Parish Ministry Updates

Below are updates on the ministries of our parish. Please note that some parish activities on campus are still suspended during the coronavirus outbreak. However, many of our groups have resumed in-person and others are continuing to meet virtually. 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 looking for new members. See the St. Martha Altar Ministry page and contact Tia Yunker for more information.

American Heritage Girls are meeting virtually on Monday evenings.

Catholic Motherhood ministry is currently meeting on the third Sunday of the month at 6pm for a Mom's Night Out at a local restaurant. The group is also continuing to offer prayer support and meal support to mothers with new babies. Contact wesson.rachel@gmail.com with any questions or to be added to the Catholic Motherhood email list/prayer chain.

Our Cleaning ministry is seeking new volunteers to disinfect the church after Masses during the coronavirus pandemic. Email admin@stspeterandpaulbasilica.com.

Our Collection Counting ministry needs more volunteers to help count the offertory collection Monday mornings at 9am. The work usually takes about an hour. To volunteer for this ministry, contact Marina Delaney in the parish office at business@stspeterandpaulbasilica.com.

The Deacon’s Table, hosted by Dcn. Tom and Brenda McConnell, is now meeting virtually at 5pm every Sunday. Contact Dcn. Tom for further information.

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

Knights of Columbus Fr. Patrick Ryan Council 610 is always happy to welcome new 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.

Men's Vespers Schola, led by Fr. Carter, meets Fridays at 4:30pm, for all whose voices have changed to the lower octave. No musical experience required.

Married and Engaged Ministry - If you are married or engaged, join the "Basilica Married and Engaged Ministry" group on Facebook and our weekly Zoom meetings (Ladies Monday/Men Tuesday from 7-9pm). There will be stimulating discussions on parenting, Catholic life, and life in general. Eventually we will have date nights, potlucks and profound friendships that will 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 amelia.smith4815@gmail.com for more information. Join the Zoom meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/608875139

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.

Religious Education classes are in session, with First Holy Communion and Confirmation classes meeting in person on Sundays at 10:15 am, and other grades meeting virtually. 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.

St. Ambrose Catholic Homeschool Co-Op - Looking for like-minded Catholic homeschooling families? St. Ambrose Catholic Homeschool Co-Op is taking registrations for fall 2021 semester. Registration will be open from March 1-June 15. Visit our web page and contact stambrosecoop@gmail.com.

Trail Life USA is a Christian outdoor adventure program working to strengthen boys ages 5-18 in Wisdom, Heritage, Teamwork, Leadership, Character, and Faith. After a long hiatus, Basilica troop 629 is working to rebuild and is looking for leaders as well as Trailmen. To find out more, email Nathan Bird at nathanbird126@gmail.com.

Young Adults - “Catholic Chatt” meets Sunday evenings and also ladies' & men's nights, hikes, campouts, etc. at various times for social and spiritual events. We do not belong to one parish but rather are a combination of all congregations in the Chattanooga area. Join our Facebook Group to keep posted on our activities. Contact Jonah Coronis, Basilica parishioner, at 423-424-8618 or jcoronis12@gmail.com to find out more about the group.

Youth Group (Downtown Youth Ministry) for Grades 6-12 - Summer 2021we will have four gatherings on June 2, June 16, July 7, and July 21. During the school year we have in-person meetings Wednesdays 6-8pm in Varallo Parish Hall. Virtual meetings Sundays 6:30-8pm. Register here.

Our Usher/Greeter and Cleaning ministry is seeking new volunteers to welcome people who come to the Basilica. We also need helpers to disinfect the church after Masses during the coronavirus pandemic. See an usher or cleaning volunteer after Mass, and contact Cameron Yunker for more information.

Walking with Moms in Need - USCCB-sponsored pro-life program launching in 2021 at the Basilica to provide one-on-one assistance to moms as well as dads in our community: in assessing skills, setting goals, and preparing for an education or job placement. We need volunteers in the following areas: Topic Developers, Speakers, Dinner Prep and Servers, Childcare, and Leader. Contact Sandy Pricer at slpricer@gmail.com or 423-619-1163.

Ministries that are on hold during the pandemic

Book Club - As of December 2020, Book Club meetings are suspended. We normally meet from 7:45-9:00am Wednesdays in Varallo Parish Hall. We began Dante’s Inferno (The Divine Comedy): translation by Anthony Esolen, available on amazon.com on October 14. Contact JuliAnna Hills at 931-581-7527 or hillsjulianna@gmail.com for more info.

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 armando.sedenom@yahoo.com.mx.