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Sunday: 8:00am, 10:30am, 6:00pm
Monday: 9:00am
Tuesday: 9:00am
Wednesday: 9:00am
Thursday: 9:00am
Friday: 9:00am
Saturday: 5:30pm

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Saint of the Day

Frequently Asked Questions About the Roman Catholic Faith:

Assembled below are several links and questions related to various concepts and information about the Roman Catholic Faith. Many of the entries were provided by Father Ken in the weekly church bulletin.

After reading the information, if you have any additional question, please contact us using the web feedback form, at the bottom of this page, or contacting any of the Parish Staff.

Click on any of the links below and you will be taken to additional information.

Questions:

THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY WELCOMES YOU WITH GREAT JOY!

These are the words spoken by the priest/deacon at the start of infant baptism. One of the basic meanings of Baptism is the initiation of the person into the community of believers. In the actual baptism, “the people of God (represented not only by the parents and godparents, but also by friends, neighbors, and members of the local Church) should take an active part.” Every Baptism involves the universal Church of Christ, and the whole parish community should be involved as fully as possible. This means you!

The best time for Baptism is at Mass on Sunday, in the presence of the parish community gathered for worship. When you happen to be at Mass when an infant Baptism occurs, don’t wince when you hear the cantor announce, “Please face the narthex of the Church.” To witness the baptism is our duty as members of St. Barbara Church! We are welcoming a new family member; it makes sense for us to be there and welcome our newest member with great joy!

Today, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, is a wonderful day to recall to mind and renew our baptismal vows and to celebrate the wonderful gift God has given us.

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FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION—CANDLEMAS

February 2 seems to be “overshadowed” by a particular groundhog. But, every February 2 the Church celebrates The Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. In obedience to the Law, Jesus, the first-born, was presented in the temple by Mary and Joseph. The Christ Child is revealed as the Messiah through the canticle and words of Simeon and the testimony of Anna. Christ is the light of all nations, hence the blessing and procession of candles on this day.

This feast is a festival of light. The procession at the beginning of Mass in which the blessed candles are carried recalls Christ, the Light of the World, received in the temple. Before the revision of the General Roman Calendar, this marked the end of the Christmas season (forth days after Christmas). The reformed calendar has designated that the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, is the end of the Christmas season. Candlemas forms a fitting transition from Christmas to Easter. The small Christ-Child is still in His Mother’s arms, but already she is offering Him in sacrifice.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOU - THE ROLE OF THE BISHOP

Besides the responsibility of preaching the Gospel, administering the sacraments, and guiding Christs’ flock, the Bishops of the Church have many duties. Some of these are listed here. The Bishops of the Church are:

  • given to us by Christ to act as our shepherds
  • in charge of a “Diocese”
  • always chosen and appointed by the Pope
  • required by Canon law to tender their resignation if sickness or other grave reasons make them incapable of carrying on their role, or when the reach the age of 75 (except the Pope, Bishop of Rome)
  • required to submit a report to the Pope every five years reporting on their diocese and any problems that may have arisen in their diocese or any difficulties the faithful are facing.

Interesting fact: When all of the bishops act together, and their action is confirmed by the pope, their teaching on faith and morals is infallible, or free from error.

The faithful have a responsibility to their bishop. “It is the duty of the faithful to be closely attached to the bishop as the Church is to Jesus Christ, and as Jesus Christ is to the father.” ...Let no one do anything concerning the Church in separation from the bishop.

Cathchism of the Catholic Church 896

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Gestures at Mass: UNWRAPPED!

First of a series; in the next few articles of Understanding Church, we will take an in-depth look at the sacred signs and gestures that we all do each and every week during the Mass. From the moment we enter through our dismissal, we do these “things”, often without thought. But to truly participate in the Mass we should understand why they are so important and what they mean.

Dipping Your Hand in Holy Water
When you come into the church building, what is the first thing you do? Don’t you dip your hand into the holy water and make the Sign of the Cross? Why do you do that? Well, for three reasons:

  1. In repentance for your sins. Holy water reminds us to be sorry for our sins. “You will sprinkle me and I shall be cleansed; you will wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.” Psalm 50.
  2. For protection against the Evil One. Holy water is a sacramental which is a protection against the snares of the devil.
  3. To remind you of your baptism. Holy water reminds us of that great day when we ourselves, or our parents and sponsors, renounced Satan, professed faith in Christ, and were baptized into the mystery of the Holy Trinity. At that moment all our sins were forgiven, original and actual, and we became children of God.

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Gathering

If friends invite you to dinner at 7, you understand that the meal may not begin until 7:30 or 8. Of course, you should get there close to 7 because what happens before the meal is an important part of the meal itself. We gather. We say hello. We settle in. We start to form a little community before we sit down to the table.

The Mass is very sensitive to this human need. The very first rubric instructs about the introductory rites: “The purpose of these rites is to help the assembled people to become a worshiping community and to prepare them for listening to God’s Word and celebrating the Eucharist.” Notice that before we listen to the Word and celebrate the Eucharist we are to become a worshiping community. This is the primary role of the assembly.

This assembling of the people is how Mass begins. In the parking lot, in the vestibule, in the pew, we gather to prepare ourselves for prayer by becoming a worshiping community. We assemble as one because we have a common mission. We are not like folks on an elevator, thrown together as individuals with separate missions, who do not speak during the ride. We form a community and join our prayer as one. Are there folks you worship with whose names you don’t know? People you keep bumping into in the parking lot? Would you share a dinner with people whose names you don’t know? Come to Mass early. Introduce yourself to people. Introduce a friend to a friend. Form a community. Assemble. Gather. Then worship. And eat.

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The Sign of the Cross ...do it well!

Once you are through the doors, after you dip your hand in holy water, you make the Sign of the Cross. WHY? In order to participate in the great sacrifice of the Mass, you need to be baptized. Using holy water to sign yourself is saying, “I am a baptized Christian and I am authorized to participate in this sacrifice.? But what else are you doing?

  • You are professing your belief in the Father, and in the Son, and in the Holy Spirit.
  • It is a renewal of the sacrament of baptism; when you make it you say again, “I died with Christ and rose to new life.”
  • The Sign of the Cross is a mark of discipleship. By the Sign of the Cross, you’re saying to the Lord, “I want to obey you; I belong to you. You direct all my decisions.”
  • When suffering comes, the Sign of the Cross is a sign of acceptance. The Sign of the Cross says, “I am willing to embrace suffering to share in Christ’s suffering.”
  • The Sign of the Cross is a declaration of defense against the devil. When you sign yourself, you are declaring to the devil, “Hands off. I belong to Christ. He is my protection.”
  • When you make the Sign of the Cross as you leave mass, you say that the Mass never ends. Your whole life is participating in Christ’s sacrifice.

So when we make the Sign of the Cross, let’s do it well! Do it deliberately. Not hurriedly, not sloppily—but carefully and with reverence. The deepest mysteries of our faith are contained here.

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Genuflect or bow, it’s worth the extra effort!

What’s the next thing you do as you enter Church?

You walk to a pew, and if the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in sight, you genuflect; if it is somewhere else, you make a profound bow to the altar. Recently, the Blessed Sacrament was made visible to all upon entering St. Barbara Church, so we should genuflect.

When we reverence the altar - and the altar always represents Christ - we are showing honor to a sacred object. So we bow. When we reverence the Blessed Sacrament, however, we are adoring God Himself, since the Lord is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. So we genuflect.

Sometimes when we enter the pew, we make a little bob that vaguely resembles a genuflection. No. Put that knee all the way down to the floor, and let it rest there for a moment. Keep your back straight, and make a deliberate sign of the cross. You might want to practice at home, and teach your children to make this gesture as well.

This suggestion to practice genuflecting may seem silly - but actually these bodily gestures have become foreign to us, and we need to relearn them with a new deliberateness. To do it well, you have to be conscious of what you’re doing. Showing honor and respect to Jesus is worth a little extra effort...isn’t it?

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Holy Thursday Ends Lent—Begins One Big Liturgy

Lent is over on Holy Thursday night when we enter the Triduum. The Triduum is one three-day celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ - Holy Thursday, good Friday, and Easter Vigil/Easter Sunday. (notice there is no “final blessing/dismissal” to any of the liturgies until we arrive at Easter). The whole church fasts, prays and keeps watch together for three days.

There are only two Masses allowed on Holy Thursday, the Chrism Mass and the Mass of the Lord’s supper.

At the Chrism Mass, the holy oils to be used throughout the diocese for the following year in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and the Sacrament of the Sick are blessed by the bishop. This Mass also celebrates the institution of the priesthood. The Mass at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral begins at 10:00 AM.

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated in the evening because the Passover began at sundown. It is the entrance into the three days. Mass at St. Barbara begins at 7:00 PM. This is a very joyful Mass, as we recall the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood. The priests wear white vestments, the altar is filled with flowers, the Gloria is sung and the bells are rung. After the Gloria, we shall not hear music and the bells until the Easter Vigil. The Liturgy of the Mass recalls the Passover - the Last Supper - which includes the washing of feet. After the Communion Prayer, there is no final blessing (remember, ONE BIG ligurgy). The Holy Eucharist is carried in procession through Church and transferred into a place of reposition (social hall). After the Mass we recall the Agony in the Garden and the arrest and imprisonment of Jesus. The altar is stripped bare; crosses are removed or covered. The Eucharist has been placed in an altar of repose, and most churches are open for silent adoration to answer Christ’s invitation, “Could you not, then, watch one hour with me?” (Matt 2:40)

Our pilgrimage to four area churches to “keep watch” departs the parking lot at approximately 8:45 PM. We return at 11:45 PM to our social hall for Night Prayer. Let us begin the Triduum together and see each other often.

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Good Friday

It is accomplished; and bowing His head He gave up His spirit.

On Good Friday the whole Church mourns the death of our Savior. This is an obligatory day of fasting and abstinence, and is the second day of the Triduum. We continue this one liturgy which encompasses the three days. The altar is completely bare, with no cloths, candles nor cross. The liturgy starts with the priests and servers going to the altar in silence and prostrating themselves for a few moments in silent prayer. This is a visible sign of the grief and sorrow of the Church on this day.

The service is divided into three parts: Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion. In part one, Liturgy of the Word, we hear the most famous of the Suffering Servant passages from Isaiah. Psalm 30 is the Responsorial Psalm, “Father, I put my life in Your hands.” The Second Reading is from the letter to the Hebrews. The Gospel Reading is the Passion according to St. John. The General Intercessions conclude the Liturgy of the Word. Part two is the Veneration of the Cross. A cross, either veiled or unveiled, is processed through the Church and then venerated by the congregation. We joyfully venerate and kiss the wooden cross “on which hung the Savior of the world.” Part three, Holy Communion, concludes the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. The altar is covered with a cloth and the ciboria containing the Blessed Sacrament are brought to the altar from the place of reposition. The “Our Father” and the “Lamb of God” are recited. The congregation receives Holy Communion, there is a “Prayer After Communion,” and the “Prayer Over the People,” and everyone departs in silence as we await the joy of Easter.

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On Eucharistic Adoration

The Second Vatican Council formed us to understand that the Sunday liturgy is the source and summit of our faith. Everything we are about as Catholics must begin and end with the celebration of the Eucharist, especially the Sunday Mass.

It is no surprise, then, that the teaching of the Church regarding Eucharistic devotions places the Sunday liturgy as the source and goal of all other forms of worship, including Eucharistic devotions: “The celebration of the Eucharist is the center of the entire Christian life... ‘The celebration of the Eucharist in the sacrifice of the Mass,’ moreover, ‘is truly the origin and the purpose of the worship that is shown to the Eucharist outside Mass.’” [Eucharisticum Mysterium]

In other words, the Mass must be the first and central place of our devotion. However, we tend to think of devotion as quiet, personal reflection. The devotion we show to the Eucharist through our full, conscious, and active participation in the Mass strengthens and sends us to practice devotion to the Eucharist on a daily basis. The primary way we do this is by living out the final words of the Mass: “Go to love and serve the Lord.”

Worship of the Eucharist outside of Mass then helps us to strengthen our love for Christ. There are many forms this may take, but the three with which most Catholics are familiar are:

  1. simple adoration,
  2. exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with Benediction,
  3. perpetual exposition.

Each of these is focused on the reserved sacrament that is consecrated at Mass, and all forms of Eucharistic adoration recognize that “[t]he primary and original reason for reservation of the Eucharist outside Mass is the administration of viaticum (Communion for the dying)” [Eucharistiae Sacramentum, 5] “We don’t reserve the Eucharist to adore it, we adore it because it is reserved.” [Pope Paul VI] Therefore, our prayer before the Blessed Sacrament is not so much an inward act as it is a call to focus on others-the poor, the weak, and the dying who are nearing the fulfillment of their communion with Christ. Furthermore, our adoration of the Lord present in the sacrament increases our hunger to do the mission of the Eucharist: “the spread of the Gospel and the imbuing of society with Christian values. [Mane Nobiscum Domine, 24]

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Lay Ecclesial Ministry—Part I

The Apostle Paul, when writing to his newly-founded Christian communities, acknowledged and thanked certain men and women with whom he collaborated closely in the ministry of the Gospel. Among them he named Prisca and Aquila, “my co-workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I am grateful but also all the churches of the Gentiles.” (Romans 16:3-4)

The same help and collaboration that was given to St. Paul in the year 50 is still done and recognized nearly 2000 years later. This group today consists of lay women and men performing roles of pastoral leadership and administration in parishes, church agencies and organizations, and at diocesan and national levels.

  1. They are doing so in a public, recognized, and authorized manner.
  2. They minister in ways that are distinguished from, yet complementary to, the roles of ordained ministers.
  3. They express a deep sense of vocation that is part of their personal identity and that motives what they are doing.

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Lay Ecclesial Ministry—Part II

In the US Bishops’ statement on lay ministry, “Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord”, it is clear that the bishops took great care not to define lay ecclesial ministry to be an occupation in the Church where some lay people have more important roles than others. Instead, this kind of ministry has two distinct facets:

  1. The ministry is lay because it is service done by lay persons. The sacramental basis is the Sacraments of Initiation, not the Sacrament of Ordination.
  2. The ministry is ecclesial because it has a place within the community of the Church, whose communion and mission it serves, and because it is submitted to the discernment, authorization, and supervision of the hierarchy.

This definition recognizes that all roles are important and are described as ministry when done in service for building the kingdom of God. Just as Paul writes to the Corinthians, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord” (1 CO 12:4-5), the Bishops, too, recognize God’s work is done by many and in diverse ways.

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Corpus Christi Sunday - June 14

Corpus Christi (Body and Blood of Christ) is a Eucharistic solemnity. It is the Church’s official act of homage and gratitude to Christ who, by instituting the Holy Eucharist, gave to the Church her greatest treasure. Holy Thursday marks the anniversary of the institution and The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ accents the joyous aspect of Holy Thursday.

Pope John Paul II stated: “Our faith in the God who took flesh in order to become our companion along the way needs to be everywhere proclaimed, especially in our streets and homes, as an expression of our grateful love and as an inexhaustible source of blessings.” It was Pope John Paul II who took the annual Corpus Christi procession from St. Peter’s Square to the streets of Rome.

As has become our custom, we will celebrate and honor Christ, present in the Eucharist, with a public procession after the 10:30 AM Mass on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood, June 14. The procession will circle the parking lot and end in the church proper, where Eucharistic Adoration will take place until 4:00 PM. Sign ups for 1/2 hour time slots for adoration will take place beginning next weekend.

Lord Jesus Christ, you gave us the Eucharist as the memorial of your suffering and death. May our worship of this sacrament of Your Body and Blood help us to experience the salvation You won for us and the peace of the kingdom where You live with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

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“Faithfulness of Christ, Faithfulness of Priests”

“Faithfulness of Christ, Faithfulness of Priests” is the theme of the Year for Priests announced by the Holy Father. The Pope inaugurated the Year on June 19, presiding at Vespers in St. Peter’s Basilica and will close the year on June 19, 2010, at a “World Meeting of Priests” in St. Peter’s Square.

During the course of the Year, Benedict XVI will proclaim St. John Vianney as patron saint of all the priests of the world. The Congregation for the Clergy, together with diocesan ordinaries and superiors of religious institutes, will promote and coordinate various spiritual and pastoral initiatives to highlight the role and mission of the clergy in the Church and in modern society.

Watch for ways in which you can help celebrate the Year of the Priest right here at St. Barbara! In the meantime, please pray for all priests:

Dear Lord,

We pray that the Blessed Mother wrap her mantle around your priests and through her intercession strengthen them for their ministry.

We pray that Mary will guide your priests to follow her own words, “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2:5)

May your priests have the heart of St. Joseph, Mary’s most chaste spouse.

May the Blessed Mother’s own pierced heart inspire them to embrace all who suffer at the foot of the cross.

May your priests be holy, filled with the fire of your love, seeking nothing but your greater glory and the salvation of souls.

Amen.

Saint John Vianney, pray for us.

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Ministry Renewal

Liturgy is the central act of the people of God, the life of the faith community, our purpose for being. Our liturgies are greatly enriched by the participation of our dedicated lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, cross bearers, alter servers, choirs, cantors, ushers, and greeters, who all share their special gifts with our parish community. Those who are involved in these ministries are servants of God who make worship here at St. Barbara so meaningful.

"They ought to discharge their office, therefore, with the sincere devotion and decorum demanded by exalted a ministry adn rightly expected of them by God's people."
- Constitution on the Sacred liturgy, nos. 28-29

Because of the importance of their role, each ministry requires training, preparation, installation, and updating. In late September we will be training new ministers and "refreshing" our veterans. Please make every effort to attend.

If you are interested in becoming a "new" liturgical minister, please contact Dawn at the parish office, 724-744-7474 or eanda@stbarbara.org. Recruitment will continue throughout the summer, and all newly trained ministers will be put on the fall ministry schedule.

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Pope Benedict’s Message to Altar Servers

On August 12, 2006 Pope Benedict XVI addressed altar servers:

“Dear Altar Servers, you are, in fact, already apostles of Jesus! When you take part in the Liturgy by carrying out your altar service, you offer a witness to all. Your absorption, the devotion that wells up from your heart and is expressed in gestures, in song, in the responses: if you do it correctly and not absent-mindedly, then in a certain way your witness is one that moves people.

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the bond of friendship with Jesus. You are very close to Jesus in the Eucharist, and this is the most important sign of his friendship for each one of us. Do not forget it.

This is why I am asking you not to take this gift for granted so that it does not become a sort of habit,...If you do not give into habit, you put your innermost self into carrying out your service, then you will truly be his apostles and bear fruits of goodness and service in every context of your life: in the family, at school, in your free time.

Take to one and all that love which you receive in the Liturgy, especially to places where you realize that they lack love, where they do not receive goodness, where they suffer and are lonely.”

Each liturgical ministry is important and essential to the celebration of the Mass. Are you being called to a particular ministry in the church? Please take time this summer to pray about this, and maybe even attend a liturgical workshop in the early fall.

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Ministry of the Lector

At Mass, the lector proclaims the readings that precede the Gospel. These readings are taken directly from Scripture. The lector is a part of the entrance procession, and if there is no deacon, the lector carries the Book of the Gospels. Lectors exercise their ministry at the ambo (the lectern from which the Gospel is read). The entire ministry of the lector takes place during the Liturgy of the Word.

A good lector prepares for this ministry. Lectors study the assigned Scripture in anticipation of the Mass. Here at St. Barbara, we supply all lectors with a workbook that contains the readings for the entire liturgical year. This book includes pronunciations, as well as insights into the readings.

Yes, just about anyone can read, but the ministry is most effective when the lector has a devout spirit and the skills of interpretation and proclamation. This ministry takes on deeper significance when lectors live their lives in conformity with the word they proclaim.

If you would like to become a lector for weekday, Sunday or funeral liturgies, please contact Dawn at the parish office.

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The Oldest Ministry in the Church

The ministry of the usher is the oldest lay ministry in the Catholic Church. The ushers of today have descended from a long line of people of God who have gone before them. During the time of Christ, the doorkeepers of the temple numbered in the hundreds and were the forerunners of today’s ushers.

The more immediate predecessor of today’s usher was an ordained position called “the porter”. It was instituted in the 3rd century to protect the entry of the church against any intruders who might disturb the service, and to open the doors of the church and sacristy. In 1972 Pope Paul VI abolished the order of porter and this important task was given over to the laity.

The more immediate predecessor of today’s usher was an ordained position called “the porter”. It was instituted in the 3rd century to protect the entry of the church against any intruders who might disturb the service, and to open the doors of the church and sacristy. In 1972 Pope Paul VI abolished the order of porter and this important task was given over to the laity.

While today’s ushers no longer open and protect the doors of the church, they are ministers of hospitality. Their faith enables them to see Christ’s presence in individuals and in the gathered community of believers. Ushers are honest and dependable. They can handle emergency situations with courage and composure. They carry a dignity about themselves even when performing menial tasks. The usher ministry is open to all parishioners; men and women, senior citizen, parent and teenager. The ministry involves:

  1. Greeting parishioners as they enter for worship
  2. Organizing the Offertory procession
  3. Assisting in the seating of parishioners and guests
  4. Distributing the weekly bulletin
  5. Cleaning up the pews after Mass
  6. Handling emergency situations

If you are considering this ministry, please contact Dawn at the parish office.

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Liturgical Musicians: Disciples First

The whole assembly is actively involved in the music of the Liturgy. Some members of the community, however, are recognized for the special gifts they exhibit in leading the music at liturgies. These are cantors, choirs and instrumentalists and their ministry is especially cherished by the Church.

Liturgical musicians are first of all disciples, and only then are they ministers. Joined to Christ through the Sacraments of Initiation, musicians are part of the assembly above all else. Musicians are not merely employees or volunteers. “They are ministers who share the faith, serve the community, and express the love of God and neighbor through music. (STL, 49)

Pastoral musicians should receive appropriate formation that is based on their baptismal call to discipleship; that grounds them in a love for and knowledge of Scripture, Catholic teaching, Liturgy, and music; and that equips them with the musical, liturgical, and pastoral skills to serve the Church at prayer.

The Music Ministry here at St. Barbara is well prepared through “real time” rehearsals as well as electronic mp3 clips that Bob records for members of the choir and for cantors. These can be downloaded to your computer or ipod which makes learning new, and brushing up on old music, a breeze! Weekly practice always begins with prayer and petitions, and individual training is provided for all cantors. Some of our cantors minister to those who are mourning by providing music at the Vigil Service for the Deceased.

This is part of what the church tells us about those who minister through music at Mass. It is much more then singing or playing an instrument. It is a call to discipleship!

Faith grows when it is well expressed in celebration. Good celebrations can foster and nourish faith. Poor celebrations may weaken it. (STL, 5)

(STL: Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, USCCB)

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