Altar Guild
The Altar Guild at the Cathedral is a diverse ministry that includes members of both sexes and all ages. The primary duties of the Altar Guild are to prepare and maintain the altars, and to set up communion vessels for worship services, baptisms, funerals, weddings and certain Diocesan services. Members serve in groups of two and each group is currently asked to serve five Sundays each year. Members are also asked to attend two meetings each year. Special training is provided by the sacristan at the new members’ convenience and will continue until the new member feels comfortable in performing tasks. If you are interested in serving on the Altar Guild, please contact the Cathedral.

Campus Ministry
The Cathedral is located near several colleges and universities. We are virtually across the street from the Johns Hopkins Campus and are within a mile of Notre Dame and Loyola. Special events for college students (such as monthly dinners) are held from time to time and the Cathedral staff also works with the Johns Hopkins Chaplains office to support its ministry and provide an Episcopal presence on campus. If you would like more information about campus ministry or would like to be involved in helping with this ministry, please contact Canon Jan Hamill (410-467-3750, jhamill@thecathedral.ang-md.org).

Chalicists
Chalicists at the Cathedral are lay people who assist the Clergy during communion by administering the cup to members of the congregation. Chalicists are asked to arrive at least twenty minutes prior to the start of the service so that they can vest and participate in pre-service prayer. Each chalicist is asked to serve four to five Sundays in each four-month period. Chalicists must be comfortable presenting the cup to an intergenerational congregation, and need the stamina to serve in this capacity graciously and, sometimes, for extended periods. Training is required and is provided by the Deacon as needed. If you are interested in becoming a chalicist, please contact the Cathedral.

Flowers
Flower arrangements for Sunday services and other special services held at the Cathedral (including weddings) are done by Cathedral volunteers. The volunteers’ responsibilities include discussing flower choices with the person donating (or in the case of a wedding, for example, purchasing) the arrangement, purchasing flowers for the arrangement and making the arrangement prior to the date of the service. There are no restrictions or special skills required though volunteers should have an interest in learning how to arrange flowers. Training is provided on a case by case basis. If you are interested in serving on the Flower Guild, please contact the Cathedral.

Foyer Groups
Foyer Groups at the Cathedral provide a fun and easy way to meet other Cathedral members in a social setting. Each Foyer Group is comprised of ten to twelve Cathedral members who meet once every four to six weeks from October to June of each year (for a total of about six meetings). The groups generally gather for a potluck supper at one of the member’s homes. Some groups have elected to study certain books and others gather for a purely social time. Each member is asked to contribute some portion of the meal and, although it is not required, it is also hoped that each member will host a meal once during the year. If you are interested in joining a Foyer Group or would like the names of other people who might be interested in starting a new group, please contact the Cathedral.

Hospitality/Community Life
Hospitality at the Cathedral includes a variety of activities. Events and activities that fall under this category include Sunday coffee hours, receptions for special services, and parties such as the annual Twelfth Night party. A hospitality volunteer’s duties will vary depending on the event. Coffee hour volunteers, for example, are asked to serve approximately two Sundays a year (more or less depending on the number of volunteers). Volunteers for other events are asked for assistance on an event by event basis. If you are interested in helping with some form of hospitality, please contact the Cathedral.

Lay Readers
Lay readers serve at all worship services by reading lessons and leading the congregation in prayers. There are no age restrictions but all readers need to be able to read, to speak clearly, and be comfortable speaking before the congregation. Lay readers generally are asked to serve for a four-month session and will be asked to read two or three times in that four-month period. All new readers are asked to meet with the lay reader coordinator for basic training. Readers are asked to practice their readings ahead of time, to arrive at a service in which they will be participating at least twenty minutes prior to the start of the service, and to pick up any illuminations and prayer lists prior to the service. Readers also are asked to attend one lunch meeting each Fall for purposes of getting to know each other, and to share tips and strategies for effective and meaningful reading. If you are interested in serving as a reader, please contact the Cathedral.

Office Volunteers
Office Volunteers are needed from time to time to assist with bulletins and special mailings. The time commitment required varies with the task. If you are interested in volunteering for office work, please contact Caroline Bomgardner (410-467-3750).

Ushers
Ushers serve Sunday mornings at the 10:30 service. They hand out bulletins, work with the welcomers to greet new and returning members, count the attendance, collect the offering, assist during communion, and help after the service with the cleaning and straightening of pews. Ushers serve on teams and each team is asked to serve seven to eight times a year. Ushers are asked to arrive at the service thirty minutes ahead of time and to stay for about ten minutes after each service. Meetings of the ushers are held only occasionally. No formal training is required but each volunteer receives a manual with additional information and the head volunteer for each team works with new volunteers to provide directions and instructions. If you are interested in serving as an usher, please contact the Cathedral.

Welcomers
Welcomers at the Cathedral are a group of members who greet people as they enter church and extend special recognition to visitors and newcomers, inviting them to share names and addresses with us. The group sponsors newcomer receptions which are held twice a year and are intended as a way to meet new people and share with them information about the Cathedral. Volunteers on this committee are asked to serve one Sunday a month (for thirty minutes prior to the service, five to ten minutes after the service has begun and during coffee hour), and to participate in the newcomer receptions. The group has formal meetings only on an occasional basis. The only skills required are the ability to smile and be friendly. If you are interested in serving as a welcomer, please contact the Cathedral.