Far beyond simply pointing out architecture or explaining symbolism, Cathedral docents strive to create a sense of wonder and welcome for all, and to connect people with Christ in the spiritual heart of Silicon Valley.

Called to Share History in Downtown San José: Dee Danna

Dee Danna remembers the moment she first became involved in Saint Joseph Church’s renovation: in 1987 when Mary Ellen Fox invited a group to visit the empty church and learn about plans for its renovation and dedication as our Cathedral. As the project progressed, Dee volunteered with five or six others to guide visitors through the restoration studios and eventually gave “Hard Hat Tours” of the church.

“It was a delight to learn about Bishop Pierre DuMaine’s vision,” she recalled, referring to the diocese’s first Bishop’s hope to revitalize the sacred space. Tours were eventually discontinued after the Cathedral’s dedication. When she learned from reading The Valley Catholic that a formal docent program had been established, she re-signed up to take the training in 2014.

Over the decades, Dee has not only witnessed beauty but also had personal encounters with God while giving tours. “Whether locals or world travelers, our visitors are in awe of the design, the art, and the spiritual symbolism tucked into our historic church. I feel honored to be in this sacred space; to share it with guests, and to see it touch their hearts and souls.”

More Than a Tour: Tim Lavelle

For Tim Lavelle, becoming a docent was a natural extension of his personal milestones celebrated at the Cathedral, where his son received confirmation, where his daughter was married, and later, where he was also married.

A lifetime spent in the Basilica means that he feels particularly at home there, which fills his ministry with a certain degree of flexibility. “Each tour is different and I try to read my audience to determine what will inspire them and then customize how I will guide them.”

While guiding tours, he sometimes finds himself fielding profound questions. “A young girl once asked me if Saint Joseph was Jesus’s father. Another time, a visitor confided about a dream of escaping demons through a sanctuary that looked exactly like Saint Joseph’s.” In these cases, as in others, Tim has realized, “Sometimes a docent just needs to listen.”

Tim shared that his favorite depiction of Jesus is the statue of Saint Joseph teaching the adolescent Christ carpentry. He has found his faith transformed by it, and by many of the images of Christ at the Basilica. “I appreciate the Cathedral more every time I walk into the church, the many different images of Jesus in the Cathedral, because for me He has become more real, more human, more approachable.”

An Ambassador for the Church: James Powers

James Powers first entered the Cathedral in 1972, seeking a quiet refuge from his job at the nearby Museum of Art. Decades later, he accepted an invitation from a friend to become a docent. For him, the task, or mission as docent, is clear. “Most visitors are non-Catholic. In that sense, we docents are ambassadors for the Church by sharing the rich history and the vital role it continues to play in the Santa Clara Valley.”

He related two stories: One afternoon, a young woman with tattoos and a nose ring came to the Cathedral as an unlikely guest. She asked James if she could sing quietly to herself. “She sang hymns from the Book of Psalms like an angel for over an hour,” he recalled. Before leaving, she confided her struggles at home and her solace in singing. James was touched, “I told her the Lord must be very pleased with her and thanked her for gracing us with her lovely voice.”

For James, encounters like this embody the Cathedral’s mission. He mused, “Christ reminds me that all are welcome in this place. I believe He has called me to be an ambassador for the Good News by serving as a docent. This is the beauty of our faith: engaging the world by living the Gospel and making sure that ‘all are welcome’ in our church.”

Many Stories within a Story: Lily Tenes and Michael Barry

At 93, Lily Tenes has lived nearly her entire life somehow connected to Saint Joseph Cathedral, first attending its original elementary school which closed in 1953. Her Notre Dame graduation took place there in 1951, her wedding in 1955, and this year she plans to celebrate their 70th anniversary.

On the Cathedral floor, her favorite stop is the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. “She is the mother of Jesus and has a strong presence in my Mexican culture,” Lily explains. “Her miraculous story continues to inspire others.”

For Michael Barry, history is the heart of the Cathedral. A San José resident since 1966, he was drawn to docent training after spotting an ad in The Valley Catholic. He reports that he has found purpose in sharing the Cathedral’s stories. “Every piece has its own story — the Cruciform design, the side altar statues carved from a sailing ship, the Stations of the Cross, the stained-glass windows, the Odell organ. I never tire of telling them.”

Lily echoed Michael’s affinity for art and history, as well as the stories the Basilica contains. “Every statue and stained-glass window has a story of a great saint behind the artwork, which is inspiring to retell,” she reported. She added that this matches her own personal passion for art, music, and culture. For Michael, visitor responses are the true treasure. “After I explain something, I love to see them react emotionally — smiling, asking more questions. That, to me, is the reward.”

A 'Seat’ of Transformation

For Dee, and for all the docents, sharing the Cathedral is a ministry of listening, history, and hope. It is a ‘seat’ — cathedra comes from the Latin for seat — of transformation for many. She has a message for everyone in the diocese: “Come into our home, God’s home, and feel His Love and His peace.” She confesses that walking through the doors changes her perspective in a myriad of ways every time.

From her own experience as a docent, Lily encourages all people to consider ‘giving back’ in any ministry where they feel called. “People should always share their God-given gifts with others whether it be cooking, sports, music or math...there is a ministry for everyone! It is through those connections with people and God that your personal faith will grow.”

For those who walk through its doors and for the docents who welcome them, sharing the Cathedral is a ministry of discovery, connection, prayer, and growth together. As custodians of memory, docents invite others not just to see a historic landmark, but to encounter something deeper. For Tim, “It still takes my breath away.”

One Church, Two Titles:

Cathedral and Basilica Explained

A cathedral becomes known as a basilica when the pope bestows the honorary title of basilica upon it, recognizing its historical, artistic, or liturgical importance. A cathedral is defined by being the principal church of a diocese (the bishop's seat), while a basilica is a designation given by the pope for special privileges, which can include a cathedral. Therefore, a single church can hold both titles, and some cathedrals are indeed basilicas.