Liturgical and Music Ministries
When our parish gathers as a community to celebrate the Mass or a special service there are a variety of liturgical and music ministries that need filled in order for Mass or the service to be celebrated in a prayerful and respectful manner. All members of St. Barbara Parish are encouraged to consider serving our community in a liturgical or music ministry role that gives witness to our Catholic faith.
Our pastoral associate, Dawn Borger, director of faith formation, Joan Duncan, and director of music, Bob Vareha, welcome inquiries about sharing your talent in any of the following ministries listed below. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Parish Office at 724-744-7474.
| Ministry | Brief Description | Parish Staff Contact |
| Adult Choir | The adult choir sings throughout the school year, most often during the 10:30 a.m., Mass, or for special feasts. They rehearse Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., in the church. Individuals from ninth grade and above are welcome to join this ministry. | Bob Vareha, director of music ministry |
| Altar Server | Altar servers assist the presiding priest at Mass and other parish liturgies. Those desiring to serve in this ministry in our parish should have celebrated their first Holy Communion and be in the second grade or older. Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and carry them out well, and with appropriate reverence. Altar servers will receive proper formation before they begin serving in this ministry. | Dawn Borger, pastoral associate |
| Brothers in Praise | A harmony group, Brothers in Praise is a blended group of men who sing Spirit filled music at various liturgies and community events throughout the year. | Bob Vareha, director of music ministry |
| Cantor | These individuals lead the assembly in song. Cantors serve during weekend Masses, as well as holy days, special services and have the opportunity to volunteer to sing for funerals and wedding liturgies. Training is provided. | Bob Vareha, director of music ministry |
| Children’s Liturgy of the Word | Liturgy of the Word for Children is a faith formation opportunity for younger parishioners beginning at age 4. They are called forward at the Sunday liturgy to gather in a special room to hear the Word of God on their own level, respond in song with a psalm and Gospel acclamation, proclaim a profession of faith and offer prayers of intention of their own. They then return to their families during the preparation of the gifts. This liturgical opportunity is available during the 10:30 a.m., Sunday liturgy. No sign up is required. There are opportunities for adult and youth helpers to lead the children in word, song and prayer. | Joan Duncan, director of faith formation |
| Cross Bearer | Cross bearers assist the presiding priest at Mass and other parish liturgies. Those desiring to serve in this ministry in our parish should be in the ninth grade or older. Cross bearers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and carry them out well, and with appropriate reverence. Cross bearers will receive proper formation before they begin serving in this ministry. | Dawn Borger, pastoral associate |
| Environment and Art | Those who assist with the Environment and Art ministry assist in the enhancement of the beauty of the worship space. These individuals work with the pastoral associate and prepare the church with the appropriate liturgical and seasonal effects that heighten the awareness of the festive, solemn, or penitential nature of the season. | Dawn Borger, pastoral associate |
| Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion | Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion assist with the distribution of the Eucharist within the liturgy of the Mass. These ministers receive proper formation before they begin this ministry, and must be fully initiated in the Roman Catholic Church. Ministers must also be Catholics in good standing who live their lives according to the teachings of the Catholic Church; at least 16 years of age; and should be persons who are striving to live the Gospel message in their daily lives. | Dawn Borger, pastoral associate |
| Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion to the Homebound | Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Homebound assist with the distribution of communion to the members of our community who are homebound or in a nursing or senior living facility. These ministers must receive proper formation before they begin this ministry, and must be fully initiated in the Roman Catholic Church. Ministers must also be Catholics in good standing who live their lives according to the teachings of the Catholic Church; at least 16 years of age; and should be persons who are striving to live the Gospel message in their daily lives. | Dawn Borger, pastoral associate |
| Instrumentalists | We welcome any musician who is interested in serving as a substitute accompanist to speak with our director of music ministry. Other musicians are also encouraged to offer their talents on complementary instruments. Auditions are required. | Bob Vareha, director of music ministry |
| Minister of Hospitality | Ministers of hospitality are the first face guests see as they arrive on our campus. They exude the mission, “May all guests be received as Christ.” Their primary responsibility is to welcome all guests who walk through the doors; answer questions about our parish community; and greet everyone with a smile. These ministers also handle standing behind our Hospitality Desk in the narthex to again welcome, greet and serve as the individual who can answer their question, or get them registered in the parish if necessary. They assist with seating, gifts for the Liturgy of the Eucharist, offertory. communion procession and bulletin distribution. | Dawn Borger, pastoral associate |
| Reader | Readers are trained to proclaim the word of God and general intercessions during Mass and other special liturgies or prayer services. Individuals who are called to this ministry must be full initiated in the Roman Catholic Church. Readers must also be at least 16 years of age; live their lives according to the teachings of the church; and have a maturity and ability to proclaim the word effectively. | Dawn Borger, pastoral associate |
| Youth Praise Choir | The Youth Praise Choir sings throughout the school year, most often during one 10:30 a.m., Mass per month, and during special feasts. They rehearse Thursdays from 5:45 to 7:00 p.m., in the church. Children in kindergarten through eighth grade are eligible to join this ministry. | Bob Vareha, director of music ministry |