Volunteer Opportunities in Faith Formation

Did you know it takes more than 60 different volunteers to make our Faith Formation programs for youth happen? It is with your support, time, and talents that we are able to grow and flourish. Please take a few moments to consider if there are any opportunities that you would like to be involved with. Orientation and training is provided for all volunteer positions.

Volunteer Positions

Set-up/Take-down - Someone who helps either set up or take down the atrium space. Set up help is needed on Sunday mornings from 9 - 9:45 a.m. or Monday during the day for 30 minutes. Take down help is needed on Sundays from 1:15-1:40pm and Mondays from 6-6:20pm. Schedules are flexible. We would greatly appreciate your help with this ministry!

Aide – Someone who assists in the atrium. Commitment is for one session a week, September through May, plus preparation time. 

Monitor – Someone who watches the parking lot door 10-15 minutes before and after the session starts to make sure all students arrive and leave with a parent. Needed on Monday afternoons and evenings, done on a rotating basis, based on availability.

Catechist – Someone who is responsible for planning, preparing the space, and leading the session. Commitment is once a week, September through May, plus preparation time. We encourage our catechists to pursue national certification through the National Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Association.

Substitute – Someone who is available to be in the classroom or atrium when a catechist or aide must be absent. This volunteer opportunity is very important, as the Newman Center practices a “Two-Deep” ministry to have two adults in every classroom or atrium.

Nursery/Child Care – Someone who helps with the nursery for one to three year olds on Sundays during the 10 a.m. Mass. Commitment is for two-four times a month. They are also on the call list for childcare during Newman Center events.

Other Volunteer Opportunities – parties, retreats, office help, sewing, carpentry, music, art, organizing class supplies, shopping, etc.

Child Safety

In conjunction with the Diocese of Columbus, we at the Newman Center work hard to ensure your children's safety while they are here with us. Here are some of the steps we take:

1. Protecting God’s Children Workshop - This free workshop is a requirement for all people who volunteer with children and highly encouraged to all our parents. The Protecting God's Children Workshop helps you to become aware of what can be done in the case of suspected sexual abuse and steps that we take to prevent abuse from occurring. Workshops are held all over the diocese. To learn more or to register, please visit www.virtus.org.

2. BCI&I Report - You must have a recent (less than one year old) BCI Report on file with the Newman Center to begin volunteering. To get this report, you can go to any police station and request to get fingerprinted.  Where possible, please use the electronic version and have the BCI report sent to the Newman Center Attn: Karen Broering (64 W. Lane Ave., Columbus, 43201). If they give you a card, please bring that to Karen Broering and she will send it in. The Newman Center will reimburse you up to $25 for your fingerprinting costs. Please be aware that most police stations only accept cash, but they can write you a receipt. Also, many police stations have specific hours that they do fingerprinting, so you may want to call ahead.

3. Newman Center catechists follow the Diocese of Columbus Code of Conduct. All families are asked to review these policies to be aware of the work being done to keep their children safe.