Volunteer - Seton Shrine

Volunteer

Volunteer at the Seton Shrine

Join the Seton Shrine community in a special way by volunteering! There are a number of ways to become involved, including liturgical ministries at Mass, hospitality in the museum and Basilica, helping hands for retreats, and much more. Volunteers can choose any schedule that works for them, whether that’s monthly, weekly, or just once in a while. The Shrine is truly grateful for the wonderful community of volunteers here, as each play such an invaluable role in continuing the mission of promoting Mother Seton’s life and legacy. We would love to have you join the Shrine volunteer family too!

Volunteer Roles

Liturgical

  1. Sacristan 
  2. Lector
  3. Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
  4. Altar Server
  5. Usher

Programs & Offerings

  1. Basilica Docent
  2. Exhibit Docent
  3. Living History Interpreter
  4. Office Support

Special Events

  1. Set-up/Clean-up
  2. Hospitality
  3. Day-of Support
  4. Shuttle Driver

Saints on Their Way - A Festival of American Causes

Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13 2026

Guilds from across America will gather at Seton Shrine for a weekend dedicated to promoting American causes for canonization.

Saturday Conference: guild members will participate in presentations and discussions about the Vatican’s canonization process.

Sunday Festival: Guilds will host informational exhibits near the Legacy Garden, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about their missions and the candidates whose causes they support. The festival will also feature food trucks, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. 

Volunteers needed: Welcome & Hospitality, Event Set-Up, Event Clean-Up, and Information Table Assistance.

Sea Services Ceremony and Dinner

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and Public Health Services are invited for a special Mass and Dinner to join family, friends, and members of the public in prayer to ask Mother Seton, the Patroness of the Sea Services, for her continued intercession for the safety of those serving in the Sea Services.

Volunteers needed: Welcome & Hospitality, Dinner Serving Support, Parking Support

Walk with Mary : Pray for Peace

A multi-cultural inclusive celebration.

Saturday, October 10, 2026 11:30AM-5:00PM

Enjoy a day of community and culture, celebrating peace, faith, community and unity. This day invites people of all ages to come together in prayer and in a spirit of peace. Celebrating our Lady Mary through procession, prayer, music, food, and focus talks. Latino, Filipino, Cameroon and more! (Talks in English and Spanish). Ending with a beautiful group Mass at 4PM.

Volunteers needed: Welcome & Hospitality, Parking Support, Bilingual Spanish Volunteers, First Aid Tent Support

Volunteer for Back from the Dead

Must be age 14 or above.

If you’d like to attend the event (for free!) while also lending a helping hand, you are welcome to sign up for guide, fire pit, Basilica Hospitality or more! Volunteer for one or more nights. Little prep needed, just two hours of orientation.

Dates available for volunteering:

  • Thursday: Oct. 22
  • Fridays: Oct. 9, 16, 23
  • Saturdays: Oct. 10, 17, 24
  • Sundays: Oct. 11, 18, 25
  • Stage performance: Nov. 1

Time commitment: For guides, 2-3 hours starting at either 6:00pm or 6:30pm, your choice! For fire pit, 3-4 hours starting at 5:30pm.

Orientation/Training Date: Monday, 10/5 from 5:00 – 7:00pm

Volunteers Needed For Academy Alive

Welcome to Academy Alive, our living history program where we bring Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s school, St. Joseph’s School, to life as it would have been in the year 1818 when Mother Seton was still living and leading her community.

Strolling Interpreters, Welcome guides, Field Games Stewards, and Arts & Craft volunteers are needed for Academy Alive 2026!

Contact Penny Sims to learn more: [email protected]

 

Become a Basilica Docent

Become a part of the Basilica Docent Volunteer Team at Seton Shrine

Do you love the history and beauty of the Basilica? The inspiring story of Elizabeth Ann Seton?

Basilica Docents play a vital role at Seton Shrine, welcoming and guiding visitors through our beautiful Basilica, sharing its rich history, and helping preserve the peaceful, prayerful atmosphere of the Shrine.

Scheduling is flexible to fit your availability (Monday-Saturday).

Contact Penny Sims to learn more: [email protected]

 

Sacristan Team

Join us in creating a reverent and beautiful environment for worship at the Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg, MD. 

Sacristan Altar Team:

Prepare the sanctuary for Mass and Adoration, assist clergy, and care for sacred vessels.

No experience necessary—training provided! If you’re a practicing Catholic with a heart for service, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Penny Sims to learn more: penny.sims@setonshrine.

Steps to Volunteer

  1. Application Form
    • Complete the Seton Shrine’s volunteer form and include which volunteer roles you might be interested in helping out with.
  2. Background Check & VIRTUS Child Protection Training
    • Before being officially accepted as a volunteer, we ask all adults 18 years of age and older to complete a standard volunteer background check and a 45 minute online training.
  3. Interview & Placement
    • This is a time for you to meet some of the Shrine staff and for us to meet you! Based on the current volunteer needs, we will share the role(s) that might fit your interests.
  4. Training/Orientation
    • This varies depending on your volunteer role(s).
Volunteer Application Form