Giving of Your Time & Talent in Parish Ministry

"The Christian vocation is essentially a call to be a disciple of Jesus. Stewardship is a part of that. Even more to the point, however, Christians are called to be good stewards of the personal vocations they receive. Each of us must discern, accept, and live out joyfully and generously the commitments, responsibilities, and roles to which God calls him or her" To Be a Christian Steward - US Bishops' Pastoral Letter on Stewardship.

Here at St. Richard Parish in South Philadelphia, there are numerous opportunities for you to respond to God's call to stewardship. We will be adding various ministries, organizations, and volunteer opportunities to this page in the months ahead. The information provided will not only include contact information for those wishing to become involved, but also descriptions of the positions and the commitment level for each.

All employees and volunteers involved in a parish ministry that caters to children and youth under 18 years of age are required to abide by the Safe Environment Program of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. These ministries include, but are not limited to those working in the school environment, religious education program (CCD), CYO, and Liturgy of the Word for Children. As we add ministry and organization information below, we will note in the description if adherance to the Safe Environment Program is required.

Safe Environment Program Requirements

  • Attendance at the Archdiocesan mandated Safe Environment Training session. This training is provided through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at various sites during the course of the year. The training session is about two and a half hours long and must be completed by new employees and volunteers who work with children within 90 days of beginning service or employment at St. Richard Church, unless they have already completed the training during the course of volunteering or employment elsewhere within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. For more information about the location of current Safe Environment Training sites or to register for a training session click here.
  • Completing a PA State Police Criminal Record Check within 30 days of hire or service (fee paid for by the parish). Must be renewed every five years.
  • Completing a PA Child Abuse History Clearance within 30 days of hire or service (fee paid for by the parish) Must be renewed every five years.
  • Those volunteers or employees who reside outside of Pennsylvania or who have resided in Pennsylvania less than two years, must complete a Federal Background Check within 30 days of service or hire (fee paid for by the volunteer and reimbursed by the parish after six months of employment)
  • School employees hired after April 1, 2007 are required by the State of PA to complete a Federal Background Check within 30 days of hire (fee paid for by the volunteer and reimbursed by the parish once the clearance is processed)
  • All volunteers and employees must agree in writing to abide by and uphold the Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries

Any questions concerning the Safe Environment Program should be directed to Dennis M. Mueller at 215-468-4777 or email at .

Here at St. Richard Parish there are numerous opportunities to share your God given gifts and talents in service to the Lord. Listed below are various volunteer opportunities within the parish. For information on a particular position, please call the contact person listed. Check back often as we continue to update this page with additional volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer Opportunities

CCD Catechist

Responsibilities: This position requires an adult to prepare and teach weekly lessons to a class of 8-12 participants enabling them to cultivate their Catholic Christian Faith and deepen their relationship with God. Full materials and training are provided.

Qualifications: This person must be living in accord with the Catholic faith and be open and willing to share it with others. He or she should have an ability to communicate with and manage a group of children. Classroom management and other teaching skills can be acquired through training and consultation sessions. Adherence to the Safe Environment Program is required.

Commitment: One year - Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 PM, September through May with an additional one to two hours of lesson preparation at home each week. Catechists are required to take at least one ten-hour certification course each year. Course offerings are made available through the year. The cost of which is covered by the parish.

Contact: Dennis M. Mueller @ 215-468-4777 or

CCD Catechist Aide

Responsibilities: This position is a training position for anyone considering the position of catechist. Catechists Aides work closely with the catechist in implementing the weekly lesson plan and may after a time be invited to prepare and lead a weekly lesson under the supervision of the catechist or program director.

Qualifications: This person must be living in accord with the Catholic faith and should have the ability to establish a good rapport with program participants. Organizational, clerical and creative skills are an asset. Orientation and training will be provided. Adherence to the Safe Environment Program is required.

Commitment: One year - Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 PM, September through May.

Contact: Dennis M. Mueller @ 215-468-4777 or

CCD Classroom Assistant

Responsibilities: The position requires the person to assist the catechists in meeting classroom needs. Responsibilities include taking roll, distributing handouts, collecting homework, assisting students with special needs, etc.

Qualifications: This person should have the ability to establish a good rapport with program participants. Adherence to the Safe Environment Program is required for those 18 years of age and older. This is an excellent opportunity for junior high and high school teens seeking to fulfill service requirements for school!

Commitment: One Year - Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 PM, September through May.

Contact: Dennis M. Mueller @ 215-468-4777 or

CCD Clerical Assistant

Responsibilities: This position requires a person to collect the absentee slips from each classroom, record the attendance for the entire program, to verify an absence or notify a parent about an ill child during class hours and monitor the main entrance area of the building to insure safety and security and to inquire about the coming and going of program participants and others during class time.

Qualifications: This person should have the ability to supervise the main reception area of the Program on Wednesday evenings, and possess basic organizational and clerical skills. Adherence to the Safe Environment Program is required.

Commitment: One Wednesday evening every 4 weeks from 6 to 7 PM from September through May.

Contact: Dennis M. Mueller @ 215-468-4777 or

Children's Liturgy of the Word - Catechist

Responsibilities: To proclaim the Sunday readings to the children ages 4 to 9 and lead them in prayer and reflection. Materials are provided to assist in the preparation of the reflection and prayer, and new ministers are teamed up with an experienced minister until they are comfortable leading the Liturgy solo.

Qualifications: Person must be living in accord with the Catholic faith and be open and willing to share it with others. He or she should have an ability to communicate with and manage a group of children ages 4 to 9. All presentation materials are provided by the program director along with orientation, training and ongoing support. Adherence to the Safe Environment Program is required.

Commitment: Approximately 20 minutes during one Sunday (10:00 AM) Mass every 4 weeks for at least a year (September through June).

Contact: Dennis M. Mueller @ 215-468-4777 or

Children's Liturgy of the Word - Catechist Aide

Responsibilities: To assist with the supervision of the children ages 4 to 9 as they go to the school for the Children's Liturgy of the Word, while they are at the Liturgy, and as they return to the church following the conclusion of the Liturgy. Catechist Aides serve to help maintain a prayerful attitude among the children during the celebration of the Liturgy.

Qualifications: This person should have the ability to establish a good rapport with children of all ages. Must be willing to supervise children in order to maintain a prayerful attitude and respect among participants. Orientation and training will be provided.

Commitment: Approximately 20 minutes during one Sunday (10:00 AM) Mass every 4 weeks for at least a year (September through June). Adherence to the Safe Environment Program is required.

Contact: Dennis M. Mueller @ 215-468-4777 or

Choir Member/Cantor

Responsibilities: As music ministers, Choir Members and Cantors participate in the Celebration of the Mass by praising God and proclaiming His Good News and Love in song, as well as inviting/encouraging the congregation to do the same.

Qualifications: This person should be comfortable singing in a group and/or individually. You need not have a fantastic voice, just a confidence in your voice and a love of God and singing. Musical guidance and training will be provided.

Commitment: Attendance at weekly Choir Rehearsals on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., and attendance at 11:30 Mass weekly, September through mid-June.

Contact: Debbi Scairato at (215) 465-9617 or

Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist

Responsibilities: To assist the priests and deacons in the distribution of Holy Communion during Mass. Some ministers also bring Holy Communion on Sunday mornings to parishioners who are confined to their homes. Initial training is provided to help the minister understand his or her role and function during Mass.

Qualifications: This person should be living in accord with the Catholic faith.

Commitment: Two years - one or two Sundays a month, plus occasional Holy Days and special liturgies as your schedule allows. Individuals can request to serve at specific masses.

Contact: Dennis M. Mueller @ 215-468-4777 or

Lector

Responsibilities: Lectors participate in the celebration of Mass by proclaiming the readings from Scripture, as well as leading the community in the prayer of the faithful. Initial training and ongoing formation are provided to help the lector develop the necessary skills and become comfortable proclaiming the readings in front of the assembled community.

Qualifications: This person should be living in accord with the Catholic faith. He or she should also be comfortable speaking in front of a large group and have a good speaking voice. High Schools students are welcome!

Commitment: One year - one or two Sundays a month, plus occasional Holy Days and special liturgies as your schedule allows. Individuals can request to serve at specific masses.

Contact: Dennis M. Mueller @ 215-468-4777 or

RCIA Catechist

Responsibilities: Catechists work with those individuals who are preparing to be received into the Catholic Church. RCIA Catechists will have an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of sacred scripture through discussion of the Sunday scripture readings, give witness to their own faith journey through faith sharing opportunities and discussion, and/or have an opportunity to assist with the presentation of various topics on Catholic faith and spirituality.

Qualifications: Interested persons must be fully initiated and living in accord with the Catholic faith. They should also be comfortable discussing and sharing their Catholic faith with others. An ability to work with and lead small groups is also helpful, but not required.

Commitment: At least one year with opportunities for involvement ranging from weekly to monthly participation. Sessions are held Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 PM. Full training and support are provided.

Contact: Dennis M. Mueller @ 215-468-4777 or

Ushers - Ministers of Hospitality

Responsibilities: Ushers or Ministers of Hospitality are responsible for welcoming/greeting those entering the church for Sunday Mass or special liturgies. In addition, ushers ensure that volunteers are prepared to bring forth the gifts during the Offertory and ushers take up the collection during Mass.

Qualifications: Interested persons must be living in accord with the Catholic faith. He or she should be outgoing and social, capable of providing a sense of welcome for those gathering for worship. High School students are welcome!

Commitment: Currently ushers serve weekly at the Mass they regularly attend.

Contact: Rectory @ 215-468-4777 or