Opportunities to Serve

Lectors
 

•     There is a training session
•     Workbooks are provided
•     Volunteers are assigned about once a month

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
 

•         Training is provided

Ushers

Our Ushers work in teams of four, assigned to the Mass time of their choice. Each group has a captain who ensures that information and direction reaches each member. Captains facilitate assignments and we try to keep the groups large enough so that personal schedules can be respected. Ushers serve on a weekly basis or less frequently if need be. Duties include:

•     Arriving early to open doors and generally prepare for Mass
•     Seating and assisting people as necessary
•     Making all feel welcome
•     Taking up collections
•     Distributing bulletins

Altar Server Ministry

We are very proud of our Altar Servers.  They are very dedicated young people, both boys and girls, who give selflessly of their time to serve at Sunday Masses.  Occasionally they have the opportunity to serve at funerals, providing a corporal work of mercy.  Being a Basilica, we have many Saturday Weddings. When the ceremony includes a Mass, servers have the opportunity to serve and typically receive a stipend.  We are in need of additional altar servers and would love to welcome anyone interested in joining us in this ministry. 

• There are training sessions several times a year
• Social activities
• Vestments are provided
• Assignments are several times a month and work around your availablity

Altar Society

Although it is a component of the Liturgy Commission, the Altar Society is an independent organization with officers and members who serve God by maintaining the sanctuary and chapels.   Some of the duties are:
 

•     General cleaning of the Altars and Sacristy
•     Replenishing candles and holy water
•     Maintaining the linens and flowers
•     Decorating the church for major feasts and special occasions
•     Oversight and upkeep of linens and vestments

To inquire further about the Altar Society, contact Andrew Davis, at 828.779.9371.

Docent Ministry 

The Basilica receives thousands of visitors each year. Our team of Docents are well versed on the history, art, and architecture of the Basilica. They often dispel misconceptions regarding the Catholic Faith and often provide the first glimpse of Catholicism to our visitors. Tours are given after most Sunday Masses. During the week, tours are scheduled by appointment. Being a docent is a wonderful way to serve the parish and the community at large.

Homebound  Ministry
There are members of our Parish who are not able to attend Mass to receive the Holy Eucharist or to actively participate in our church community.  Some are confined to homes, nursing homes, hospitals, or other facilities due to health reasons, age, etc.  
 
In bringing communion to them, our Homebound Ministers and Hospital Ministers represent Christ and manifest faith and charity on behalf of the whole community toward those who cannot be present at Mass.  It is our responsibility to visit these parishioners periodically and to make the Holy Eucharist available to them as often as possible. 
 
For the sick, the reception of communion is not only a privilege, but also a sign of support and concern shown by the Christian community for its members who are ill. If you would like the Holy Eucharist brought to you or a loved one, please complete the form by clicking on the link found to the left. 

Music

We enrich the spiritual life of our Parish through fostering the art of musical liturgy. Hearing the call to full and active participation by all worshipers, we evangelize, build community and celebrate our ethnic and cultural differences. Through song, chant, and prayer, the universal language of music discovers our common human thread, recognizing our oneness and the vast musical heritage of the church universal.

We promote Stewardship – the responsible use of time, talent, and treasure. Sharing our musical talents is giving of ourselves, and equally important as giving of our finances. We educate – sharing our faith and the music of the church, we come together, one body of many members; responding to the work of the Holy Spirit in union with God the Father.

Cantors and Instrumentalists
For those who have experience as a cantor or solo instrumentalist, please contact Andrew Davis, Director of Music & Liturgy by completing the Cantor and Instrumentalists Form.

Saint Lawrence Adult Choir
Singing each Sunday at the 9 a.m. Mass, as well as for Holydays; this non-auditioned, volunteer ensemble rehearses on Thursdays, at 7 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. The Adult Choir does not rehearse on Thursday evenings during the months of June, July and August.

Saint Cecilia Youth Choir
Open to all youth of the parish, this ensemble sings on the third Sunday of each month at the 12 Noon Mass. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. from September to May.

If you are interested in joining one of our choirs please complete the Choir Interest  Form.  Andrew Davis, Director of Music & Liturgy will contact you with more information.


Andrew Davis
Director of Music & Liturgy
828-779-9371
[email protected]