First, once you enter through the main doors, you will see an icon of our Patron Saint, Saint Barnabas, on the left-hand side with candles underneath. These candles, once lit, represent our prayers and petitions given to our Lord. This gives you a quiet moment to reflect. This also gives you an opportunity to bring your needs to our Heavenly Father and invite Saint Barnabas to pray with you from heaven. You are welcome to light a candle. This also gives you an opportunity to prepare yourself to enter the sanctuary and meet with Our Lord during the Mass.

Once you enter the sanctuary, the lights may be dimmed, while the Altar and Tabernacle are illuminated. The lights are dimmed to allow the parishioners or visitors who arrive early to have a moment of quiet time with Our Heavenly Father.

Five minutes before the Mass begins, servers will light the candles on the Tabernacle and on the Altar. When the Altar candles are being lit, bells are rung to alert those in the sanctuary that the Mass will soon begin.

Once the Mass begins, our Liturgy looks virtually identical to most other Western Catholic Churches, including the Roman Church, but there are some differences.

At the start of the Mass, the celebrant will give a general absolution of sins so that all baptized believers can participate fully in the Mass. At Saint Barnabas, all baptized believers are welcomed to receive communion. Remember, during the first Supper of Our Lord, the 12 were all present, and Our Lord gave to all, including the betrayer. Therefore, for us at Saint Barnabas, we welcome all baptized believers, as this is the true spirit of what it means to be Catholic. The word Catholic literally means “Universal." However, for those in need of confession, you can arrange a meeting with a priest or bishop.

After the general absolution, Mass continues.

Later, when we offer the sign of peace to one another, the clergy will leave the Altar and give the sign of peace to every parishioner, individually. If you do not wish to shake hands, simply hold your hands together, and give a head nod. The clergy will acknowledge and say "Peace be with you".

Since we are a very warm and inviting parish, many other parishioners will likely give you the sign of peace as well. During this time, you may notice how diverse our parish is, as we have parishioners from all over the world.

During communion, the Body and Blood are both available. Some parishioners may receive the Body directly on the tongue, while others will reverently receive the Body into their hands, similar to the original twelve during the first Supper of Our Lord.

After receiving the Body, the Body can be united with Blood by dipping the Sacred Host into the chalice, which is in the hands of a nearby clergy member. You will notice the clergy who has the chalice also has a folded cloth. This is to catch any drop of Precious Blood which may drip from the Host before consumption.

Generally, we do not allow parishioners to sip from the cup at this time.

Also, be sure to consume the Sacred Host IMMEDIATELY after union with the Precious Blood. They are the Body and Blood of Christ and must be treated with reverence.

If you are unable to come forward for communion for health reasons, the celebrant will bring communion to you if you raise your hand. And, if you are unable to receive communion for other reasons, you can come forward for a blessing, but cross your arms.

After the Mass ends, there is normally a fellowship meal in the social hall. The contents of this meal may vary from Mass to Mass. Occasionally, it will be a full meal, other times it may be coffee and cakes.

During the fellowship meal, feel free to speak with the clergy, ask questions, and get to know them, and everyone else.

At Saint Barnabas, we are a family, and welcome you to be a part of us in Christ.