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WHAT'S INSIDE OUR CHURCH (PDF of Presentation)

“Be faithful in small things for it is in them that your strength lies.”
St. Teresa of Calcutta

Each year, approximately 100 catechists (teachers) participate in our programs. Wednesday Children's Faith Formation (CFF) classes are held at either 4:30-5:45 p.m. or 6:30-7:45 p.m. Countless additional volunteers help us with activities and retreats for students throughout the year.

As a lead or assistant catechist in the CFF program, fees for the children of a helper are waived. Participants who take on the role of a lead catechist can be paid $25 per each class taught.

We also offer free childcare for catechist or assistants who help in a class!

To qualify for waived fees or to be paid, catechists and assistants must participate in 4 in-service events during each year. This requirement promotes continued growth for all of our teachers. Opportunities are also available if a participant would prefer to watch a program on FORMED (click to learn more and find out how to join), or by reading a book either downloaded from FORMED or selected from our parish library.

Our staff will offer at least two in-service events each year. In addition, Sacred Heart (through our Adult and Family Ministry program), offers a large number of opportunities to meet this requirement. We have found that participation in events at Sacred Heart helps to promote a strong sense of community.

Any event offered by a group other than Sacred Heart must be pre-approved by our staff. We ask that all events are from a Catholic perspective.

In addition to the in-service requirement, anyone who works with young people in our diocese are asked to complete a background check and take an on-line course entitle "Protecting God's Children." The course is a child abuse prevention program and is required just once (a background check must be repeated every 7 years). Our staff will assist any interested participants in completing this requirement.

In addition to adult participation, we welcome student volunteers for Wednesday CFF classes. When arranged in advance, student volunteers may act as a lead catechist and receive Dowling religion credit during senior year. Students 18 years of age or older must complete the on-line course described above. 

If you are interested in volunteering in our program, please call our office or email us at debbie.chalik@sacredheartwdm.org.