Cathedral Altar Society

The  Altar Society was organized in 1902 to provide for the needs and maintenance of the altar, sacristy, and sanctuary of the parish church of St. John Berchmans.  Now, the Cathedral Altar Society  provides for the altars of both the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans and the St. Michael the Archangel Chapel.

Meetings

The Cathedral Altar Society members gather each week in the Cathedral to accomplish the following tasks:  cleaning of the sanctuary and the vessels used in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, laundering the altar linens, preparing candles and candleholders, assisting with the upkeep of the sanctuary.

Several times a year we have additional seasonal meetings.  Throughout the year, other Altar Society tasks include:  making of altar linens, purificators, corporals, setting up the Cathedral at Christmas, Easter, and other special occasions, such as Chrism Mass, caring for articles used by priests during liturgical services.

Call as Needed List

Want to help, but are unavailable to complete an ongoing commitment right now?  We have several volunteers that are “on call” at various times of the year for special tasks, such as cleaning of the palms for Palm Sunday.  Let us know if you are interested in joining the Altar Society in that capacity.

If you are interested in joining the Cathedral Altar Society contact the Cathedral office 221-5296.  Being an Altar Society member brings fulfillment in working together to make the Cathedral and Chapel spaces thoroughly prepared for both sacred and communal events.