Saint Mary Cathedral

Altar serving is an important and reverent ministry geared towards serving at the Lord's Altar and other solemn ceremonies. As a server you assist the priest at Mass, prepare the Altar, lead processions, guide the assembly on when to stand, sit or kneel, and ensure that what is needed for the celebration. Qualified servers will be those who have received First Holy Communion and are at minimum 8 years of age; adults are also welcome to serve.

The Lector proclaims the first and/or second readings at Mass and may lead the Psalm (in the absence of a Cantor) and the Prayers of the Faithful (in the absence of a Deacon). A Lector must be a serious Catholic in good standing with the Church and possess a love of Sacred Scripture with the ability to proclaim the readings with clarity and dignity. You are usually assigned to serve 2 times per month.

The Schola Cantorum is a largely volunteer ensemble that sings at Cathedral Liturgies throughout the year. Some Liturgies including Sunday Masses, major feast days, Christmas, and Holy Week/Easter. The repertoire is largely a cappella chant and polyphony but extends through the 21st Century, too. Commitments are Sunday Masses with occasionally additional events throughout the year and weekly rehearsals. An audition with Dr. Jones-Ragona is required prior to joining.

The St. Augustine Latin Mass Choir sings the liturgy for the 3:30pm Ordinary Form Latin Mass. The choir prepares the Gregorian chant Propers as well as chanted Mass ordinaries and hymns, all selected according to the liturgical season or feast day. We generally rehearse on Sundays at 2:15pm during the school year and we also rehearse on alternating Wednesdays. A background in singing (particularly chanting) is a plus, but not required. We have a variety of skill levels - if you want to learn, and you are able to commit to regular attendance, we welcome you! Membership is based on an initial discussion with the director and a possible trial period. 

Sacristans prepare the necessary elements to be used for the Mass, including the sacred vessels, hosts and wine, vestments, and A/V tech: lights, microphones, sanctuary lamp, etc. Knowledge of and interest in the Liturgy, deep reverence for the Sacred, and an eye for detail are good qualities for sacristan. The time involvement is typically 30 minutes prior to the start of your assigned Mass and 15 minutes after Mass. Occasional meetings and training throughout the year as needed.

The Altar Society performs two functions: cleaning and laundry. Volunteers help to clean the Cathedral, usually on a Saturday morning. Schedules can be flexible depending on the availability of the Cathedral. Secondly, we also wash and iron the altar linens using our own home facilities. Some members of the Altar Society participate in both of these activities, some only in one.

The Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Venerable Michael J. McGivney to provide a means by which Catholic men could support the Catholic Church, provide financial protection for families, and engage in works of charity.

At Saint Mary Cathedral, the Knights of Columbus are active around our parish. If you would like more information on our council, please visit our website through the link below.

SMC Knights of Columbus

Catholic Daughters of the Americas strive to embrace the principle of faith working through love in the promotion of justice, equality, and the advancement of human dignity for all. We engage in creative and spiritual programs that provide our members with the opportunity to develop their God-given talents in meaningful ways that positively influence the welfare of the Church and all people throughout the world.

Please contact Lisa Gonzales for more information: 512-784-1228.

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