Volunteering is Ministering to Others
Volunteers are Christian Stewards
Stewardship of Talent is VOLUNTEERING
The Church calls people to the responsible stewardship of their time, talent, and treasure in support of the Church. This often takes the form of volunteering for a specific lay ministry, most of which are liturgical, catechetical, or involved in pastoral care and social justice.
Liturgical
Liturgical lay ministries include parishioners who take Holy Communion to the sick and homebound, ushers or greeters who direct the seating and procession of the assembly.
Catechetical
Catechetical lay ministries include catechists for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, ministers who lead RCIA catechumens on Sundays, retreat leaders, youth group leaders, and organizations like Cub Scout, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts.
Pastoral Care & Outreach
Other lay ministries include those who work with charitable activities, pastoral care, and outreach, or advocacy for social justice.
Saint Patrick Catholic Church has a vibrant parish life with over 50 active ministries. Which one is God calling you to serve? Learn more about Stewardship of Talent and discern your call prayerfully!
Answering the Call
All ministries and programs need us as Christian stewards to answer the call of Christ and live a stewardship way of life by sharing our talents with others through ministry and programs.
Sometimes, the call is greater in a particular ministry at a particular time. At this time, the greatest needs are the following: Liturgical MinistriesSafe Environments for Volunteers
Steps for Creating Safe Environments
A Safe Environment is Everyone’s Responsibility
Saint Patrick Catholic Church, as a parish within the Seattle Archdiocese, follows all policies established by the Archdiocese of Seattle to ensure a safe environment for everyone who comes to our parish. There are requirements for those wishing to volunteer and support the parish in carrying out the mission of the church. These requirements help ensure a safe environment for all. Learn more about the volunteer training requirements established by the Archdiocese of Seattle.
All volunteers are required to read and sign the Policy for the Prevention of and Response to Sexual Abuse, Code of Professional Conduct, and Reporting Suspected Abuse of Minors and Vulnerable Adults.
Safe Environment Training is a Prerequisite
All who serve children, youth, and/or vulnerable adults are required to complete a course called “Protecting God’s Children”. This course may be taken at any location and is valid within all parishes of the Archdiocese of Seattle. Individuals will be notified by VIRTUS Online when it is time to take an online refresher course—every three years.
All current employees and volunteers who have already completed the Safe Environment requirements were automatically transferred into the new VIRTUS database. Those who have already attended a “Called to Protect for Ministries” class will not be required to take the VIRTUS foundation class, “Protecting God’s Children”. These individuals will be notified by VIRTUS when it is time to renew their background check and/or take an online refresher course—every three years.
Protecting God’s Children— the training for new volunteers is offered periodically at Saint Patrick Catholic Church & School. Send us an email to learn about upcoming training dates.
To attend this class you must log on to VIRTUS Online to register and establish an account with the Seattle Archdiocese and follow the steps to becoming compliant with all Safe Environment requirements.
Background Checks are Required
Background checks are required of all church personnel (clergy, staff, volunteers) who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults every three years. Screening is also required from any volunteer with access to cash, checks, or other negotiables.
After a volunteer creates a profile on VIRTUS, the individual will be notified by VIRTUS when it is time to renew their background check.
Continuing Education is Essential
Every three years, after completing the Protecting God’s Children course on the ground, volunteers must complete a web-based refresher course. The online training lets participants take the class at their convenience.
Resources
Quick Links
- How to Create a VIRTUS Profile
- Log on to VIRTUS ONLINE
- Learn more About VIRTUS
- List of Upcoming Sessions of “Protecting God’s Children” in the Seattle/Tacoma area Search for Seattle Archdiocese to see the list of offerings