Volunteer
To every parent, grandparent, and adult in our parish—this is a sincere invitation, and a humble request to consider.
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Our children are hungry for faith. They are growing up in a world that asks hard questions, offers easy answers, and often forgets God altogether. They need more than textbooks and lessons. They need witnesses. They need adults who are willing to stand before them and say, by word and by life, “Jesus matters.”
You may feel unqualified. You may think your faith isn’t strong enough, or that you don’t know enough. But catechists are not called to be perfect theologians—they are called to be faithful disciples. What our children need most is not expertise, but presence. Not perfection, but love.
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As parents, you are already your child’s first and most important teacher of faith. By volunteering as a catechist, you deepen that gift—not only for your own child, but for many others who may not receive it at home. You help shape hearts, plant seeds of truth, and open young minds to a lifelong relationship with Christ.
The Church needs you. Our parish needs you. And most of all, our children need you.
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When you say yes to catechesis, you are saying yes to something eternal. You are investing in souls. You are answering Christ’s call to “let the children come to me.”
Please prayerfully consider serving as a catechist. Trust that God does not call the equipped—He equips those He calls.
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Say yes. Your faith, your time, and your love can change a life—perhaps even your own.
The United States Conference of Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People mandates that every diocese implement Safe Environment programs for all children, parents, and adults. The principal purpose of this Charter is to ensure a safe environment for the children of each diocese.
Here in the Diocese of Allentown, a number of steps have been taken in order to implement these guidelines pertaining to reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse. The Diocese has more information regarding Youth Protection at their website: https://www.allentowndiocese.org/
Below is a list of the requirements necessary to volunteer at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish.
For information and assistance contact our Safe Environment Coordinator:
Debbie Pilliod
Rectory: 610-678-3767
Email: sec@stignatiusreading.org
Requirements for volunteers:
1. FBI Criminal Background Fingerprint Check (18+ years old) - (process date within 1 year)
DHS Prints for St. Ignatius School, PREP, CYO, Extended Care, Parish, etc Volunteers
**Contact Debbie Pilliod for a fingerprint payment code and directions**
2. Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check (18+ years old) - (process date within 1 year)
3. Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Certificate (18+ years old) - (process date within 5 years)
4. National Sex Offender Registry Verification (18+ years old) - (process date within 1 year)
5. Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse online training certificate Mandated Reporter Training (18+ years old) - (process date within 5 years)
6. Protecting God’s Children training certificate (one time only)
7. Diocese’s Sexual Abuse Policy Acknowledgment Form (14+ years old)
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8. Diocese’s Code of Conduct Policy Acknowledgment Form (14+ years old)
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9. Diocese's Child Protective Services Law Policy Acknowledgement Form
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10. Social Media & Electronic Communications Acknowledgement & Consent Form
Contact Us
Call
610-678-0676
