Volunteering is Ministering to Others

Volunteers are Christian Stewards

 Stewardship of Talent is VOLUNTEERING

The Church calls people to be responsible stewards of their time, talent, and treasure in support of the Church. Stewardship of Talent 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, ministers who lead RCIA catechumens, youth group leaders, and organizations like 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 prayerfully discern your call.

Volunteer Opportunities

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:

Serve at Mass
As we come back to Mass, we will need additional liturgical ministers.
For more information email ldougherty@saintpats.org.
Church Upkeep
Help us maintain our beautiful church. Needs include dusting, vacuuming, and polishing. For more information email ldougherty@saintpats.org.
Church Environment Team
If you have a green thumb, enjoy arranging flowers, and/or love to decorate consider join the arts and environment team.  They care for our plants and flowers, decorate for liturgical seasons, and arrange flowers.  For more information email ldougherty@saintpats.org.
Stephen Ministry
As we know, there are many hurting people living among us in need of a caring companion. Our Stephen Ministers offer comfort and prayer to people going through difficult times.  If you are a good listener consider being a part of our Stephen Ministry team. For more information email ldougherty@saintpats.org.
This hard-working group of parishioners is the center of our outreach to our brothers and sisters in need. Funds donated by parishioners are used to provide food, gas, and rent assistance as well bus passes to our neighbors in need. For more information email ldougherty@saintpats.org

Safe 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 church’s mission. These requirements help ensure a safe environment for all. Learn more about the volunteer training requirements established by the Archdiocese of Seattle.

All volunteers must 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 vulnerable adults must complete a “Protecting God’s Children” course. 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 completed the Safe Environment requirements and have 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 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 comply with all Safe Environment requirements.

Background Checks are Required

All church personnel (clergy, staff, volunteers) who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults every three years require background checks, including volunteers 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 ChildGod’sourse 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

Questions about VIRTUS?

Questions about VIRTUS?

253-383-2783

parish@saintpats.org