Ministries
Prayerfully consider joining a ministry to live out your faith!
Adoration
Come, sit, kneel, pray, relax, and enjoy the sweet peace that comes from being with the One who loves you the most, Jesus. Adoration is offered each Wednesday and Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors are always welcome, but we need two people to commit to being present for each hour. Can you commit to spending one (1) hour a week with our Eucharistic Lord?
Contact: Titi Kila at cbsadoration@gmail.com
Altar Servers
Altar servers are trained to assist the priest and deacons in the celebration of the Mass and may begin service after their First Communion. Candidates are people of good faith and have a desire to serve at the Altar of Our Lord and Savior.
Contact: Michael Ognisty at mfognisty@msn.com
Brown Bag Lunch Ministry (BBL)
This ministry was established in August 2013, in response to the growing numbers of downtown homeless, poor brothers and sisters who need food, necessities (e.g., socks, toiletries), and a kind word. Active volunteers distribute lunches Tuesday through Friday mornings from 8 to 9 a.m. Support volunteers provide lunches, lunch supplies, and water.
Contact: Marilynn Fairgood at Marilynn_Fairgood@att.net
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
A distinct Montessori-based approach to Christian formation through which children as young as 3 form deep, lifelong relationships with Christ.
Contact: David Vincent admin@youngsheep.org
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Cathedral A.C.T.S.
The Cathedral ACTS Ministry organizes women and men retreats where the Holy Spirit can break through the hoopla and touch the heart. ACTS is an acronym for “Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service.” Our ministry’s motto is “God first, family second, then
everything else.” Our mission is simple: love God, develop fellowship within the parish, learn how God reveals Himself to us, and serve Him by loving what He loves — all of His creatures. Aside from the retreats, the ACTS Ministry organizes smaller events — barbeques, spaghetti feeds, and such. ACTS need those who have been on this retreat to consider joining the CORE Group that oversees the ACTS retreats and other events.
Contact: Titi Kila, actscathedralsacto@gmail.com
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
A distinct Montessori-based approach to Christian formation through which children as young as 3 form deep, lifelong relationships with Christ.
Contact: David Vincent admin@youngsheep.org
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Cathedral Docent Tour Ministry
Trained docents conduct tours for interested individuals and groups through the interior and exterior of the Cathedral. Docents share with visitors how the Cathedral is such an important part of early California history. Docents help visitors learn about the beautiful and important artworks in the Cathedral and how the symbolism in these artworks highlight our Catholic faith. We currently offer 50-minute tours in English, Spanish, and Mandarin/ Cantonese on most Sundays. Tours are scheduled after Mass, that is, at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. (4th Sunday), and 5 p.m. (2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays, March through October). We also offer private tours, publicity tours, and student tours by appointment. We provide training with an experienced Docent (normally 4 months, conducting partial tours) and provide all supplies.
Contact: Lead Docent, Oscar M. Ramirez, Phelix365@comcast.net
Cathedral Filipino American Ministry
This Fil-Am Ministry, established in May 2022, is composed of both Filipinos and Americans who, in one way or another, share a common bond of heritage to the Filipino Culture and the Catholic faith. We envision a dynamic and vibrant Filipino American community recognized and valued as integral to America’s ethnic diversity. Our mission is to journey together in faith to preserve, promote, and perpetuate the many beautiful devotions and religious traditions inherent to the Filipino through cultural, charitable, and educational activities. Filipino Catholic practice is unique, even among Catholic cultures, built especially on devotions to Mary, the suffering Christ, the Santo Niño (Holy Child), and feasts like the Simbang Gabi (Night Mass) novena that precedes Christmas, and the month-long Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) offering to Mary that illustrate distinctively Filipino forms of devotion. Our ministry welcomes not only our Filipino parishioners, but all who are interested to join our activities. We hope you discover the joy that we share when we come together to worship God in spirit and truth.
Contact: Maria Rosario, mariafrosario20@gmail.com
Cathedral Filipino American Ministry
This Fil-Am Ministry, established in May 2022, is composed of both Filipinos and Americans who, in one way or another, share a common bond of heritage to the Filipino Culture and the Catholic faith. We envision a dynamic and vibrant Filipino American community recognized and valued as integral to America’s ethnic diversity. Our mission is to journey together in faith to preserve, promote, and perpetuate the many beautiful devotions and religious traditions inherent to the Filipino through cultural, charitable, and educational activities. Filipino Catholic practice is unique, even among Catholic cultures, built especially on devotions to Mary, the suffering Christ, the Santo Niño (Holy Child), and feasts like the Simbang Gabi (Night Mass) novena that precedes Christmas, and the month-long Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) offering to Mary that illustrate distinctively Filipino forms of devotion. Our ministry welcomes not only our Filipino parishioners, but all who are interested to join our activities. We hope you discover the joy that we share when we come together to worship God in spirit and truth.
Contact: Maria Rosario, mariafrosario20@gmail.com
Chinese Catholic Community
The Sacramento Chinese Catholic Community was formed with the purpose of establishing a base for Chinese-speaking people to come to know God and to worship Him. Language barriers and ethnic differences have been keeping a lot of people from the house of God. Now, with a Chinese-speaking priest, the Chinese Catholic Community is becoming more lively. The group activities include social events, faith formation, and service activities. Most importantly, Mass is offered in Cantonese and Mandarin every Sunday at the Cathedral.
Contact: Kenneth Ng, Kenneth87ng@gmail.com
Choir (Music Fundamentals For St. Toribio Singers)
Music fundamentals for Saint Toribio Choir singers will focus on music theory and notation, reading rhythms, and sight singing. One of the resources we will be using is the Royal School of Church Music Voice for Life textbooks. Participation is limited to youth enrolled in the Saint Toribio Romo Choir. Sessions will be held on Mondays from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. beginning in September. We will meet in the Cathedral’s lower level in the St. Francis Classroom.
Contact: Gayle Winney, gwinney@cbssac.org
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Community Outreach Ministry
Our purpose is to engage with the Downtown Sacramento community and beyond to advance our Cathedral mission of reaching out to all to join us in our faith journey and to support efforts to improve the Downtown environment.
• Develop publicity strategies and plans for major events, festivals, marathons, etc., to attract visitors and local residents to Cathedral Liturgies and special events.
• Engage with Sacramento city government, Sacramento Downtown Partnership, and other Catholic and multi-faith communities to influence resolutions on downtown homelessness, disorderliness and to support efforts to make downtown Sacramento a welcoming, safe and thriving environment.
• Work with the Communications Team to increase our presence on social media sites and Diocesan web site.
Contact: Richard Zacaroli, rzacaroli@gmail.com
Evening Rosary Group
Join us to pray the Holy Rosary on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. We meet in person at the Cathedral in the Lower Level and online through zoom. Please email to be added to the distribution list, and we hope to see you for prayer and fellowship.
Contact: Christina Callazo-Kelly; Marlene Mejia, praytherosarywithus@yahoo.com
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers are made up of lay men and women who assist the priests and deacons with the smooth distribution of Holy Communion during Mass. Candidates who are Cathedral parishioners and faithful to the teachings of the Church receive detailed training and support for this very important ministry, which takes them to the very life center of our Catholic faith.
Contact: Peggy Oakden at 1poakden@gmail.com
Festival of Trees (FOT)
The Festival of Trees is an annual event that raises funds to support the Cathedral’s social services programs by providing meals to the homeless and fulfilling temporary emergency requests for those in need. Held on the first weekend in December in Mercy Hall, the event features crafts, baked goods, decorated Christmas trees, and gift baskets. On-site food sales, photo booth, and a raffle round out the activities. Volunteers are needed for setup, food service, cashier, and donating baked goods and crafts items.
Contact: Michele Stiger, michelinawalker@yahoo.com
Friday Morning Mass and Rosary Group
Please join your fellow Cathedral parishioners for 7 a.m. Mass on Fridays at St. Elizabeth’s (12th and S Streets) followed by a Rosary in Capitol Park for the intentions of our Church and the State of California. We pray the Rosary at the former site of St. Junipero Serra’s memorial in the park’s Camelia Grove (L Street Side of the Park between 12th and 13th). St. Serra’s site has been remade into a memorial for Native Americans. Fittingly, our ministry continues what St. Serra did so well: praying with the inhabitants of this great state.
Contact: John Fairbanks at john@capitolmr.com
OCIA Support Ministry
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process through which a seeker of faith encounters Christ, grows in relationship with Him, and prepares to become a full member of the Roman Catholic Church through formation, prayer, and the reception of the Sacraments. Just as Barnabas paved the way for Paul’s welcome into the early Christian community (Acts 9:27), an OCIA Companion/Sponsor serves as a bridge between the seeker and the faith community. Companions share their faith, offer encouragement, and walk alongside their candidate/seeker during their year of preparation for the Sacraments. Companions are not teachers or catechists. Rather, they offer a living witness of what it means to be an ordinary, joyful Catholic who is willing to show up, listen, pray, and support another person on their journey of faith. Training and orientation are provided – all that is needed is a welcoming heart and a desire to accompany another person toward Christ.
Contact: Sister Lisa Marie Doty, FDCC at slmdoty@cbssac.org.
Front Door Ministry
When the world turns away, hope opens a door at the Front Door Ministry! Every day in Sacramento, people are struggling silently – without shelter, without food, and without hope. But for many, hope has an address. For more than 10 years, Front Door Ministry has been a faithful and compassionate leader in the Sacramento community. Through dedicated service by the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Front Door Ministry has answered a calling to serve those most vulnerable – those too often left unseen and unheard on the margins of society. Front Door Ministry provides more than shelter. It becomes a place of dignity, nourishment, compassion, and restoration. Through this ministry, individuals facing hardship receive safe and welcoming housing, warm nutritious meals, clean clothing, and other services. This support is offered with faith, love, and hope. The impact has been remarkable. This model of care has already seen tremendous success and has been shared with other organizations – allowing the mission to grow beyond its original walls. Yet, as the crisis in our community deepens, the need is greater than ever. Now, we are called to help continue this mission. Your donation and your assistance as a volunteer, no matter the amount or time, helps to reach more people in need and remind our neighbors that they are not forgotten. Together, we can bring light into moments of darkness and hope into lives that need it most.
Contact: Deacon Edgar Hilbert at hilbertdoheva@aol.com
Gift Shop Volunteers
The gift shop sells many religious articles for all occasions and sacramental preparation. Volunteers can assist in sales, customer service, inventory, pricing, merchandising, and general cleaning.
Contact: Susan Moeller at susandurand@ymail.com
Good Samaritan Ministry
Provides initial medical care to persons who are experiencing a medical emergency. Training will be provided for the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), basic first aid, and 911 communications and coordination. We are looking for nurses, doctors, medical assistants, CNA’s, fire, EMT and Paramedics to be available at each of our Masses to assist those in need until 911 services arrive.
Contact: Barbara Leake, barbara.leake4@gmail.com
Hospitality Committee
The Hospitality Committee provides hospitality and food service for special events at the Cathedral. It comes together whenever Fr. Michael needs to put on a dinner, luncheon, or event for our Cathedral Parish. We need volunteers to help with some evening and weekend events. You will meet many wonderful people.
Contact: Celeste Gisla, jfgisla1@gmail.com; Susan Moeller, susandurand@ymail.com
Knights of Columbus
We are Catholic men who share a desire to be better husbands, fathers, sons, neighbors, and role models, and to put charity and community first. Our goal is to help men, their families, and their parishes grow closer to Christ. Through our programs and resources, we provide opportunities to live and spread the Catholic faith. Service and charity are at the heart of the Knights. Founded to meet the needs of immigrants, refugees, and families suffering from the death of a breadwinner, the Knights of Columbus began as a small service organization and has grown into a worldwide financial and charitable organization.
Contact: Sergio Escobar, escobars@frontiernet.com
Lectors
During the Mass, God speaks to His people gathered to hear His Word through lectors. The lector is the mouthpiece of God. Even though the words are old, the proclamation is always new. Lectors understand the mission of their work. To prepare for each liturgy, the lector reads the Scripture ahead of time to establish a personal encounter with the Word of God. It is from this encounter, through the lector, that the people of God may also encounter the divine Word.
Contact: Rex Rallanka, 916-444-3071, rrallanka@cathedralsacramento.org
Media Ministry
This ministry capitalizes on using the various media sources in reaching Cathedral parishioners and other Catholics in spreading the Word of God and Cathedral information. It involves assisting with the various social media platforms, the Sunday bulletin, and the Cathedral website, and photographing and/or recording Cathedral events.
Contact Titi Kila at communication@cathedralsac.org
Media Ministry
This ministry capitalizes on using the various media sources in reaching Cathedral parishioners and other Catholics in spreading the Word of God and Cathedral information. It involves assisting with the various social media platforms, the Sunday bulletin, and the Cathedral website, and photographing and/or recording Cathedral events.
Contact Titi Kila at communication@cathedralsac.org
Outreach to the Homebound
This group is multilingual/multicultural. They bring Holy Communion or spiritual companionship to those whose health condition prevent them from leaving their homes. As a group, they also meet every two months to pray together and share ministerial experiences in order to build community.
Contact: Paty Davila text or call at 916-502-4854
Parent Leaders Ministry (Spanish Language Ministry Classes For Adults)
With more than twenty years serving the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, the Parent Leaders Ministry has the mission to encourage parents to learn about their Catholic faith and empower them in their vocation as main educators of their children. We are convinced of what Saint Paul said “As the family goes, so does the nation and so does the whole world in which we live.” The parents are the leaders of their families, parish, and community. In their hands is the well-being of our society. Our goal is to make Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church known and loved. We gather every Sunday at Mercy Hall, from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Our classes are in Spanish. You are invited to attend the class if you are an adult interested in learning more about your faith.Contact: Leticia Hilbert at leticia_hilbert@hotmail.com
Parent Leaders Ministry (Spanish Language Ministry Classes For Adults)
With more than twenty years serving the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, the Parent Leaders Ministry has the mission to encourage parents to learn about their Catholic faith and empower them in their vocation as main educators of their children. We are convinced of what Saint Paul said “As the family goes, so does the nation and so does the whole world in which we live.” The parents are the leaders of their families, parish, and community. In their hands is the well-being of our society. Our goal is to make Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church known and loved. We gather every Sunday at Mercy Hall, from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Our classes are in Spanish. You are invited to attend the class if you are an adult interested in learning more about your faith.Contact: Leticia Hilbert at leticia_hilbert@hotmail.com
Respect Life Ministry
This ministry defends life from conception to natural death using the Gospel of Life of our Lord as a shield. We support the various events of our diocese to promote the dignity of life, such as Mother and Daughter, Father and Son, 40 Days for Life, Walk for Life, and the Procession of the Holy Innocents. We help mothers and their children by collecting clothes and receiving blankets and raising needed funds by selling roses for Mother’s Day, and wreaths for Advent. We track legislation regarding life issues and help to keep our community aware. We attend presentations on Radio Santisimo Sacramento to spread love and respect for human life. We visit churches in the diocese to promote the creation of more pro-life ministries. The strongest part of our ministry is the grace of community prayer and the Pro-Life Rosary, which we put into action every day.
Contact: Liliana Balderrama at michoacan8888@gmail.com
Sacristan Ministry
Under the direction of the Cathedral Sacristan, individual Mass sacristans set up the credence table for Mass, set the prayers in the Roman Missal for the priest, put out the priest’s vestments, check batteries for the microphone, put out various documents like the General Intercessions and psalms for cantors and lectors, portion out hosts to be consecrated, and generally make sure the credence table and table of gifts are appropriately set. In addition, they also ensure all patens, chalices, and vessels used for Mass are purified, cleansed, and returned to their place in the sacristy and/or set for the next Mass. This includes the cleaning of the thurible and disposal of the old charcoal and lining of the thurible. Sacristans must be well trained in the documents required for a specific Mass including the Ordo, the Roman Missal, the Sunday Lectionary, and the Book of Gospels. In addition, some filling and maintenance of liquid candles and other items may be required. Individual Mass sacristans must also be able to work with other ministry leads such as those for Eucharistic Ministers and lectors to ensure the Mass is well staffed.
Contact: Michael Ognisty at mfognisty@msn.com
Welcoming
When worshipers come to our church, Welcomers are the first people they meet. Their impression of our parish is initially formed by this encounter. Since we are the mother church of the Sacramento diocese, we represent the entire diocese as well as our parish. It is essential that we greet everyone with a warm smile and joyful “Good Morning” along with our worship aids. We work closely with the Safety Ministry to provide a safe environment for worship. As people leave Mass, we hand out bulletins and parking vouchers along with good wishes for the week to come. Since the Cathedral is our spiritual home, we want it to look its best for our guests. We spend time after Mass tidying the pews and collecting bulletins and worship aids.
Contact: Bob Meyers, 916-761-8193, cynm1@yahoo.com; Jaime Elizaldi, 916-799-2487, jaime.elizaldi@gmail.com
St. Vincent De Paul Society
The SVdP Society is dedicated to providing compassionate, one-on-one support to individuals facing hardship in our community. Our volunteer ministers serve with confidentiality and respect, offering financial assistance and resources to address needs such as shelter, utilities, and weekly food distribution to the homeless of downtown Sacramento. Additionally, Vincentians provide spiritual encouragement and strength to both those we serve and to one another, fostering a caring and supportive environment.
Contact: Marc Anthony Rosario, marc.anthony.rosario@gmail.com
St. Vincent De Paul Society
The SVdP Society is dedicated to providing compassionate, one-on-one support to individuals facing hardship in our community. Our volunteer ministers serve with confidentiality and respect, offering financial assistance and resources to address needs such as shelter, utilities, and weekly food distribution to the homeless of downtown Sacramento. Additionally, Vincentians provide spiritual encouragement and strength to both those we serve and to one another, fostering a caring and supportive environment.
Contact: Marc Anthony Rosario, marc.anthony.rosario@gmail.com
St. Vincent De Paul Society
The SVdP Society is dedicated to providing compassionate, one-on-one support to individuals facing hardship in our community. Our volunteer ministers serve with confidentiality and respect, offering financial assistance and resources to address needs such as shelter, utilities, and weekly food distribution to the homeless of downtown Sacramento. Additionally, Vincentians provide spiritual encouragement and strength to both those we serve and to one another, fostering a caring and supportive environment.
Contact: Marc Anthony Rosario, marc.anthony.rosario@gmail.com
Ushers
Ushers greet and assist parishioners when they come to the Cathedral for Mass or other public activities. They also assist in the collection during Mass.
Contact: Parish Plant Manager, Tom Waddock, 916-444-3071, twaddock@cbssac.org