Good Shepherd Catholic Parish 608-268-9930
Education Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities--Education
Religious Education Programs: K-12
The Religious Education Program for preschool/kindergarten through High school provide ongoing opportunities for religious learning for children and youth enrolled in local public schools.
--6grade through High School is on Sunday evening at St. James site 6:30-7:45 pm
--Bilingual sacramental program is on Tuesday evenings at St. James site 6:30-7:45pm
--Kindergarten through Grade 5 is on Thursday evenings at St. Joseph site 6:30-7:45pm
Ongoing needs include volunteer catechists (teachers) and catechists’ assistants, who plan and implement weekly lessons. Commitment is for class each week, necessary preparation along with occasional ongoing in-service. If interested, please contact
Sr. Zita Simon, 271-5771, zsimon@straphael.org
Special Requirements: All volunteers must take part in the diocesan mandated VIRTUS training. This training is provided for new volunteers who interact with young people in our parish. Previous teaching, childcare, or group leadership experience is helpful but is not required.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults RCIA:
Our parish offers the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), the process through which non-baptized and baptized men and women from non-Catholic traditions enter the Catholic Church. These men and women are guided and cared for as they awaken in faith and are gradually introduced to the Catholic way of life. Participants undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and in the Catholic Church and receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist with support of a sponsor.
Sponsor's Commitment:
Involvement in the RCIA process involves dedication to spiritual growth throughout ones lifetime. A sponsor should be well grounded in the Catholic faith tradition and be willing to share that faith intimately with another person.
For more information about this program, please contact
Sr. Zita Simon, 271-5771 or zsimon@straphael.org
Baptismal Preparation:
The couples involved in this ministry work with the young parents who are seeking to have their children baptized at the St. James or St. Joseph Site. The Baptismal preparation takes place on the 2nd Sunday of each month on a rotating basis between the two sites.
Sr. Zita Simon, 271-5771 or zsimon@straphael.org
Confirmation Preparation Program:
The St. James Parish Confirmation Preparation Program provides sacramental preparation to young people grades 9 -12 who are seeking to celebrate Confirmation.
Small group leaders, sponsors and guest speakers are always needed.
Volunteer Commitment:
Small group leaders commit to foster group dynamics in small group settings for a one year cycle of Confirmation related activities, including several group meetings and a one day long retreat. Small group leaders also commit to preparation and to planning meetings as necessary. Sponsors provide emotional and spiritual support to one particular confirmation candidate for one year, including presence at several two-hour Sunday Faith-sharing evenings and at part of the day-long retreat. For further information, please contact Sr. Zita Simon, 271-5771 or zsimon@straphael.org
Faith Formation/Adult Bible Study:
Interested in learning more about the Bible? Join us on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm, in the St. Joseph Library, for “faith” discussions which often tie to the current world. No experience necessary.
You can use your own bible or one from the church library.
Carole Kinney, 271-1132 Education Commission:
St. James school volunteers:
Tutors read to children, listen to children read, and help children with math and various other subjects.
Computer Room Volunteers help students after the technology instructor presents a lesson. Volunteers can also help students with proofreading students' work as the students edit their writing.
Playground Helpers provide safety for the children at lunch time recess (11:45 am 12:30 pm). One day a week or a one day a month is a great help.
Daycare Providers offer child care when the regular school has ended .
Volunteers are always welcome to play with youngsters, help in studies and with projects.
Library Workers are needed for a variety of jobs: to put books away on shelves, to type cards, to cover books and to read to children.
Volunteer Commitment: All volunteer opportunities take place during the school year, September through June.
Contact St. James School/ or Sister Kathleen Loughrin 256-3095.