& Catholic Campus Ministry
Office 513 523 2153 Fax 513 523 0559
Email: info@stmaryoxfordohio.org
Religious Education Volunteers Opportunities
YOUTH CATECHIST (TEACHER) | SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION CATECHIST (TEACHER) | R.C.I.A. TEAM MEMBER | R.C.I.A. SPONSOR | FAMILY PROGRAM LEADER | HIGH SCHOOL MISSION TRIP | VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Mission: To proclaim Christ’s message, to participate in efforts to develop community, to lead people to worship and prayer, and to motivate them to serve others. (National Catechitical Directory, 213).
Description: Catechists are responsible for the faith formation of St. Mary parishioners from pre-school through high school through weekly classroom meetings. Materials and training to facilitate the growth of the particular class’ age group are provided.
Time and Training Expectations: Catechists attend three training sessions. After training, they will be responsible for a one hour or one and an half hour classroom meeting each week. Pre-school meets Sunday mornings, elementary grades meet Wednesday d evenings, and Junior and Senior High students meet Sunday evenings.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION CATECHIST (TEACHER)
Mission: To prepare individuals, through education and reflection, for a proper understanding and reception of a sacrament, and to experience the fullness of God’s grace conveyed in the sacrament.
Description: Catechists prepare expectant parents for the baptism of an infant child, and working with parents prepare older children for a reception of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation.
Time and Training Expectations: Materials and training are provided. The time commitment depends on the number of individuals seeking sacramental preparation.
Mission: To accompany individuals on their faith journey as they explore and discern the validity of the Catholic faith in their lives.
Description: Team members prepare and facilitate weekly meetings which offer information and formation in Catholic tradition, practice and prayer to prepare individuals seeking for baptism or full reception in the Church.
Time and Training Expectations: Team member participate in summer planning meetings as well as occasional meetings throughout the year. When possible, team members attend a one-time two-day summer workshop. Team members also facilitate weekly Monday evening meetings as well as participate in the Thanksgiving Mass and Easter Vigil rituals.
Mission: To support individuals, by a personal witness and faith sharing as they explore and discern the validity of the Catholic faith in their lives.
Description: Sponsors provide a personal companionship to individuals exploring participation in the Catholic Church. Sponsors represent St. Mary and the larger universal faith community to welcome, reassure, and nurture an individual in their faith journey. Sponsors witness, listen, answer and stand with another person in their discernment, as needed.
Time and Training Expectations: Sponsors commit themselves to a person as much as to a process. Several sponsor training sessions are provided as part of the Monday evening RCIA meetings throughout the year. Sponsors participate in the Thanksgiving Mass and Easter Vigil rituals and call, visit or talk with an individual as needed.
Mission: To provide faith formation to a family, creating an environment where both adult and child share their faith and witness, by example, what it means to be a disciple of Christ in everyday situations.
Description: Adult volunteers lead prayer and reflections and facilitate discussion and activities around a particular theme or teaching of faith.
Time and Training Expectations: Materials and lesson planning support are provided. Programs are held one Wednesday afternoon or evening each month.
Mission: To serve the Gospel call to justice in word
and deed, to learn about and promote Church social teaching.
Description: High school students spend one summer week
at a mission site as parish representatives and gospel ministers. The
week is comprised of a manual labor service project, discussion and reflection
about social justice and service, and exposure to racial, economic and
cultural differences.
Time and Training Expectations: Participants participate in meetings to acquaint them with Catholic social justice teachings and to equip them to minister in the situation they are sent to serve. Participants also need one free week during the summer as well as time to participate in pre-trip fundraisers.
Mission: To increase a young child’s familiarity with and love for the Hebrew and Christian scriptures; to introduce a young child to the love God has for us and communicates to us.
Description: Team members lead children in games, song, and study that focus on a particular biblical theme.
Time and Training Expectations: Team members need good communication skills, a love for children, and a familiarity with the provided leader’s materials. Team members meet for several summer planning sessions and volunteer each morning for a one week program (Monday-Friday).