Volunteer Opportunities
Liturgy
Extraordinary Ministries distribute the Eucharist to the community as ministers of the Cup or the Host. Ministers are mandated after completing the training program which is offered several times during the year. Interested persons willing to commit to assisting two Sundays (or Saturday evenings) per month may contact Stan Strom at (312) 943-2350.
Cathedral Choirs enhance our liturgies and evangelize through sacred concerts. To find out about joining the Cathedral Singers (SATB), Cathedral Filipino Singers, or the Cathedral Women's Schola, call John Lee at (312) 573-4415.
Lectors proclaim the Scripture readings at the Eucharist celebration. Commentators lead the prayers of intercession and read announcements at Mass. Training sessions, offered bi-annually (January through March every even numbered year) are usually offered in the fall and the spring, are required to become a Commentator or Lector. Contact Barbara Ramberg at (312) 909-4461.
Ushers welcome the community, greet visitors, and assist in seating. Ushers take up the offering, provide direction during Communion, and distribute the parish bulletin. As ministers of hospitality, ushers serve at the Sunday liturgy and assist at special liturgical events. Contact Rich Costa.
Service Organizations
Chicago Shares is a voucher program that provides an opportunity for the community to aid homeless people in a constructive way. Vouchers for food and personal care items that are redeemable by area merchants may be purchased at the Cathedral after Mass, on the third Sunday of each month, in the Parish Center lobby. Each month, Chicago Shares reimburses merchants for all vouchers they have accepted. Chicago Shares needs volunteers to sell vouchers after Mass and to assist in managing the voucher program. Leave your name and number at (312) 573-4494. One of our volunteers will call you back. More information about Chicago Shares here - including an order form to get vouchers by mail.
Ministry of Care offers sacramental support to Catholics in the hospital, in nursing homes and at home. Among the locations served by the Ministry of Care are the various hospitals within the Northwestern complex, the Rehabilitation Institute and Warren Barr Pavilion nursing home. Parishioners who have been trained and mandated as Ministers of Care also visit at-home parishioners. Six-week training sessions are required for new Ministers of Care. The six-session course covers a range of topics such as the spirituality of this special ministry. Contact the Director of the Ministry of Care, Kelly Heus, at (312) 573-4434.
Parish Nurses’ Blood Drive
The twice yearly parish blood drive is made possible through volunteer nurses who are professionally trained to work with blood donors. One donor’s blood helps at least three people in need of blood. Donors give blood in a safe and professional manner without risk of exposure to disease. Donors are needed every year for the blood drive. Contact Kelly Heus, at (312) 573-4434.
Social and Educational Organizations
Baptismal Preparation Class Teachers
Baptismal Classes are scheduled in Rectory (Room 204) for expectant parents and godparents. These classes meet twice montly (1st Saturday, 1-3PM & 3rd Friday, 7:30-9:30PM). If you wish to become a Class Teacher, contact Deacon Mike McCloskey (312--573-4444). He will instruct you in the "Convenant Baptism Program." You are asked to commit yourself to teach a few times for one year (renewal is possible).
Cathedral TOUR Guides
Half-hour Cathedral TOURS are given once each month on a Sunday immediately following the 12:30PM Mass. These TOURS focus on the history & architecture of the main church and its small chapel. If you wish to become a TOUR Guide, contact Deacon Mike McCloskey (312-573-4444). He will show you how to give an appropriate TOUR using the HNC Brochure available near the Cathedral doors. You are asked to commit yourself to TOUR guiding a few times for one year (renewal is possible).
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process for individuals inquiring into the possibility of becoming Catholic. Structure involves breaking open the Scripture through discussion, prayer, spiritual direction, catechesis, and direct contact with members of the parish who serve as sponsors. Contact Ann Klocke at (312) 787-8040.
The Holy Name Young Adult Group is an inclusive community that enlightens, enlivens, and enriches the lives of Catholics in their 20s and 30s through spiritual programs, social events, and service opportunities. For more information about volunteering with the young adults, please email youngadults@holynamecathedral.org