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 Gallery Singers (SATB) or the Cathedral Women's Schola, call Abby Girdauskas at (312) 664-6963.

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 Denise Thompson at (312) 623-0215.

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
Cathedral Concerts need people to help in promotion and presentation. Publicity people, graphic designers, ushers and stage crew are needed. Call Abby Girdauskas at (312) 664-6963.

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) 573-4469. 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, MaryAnn Hoban, 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 MaryAnn Hoban, at (312) 573-4434.

Social and Educational Organizations

Baptismal Preparation Program:  
Baptism preparation classes instruct new and expectant parents and godparents in sacramental ritual and explore issues in theology, marriage, parenting and the laity's vocation to ministry. The classes are also for godparents who need to be certified as completing the class before participating in a baptism out of town. For the schedule of dates, or to sign up for a class, call Laura Grazioli  at (312) 787-8040.

If you are interested in becoming an instructor for the Baptismal Preparation Program, call Deacon Michael McCloskey at (312) 787-8040.

Gatherings are small faith sharing communities (usually 8-10 Holy Name Cathedral parishioners) who make a commitment to meet an average of twice per month for approximately 90 minute sessions. At each Gathering, there is an opportunity for prayer, discussion and fellowship. Gatherings are not designated for instruction, rather the purpose is to provide an opportunity for faith-sharing and reflection. Each participant is asked to share and to listen to the sharings of others. These Gatherings meet on the Cathedral campus or in private homes or in common areas of public buildings. Each Gathering is blessed with a trained facilitator who coordinates the process and guides the discussion. In the past two years, more than 400 parishioners have participated in Gatherings. Contact Fr. John Boivin at (312) 787-8040.

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.

Adult Confirmation is available to any practicing Catholic who has received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Holy Communion. Preparatory classes are required; for a schedule- call the rectory. Adult Confirmation takes place in the Spring. Contact  Ann Klocke at (312) 787-8040.

Young Adult Ministry strives to meet the spiritual and social interests of single and married persons over the age of 21. Activities often include social gatherings, community service projects, spiritual development, sports (spectator and participatory), entertainment and cultural events. Contact Sharon Kinsley (312) 787-8040.