We have many active groups and other service opportunities in the parish. A listing is below — contact the Parish Secretary, Krista Rataj (krista@stpaulsbhm.org), for more information about how to get involved.

 

SERVICE TO THE POOR/NEEDY

SNACK BAG ASSEMBLY TEAM
Prepare non-perishable snack bags and other items to share with our ‘neighbors in need’.

ANGEL TREE
Help set up tree/ornaments and receive/distribute donations for this annual pre-Christmas initiative.

FIRST LIGHT WOMEN’S SHELTER
Prepare and serve meals for residents, assist with overnight duties.

FIREHOUSE MEN’S SHELTER
Prepare and serve meals for residents.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Participate in the annual “Pope Francis Build”, to construct a house for a local needy family.

 

LITURGICAL

LECTORS
Proclaim the readings at Sunday and Holy Day Masses.

SACRISTANS (Weekdays/Sundays)
Set up for Masses and other liturgies on Sundays, Holy Days, and weekdays.

SOCIETY OF ST. JOHN BERCHMANS (Altar Boys)
Serve at the altar for Mass and other liturgies. Open to all boys who have made their First Communion.

PONTIFICAL SERVERS
More experienced altar boys from around the Diocese who help with the Bishop’s liturgies.

ALTAR LINEN TEAM
Purify, launder, and press the linens used for the Holy Eucharist at Mass. Training provided.

SANCTUARY CLEANING TEAM
Help with cleaning of the sanctuary (altar area) and chapel on an occasional basis.

USHERS
Men (generally college-aged or higher) who welcome parishioners/guests and ensure safety.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
Assist in distributing Holy Communion at Masses on Sundays, Holy Days, and other special Masses.

FRIDAY ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Commit to at least one hour per month (on a Friday) to adore the Blessed Sacrament in the Cathedral Chapel.

 

SACRED MUSIC

CATHEDRAL CHOIR
Sings at Sunday 11am Mass, the evening Mass on Holy Days, and other special liturgies throughout the year.

CANTORS
Lead singing at Sunday/Holy Day Masses, funerals, weddings, and other special liturgies throughout the year.

SCHOLAE CANTORUM
Groups for men, ladies, and children that learn to sing Gregorian Chant and do so at select liturgies each year.

 

OFFICE/RECTORY/CAMPUS

OFFICE VOLUNTEERS
Provide support to the parish secretary by assisting with a variety of tasks in the parish office.

BULK MAILING
Help with mailings to all parishioners of financial statements, annual reports, etc.

COLLECTION COUNTERS
Count Sunday and Holy Day collections and prepare deposits as part of a team.

GROCERY SHOPPERS
Assist with grocery shopping for the rectory on an occasional basis or shopping for other events.

VOLUNTEER MAINTENANCE MEN
Help on an as-needed and as-available basis with ordinary maintenance needs around the Cathedral campus.

SAFETY TEAM
Help ensure our campus is safe, assist with annual risk assessment results, update emergency response plan.

 

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION (PSR) CATECHIST
Teach the faith to children on Sunday mornings, to prepare them for the sacraments.

CATCH-UP CATECHIST
Teach/prepare children and/or child converts who are late in being brought to the sacraments.

RCIA SPONSOR
Accompany an inquirer through the RCIA process and serve as his or her Baptism/Confirmation sponsor.

CATHOLIC KIDS WEEK VOLUNTEER
Volunteer in a variety of ways with our educational and fun summer experience for children.

BAPTISMAL PREPARATION
Teach a pre-baptismal course using a provided outline; provide occasional instruction at special times.

ADULT ED
Teach on topics of the faith to adults/high school students on Sundays using an apologetics-based approach.

 

HOSPITALITY

HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE
Organize and serve parish parties and receptions, assist with parishioner dinner parties in the rectory.

RCIA MEALS/REFRESHMENTS
Prepare (or order takeout) all or part of a meal for our Wednesday RCIA class attendees.

NURSERY VOLUNTEER
Care for young children during PSR and Adult Ed on Sundays.

ST. JOSEPH’S GUILD (Funeral Luncheons)
Help prepare and serve a luncheon for the family/friends of the deceased following parish funerals.

TRANSPORTATION FOR SENIORS
Assist in bringing some of our senior parishioners to Mass on Saturday evenings/Sundays/Holy Days.

ADOPT-A-GRANDPARENT
Regular visitation to our senior and home-bound parishioners.

 

ASSOCIATIONS/GROUPS

CATHEDRAL ALTAR SODALITY
Ladies who provide for the needs of the Cathedral sanctuary through various charitable and social activities.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Men who support the Church and family life through fraternal and charitable activities.

FRATERNUS
Men and boys aged 5th grade and up who meet weekly to pursue authentic masculinity and virtue.

CATHEDRAL YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Charitable service, fellowship, and fun for Catholic young professionals of the Cathedral/Birmingham area.

CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN MOTHERS
Helping women live out authentic Christian motherhood through prayer, fellowship, and mutual support.

CATHEDRAL BELL RINGERS
Join in “change ringing” our CLC tower bells on a weekly basis and/or for special events (weddings, etc.).

ADOPT-A-SEMINARIAN: SPIRITUAL MOTHERHOOD
Support our diocesan seminarians through spiritual motherhood, prayer, and other forms of support.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS ACADEMY
Homeschooling cooperative – opportunities for your children and to teach classes.

NAZARETH HOUSE DIOCESAN PROGRAM
Catechize/support Catholics with mental disabilities, helping them participate more fully in the Church.

YOUTH GROUP VOLUNTEERS
Help the new Family Life Coordinator (hiring process under way) with youth group activities.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

ASH WEDNESDAY “SOUP SUPPER”
Prepare/coordinate and serve a delicious meatless soup supper on Ash Wednesday.

FALL FESTIVAL
Help organize games, activities, and other fun for our annual Fall Festival.

EASTER EGG HUNT
Procure candy, assemble eggs, help hide them for different age groups, assist with clean-up, etc.

CATHEDRAL GALA
Ordinarily held every two years, either on- or off-site, to raise money for the Cathedral’s ongoing needs.

WEDDING COORDINATORS
Help couples with their wedding rehearsal and wedding day, ensuring a beautiful and seamless celebration.