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Washington, DC 20007
202-337-2840
Volunteer Opportunities in Religious Education & Faith Formation
Volunteer Opportunities are available with:
* K-12 Religious Education and Youth Ministry *
* Adult Education and Faith Formation *
Volunteer Opportunities with
K-12 Religious Education Program and Youth Ministry
Parents and interested parishioners can play a very important role assisting the catechetical ministry of sharing the Catholic faith with our youth. The catechists need your support and “hands on” assistance to bring a full learning environment to all of our youth. If you are interested in serving as part of the catechetical team, please read through the identified needs below. Some of these are a “one time” occurrence, some reflect an ongoing need. Some of these opportunities can be completed from home, some during the week, and there are needs that must be filled on a Sunday morning!
However you feel you might join in the catechetical ministry at Holy Trinity, your gifts of time, talent and witness will be a treasure. Your prayerful support will enable our children to see faith in action and realize that we are all called to serve!
You can let us know of your willingness to assist by:
* indicating your preference on the Religous Education Registration Form,
* signing up on a Sunday morning in the Religious Education Resource Office located in the Upper School Cafeteria
* contacting Beth Ashby, Faith Formation/Religious Education Ministries Office Coordinator, 202-903-2808 or the Faith Formation/Religious Education Staff
All volunteers in the classroom interacting with children will be asked to comply with the Archdiocese of Washington’s Child Protection Policy.
Religious Education teachers are called Catechists. A Catechist, (from the Greek word “to echo”) is someone commissioned by the Parish “to hand down” its faith tradition. Two catechists are needed in each grade level.
Time Commitment:
· Sunday Mornings 9:45am-11:30am (class time is 10:10-11:15)
· Weekly planning (1-3 hours)
· Four workshops throughout the year (all on Sundays immediately after RE, childcare can be provided)
o Fall Kick-Off workshop
o Advent Workshop
o Lent Workshop
o New Curriculum Orientation/Planning Workshop
Level of Experience Needed: All experience levels needed, less experienced individuals will be placed with those with more experience. Training is provided.
These individuals need to be available on short notice to fill in for an absent catechist. Lesson plans would be supplied, along with all materials.
Time Commitment: Occasional Sunday Mornings 9:45am-11:30am
Experience/Skills Desired: All experience levels needed, less experienced individuals will be placed with those with more experience. Welcome to attend any Catechist training/workshops. Preferred grade level can be specified.
These volunteers coordinate a variety of activities as indicated by the grade level and/or the needs of the catechist; and assist in facilitating communication among parents, catechist and staff. Duties include: assisting the catechist in all communication, classroom assistant to the catechist and special occasions coordinator, last day of RE round up of materials, organization of catechist appreciation within the classroom, foster parent involvement and community within the classroom.
Time Commitment: Approximately 1 hour per month. Some additional work seasonally (can vary based on the liturgical season).
Experience/Skills Desired: Any level of experience welcomed.
One individual is needed to coordinate the office assistants (see description below). Primary duties will be scheduling and emailing office assistants.
Time Commitment: Approximately 1 hour per month. Some additional work at year’s start.
Experience/Skills Desired: All levels of experience welcomed. Organizational skills are a plus.
These volunteers will assist in the Religious Education Office (in the Upper School) on Sunday mornings from 10-11:20. Duties may include sorting and administrative projects for the Religious Education/Faith Formation office, monitoring hallways, donut ministry, assisting with fire drills, etc.
Time Commitment: Sundays 10:10-11:20am, on a rotating basis.
Experience/Skills Desired: All levels of experience welcomed. Organizational skills are a plus.
These volunteers will assist in the Faith Formation/Religious Education Office (in the Parish Center). Duties will include computer office work, preparing classroom support materials, organizing library, etc.
Time Commitment: Any commitment between 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday, according to personal schedule
Experience/Skills Desired: All levels of experience welcomed. Organizational skills are a plus.
LITURGICAL SUPPORT—Class Mass (3-6) / Youth Mass (7-12)
Holy Trinity’s Religious Education program offers grade levels 3—12 the opportunity to plan and participate as ministers at a Sunday Liturgy. Class/Youth Mass assistants will work with the Coordinator of Religious Education (Class Masses) or Coordinator of Youth Ministries (Youth Masses), and catechists in preparing youth to participate fully in the ministries of the Mass.
Time Commitment: One Sunday per month, 10:10-11:20am
Experience/Skills Desired: Knowledge of liturgy helpful, but not necessary. Training will be provided.
These volunteers will assist the catechist and class as they plan and participate in service projects. Each class section will have one Service Coordinator who will maintain communication between the catechists and parents about service project reminders and needs.
This individual will send email reminders two weeks prior and two days prior to the dates of the following service projects:
- Monthly Collection (each month)
- SOME (So Others Might Eat) Donations (once during the year) – will send recipe along with reminder email
- SOME (So Others Might Eat) Service (8-12) (once during the year)
This individual will also recruit a Service Project Assistant for the following service projects:
- SOME Service Driver Coordinator (8-12)
- Family Sandwich Service Project Assistant (3-6)
- Families to Families Project Assistant (K-12)
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours a month. Some additional work seasonally.
Experience/Skills Desired: Organizational skills a plus.
These volunteers will be under the direction of the Service Coordinator, and will coordinate one specific project for their child’s class section. Please speak with your class section’s Service Coordinator to volunteer.
SOME (So Others Might Eat) Driver Coordinator (8-12): This individual will volunteer to drive the class to SOME, as well as coordinate any additional drivers needed.
Families Sandwich Service Project Assistant (3-6): This individual will mail reminders two weeks prior and two days prior to the Family Sandwich Service date. They will also lead set up, opening reflection, and clean up. Each class section will make sandwiches once during the year.
Families to Families Project Assistant (K-12): This individual will head the discussion between parents and students to determine what ways the class wants to support their assigned Catholic Spanish Center family. They will serve as the main contact for this project and will send reminders as necessary. Project Assistant will work with Coordinator of Youth Ministries to determine collection dates. This may also involve collaborating with other Families to Families Project Assistants.
The Religious Education Program needs volunteers to assist with: singing, drama, sewing, music, crafts and safety programs. Or, if you have a talent you would like to share, let us know! Duties for specific talents could include:
· Talents in photography: taking pictures of various Sunday Morning Religious Education programs
o Example: Going into classrooms, service opportunities, seasonal plays etc.)
· Talents in Singing/Drama: helping catechists bring music, song, and plays into the classroom to enliven and enrich the curriculum and content.
o Example: Writing scripts for Journey to Bethlehem, leading music)
· Talent in Sewing/Crafts: Helping catechists and RE/FF staff in preparing support materials for craft projects.
Time Commitment: Sunday Mornings, 10:10-11:20am, as needed
Experience/Skills Desired: Any talents welcomed.
Individuals who are interested in working with children with special needs (hearing impaired, children on the autism spectrum, or other challenges) may serve as catechists. If you have professional training in this area, we welcome your participation. Classroom volunteers are also needed.
Time Commitment: Two class sessions a month, preparation time
Experience/Skills Desired: Experience of working with special needs children helpful.
Volunteers are needed to help with the Confirmation Preparation Program as Peer Ministers (High Schoolers) or Adult Ministers. Duties may include assisting with the planning of the Confirmation sessions, planning and participating in the two Confirmation retreats, and leading a group of Confirmation Candidates as they prepare for the celebration of Confirmation.
Additional volunteers are needed periodically to serve behind the scenes, helping with office work and projects.
Time Commitment:
· Wednesday evening team meetings, twice a month
· Five Wednesday night sessions (with the Confirmation Candidates)
· Two retreats (with the Confirmation Candidates)
Experience/Skills Desired: All experience levels welcomed.
REAP (Religious Education Advisory Parents) BOARD
Parents who are willing to offer suggestions and support of the Religious Education Program. Their guidance and parental input serves to nurture and strengthen our Sunday Morning K—12 Program.
Time Commitment: Approximately 1 hour a month
Experience/Skills Desired: Willingness to discuss the Sunday Morning Program through a lens for faith formation and forming youth as men & women for others.
Teens and Families are invited to help out with the 9am Donut Ministry set-up and clean-up. This is a fundraising opportunity for the Youth Ministry program.
Time Commitment: Sunday mornings 30 minutes before the 9:00am Mass (set-up), and 45 minutes after Mass (clean up). Volunteers may sign up on a regular basis (i.e. every fourth Sunday of the month), or for individual Sundays according to your schedule.
Experience/Skills Desired: All skill levels welcomed. Students can sign up individually, or as a family.
Volunteer Opportunities with
Adult Education & Faith Formation
For more information or to volunteer with Adult Faith Formation, contact Judith Brusseau, Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation and Relgious Education, 202-903-2807.
Parishioners who walk the process of RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) with those who are entering into the Catholic Church and celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation. Team members serve as facilitators, hospitality, and support. Sponsors serve as mentors, companions, and support.
Time Commitment:
· Tuesday evening meetings (7:00-9:00pm) September through May
· Scripture Reflection during Sunday Masses November through April (Mass time varies throughout the year)
· May also involve some preparation time.
Experience/Skills Desired: Willingness to share faith experiences, good listener, and an understanding of the Catholic way of life. Training, formation, materials, support and resources will be provided.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION FACILITATORS
Married couples are invited to facilitate our Marriage Preparation Program. Training and materials are provided.
Time Commitment: Facilitate one session per year. Each session consists of five continuous Thursday evenings (7:00-9:00pm). Some preparation time may also be needed.
Experience/Skills Desired: Insight from all stages of marriage are welcomed – both long-time married couples and newly married couples. Widowed or divorced singles are also welcome to facilitate alongside a married couple.
Coming Home is a discussion group for returning Catholics and those wanting to learn more about the Catholic faith. Volunteers are needed for leadership and hospitality.
Time Commitment: Wednesday evening meetings (7:15-9:15pm)
Experience/Skills Desired: Good listener, willingness to share one’s own faith and answer ordinary questions about Catholicism. Background in Theology and parish ministries helpful.
Parishioners interested in the evangelization mission of the parish. This is a Committee established by the Parish Pastoral Council to advise and support the ongoing faith formation activities in the Parish.
Time Commitment: Quarterly meetings.
Experience/Skills Desired: Willingness to look at all parish programs to advise and assist in planning a wide range of adult faith formation apportunities.