Volunteers Needed: A Message from Ted Musco, Director of Lifelong Faith Formation

By: Faith Formation Office    July 14, 2025

Volunteers Needed: A Message from Ted Musco, Director of Lifelong Faith Formation!

As we continue to build and enhance our parish Lifelong Faith Formation Process at SS. Isidore and Maria Parish, we hope that each parishioner will consider their role in this important work. During my presentation to the parish in June, I mentioned some of the service opportunities that exist. Not everyone has the desire or ability to fill every need, but we are called to be active, participating members of the parish. We need several people for each position that follows, as we intend on growing the Lifelong Faith Formation Process.

The following are some specific ways to understand more specifically the needs that already exist.

Do you…

  • Have a strong desire to serve God and his people as a “missionary disciple”
  • Actively participate in the Mass, Sacraments, and service opportunities
  • Have the ability to lead individuals and/or groups with pastoral sensitivity
  • Set aside the necessary time for initial and ongoing formation for roles to be undertaken
  • The willingness and desire to grow in your Faith

After careful discernment on your part, please reach out to me via email (Ted@isidoreandmaria.org) or phone (860-633-9419) to discuss possibilities that might exist for you. Please note that there is an immediate need for volunteers to help serve our Faith Formation program, which is currently registering students. These volunteer role descriptions – including time commitments – are: 

  • CATECHIST (AT ALL LEVELS)
    • The term catechist comes from the Greek word KATECHEIN, meaning “to echo”. The role of the catechist is to echo God’s WORD and thereby touch the hearts and minds of those entrusted to their care.  The catechist serves as an extension of the catechetical responsibility of the pastor, and with his approval, is part of a team of individuals collaborating with the Director of Lifelong Faith Formation.
    • TIME COMMITMENT: For catechists serving grades one through ten, a year-long commitment is based on the Family Faith Formation Program calendar and requires approximately 3-4 hours per week, including preparation and meetings.
    • SPECIAL NOTE: For catechists (leaders) serving other communities such as the Catechumenate (OCIA), Adult Faith Formation, Sacramental Preparation, etc., the time commitment varies but would be approximately 2-3 hours per week, including preparation and meetings, but often for shorter periods of time based on particular needs.
  • CATECHETICAL AIDE
    • Working directly with the lead catechist, the catechetical aide provides support to the catechist and the parents as needed.   They are expected to participate in meetings and initial and ongoing formation opportunities.  Together, the catechist and aide collaborate to provide a full program of Family Faith Formation.
    • TIME COMMITMENT: For catechetical aides serving grades one through ten, a year-long commitment is based on the Family Faith Formation Program calendar and requires approximately 2-3 hours per week, including preparation and occasional meetings. 
    • The ROLE: The volunteer assists the catechist on a “need” basis.  The volunteer will collaborate with the catechist and catechetical aide to ensure the smooth running of the faith formation session.
    • TIME COMMITMENT: For volunteers serving grades one through ten, a year-long commitment is based on the Family Faith Formation Program calendar and requires approximately 2 hours per week, when classes are in session.
  • TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT
    • The technology assistant assists the catechist and program coordinator by addressing technology needs that often occur at the last minute.  Helping with appropriate resources such as cords, connections, devices, etc., will allow the session to run smoothly.  A good grasp of general technology is necessary.
    • TIME COMMITMENT:
    • The technology assistant will need to be available for a year-long commitment based on the Family Faith Formation Program calendar for approximately 2 hours per week (two Sundays per month and four days one week per month), when classes are in session.