Elementary Volunteers
Ages 6 - 12
Elementary Faith Formation at Holy Trinity Catholic Church is more than a classroom program, it is a community dedicated to helping children encounter Christ, grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith, and experience the joy of belonging to the Church. Our volunteers are at the heart of that mission. Through teaching, mentorship, hospitality, creativity, prayer, and encouragement, volunteers help create an environment where children feel welcomed, supported, and excited to learn about God.
Whether serving as a Catechist, helping with Kid Zone, leading games, decorating classrooms, or assisting at discussion tables, every volunteer plays an important role in forming the faith of the next generation. We believe children learn best when they are surrounded by joyful, caring adults and teens who model authentic Christian life and community.
Our School of Religious Education begins each year with a Meet the Teachers event which will be on September 6th this year and runs through the last week of April.
Volunteer Expectations
- Weekly 1½ hour classes
- Regular holidays and scheduled breaks throughout the year
- Approximately 36 volunteer hours for the full year, not including any optional personal lesson preparation or study outside of class
Each classroom is staffed with:
- At least 2 adult volunteers
- Most classrooms also include at least 1 teen volunteer
Once classrooms are assigned, Catechists work together to determine how they would like to teach and organize the lessons. Some teams choose to rotate lesson planning responsibilities, while others prefer a primary teacher and assistant teacher structure. The goal is collaboration, support, and creating a classroom environment that works well for both volunteers and students.
Curriculum & Lesson Planning
Our program provides thoroughly vetted lesson plans and curriculum resources designed to help classes run as smoothly and confidently as possible. Volunteers are never expected to create an entire curriculum on their own.
Catechists are always welcome to:
- Bring in approved outside resources
- Request additional crafts, games, or activities
- Adapt lessons to better fit their classroom dynamics
While creativity and personal gifts are encouraged, extensive outside preparation is not required. We strive to provide volunteers with the tools and support they need to feel confident and successful in the classroom.
Kid Zone is one of our most creative and energetic ministries within Elementary Faith Formation. Designed for children ages 6–12, Kid Zone takes place once a month, usually on the third Saturday, and consists of a themed 3-hour Play Day filled with games, crafts, lessons, snacks, prayer, and fellowship.
Each Kid Zone centers around a unique theme that ties every activity together in an engaging and memorable way for the kids.
Volunteer Commitment:
- Approximately 3 hours once per month
- Lower overall time commitment than weekly catechesis
- Great opportunity for volunteers who want to help but cannot commit weekly
Kid Zone Volunteer Roles
Core Team
The planners and organizers behind the event. The Core Team develops the overall theme, lesson ideas, activity flow, and craft concepts for each Kid Zone.
Game Runners
Using the monthly theme, Game Runners create and lead 3 themed games designed to reinforce the lesson in a fun and interactive way. They help organize students, explain rules, and keep the energy high throughout the event.
Snack Coordinators
Snack Coordinators create themed snacks that either reinforce the lesson or become part of the activity itself.
Examples include:
- Tower of Babel themed pizzas where children worked in teams without speaking
- Easter “Tomb” pudding cups with an Oreo representing the stone rolled away
- Christmas gingerbread decorating activities
Decor Team
The Decor Team transforms the space using decorations and themed environments that help immerse children in the lesson and create a welcoming, exciting atmosphere. They both plan and physically set up the decorations for the event.
Table Leads
Table Leads work directly with the children throughout the event. They help guide discussions, assist with crafts and activities, encourage participation, and help students feel included and supported.
Requirements
At least one adult per table
Ideally bilingual when possible
Prayer Team
The Prayer Team helps lead children in prayer during transitions and throughout the event while also supporting the ministry through intentional prayer for the volunteers, students, and families participating in Kid Zone.
No matter your gifts or experience level, there is a place for you within Elementary Faith Formation. Some volunteers are called to teach, others to encourage, organize, create, pray, or simply show up consistently for the children entrusted to our parish. Every role matters, and every volunteer helps us build a stronger and more joyful Catholic community.