Parish Ministry Updates

Below are updates on many of the ministries of our parish. Please click the name of the group for more information.

In addition to the below ministries hosted directly by our parish, the Basilica partners with several charitable organizations that rely on the help of our parishioners. See Ways to Give and Receive Help for a listing.

Currently Active Parish Ministries

The ladies' Altar Ministry that cares for the altar linens and many items and areas of the sanctuary and church is accepting new members. See the St. Martha Altar Ministry page and contact Brenda McConnell at [email protected] for more information.

American Heritage Girls meets on Monday evenings during the school year. Contact [email protected] for more info.

The Blessed Virgin Mary Visitation Guild brings Holy Communion to the homebound and hospital-bound. Volunteers are needed and will be trained for this mission of mercy.

A Catholic Home Repair Apostolate has begun as part of our Basilica Outreach ministry. Projects are evaluated based on need and ability to accomplish them with the charitable funds and volunteers we have. If you would like to add your time, labor, and skill to our team effort and serve needy parishioners with essential home repairs, contact Jim Gajewski at [email protected] or 423-708-5578. By joining this apostolate, you can help us help more neighbors.

The Catholic Motherhood ministry is currently meeting on the third Sunday of the month at 6pm for a Mom's Night Out at Rembrandt or another location, as well as additional social activities each month. The group offer prayer support and meal support to mothers with new babies, and we have a New Mama's Circle for moms who have babies under 16 months or are expecting their first baby. To be added to the Catholic Motherhood email list/prayer chain, contact Tina Marx at [email protected]

Coffee & Donuts is now being offered after the 11:30 Sunday Mass (provided that we have space and volunteers). Please join us after Mass, and let the volunteers know at that time if you'd like to help us keep this offering going!

Forever Young Catholics (40+) is a new fellowship group for Basilica parishioners ages 40 and older, but we welcome all our brothers and sisters.

Our Collection Counting ministry needs more volunteers to help count the offertory collection. The work usually takes about an hour. To volunteer for this ministry, contact Marina Delaney in the parish office at [email protected]

Jubilate Deo Youth Schola for students Grades 2-12 with unchanged voices meets Fridays at 4:30pm during the school year.

Knights of Columbus Fr. Patrick Ryan Council 610 is always happy to welcome new practical Catholic men as members. For more information, click the webpage linked above, and contact Dan Mueller, the Basilica's Council 610 representative, through the parish office or our myParish app Directory.

Lectors - This ministry is open to Catholics in good standing who demonstrate the skill to proclaim the Word of God clearly, subject to Fr. Carter's approval.

Liturgy of the Hours - Sung Vespers/Evening Prayer is offered 5pm Tuesday through Friday. Sung Morning Prayer is offered Wed/Fri following the 7am Mass. Open to all.

Married and Engaged Ministry - If you are married or engaged, join the "Basilica Married and Engaged Ministry" group on Facebook and join in our our social activities. We have stimulating discussions on parenting, Catholic life, and life in general. This is a group for developing profound friendships to last a lifetime. There is no age limit. All engaged and married couples are welcome. We look forward to seeing you! Contact Amelia & Doug Weissman at [email protected] for more information. Join our Zoom meetings here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/608875139

Ombrellino Gift Shop - The Ombrellino Gift Shop is now open Sundays between the 9:00 and 11:30 Masses. For more info, contact the parish office or [email protected]

Parishioner Outreach - The Parishioner Outreach ministry is a great opportunity to learn more about our parish and meet and help our fellow parishioners. As a parish, we want to serve and accompany those among us who are in need of support. We also reach out to welcome new parishioners and encourage them to get involved in the parish. We need parishioners to help us check in on fellow parishioners, make invitations, and serve as prayer partners. If you would like to help with any of these efforts, contact Maria Rist at [email protected]

RCIA program for Becoming Catholic - Adults and families who are exploring conversion to Catholicism are invited to attend our RCIA program for Becoming Catholic, and contact RCIA Director Dan Pacitti for information.

Reception Ministry Recruiting Volunteers! We need help planning, cooking, serving, and cleaning for receptions and meals throughout the year. The Reception Ministry is an ideal opportunity for new and long-time parishioners to exercise hospitality, share your talents, get involved in our activities, and connect with fellow parishioners. Contact Florence Porter at [email protected] to join us!

Religious Education classes for all grades will resume Sundays from 10:15-11:15am beginning September 12, 2021. Fr. Carter encourages parish youth of all ages to participate in our parish RE program for community building and to supplement what is taught at home or school. A great way to learn about our faith is to teach it! You just need a deep desire to share the Catholic Faith. We also need assistant teachers! For more information, contact our DRE, Florence Porter, at [email protected] Register here.

The Sacristan ministry is looking for new adult members to take on the important responsibility of setting up and clearing the altar before and after Mass. Contact Amy Long through the parish office.

Sacred Music Program - Do you enjoy hearing and singing the traditional sacred music of the Mass? Prospective singers for our Gloria Dei Schola must be able to: sight-read their voice part; sing on pitch with a pleasant voice that will blend with our schola (non-vibrato); and attend our Thursday 6:30pm rehearsals. Contact Maria Rist at [email protected] to inquire about openings.

St. Ambrose Catholic Homeschool Co-Op - Looking for like-minded Catholic homeschooling families? St. Ambrose Catholic Homeschool Co-Op will be taking registrations for the 2022-23 school year through May 15. Visit our web page and contact [email protected]

The St. Mary Magdalene Bereavement Ministry has begun a grief support program, offering prayer partners and coping resources. We also offer a reception and/or food for the family following the funeral of a loved one. To learn more or volunteer, visit our web page.

STASIS - Sts. Anna and Simeon Society - Our mission is to provide the spiritual accompaniment necessary to be faithful to those who are in irregular or difficult marriage situations (crisis, separation, divorce), who desire to remain in the truth of Christ about marriage or who desire to come into full communion with the Catholic Church, with spiritual support, resources, and communal assistance. This ministry is just being formed. If you would like to help or receive help, visit our Marriage page, and scroll to Resources for Difficult Marriage Situations.

The Deacon’s Table, founded by +Dcn. Tom McConnell and his wife, Brenda, is continuing under Brenda McConnell's leadership. The class normally meets in Varallo Parish Hall Sundays from 10:15-11:15am. See The Deacon’s Table page for more information.

Young Adults - If you’re a young person looking for community and friendships, Catholic Chatt is a place for young adults ages 18-39 to grow in faith, support each other, and build Catholic community in Chattanooga. We plan hiking, game nights, socials, bonfires and more throughout the year and would love for you to join us. Visit our website at CatholicChatt.com, and sign up for event alerts. -Patrick Hanus, Director

Youth Group (Downtown Youth Ministry) for Grades 6-12 - We do not currently have a Youth Minster at the Basilica. Fr. Carter is hosting a monthly Downtown Youth Ministry night for 6th-12th graders. Also, the Basilica partners with St. Jude's Youth Group, and all 8th through 12th graders are invited to attend the St. Jude Youth Group that meets Sundays 6:30-8pm in the St. Jude Gym. Register here.

Our Usher/Greeter ministry is seeking new volunteers to welcome people who come to the Basilica. See an usher or greeter after Mass, and contact Dan Mueller for more information.
* Related to greeting, we would like to offer a Welcome resource table in the vestibule with volunteers to greet people before and after Mass.

Ministries that are not currently meeting

Book Club - As of December 2020, Book Club meetings were suspended.

Lay Oblates of St. Benedict - Meetings are currently suspended. St. Benedict is known as the Father of Western (European) Monasticism. But his spirituality of prayer and work is valid for even the layman who lives in the world. Our chapter of Lay Oblates of St. Benedict focuses on applying the Rule of St. Benedict to our lives, learning to pray the Scriptures through lectio divina and offering the Liturgy of the Hours in praise of God. To find out more, please contact Jason Richard at 423-432-7196.

SPANISH Language Class - Meetings are currently suspended. For more information, contact our teacher, Armando Sedeño, through the parish office, or [email protected]

Men's Vespers Schola, led by Fr. Carter, had been meeting Fridays at 4:30pm during the school year, for all whose voices have changed to the lower octave. At this time, the men's class is not meeting, but Vespers is held 5pm Tuesday through Friday and open to all. We hope to resume the Friday offering particularly for boys whose voices have changed, beginning October 7, 2022. Details TBA.

Trail Life USA is a Christian outdoor adventure program working to strengthen boys ages 5-18 in Wisdom, Heritage, Teamwork, Leadership, Character, and Faith. Basilica troop 629 is not meeting this fall due to not having enough leaders or participants. But we are looking at starting a less formal family outdoor adventure group at the Basilica. If you are interested, email Nathan Bird at [email protected]