Adult Formation Catechist | Assistant Catechist | Building Monitor
Catechist | Liturgy/Music | Office Volunteer | Substitute Catechist
Volunteer Roles
The Religious Education program at St. Mary's is made up
of volunteers willing to offer their time and talents to the youth of our
community. The most important requirement for working in t
he program is the
volunteer's desire to share their love of God with the children of the
parish, and/or with adult catechumens. If you are interested in becoming a
teacher or volunteer, please contact Sr. Maria Romero at the Religious
Education Office.
All adults working with children in the Diocese of Joliet
are required to attend and be certified in the Protecting God’s Children
program. Certification sessions, which require a three hour time commitment,
are held throughout the year.
The following volunteer positions are available. Most work takes place on weekend mornings, unless otherwise indicated. English speaking, Spanish speaking, and bilingual volunteers are needed for each of these positions.
Adult Formation Catechist
Assists adults in formation related to their
children’s reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation, First
Eucharist, or Confirmation. Training will be provided by the Religious
Education Office. The parent meetings are scheduled on Tuesday and/or
Thursday evenings throughout the school year.
Assistant Catechist
Assists Catechists in teaching children in the Saturday and Sunday morning Religious Education program. The work includes assisting the teacher in planning classes, assisting in material preparation for classes, and occasionally filling in for the teacher.
Building Monitor
In order the ensure the safety of students while they
are in our care, the Religious Education program has building
monitors in all of the buildings during all weekend morning class
sessions. This commitment is for two hours and involves ensuring that
children that leave the classroom return as appropriate, and that all
children are picked up and dropped off safely.
Catechist
Teaches children in the Saturday and Sunday morning Religious Education classes. With the help of an assistant and under the guidance of the Director of Religious Education, the teacher plans and teaches classes, participates in teacher formation sessions, and sets an example for the children of the parish.
Liturgy/Music
Throughout the year, the Religious Education department has special masses or liturgies for the children in the program. Our need for musicians to assist us in these efforts is continuous. The Liturgy/Music volunteer will assist in preparing materials for use at these special occasions.
Office Volunteer
During Saturday and Sunday morning class hours and on occasional weekday evenings, the Office Volunteer will assist in preparing material for upcoming special events, call the homes of children who did not attend class as expected, and perform other office duties as needed.
Substitute Catechist
Occasionally, Catechists have personal commitments or illnesses that prevent them from teaching as scheduled. Working with a lesson plan provided by the regular Catechist, the Substitute handles the scheduled class using the Lesson Plan materials and information provided.
To show great love for God and our neighbor we need not do great things. It is how much love we put in the doing that makes our offering something beautiful for God.
--Mother Theresa



