Volunteer Opportunities

                                                        

There are hundreds of ways to become involved in ministry at the Church of St. Stephen. The Administration, Worship, Formation and Pastoral Care Departments rely on the time, talents and financial resources of our generous parishioners to carry out the mission of sharing the Good News.

 

Opportunities abound for serving others within St. Stephen's Parish and the broader community.  We invite everyone to consider sharing their time and talents with the community.  It is a wonderful way to get to know our brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

Volunteers who minister to children, youth or vulnerable adults must undergo a background check, sign a code of conduct and attend a VIRTUS session, as mandated by the Archdiocese.  The required forms may be printed out by clicking on the link at right under "Related Topics."  (If you are not driving a vehicle as part of your ministry, you do NOT need to complete the Driver's Information Form.)

 

Youth under the age of 18 who wish to volunteer with children must complete a student volunteer character reference.  >Click here for the form.

 

VIRTUS: Protecting God's Children

VIRTUS training is a three hour awareness session which better equips adults to protect children in the world around them. It is required of all clergy, deacons, school and parish employees as well as all volunteers who are in regular contact with children under the age of 18.

VIRTUS sessions are scheduled at churches throughout the Archdiocese.  You must register online to attend a session:

 

* Go to www.virtus.org

* Click on the "Registration" link in the left-hand column.

* Select "Saint Paul and Minneapolis (Archdiocese)" from the drop-down box.

* Participants will create their own "User ID" and "Password".

* Follow the screen prompts to continue the on-line registration.

 

 

Administration Department

The Administration Department is responsible for all the business affairs of the parish. Volunteers are needed in a variety of areas to assist in keeping the business side of the parish operating smoothly.

 

We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

 

> Click here for the Administration Shared Ministry Form (pdf)

 

Worship Department

The Worship Department utilizes lay ministers to provide leadership and service to the worshipping assembly of the parish.  There are many opportunities to help minister to the assembly each weekend.

 

Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly father.
Matthew 5:16

 

> Click here for the link to the Liturgical Ministry web page.

> Click here for Worship Shared Ministry Form (PDF).

 

Faith Formation Department

The Faith Formation Department actively supports parents, who are the primary religious educators of their children.  Many people are needed to assist in nurturing the Catholic faith of our children and teens.

 

As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another
as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
1 Peter 4:10

 

> Click here for the Faith Formation Time and Talent Form (pdf)

> Click here for the student volunteer character reference form (pdf) to be filled out by youth volunteers under age 18 who are working with children.

 

Pastoral Care Department

The Pastoral Care Deparment ministers to the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of those in our parish and the broader community.  This ministry includes reaching out to those who are hungry, grieving, ill, lonely or imprisoned.

 

Amen I say to you, whatever you did for the least
of these, you did for me.
Matthew 25:40

> Click here for the Pastoral Care Time and Talent Form (pdf)

 

St. Francis Botanical Society

Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth.  (1 Cor 3:7)

St. Francis Botanical Society is a new ministry at St. Stephen. We maintain as many as 16 flower beds on school and church grounds. 

 

Commitment to the group is needed; however, participation will not be required on an ongoing basis.  Spring and fall tend to be the busier seasons, so more participation may be required at these times. 

 

You need not be a gardener to enjoy this ministry.  If you love to garden but you live in an apartment, townhouse or condo this may be just what you are looking for!  Socialization skills, a sense of humor and the ability to have fun is all that is necessary to join!

 

You do not need to be a parishioner to join the group.  If you are a parishioner and not able to help out at this time but have friends or family who would like to be part of our group, tell them about us.  All are welcome!

 

Please call the parish office at 763-421-2471 with any questions or if you would like to join our group.  Your name and contact information will be given to the coordinators of the St. Francis Botanical Society.

 

WHO (We Help Others)

 

WHO has been very active since its inception in September of 2005. You will see our footprints throughout the St. Stephen campus as well as throughout the community. We've prepared meals, helped at St. Stephen School, volunteered at extended care facilities, helped package meals at Feed My Starving Children in Coon Rapids and assisted many families by doing chores they are unable to do. We'd like to feel we “wash the feet” of our neighbors.

 

We meet every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. for ½ a day to do outreach or perform some tasks on the St. Stephen campus. You will find us in the Formation Room sharing prayer and hospitality before we begin our activities.

If you are looking for a way to give back for blessings received or if you would like to pay it forward consider spending ½ a day a week (or when your schedule permits) participating in this enjoyable ministry.

 

We are always looking for more volunteers as well as for more people to assist so check with your friends and neighbors to see if they have tasks they are unable to do.

 

If you know someone who need help call Joan Bednarczyk at 763-712-7441; if you are interested in getting involved call Tom Buchman (763-755-4330) or Don Kropp (763-427-1381). Think about it. You can be a part of WHO.

 

Opportunities to Serve in the Community

 

Family Table located at local churches in Northern Anoka County.  Work includes serving meals and bussing dishes.  >Click here for the list of churches and contact numbers.       

 

Alexandra House located in Blaine.  Teens must be accompanied by a parent or other adult.  Work includes sorting and shelving donations.  Contact Volunteer Coordinator, Liz at 763-656-1368.

 

Goodwill in Coon Rapids.  Volunteers must be sixteen years of age and older.  Must attend a one-time ½ hour of orientation held every Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m.  Do not have to call in advance.  Work includes sorting and folding clothing donations.  For more information, call Julie at 763-712-3468.

 

Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) located in Coon Rapids.  People can volunteer alone at various times throughout the day or with WHO group the first Wednesday of every month at 9:30 a.m.  Work includes packing food.  Contact FMSC at 763-951-7310 or you can also register to volunteer online  http://volunteer.fmsc.org/Register/Default.aspx.

 

ACBC Food Shelf located in Anoka.  Call 763-422-0046 to sign up for hours before volunteering.  Work includes stocking shelves and packing groceries.