New Beginnings Preschool (Classroom Support)

Contact Person: Suzanne Carney    SuzanneC@saintjamescatholic.org

The mission of New Beginnings preschool is to help children develop emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually through play experiences that are age appropriate, in a comfortable and loving Christian environment. We serve infants to pre-kinderguaden. Our four year olds also learn Spanish, Sign Language, and Science.  Each of the lead teachers has earned their NC Credentials in Early Childhood Education.  Time frame is Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to l:00 pm Volunteers who can sew, do carpentry projects, read to the children or who can share musical talent with the children are always welcome. This ministry is also looking for volunteers to be substitutes when teachers or assistants are absent.

Kindergarten-Fifth Grade Faith Formation, Catechists/Teacher

Contact Person: Angie Harness  AngieH@saintjamescatholic.org

Our growth in faith is a lifelong process. Sharing one's faith is  a call extended to all Catholic people.  Catechists are volunteers that pledge time every week, for at least one academic year (Sept.-May), to instruct students in the teachings of the Catholic Church. In addition to the time in the classroom, catechists spend some time every week preparing for class, and are prepared to arrive before the students and remain until all students from the respective class leave, or are under proper supervision. Catechists also are asked to attend at least one catechist in-service Adult Ed Class to help foster the growth and knowledge of their own spiritual lives and so to pass that knowledge on to those they serve. They are also required to attend a Protecting God's Children class as mandated by our Diocese. There is no doubt that catechists develop their own faith as they teach the children. They experience great satisfaction through their contribution. It is also a wonderful opportunity for parents to become more involved in the program along with their children.

 

Kindergarten-Fifth Grade Faith Formation Assistant Catechist/Teacher

Contact Person: Angie Harness  AngieH@saintjamescatholic.org

The importance, time involved and benefits of the classroom assistant are the same as for a catechist. Assistant Catechists assist the Catechist in classroom activities and in keeping order. Gifts that are needed to be an assistant catechist are a love for children and a supportive and cooperative attitude. There is no doubt that being in the classroom environment with the Catechist and children will help you develop your own faith. There is a sense of great satisfaction through the contribution you are making to your parish. This is also a wonderful opportunity for parents to become more involved in the program along with their children.  A Protecting God's Children class will be given to all Faith formation Volunteers as directed by our Diocese.

 

Kindergarten-Fifth Grade Faith Formation Substitute Catechist/Teacher

Contact Person: Angie Harness  AngieH@saintjamescatholic.org

Volunteers come with many gifts to give but are often held back from getting involved due to time constraints or family obligations (younger children at home, grandparents living in the home, job). Substitute Faith Formation Teachers and Assistants are volunteers that have been catechists before but cannot commit to every week, or perhaps you are parent or a parishioner who wants to observe a class before discerning if being in a classroom setting is for you.   Being a "sub" is a great way to begin your service in parish life. A Protecting God's Children class will be given to all Faith Formation Volunteers as directed by our Diocese.

 

Kindergarten-Fifth Grade Faith Formation Support Opportunities

Contact Person: Angie Harness  AngieH@saintjamescatholic.org

Being a catechist is not the only way to support the faith Formation program at St. James.  There are several opportunities in the classrooms such as becoming a Liturgy Coordinator, or a Class Stewardship Coordinator.  The volunteer in each of these positions assist a particular 1-5th grade catechist or assistant in preparing the students to participate in either their own Sunday Children’s Mass or in completing their annual class service project.

Other opportunities outside the classroom include- Office Assistant or being a Special Event Volunteer– who helps with organizing, coordinating special events such as guest speakers, special prayer services or Advent or Lenten activities.

 

Sacramental Event Support- First Holy Communion

Contact Person: Angie Harness  AngieH@saintjamescatholic.org

Several volunteer opportunities are available to help with The Sacrament of First Holy Communion and Reconciliation.   Volunteers are needed to help plan and coordinate the respective Retreat /Enrichment Days for the First Reconciliation or First Communion candidates. Volunteers are also needed to assist with the First Holy Communion Practice and First Communion Day Reception– set up and serving.

 

Traditional Grade6-8 Classroom Faith Formation Teacher

Contact Person: Kelli Olszewski    kellio@saintjamescatholic.org

Being a Faith Formation teacher is a very rewarding experience.  We begin classes the week after Labor Day and go through the second week in May. Class times are on Wednesday Evenings. Off weekends are coordinated with the Cabarrus County School calendar. This Ministry requires about an hour of planning and an hour of class time per week. There is a teacher's guidebook for you to go by so you do not have to come up with ideas every week.  Crafts and incentives for the students are provided by the Faith Formation Program. You may order crafts or other materials for your classes. Classes are available for you to further your own adult education and to better prepare you to teach your Faith Formation class and to work towards certification.  If you need to be absent from a class, a substitute will be provided. This ministry is a great way to get involved in your church, learn more about your faith and to carry on Christ's dedication to the teaching of our faith to others.

 

Traditional Grade6-8 Classroom Faith Formation Assistant

Contact Person: Kelli Olszewski    kellio@saintjamescatholic.org

The role of a Faith Formation Assistant is so important to the Faith Formation program. These volunteers assist the teachers with crafts and other classroom activities. They help keep the students focused and may also conduct a class if the teacher is absent. We begin classes the week after Labor Day and go through the second week in May. Class times are on Wednesday Evenings. Off weekends are coordinated with the Cabarrus County School calendar. Classes are available to further your own adult education. A substitute will be provided if you need to be absent. Volunteering to be a Faith Formation Assistant is a great way to see if you would like to become a Faith Formation Teacher in the future.  Gift of time is about 1.5 hours/week.

 

EDGE Core Team/ Small Group Catechist

Contact Person: Kelli Olszewski   kellio@saintjamescatholic.org

The EDGE Program Teaches religious education in a non-traditional setting utilizing an interactive approach with small and large group activities.  Meetings are Sunday 6:15– 8:00 pm.  In this program,  students are removed from behind the desk and brought into a large-group environment for gathering activities, teachings and prayer. In small groups, they break open the teachings and build solid, Christ-centered relationships that allow them to comfortably explore their Catholic Faith and make it relevant to their everyday lives. Social activities, service opportunities, teaching and issue nights are integrated throughout the curriculum calendar.

Edge Core Team: group of adult catechist who will serve 6-8 grades as a team to plan, organize, implement and teach Edge programming each week.   One to two additional meetings per month will be required for planning curriculum, Issue Nights, Social Nights and Retreat(s).    Edge Core Team is responsible for Gather, Proclaim and Send  portion of the lesson plan and will work closely with Edge Small Group Leaders and Edge Parent Liaison

 

Edge Small Group Leader (Spiritual Mentors): 

They will lead the Break section of the weekly evening’s Edge Night.  This is building the spiritual foundation of small groups and community.  Each small group of grade-related young people will become a small community throughout the religious education year.  The catechist will lead approximately 8 youth in small group, will assist with prayer development, service projects as a group, take attendance of small group and lead lesson-related activities.

Edge Weekly Formation Helpers assist with helping set-up and take-down.  They will assist with snacks or be a substitute Edge Small Group leader if the need arises through the religious education year.

Edge Issue & Social Night Helpers: Middle schoolers from traditional religious education will be invited to attend Edge Issue and Social Nights to help integrate and meet other Catholic young peers.  Extra helping hands on these evenings would be helpful. 

Edge Parent Liaison:  facilitate communication between Life Teen and Edge Core Team and PCPL (Kelli O) via weekly emails.  Share  follow-up lessons, upcoming programming, retreats, take pictures, keep a scrapbook, etc.

 

Retreat Helpers/Chaperones:

They work with Edge Core Team assisting with scheduled retreats for Edge youth, meal planning, snack time, chaperoning overnight stays.

Teen Mass Chaperones: The middle school will be encouraged to attend the Teen Mass on Sunday evenings, 5 p.m.  They will sit together as a community.  Adult/high school young people will be encouraged to sit sporadically within the community to make sure every one is participating.

 

Sacramental Event Support- Confirmation

Contact Person: Michael Quinn   MichaelQ@saintjamescatholic.org

St. James new Confirmation Program Oneight follows the same style of Catecheses as the Edge and Life Teen Programs. The program starts with monthly sessions and a Day of Reflection for the 8th grade Confirmation preparation students and continues into six weeks of sessions and a retreat for the 9th Grade Confirmation candidates just before they receive their sacrament in October. Eight grade classes are monthly throughout the academic year on Sundays 6:30-8:00 p.m.  9th grade classes are Sundays, 3:30-4:45 p.m. in September and October only.

Confirmation Preparation volunteers are needed for the 8th Grade Program Day of Reflection Retreat-(chaperones, meal helpers and activity helpers) as well as Large Group and small group leaders for the monthly classes.

Confirmation Small group Leaders are needed to lead both candidates and parents during the 6 weeks of classes.  Chaperones and meal helpers are also needed for the retreat.

 

Vacation Bible Study (Teacher, Assistant or Support)

Contact Person: Kelli Olszewski   kellio@saintjamescatholic.org

Vacation Bible School- VBS (Totus Tuus here at St. James) provides the
children of our parish and others with an opportunity to learn more about God in a fun and interesting setting. Dramas, crafts, music and games are some of the tools used to captivate and delight our children as they learn more about their faith in this very popular program. The program is held for one week a year in July or August from 9:00am-2:30pm. The 7th-12th grade students meet in the evenings from 7:00pm and 9:00pm and provides our students with a more in-depth and proactive way to learn about our Catholic faith.

The planning and preparation actually begins during the prior April. Over the course of the late spring, some volunteers are needed to help with this important preparation phase while the majority are needed during the final planning stages in June and the actual presentation in July or August. There is always a place for volunteers even if you can only help for a day or for a few hours. Thirteen year old volunteers thru adult volunteers are placed with grades 1-6 and the 7th and 8th grades help out with the 4-5 year olds. The 7th-8th grade program in the evening requires adult chaperones and snack 
preparers.

The volunteers seem to get as much out of it as the children do. Everyone gets a chance to learn more about the Scriptures and to work closely with other parish members on a project that is exciting for our children.

 

RCIA for Young People Guest Speaker or Sponsor

Contact Person: Call Office

This youth oriented RCIA is for all children and teens in grades 4 through 12 who have not received any of the Sacraments or who have been baptized but need to receive other Sacraments.  The 90 minute sessions are held at 7:00 pm on Thursday evenings starting in September and concluding approximately 4 weeks after Easter. Curriculum focuses on doctrine, liturgy, Church life, and service as candidates and catechumens prepare to receive the sacraments.  Confirmed and practicing Catholic volunteers are needed to step in as sponsors for these young people as they travel their journey in faith.

 

RCIA Guest Speaker or Sponsor

Contact Person:

RCIA-RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS Is an enlightening program for any adult (age 17 and older,) who desires to learn Roman Catholic traditions, teachings, and practices in a study/discussion group format.  Non-Catholic Converts (Catechesis) as well as those Catholic candidates wanting to receive their sacraments will receive Baptism (if necessary), Confirmation, and Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil Mass.  Guest speakers are needed to share various religious topics.  Each Inquirer is required to have a sponsor to walk with them on this faith journey as well.   A sponsor must be at least 16 years old, cannot be the parents of the Candidate or Catechumen, have received all Sacraments and be a practicing Catholic.  An Inquirer may have their own sponsor if they meet the above requirements or parishioners can volunteer to be their sponsor.  We invite the parish family to contact us for information on becoming a Sponsor or a Guest Speaker.   Sessions are held on Thursday evenings 7pm –8:30pm starting in September and concluding approximately 4 weeks after Easter.

 

Faith Formation Education Council

Contact Person: Kelli Olszewski    kellio@saintjamescatholic.org

the St. James Religious Education Council supports, proposes and assess all activities, events or endeavors that encourage and empower the lifelong religious formation of all parishioners. Anyone having questions about the council or is interested in being a part of this council, can contact Patti at the information shown above.

 

Life Teen Core Team/ Small Group  Leader or Support

Contact Person: Michael Quinn   MichaelQ@saintjamescatholic.org

There are many opportunities to volunteer in support of St. James Life Teen (High School Youth Ministry) This ministry is held on Sunday evenings 6:15-8 p.m. in Gill Hall

 

Life Teen Core Team:  group of adult catechist who will serve as a team to plan, organize, implement and teach Life Teen programming each week.  One to two additional meetings per month will be required for planning curriculum, Issue Nights, Social Nights and Retreat(s).  Life Teen Core Team is responsible for Gather, Proclaim and Send portions of the evening.

 

Life Teen  Small Group Leader (Spiritual Mentors):   will work closely with the Life Teen Core Team.  Small group leaders will lead the Break section of the evening’s Life Teen Night.  This is building the spiritual foundation of small groups and community.  Your small group of  young people will focus on small community building throughout the school year.  You will lead approximately 8 youth in small group, will assist with prayer development, service projects as a group, lead lesson-related activities.

 

Life Teen Fundraising Coordinator:  will work closely with the Life Teen Core Team at developing and organizing fundraising opportunities for the high school ministry.  This is a very important volunteer position!  Why?  Because St. James continuously strive to make retreats, off-site events and conferences affordable for as many of our youth & their families s possible.  Many young people could not afford many of these spiritual opportunities without the support of our wonderful parish.  Coordinator will assist with arranging times to sell items during the Masses on weekends and reserve with the parish office. 

 

Life Teen Weekly Formation Helpers:  assist with helping set-up, take-down, assist with snacks or be a substitute Life Teen Small Group leader if the need arises through the religious education year.

 

Social Night Coordinator:  person will work closely with Life Teen Core Team  and Life Teen Parent Liaison to help organize and plan social nights for Life Teen youth.  These social nights can be done on or off campus.  If special needs/supplies are needed, this person would help work with the young people & parents to gather materials needed for these special social nights or help arrange transportation to special off-campus related events.

 

Retreat Helpers/Chaperones:  assist the Life Teen Core Team with meal planning, snack time, transportation to/from off-campus events, chaperoning overnight stays for special events or  scheduled retreats for the Life Teen youth.

 

Life Teen Parent Liaison:  facilitate communication between/Life Teen/Edge and PCPL (Kelli O) via weekly emails.  Share follow-up lessons, upcoming programming, and retreats etc.  Take pictures and keep a scrapbook.

 

Adult Religious Education Leader

Contact Person: Kelli Olszewski    kellio@saintjamescatholic.org

In this handbook there are many opportunities to join Bible study Groups, Prayer groups and discussion groups.  If you are interested in starting and Leading another Adult Education group or finding out about other Adult Education classes sponsored by the diocese, contact Patti.  She will help you reach your goal.