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 serve our congregation to encounter Christ through an impactful worship and liturgical experience.
Advisory Councils are formal groups giving guidance and supporting operations for the church body and building.
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.
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.
Advisory Councils
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.
Supporting Ministries
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.
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 Ministry
The Welcoming Ministry 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.
We are currently inviting members of the church to extend their welcome by creating a place for mass attendees to mingle between services. Come help set up donuts and become part of a growing community that serves others. Reach out and let us know if you would like to help.
Women's Group
Our women's ministry at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church aims to cultivate a loving community where women can grow spiritually, build meaningful relationships, and invite others. Grounded in Catholic teachings, we inspire women to live out their vocation with humility and grace, and be a beacon of Christ's love in the world.
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.
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