of three partners. The self needs to be in a horizontal relationship with all other people and in a vertical relationship with God. In that way our life becomes Trinitarian like that of God. Conclusion: Modern society follows the so-called “I-and-I” principle of unbridled individualism and the resulting consumerism. But the doctrine of the Blessed Trinity challenges us to adopt an "I-and-Godand-neighbor" principle: “I am a Christian insofar as I live in a relationship of love with God and other people.” Like God the Father, we are called upon to be productive and creative persons by contributing to the building up of the fabric of life and love in our family, our Church, our community, and our nation. Like God the Son, we are called to a life of sacrificial love and service so that we may help Him to reconcile others to Him, to be peacemakers among our families, in our workplaces, our communities and our schools, to put back together that which has been broken, and to restore what has been shattered. Like God the Holy Spirit, we are called, with His help, to uncover and teach Truth and to dispel ignorance not in anger but in love. Therefore, may the Son lead us to the Father through the Spirit, to live with the Triune God forever and ever. Amen.

Feast of Pentecost (Year A). MAY 28, 2023. Acts 2:1-11; 1Cor.12: 3-7,12-13; John 20:19-23. “As the Father sent me, so I send you: Receive the Holy Spirit…” Today is Pentecost Sunday and is often described as the birthday of the Church, and for that matter, Christendom. When the Spirit came upon the Apostles and the disciples, the Church was born. Just as Jesus was anointed with the Spirit at the beginning of his ministry, so the disciples needed the anointing of the Holy Spirit to carry out the mission entrusted to them by Jesus. The Holy Spirit is given to all who are baptized into Jesus Christ to enable us to live a new way of life - a life of love, peace, joy, and righteousness (Rom. 14:17). The Spirit is the source and giver of all holiness. Isaiah foretold the seven-fold gifts that the Spirit would give: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2). Life Message: These gifts of Pentecost - the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the spiritual gifts and blessings of God - are made possible through the death, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus. After his resurrection Jesus "breathed" on his disciples and gave them the Holy Spirit. Just as God breathed life into Adam, so the gift of the Holy Spirit is an impartation of "new life" for his people. Hence, with the gift of the Holy Spirit a new creation begins- i.e. Jesus’ gift of peace which includes the forgiveness of sins and the fullness of everything good. In the Christian community the Holy Spirit came to transform the disciples from fearful and weak persons into bold and fearless proclaimers of Jesus Christ. From that day, the disciples were equipped by the Holy Spirit to gather people from everywhere to God starting from Jerusalem to the end of the earth. Let’s note that, this indwelling of the Spirit, i.e., God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, does not take over us and our freewill but advocates for us in all situations. It allows us to freely accept or reject his advances. Conclusion: The Spirit came to tend carefully the infant church like a strong wind, or fire that could not be stopped even as the church struggled to find itself in a chaotic world. This Spirit was there to encourage when the going became difficult. It comforted and strengthened when weakness set in, and throwing-in-the-towel looked tempting. For some of us, fear compels us to barricade ourselves behind doors of uncertainties in life. They make us crouch in our own cocoon stages in life. Yet, even though we might have a good reason to fear the Lord, having abandoned him at the darkest hour, Jesus offers us peace and tells us that his wounds are offered, not as a reproach, but evidence that he is with us to strengthen us. Indeed today, we hear the Holy Spirit speak a universal language of love as we hear him in our “native language” and social status. The Spirit reminds us of the various charisms gifted to us as a Church and community for our benefit. With fire lit in our belly, the spirit helps us not to grow weary or disillusioned, but to shed light in the darkness where love can grow. Consequently, today as we celebrate the birthday of our Church, may the Holy Spirit, our guiding force, empower us to reconcile and forgive one another with the peace we have received from Jesus Christ. Amen!

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.

THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD (Year A). May 21, 2023. Acts 1:1-11; Eph 1:17-23; Mt 28:16-20. “…You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth…” Today’s Gospel tells us that, with his return to the Father, Jesus completes his mission on earth. But just before his Ascension, Jesus entrusted to the disciples the mission of preaching the Good News and evangelizing the whole world by bearing witness to him through their words and lives. Hence, Jesus' last words to his disciples point to the key mission and task he has entrusted to his followers on earth - to be his witnesses and ambassadors to the ends of the earth so that all peoples, tribes, and nations may hear the good news that Jesus Christ has come to set us free from sin, Satan, and death and has won for us a kingdom of peace, joy, and righteousness that will last forever. Life Message: How can we be effective witnesses/Ambassadors for Christ? Jesus told his disciples, "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you - and you shall be my witnesses... to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Paul the Apostle reminds us that we are called to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ. Just as ambassadors are appointed to represent their country and to speak on behalf of their nation's ruler, we, too are appointed by the Lord Jesus to speak on his behalf and to bring others into a close and personal encounter with the Lord and Ruler of heaven and earth. Conclusion: This is the great commission which the risen Christ gives to the whole church. All believers have been given a share in this task - to be heralds of the good news and ambassadors for Jesus Christ, the only savior of the world. Significantly, the Ascension is most closely related, in meaning, to Christmas. In Jesus, the human and the Divine become united in the Person and life of one man Who is also True God. That's Christmas. At the Ascension, this human being – the person and the resurrected living body of Jesus – became for all eternity a part of who God is. That is what the Ascension, along with the Incarnation, is here to tell us – that it is a good thing to be a human being; indeed, it is a wonderful and an important and a holy thing to be a human being. And it is, indeed, such an important thing that God did it!! And thankfully, we have not been left alone in this task, for the risen Lord works in and through us by the power of his Holy Spirit, promising us that: “You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.” And, assuredly, “I am with you always; yes, to the end of time” (Mt 28-20).