Cathedral Offices

Parish
A most valuable component of the Cathedral community, our parish volunteers are dedicated and enthusiastic. Their involvement contributes most effectively to the success of our liturgical ministries, outreach to people in need and special events. Volunteers assist with phone calls, mailings and general office work. Short-term and ongoing projects are available both weekdays and weekends. Please contact us at (408) 283-8100, ext. 2200.

Foundation
Foundation volunteers assist with general office work, mailings, research, special development projects and fundraising events. Both short-term and ongoing volunteer opportunities are available. For further information, contact Nina Tranchina, Foundation Assistant, at (408) 283-8100, ext. 2214.

Ministry, Programs and Special Events

Liturgical Ministry
Music and choir, lector, acolyte, ministry to the sick, care for the sacred linens… there is a place for you. Training is available for all these ministries. Contact the parish office at (408) 283-8100, ext. 2200 in order to be directed to the appropriate coordinator.

Community Outreach
The Office of Social Ministry provides emergency food, shelter, medical services and employment resources to those seeking a turnaround in their lives. The drop-in window is open Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information or to volunteer, call (408) 283-8119 or e-mail jv@stjosephcathedral.org . Saturday Morning Outreach begins at 5:15 a.m. at a downtown shelter, where breakfast is prepared and served to the residents. Following the meal, the team goes to the streets to provide information, referrals and food to the homeless. For more information on the Morning Outreach program or to volunteer, call (408) 283-8100, ext. 2200 to leave a message for Maria Lira, Morning Outreach Coordinator, or e-mail morningoutreach@yahoo.com.

Docent Program
The rich history and beauty of the Cathedral invites many from near and far. A visit provides an enriching and enduring memory for all who enter through its doors. Be a part of our visitors' Cathedral tour experience by becoming a docent. Training will be available beginning January 2003. If you are interested in volunteering for the Cathedral Docent Program, we would like to hear from you. Please contact Nina Tranchina at (408) 283-8100, ext. 2214.

Special Events
Liturgies, concerts and cultural traditions are opportunities to assist the Cathedral serve the community and for you to meet new people. Ranging from collating programs to extending hospitality, each necessary component to our events becomes woven into a memorable experience because of people like you who give of their time and talent. Please check our special events page and the parish bulletin for upcoming activities of which you can be a part.

Ushers
Hospitality Ushers extend warm welcome, assure peace, comfort and safety of our community, and answer a wide variety of questions. We assemble and serve for regular liturgy, feast days, special parish/diocese events and/or concerts events. We also meet quarterly in workshop session to review matters of social services, in-cathedral nuisance, protocol, art/architecture history, contingency/emergency planning and others. At Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, Hospitality Ushers interact with a very diverse congregation and manage a wide variety of downtown distractions.

If you would like to experience the role of Hospitality Usher without making an ongoing commitment, meet with an usher and volunteer as a stand-by for Sunday/Saturday liturgy. If you are dependable and willing to arrive early and leave late, we would love to hear from you. Just sign in. You'll be contacted, invited to our workshop meetings and will begin receiving occasional e-mails announcing usher activities and usher call rosters for special in-cathedral events.