USHERS - We have had an insufficient number of ushers for several years. The pandemic has made the problem worse.
Diocesan financial policy states that TWO ushers are to be present at each Sunday and Holy Day Mass. Ushers take the collection (they may be assisted by others) and place the collection in sealed bags in the safe. This is an important responsibility. Ushers are to bring the Offertory gifts to the offering table in the back of the basilica, choose people to bring up the Offertory gifts of bread and wine, prepare and offer bulletins, seat people/direct to restrooms if necessary, etc. This is an important liturgical ministry such as Reading the Word of God, Altar Serving, etc. Individual ushers should be scheduled for each Mass, with substitutes available.
This ministry is OPEN TO ALL PARISHIONERS (women, men, teenagers). Some longtime parishioners have told me that some were discouraged from serving in this ministry in the past. Those days are over!!! The outdoor collection is well cared for by our 7 PM Outdoor Mass Committee. We need to begin planning now
for our Fall/Winter Mass Schedule.
We will be in need of Ushers for 4 PM Mass Saturdays, 8 AM and 10 AM Sundays and Holy Days beginning September 11/12, 2021. We will return to taking the collection that weekend, as well as presenting the Offertory gifts. To volunteer for this important ministry, please call 814-472-8551 or simply email basilicasm@dioceseaj.org
Diocesan financial policy states that TWO ushers are to be present at each Sunday and Holy Day Mass. Ushers take the collection (they may be assisted by others) and place the collection in sealed bags in the safe. This is an important responsibility. Ushers are to bring the Offertory gifts to the offering table in the back of the basilica, choose people to bring up the Offertory gifts of bread and wine, prepare and offer bulletins, seat people/direct to restrooms if necessary, etc. This is an important liturgical ministry such as Reading the Word of God, Altar Serving, etc. Individual ushers should be scheduled for each Mass, with substitutes available.
This ministry is OPEN TO ALL PARISHIONERS (women, men, teenagers). Some longtime parishioners have told me that some were discouraged from serving in this ministry in the past. Those days are over!!! The outdoor collection is well cared for by our 7 PM Outdoor Mass Committee. We need to begin planning now
for our Fall/Winter Mass Schedule.
We will be in need of Ushers for 4 PM Mass Saturdays, 8 AM and 10 AM Sundays and Holy Days beginning September 11/12, 2021. We will return to taking the collection that weekend, as well as presenting the Offertory gifts. To volunteer for this important ministry, please call 814-472-8551 or simply email basilicasm@dioceseaj.org
EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES
RCIA (RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS) - is the process by which non-Catholics enter the Catholic Faith. To become a Catholic, one must understand the teachings of the Church, believe in those teachings, and be a baptized Catholic. If someone is not baptized, through RCIA they will learn the tenants of the Catholic Faith and conclude their journey with the reception of the Sacrament of Baptism into the Church. If someone was baptized as a Protestant, they will study the teachings of the Catholic Faith in RCIA and conclude their journey with their entrance into the Church. The Church welcomes those who want to join themselves to Christ through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist in the Catholic Church. Please call Cindy McMullen 471-6658.
LITURGICAL MINISTRIES
ALTAR SERVERS - Any parishioner fourth grade or older can become an altar server and assist the priest at Mass. The sign ups and training begin in the spring.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION - Individuals commissioned by the Church to distribute Holy Communion at Masses and to home bound parishioners. Please call the basilica office 472-8551.
LECTORS - Parishioners responsible for reading the Scriptures at Mass. Please call the basilica office 472-8551.
MUSIC MINISTRY - All are welcome! Please see our web page Music for more information.
USHERS - An individual who helps seat parishioners, collects the offertory and distributes the bulletins. If you would like to help with this ministry please call the office 472-8551.
FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES
EVENING FOR WIDOWS - Welcome to an evening of friendship and support that begins after Saturday, 4PM Mass in the basilica hall. Please check the bulletin for dates.
SERVICE MINISTRIES
LEGION OF MARY - Our members participate in the parish through visiting families, the sick, and the elderly both in their homes and in hospitals and care centers. The Legion of Mary meets weekly and seeks to have a balance of prayer and visitations. We meet every Wednesday morning, following the 7:30AM Mass. For more information please call Mary 886-5489.
THE PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY meets various times during the month in the Basilica Hall. Knitting and crocheting shawls with care and love to give to those who need comfort. Prayers and blessings are knitted into each shawl. Please see the bulletin for dates and times. All are welcome to come pray and stitch. Anyone needing a shawl call
472-9465
472-9465
**VOLUNTEERS - Any individual who would like to volunteer at St. Michael Basilica or School needs to be in compliance with our Diocesan Safe Environment Program.