St. Mary School and Parish Volunteer Handbook

St. Mary School Volunteer Opportunities
Positions assisting teachers at school-during school hours
Health related school volunteer opportunities-during school hours
Volunteer School Positions-Afternoon Hours (After School)
Home & School Volunteer Positions (evening/weekend hours)
School Committee Positions (evening meeting time)
School Fundraising Volunteer Positions (evening meeting time)

Opportunities for Parish-Wide Activities
CYO Sports and Scouting-after school hours and weekends
Prayer & Worship Positions (during weekend mass)
Human Concerns & Outreach Opportunities
Health Ministry Opportunities
St. Mary Pre-School Volunteer Opportunities-Sunday/evenings
Christian Formation Opportunities-after school hours
Youth Ministry Opportunities-evening hours
Children’s Faith Formation Opportunities
Committee Positions-evening hours, usually once per month

Faith Support Programs for Members

St. Mary School Volunteer Opportunities

Positions assisting teachers at school-during school hours

1^st Grade Learning Center*-one morning per week from 8:10 to 9:40. 2 or 3 volunteers help students with reading games and listen to students read. Past volunteers have said this is a very rewarding job. 6 hrs/month

3^rd Grade Literature Circles*-1 hour on Wednesdays at 10am to lead book discussion for 8 students. 4-5 hrs/week

3^rd Grade Iowa Test Grids-Grid Iowa Test results during the first week in march. Approximately 2 hrs.

5^th Grade Invention Convention helper-help setup and takedown of convention during Catholic Schools Week.

School Liturgy Practice*-help the students prepare their readings. Contact Mrs. Weircincski, Principal. Grades 1-4 once per week on Thursdays; Grades 5-8 once per week on Tuesdays. 1 hr-week

International Faire Helper-Help students set-up and takedown the faire in February or March. 2-4 hrs/year

Science Fair, Health Fair, and Career Day-Help with set-up and takedown of these events. 2-4 hrs/year per event.

Playground Assistant*-Help supervise the students during recess. You must commit to one day per week for the semester or year to develop a rapport with the students. 2-10 hrs/week

Library Aid*-Once morning or afternoon per week. Volunteer’s primary job is to check out books and magazines for children during scheduled classes. Replace and return materials to proper shelves. Hours could vary, depending on the number of volunteers-8 hrs/month

Music Helper-Assist music teacher especially during Christmas concert and spring musical practices. Contact Mrs. Christiansen. 20 hrs/year

Pianist*-Play piano for masses, Christmas programs and spring musical. Contact Mrs. Christiansen. Hours will vary depending on number of volunteers

Gym Helper*-Assist in gym classes of kindergarten and first grade. Contact Ms. Loraff. Hours will vary depending on number of volunteers

Patrol Helper*-Make hot chocolate for patrollers on days when it is below 30 degrees and bring it to school. May also help with morning and afternoon checking. Contact Ms. Loraff. Approximately 5 hrs/year

Copy Machine Operator-Make copies in office once a week for up to two hours. No previous experience necessary. Contact Kathy Kovaks.

St. Mary Marquee-Update marquee sign in front of school, usually once or twice per month, and as needed. Contact Kathy Kovaks. 30 min-1 hr/month

Hot Lunch worker*- Need volunteers daily to distribute hot lunches and milk. Shift is approximately 11am-1pm. Can work every week, twice a month or once a month. 2-10 hrs/month. ______________________________________________________________

Health related school volunteer opportunities-during school hours

Health Room Laundry-Pick up and wash bedding from nurse’s room in rotation with other volunteers. If 20 people volunteer, then each volunteer is needed only once per month. Also need someone to coordinate and make up the schedule. 2 hrs/month.

Vision and Hearing Screening-Each of the two screenings is done one day in the year. No previous experience necessary. Training is given on the day of screening. 4 hrs/year

Head Lice Checker-Two or perhaps three times a year. No previous experience necessary. 6 hrs/year _____________________________________________________________

Volunteer School Positions-Afternoon Hours (After School)

Market Day Worker- Help crew to distribute food orders at school from 4:00-5:30pm, first Tuesday of each month. 1 ½ hrs/month

Battle of the Books Leaders*-

Battle of the Books is a reading club/competition open to all fourth and fifth grade students in any public, private, or parochial school in Kenosha County. Students read thrity books from a list that includes fiction, poetry, picture books, biography, and non-fiction. The season begins on November 1 and finishes at the end of April.

Assistant Coach*-Students meet once a week to discuss two out of the thirty titles on the BOB list and to practice the competition format. The meetings last approximately two hours and are held after school. The responsibilities of an assistant coach include reading the books, attending the weekly sessions, monitoring the student’s participation in discussion, and occasionally leading book discussions.

Guest Discussion Leader*-For those who cannot commit to full-time coaching, we offer the opportunity to come to one or more of our meetings sessions to act as a guest discussion leader. This would involve meeting with the head coaches to check the schedule for the date you would like to attend and to learn the titles of the books for that meeting so you could prepare materials to lead discussion.

Cub Scout Leader* (see page 7).

Sports Coach* (see page 7).

Other*-Be creative! Start your own after school program. Talk to the Principal. Some ideas: Chess Club, Sewing/Knitting Club, Book Group, etc.

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Home & School Volunteer Positions (evening/weekend hours)

Home & School Committee Member-The Home & School Committee meets once per month to plan activities and events. Will solicit nominees for the committee in the spring for next year’s committee

Baking and Cooking-For events and for teacher’s perks. Will be called as needed throughout the year. 6 hrs/year

Halloween Party-Help with set-up, clean-up and individual booths. Will solicit help in October

Catholic Schools Week-Help give tours, provide treats and participate in masses. Will solicit help in January

Book Fair-Book Fair is during Fall Conferences. Help setup, work a shift and help bread down. Volunteers will be called in October to take a shift. 2 hrs/year

Uniform Resale-Resale usually held in early August and during Book Fair. Involves set up, working shifts and break down. Volunteers will be called in October to take a shift. 2 hrs/year

School Picnic (end of the year)-Assist with sac lunches and provide activities for students by grade level. Will solicit school-wide help in May

Collate School Directory-One time job at the beginning of the school year. 3 hrs/year

Provide Book Sox-Compile book cover orders as they come into the office. Done at the beginning of the school year. 3 hrs/year

Provide School Pak-Send letter home to parents at the end of the school year asking parents to participate in this school supply offer. Gather orders and send into company. 1 volunteer needed. 4 hrs/year

Room Parents-Room parents, throughout the year, planned work on room and school activities for special occasions. Room parents work together with volunteer classroom parents and teachers to provide snacks and activities for the: Halloween Party/Social, Christmas Service Project, Teacher Appreciation Week, Teacher Birthday Recognition, 1^st Communion and Reconciliation, school picnic and misc. needs of teachers. The commitment is approximately 1-2 hours per activity. Much of the wok can be done at home by simply making phone calls for volunteers. Room parents are organized and kept informed through the year by the room parent committee members. 4 room parents per classroom 6-14 hrs/year

Craft Fair-The Craft Fair will be in November and will raise funds for Home & School.

Scrip Program Worker-Scrip orders are totaled on Tuesday mornings and compiled on Friday mornings (about 2 hours). Scrip is also sold after all weekend masses (about 15 minutes). 2 hrs/week

Supermarket receipts-Organize and tally receipts from supermarkets. Deliver to grocery store. Will train. Hours vary.

Campbell Soup Labels, General Mills Box Tops, and Dean’s Milk Caps-Cut and bundle. _____________________________________________________________

School Committee Positions (evening meeting time)

School Committee Member-Contact Sandy Wiercinski, Principal wiercinsky@stmarycatholic.org or 694-6018 ext. 129.

School committee meets the 2^nd Monday of the month at 7pm at the school. The committee consists of 12 members: Chairperson, secretary, 2 teacher representatives, Development Committee Chair, market Committee Chair, Curriculum & Playground Committee Chair, Home & School Representative, Non-school parent parish member, the Principal, The pastor, a parish council Representative. 3 hrs/month; 33 hrs/year

School Committee Sub-Committee Member- Parents are encouraged to assist with marketing and development.

Marketing: creating flyers, brochures, web sites advertisements etc. for the school.

Development: assist development director with contacting alumni, businesses and grandparents for financial donations and setting up an endowment or fund for scholarships for those in need.

Stewardship: help educate the parents about financial and volunteer options.

School Fundraising Volunteer Positions (evening meeting time)

School Fundraising Committee- The School Fundraising Committee meets one evening a month for about 2 hrs. Then will meet weekly 3 weeks before the annual fundraiser. The committee breaks into sub-committees: marketing and ticket sales, food and liquor, decorating/set up, silent auction/cash raffles. This is a real fun committee who get to know each other quite well. 20-30 hrs/year ______________________________________________________________

Opportunities for Parish-Wide Activities

CYO Sports and Scouting-after school hours and weekends

CYO Sports/Athletic Association*-

Athletic Association Members meet once per month (1^st Wednesday) for about 2-3 hours in the evening. The Association will recruit coaches for the various CYO sports and will work at their one and only fundraiser. 1^st Wed each month 7-9pm. 2-3 hrs/month

*Upcoming volunteer positions include coaching 5^th-8^th grade boys and girls basketball, girls volleyball and softball.

Coaching practices in evening or afternoons and game are on Saturday or Sunday. 4-6 hrs/week during the playing season of that sport

Scouting*: St. Mary parish has very active scouting programs available for any parishioner who wants to join.

Cub Scouts contact Craig Sheard 652-5852
Boy Scouts contact Bill Allan 658-0259
Girl Scouts

Prayer & Worship Positions (during weekend mass)

Prayer & Worship Committee Member-This committee consists of the coordinators of all the Sunday liturgy ministries: Eucharist Ministers, Ushers, Lectors, Arts and Environment, Music, Altar Servers and Greeters (also listed under Parish Life and Hospitality). The Coordinator duties include: creating a schedule every couple months, providing training for the ministry, attending P & W Committee meetings once per month.

Greeters-Training provided. Greeters welcome parishioners before the weekend masses. They arrive 20-25 min before their mass of choice and stand at the entrances and welcome parishioners with friendliness and offer directions or assistance if necessary. Scheduled for about 2 masses per month.

Weekend mass time of your choosing. 3 hrs/month

Lectors-Training provided (1-2 hours of initial training). Lectors read the 1^st and 2^nd readings, petitions and announcements during mass. Lectors need to take 1-2 hours of reading/meditating on readings prior to mass and they need to arrive 15 minutes before designated mass. Scheduled for about 2-3 masses/month. Weekend mass time of your choosing, 5-8 hrs/month

Eucharist Ministers- Training provided (1-2 hrs of initial training). Eucharist Ministers distribute the Body and Blood of Christ during mass. They need to arrive 15 minutes before designated mass. Scheduled for about 2-3 masses/month. Weekend mass time of your choosing, 2-3 hrs/month

Art and Environment-Training: minimal to none. Decorate the church (setup/take down), coordinate with Kathi Wolf and Ministry Chair a few times per year: typically some time before Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving. Weekday or Saturday mornings. Time varies: a few hours per year.

Ushers-Training provided. Usher during weekend masses. Ushers need to arrive 15-20 minutes before mass. Preferably scheduled weekly, minimum 2-3 masses per month. Currently looking for a chair for this committee. Weekend mass time of your choosing. 3-7 hrs/month

Church Music Ministry-Contact Teresa Setter at 694-6018 ext 137.
The role of anyone who sings, plays piano or plays an instrument is to lead and encourage the assembly in singing. Their task is to assist in the full participation of everyone joining in on the songs, acclamations and responses. Musicians by their role add beauty and solemnity to our liturgical celebrations. Anyone wanting to participate in the ministries listed below needs to possess basic musical skills and to carry out their ministry with a spirit of prayerfulness. This ministry also requires dedicated preparation and commitment. The music ministry is one of service for the good of St. Mary’s community and for the glory of God.

Those who have a gift of music to share can do so by participating in the following:

Song leaders (cantor)(leading the congregation in song) 7:30 a.m especially needs help.
Pianists (being able to accompany the congregation in song at Mass.)
Adult choir sings at 9:00am Mass: weekly rehearsal from Sept.- May. Wed. 7-9 p.m.
Youth choir members grades 7 through 12 sing at the 6:00pm Mass once a month from Sept. through April. All youth are welcome to sing!! Be there at 4:44 p.m. to rehearse before each designated Mass. Call for a schedule of dates and times.
Instrumentalists-Youth in high school or adults who play strings, flute, clarinet, trumpet, etc. are needed for Masses throughout the liturgical year.

Being involved in the music ministry is an ideal way to share one’s musical talents and enriching oneself and others in using the gifts that the Lord has given to each of us.

Please call our Music Director if you wish to set up an appointment to meet with and further discuss how you can get involved in this ministry. Thank you!

Alter Servers-Training provided. Mass 3hrs/month

Parish Life & Hospitality Committee Member-The mission of PL&H is to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere to all new and established parishioners of St. Mary. Members sponsor social activities for community building within the parish. Time commitment will vary depending on personal choice. One can attend a monthly meeting and help out at events. 2 hrs/month

St. Mary Mentor or Companion for new parish members-Mentor responsibilities are to make personal contact with new parish members, provide information about parish life and give them a tour of the Church buildings, introducing them to staff and parishioners when possible. Training is provided. Commitment involves a few hours a couple times a year. _____________________________________________________________

Human Concerns & Outreach Opportunities

Human Concerns & Outreach Committee Member-Committee meets once a month: 3^rd Monday of the month, Sept-July, 7pm in the Parish Center. This committee reaches out to those in need such as: the INNS program, the Shalom Center, CUSH, the Elizabeth Ministry, Weekly Food Collection and Stewardship Outreach to families in need. This group has begun a variety of “giving” initiatives such as: collecting school supplies in August, circles of love in December, food and money collection for Thanksgiving, Lenten Meal, supporting our sister parish in Africa, etc. 3^rd Monday at 7pm in the Parish Center and at other times to help out. Min 2 hrs/month.

Meals on Wheels-Volunteers needed starting in October. On Wednesdays at 11am (for a little over an hour), pick up and deliver meals from hospitality manor to shut-ins. Scheduled usually twice each month and then again not for 3 months. Volunteers do provide their own transportations. Parents with small children can do this. The people love to see little children! Wednesdays 11am-1pm 0-4 hrs/month

Elizabeth Ministry-Elizabeth Ministry is a support ministry for women of the parish during childbearing years. Support areas include pregnancy, birth, adoption, infertility, miscarriage, infant or child loss, and childhood crisis.

Elizabeth Ministry Coordinator
The Director will help to plan, promote, and implement programs related to the Elizabeth Ministry. This individual will determine the objectives and establish priorities to meet the needs of the ministry and coordinate the flow of information. 1-2 hrs/week

Supply Manager
Responsible for obtaining supplies for gift kits and materials needed by Elizabeth Ministers and coordinate recruitment of volunteers for supply related activities. 1-2 hrs/week.

Visit Manager
This individual takes on the responsibility of matching Elizabeth Ministers with women who will be visited. She keeps records of all volunteer and their personal areas of expertise. 1 hr/week

Minister
20 volunteers needed. The role of the minister is clear. Elizabeth Ministers are not counselors or trained experts. They are not there to provide counseling, rather, they are to listen and provide support, the same type of support women used to find with their mothers, sisters or in the community. They are women who are willing to share their presence, stories and experiences in the hope that these will support, encourage, console and at times bring healing to another woman.

Time involved varies-An Elizabeth Minister is able to adjust time requirements to fit her schedule and to fit the needs of those to whom she is ministering. Brief visits, phone calls, and cards provide a tremendous amount of support with a minimal amount of time.

Elizabeth’s Closet
Elizabeth’s Closet is an outreach program for the entire community to assist families with much-needed baby and toddler items.

Elizabeth’s Closet Phone Processor
Pick up messages and determine status of call by either contacting the person or contating appropriate Elizabeth Minister. 1 hr/week

Elizabeth’s Closet Sorter
Responsible for upkeep of donated items. This individual will sort and organize items located in room 5 of the Parish Center. 1 hr/week

Elizabeth’s Closet Packer
This individual will pre-package items which will be distributed on distribution day. 2 hrs/month

Elizabeth’s Closet Distribution Day Packer
Responsible for packing items on distribution day. 1 ½ hrs/month 8:30am-10:30am the first Friday of every month

Ministry of HOPE

Jail Ministry-Contact Deacon Ron Lesjak at rlesjak@tds.net or 694-9143. Volunteers assist the chaplain doing library work, distributing reading material and cards. Several hours/month

INNS Program (Homeless Shelter) Worker-Training provided. Several hours/month

Shalom Center

Senior Citizen Group-Need 3-4 caller each month to call seniors and ask if they are attending the monthly Seniors Luncheon of the 2^nd Tuesday of each month. 1 hr/month _______________________________________________________________

Health Ministry Opportunities

Health Ministry Committee-Contact Gail Lesjak, Parish Nurse (Aurora Parish Nurse Program) lesjackg@stmarycatholic.org or 694-6018 x275. Volunteers needed to attend monthly meeting (3^rd Monday of the month, 6-7pm) where we discuss health-related issues and the needs of the parish and how to meet those needs. We encourage health professionals and nonprofessionals to join us. We need health professional volunteers to provide blood pressure screening once a month after mass, which takes ½ -1 hour. We would also like to offer CPR/AED training to anyone interested since we have an AED unit in church and the school gym. We also offer periodic health fairs or other programs and would need additional help at those times. 3^rd Monday 6-7pm. 2 hrs/month

Health professionals to provide free CPR/AED training. Hours vary.

Volunteers to help out during health fairs. Several hours once or twice/year.

St. Mary Pre-School Volunteer Opportunities-Sunday/evenings

Contact Carrie Kushman at kushmanc@stmarycatholic.org or 694-5800 or 925-7097.

Classroom aid-Take homework
Volunteers needed to cut lamination, art projects, stamp book orders, stuff folders, count Campbell soup labels and other tasks that can be done at home in front of the television. 1 hr/week _____________________________________________________________

Christian Formation Opportunities-after school hours

St. Mary Adult & Family Ministry Opportunities-Contact Jane Delfield delfieldj@stmarycatholic.org or 694-6018 ext 134.
Helping the RCIA Program (rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). This program helps instruct individuals in the initiation process of becoming Catholic.

Sunday “Breaking Open the Word” Catechists*
Training provided. The RCIA catechists teach adults and children/youth what it means to be a member of the Catholic Church. Classed are on Sunday mornings 9-11:30am (this includes mass). There is a varied preparation time, about 2-4 hrs. Catechists are on a rotational schedule. Sunday mornings 9-11:30am, including mass. 4 ½-6 hrs/wk; 18-24 hr/month

RCIA Sponsors: (Parish Companion to Candidates)
Training provided for sponsors. Sundays 9-11:30am (includes mass) 2 ½ hrs/week, 10 hrs/month for 6 months

RCIA Hospitality Person
Make coffee, get refreshments, and set up on Sunday morning before and after 9am mass. Total commitment is 1 hr, a few times per year Sunday 1/2hr before and after 9am mass. 1 hr, 4 times per year

RCIA Child Care*
2-4 people who can commit to Sunday morning from 10:15-11:30am to care for candidate’s children while the parent is in “Breaking open the Word” session. Time commitment would vary depending on the number of volunteers and the number of children that need care. Sunday 10:15-11:30am. 1 ½ hr once or twice per month

Hospitality Person for Special Event
Help with securing refreshments, set up, serving, and clean up at various adult formation events for a couple of hours per event. Usually weekday evenings. 2 hrs every couple months, 8 hr/year

Bakers: Bake goodies for various adult events. Several hours/year

Adult Formation Committee Member
Meets 3-4 times per year for about 2-3 hrs at a time. 6-12 hr/year

Family Ministry Cluster Advent Fair Helpers
Help with St. Mary’s portion of the Cluster Advent Fair. Commitment is for a couple of planning meetings and for the Fair Day, about 2-4 hrs on the day ov event with set up/clean up included.

Baptism Prep Team*
This team works with the staff in baptism prep by hosting a discussion for parents of infants planning to have a baby baptized at St. Mary. Couples rotate to facilitate small group meetings once a month at their home. Single parents are also welcome to serve. Each host also assists at a Sunday meeting after the 9am mass in the Parish Center. This is on the Sunday following the weekday home meeting. Training would be provided. Commitment is to host 3-4 meetings per year

Lenten Small Faith Group Facilitators
Facilitate a small group discussion once per week for about 1 ½ hr each session. Usually the readings of upcoming Sunday are used for the discussion, and materials are provided. This is a 6 week commitment during Lent. Prep time varies (about 2 hrs). training provided. 9 hrs/week

Occasional Office Help
Extra office help is needed occasionally for receptionist duty, stuffing envelopes, desktop publishing, or special projects. Days and hours vary.

Youth Ministry Opportunities-evening hours

Youth Ministry-Contact Brian Magliocco, Youth Minister at maglioccob@stmarycatholic.org or 694-6018 ext 133.

Catechists*-Need 8-10 people for grades 9-11. Training provided. 2 evenings per month, Sept-April. 6-8 hrs/month

Youth Ministry Team*-parents needed to help plan youth group events with high school and college students. Time varies

Occasional Helpers throughout the year for such things as: chaperones* for the 10^th and 11^th grade retreats as well as for trips and dances. Helpers occasionally need to provide refreshments. Time varies

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Children’s Faith Formation Opportunities

Christian Formation for Children Pre-School to 8^th Grade-Contact Sandy Slivon at slivons@stmarycatholic.org or 694-6018 ext 135.

Catechists* needed for children 6-14. Classes are taught Monday and Wednesday after school, 4:15-5:30pm. Classes run 16 weeks, Oct-Mar. 1-2 hrs of prep time needed per week. Plan to arrive 15min prior to each class. Guidance and training will be provided. Catechist training is held in Sept.

Middle school classes are held Wed 7-8:15pm in the Parish Center and School, Oct-Mar. 32-48 hr/year

Preschool Assistant Catechist*-Contact Kate Lynch 942-6069.
People who can sing needed during Sunday 9am mass for Catechecis of the Good Shepherd. Training provided. Children are allowed to move freely about different stations working with religious materials. Sunday 9am mass 1 ½ hrs/month

Carpenters needed- Contact Kate Lynch 942-6069.
Currently need a few carpenters to help make preschool catechism materials. 4 hrs/year ______________________________________________________________

Committee Positions-evening hours, usually once per month

Buildings and Grounds Committee Member-This committee meets one evening a month for 9 or 10 months with very occasional weekday meetings to review projects, estimates, etc. with contractors. 18-25 hr/year

Landscaping Volunteer-Contact Ron Lesjak at rlesjak@tds.net or 694-9143.
Help with planting, watering, weeding and bush trimming throughout the growing season. Several hrs/year

Parish Council Committee Member

Stewardship Committee

Finance Committee Member

Personnel Committee Member

Vocations Committee Member

Strategic Planning Committee member

Parish Festival Committee Member

Technology Committee Member

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St. Mary Catholic Church

Table of Contents

St. Mary School Volunteer Opportunities

Health related school volunteer opportunities-during school hours

Christian Formation Opportunities-after school hours