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Volunteer to be a SOR Catechist, Co-Catechist, Teacher Aide or Homeroom Parent:
To sign-up as a catechist or aide, click here.
DESCRIPTION OF VOLUNTEER POSITIONS:
*CATECHIST: A School of Religion (SOR) Catechist is a dedicated teacher who is
committed to a one year teaching assignment to a particular grade level. Although teaching experience is helpful, depending on a person's formation and education, we are happy to accept willing volunteers for these positions. An SOR Catechist will be provided a teaching manual and textbook, along with the ADW Standards (Archdiocese of Washington) that need to be completed during the school year
* CO-CATECHIST: A “Co-Catechist” is someone who would like to be a catechist, but would like to co-lead with someone else. This is a great option if you know you travel often, but still want to be in a lead Catechist/Teacher role.
* SPECIAL NEEDS CATECHIST: We have an open-door inclusion policy and welcome all students wishing to be educated in the Catholic faith at Blessed Sacrament. A Special Needs Catechist is a "one-on-one" tutor assigned to a specific student who needs extra help. A special needs student typically has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) that can vary from ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Downs, and a wide range of Autism Spectrum Disorders. If you or someone you know, has experience in the area of special education and are able to help, please let us know!
* TEACHER AIDE: A School of Religion (SOR) Teacher Aide acts as a supportive role to the Catechist and is committed to a one year teaching assignment to a particular grade level. Although teaching experience is always helpful, we are happy to accept willing volunteers for these positions.
* ROOM PARENT: A School of Religion Room Parent plays a supportive role to the Catechist and Teacher Aide, as well as the children in the classroom. We especially need help for Pre-K through 3rd Grades!
* SUBSTITUTE: A School of Religion Substitute is someone who has some familiarity with teaching or volunteering in SOR and is able and willing to substitute classes on a as-needed basis throughout the school year.
HOSPITALITY: School of Religion Hospitality Volunteers set up coffee and donuts in the morning and welcome parents, in addition to answering questions about SOR. All coffee and donut expenses will be covered by the Faith Formation Office.
MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS: There are several events throughout the school year that require extra help and support on a, as-needed basis: Confirmation Retreat, Confirmation Reception, Annual Monsignor Corbett Memorial Lecture, End of Year Catechist Appreciation & May Crowning, VBS (Vacation Bible School).
*VIRTUS TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION REQUIRED: All volunteers who have one-on-one contact with our children need to be VIRTUS-trained through the ADW (Archdiocese of Washington). This is part of their child protection policy to ensure that all adults interacting with SOR children are qualified to do so according to the safety standards by ADW.
**IF you are interested in the positions that require VIRTUS certification, but are not yet VIRTUS trained, you are still welcome to sign up for the positions you're interested in and we will sign you up for a VIRTUS Training Certification Class. Please note that the background checks can take up to 2 weeks so please plan accordingly!