Adult Formation
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Catechists: There are three kinds of Catechists for RCIA: Inquiry Catechists, Dismissal Catechists and Extended Formation Catechists.
Inquiry Catechists meet with individuals interested in learning more about the Catholic Church with the possible result of becoming Catholic. Time commitment: 2-4 hours per month plus preparation time.
Dismissal Catechists accompany the individuals who have chosen to learn more about Catholicism with the intent of becoming Catholic. The catechist helps them break open the Word of God in their lives. Time commitment: 1 hour a month plus preparation time.
Extended Formation Catechists present various subjects (prayer, the creed, sacraments ) to the RCIA candidates in a 2 hour session. Time commitment: 2 hours twice a month plus preparation time.
Sponsor Coordinator recruits individuals to be sponsors for those entering the Catholic Church, provides training for the sponsors and answers questions. Time commitment: varies
Sponsors accompany the candidates in their journey of faith, giving them a witness of Christian life and answering questions. Time commitment: varies depending on the persons involved.
For more information on volunteering with RCIA contact Megan Cottam, at 262-7315
Sacraments
Adult Confirmation
Catechists lead 1 ½ hour sessions or designated events. Time commitment: 1 ½ hours 8 times plus preparation time.
For more information on volunteering with Adult Confirmation contact Megan Cottam, 262-7315.
Scripture Study Groups
Coordinator, in cooperation with the DRE, prepares bulletin and pulpit announcements, registers individuals, orders materials. Time commitment: varies
Facilitators lead the group, preparing the meeting area, operating the equipment (DVD player, CD player). Time commitment: 1 hour each week plus preparation time.
For more information on volunteering with Scripture Study contact Megan Cottam, 262-7315.
Retreats
Coordinator, in cooperation with the DRE, decides on retreat themes, prepares retreats, orders supplies and ensures the smooth running of the retreat. Time commitment: varies
Refreshments coordinator provides refreshments for retreats – usually either breakfast or lunch.
Facilitators prepare and deliver a presentation. Time commitment: varies
For more information on volunteering with retreats contact Megan Cottam, at 262-7315
Returning Catholics
Facilitator meets with Catholics who have been away from the church and want to return but are concerned about changes and being accepted. Time commitment: varies
For more information on volunteering with returning Catholics contact Peggy Hildebrand at 804-501-0075
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Catechists: There are three kinds of Catechists for RCIA: Inquiry Catechists, Dismissal Catechists and Extended Formation Catechists.
Inquiry Catechists meet with individuals interested in learning more about the Catholic Church with the possible result of becoming Catholic. Time commitment: 2-4 hours per month plus preparation time.
Dismissal Catechists accompany the individuals who have chosen to learn more about Catholicism with the intent of becoming Catholic. The catechist helps them break open the Word of God in their lives. Time commitment: 1 hour a month plus preparation time.
Extended Formation Catechists present various subjects (prayer, the creed, sacraments ) to the RCIA candidates in a 2 hour session. Time commitment: 2 hours twice a month plus preparation time.
Sponsor Coordinator recruits individuals to be sponsors for those entering the Catholic Church, provides training for the sponsors and answers questions. Time commitment: varies
Sponsors accompany the candidates in their journey of faith, giving them a witness of Christian life and answering questions. Time commitment: varies depending on the persons involved.
For more information on volunteering with RCIA contact Megan Cottam, at 262-7315
Sacraments
Adult Confirmation
Catechists lead 1 ½ hour sessions or designated events. Time commitment: 1 ½ hours 8 times plus preparation time.
For more information on volunteering with Adult Confirmation contact Megan Cottam, 262-7315.
Scripture Study Groups
Coordinator, in cooperation with the DRE, prepares bulletin and pulpit announcements, registers individuals, orders materials. Time commitment: varies
Facilitators lead the group, preparing the meeting area, operating the equipment (DVD player, CD player). Time commitment: 1 hour each week plus preparation time.
For more information on volunteering with Scripture Study contact Megan Cottam, 262-7315.
Retreats
Coordinator, in cooperation with the DRE, decides on retreat themes, prepares retreats, orders supplies and ensures the smooth running of the retreat. Time commitment: varies
Refreshments coordinator provides refreshments for retreats – usually either breakfast or lunch.
Facilitators prepare and deliver a presentation. Time commitment: varies
For more information on volunteering with retreats contact Megan Cottam, at 262-7315
Returning Catholics
Facilitator meets with Catholics who have been away from the church and want to return but are concerned about changes and being accepted. Time commitment: varies
For more information on volunteering with returning Catholics contact Peggy Hildebrand at 804-501-0075
Volunteers for Children and Youth Formation
Welcome! We value a variety of talents and time commitments in assisting with our formation programs. Read below to find the best program suited to your interests. We look forward to working with you!
For more information on volunteering with any of the following ministries, please contact Megan Cottam at mcottam@ollrichva.org or 262.7315x225.
(All volunteers must be VIRTUS certified to assist with Children and/or Youth Ministries. To sign up for this one-time child protection class, please visit and register via the Diocesan Safe Environment Website: https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/reg_list2.cfm?theOrgID=18860&theme=0 )
Vacation Bible School:
VBS is a 5-day camp that runs from Sunday through Thursday during the last week of June. There are many opportunities to volunteer including emcee, station leaders (games, crafts, drama), group leaders, decorations, registration, food team, and other roles as needed. The 2018 theme is “Shipwrecked” and can be previewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H7joG1wK64&t=4s .
Sunday Morning Religious Education Program
Our Faith Formation programs are run and sustained through volunteers. We are always in need of catechists, aides, hall monitors, substitute teachers and special holiday helpers. Our Faith Formation programs run from mid-September through the beginning of May.
Youth Group
Youth Group is split into middle and high school age groups, and is a large group gathering with small group breakouts. Volunteers are needed to be small-group leaders on a regular basis between mid-September and the beginning of May. In addition, throughout the year, chaperones and drivers (21 years old and over) are needed to help with retreats, Diocesan special events, workcamps, and other off-site activities.
Baptismal Preparation Team
All new parents who bring their children to baptism receive a one-time class on the theology behind the sacrament and logistics of the ceremony. This class is team-taught by volunteers once every 6-weeks from a scripted curriculum. The class lasts about 90 minutes.
First Sacraments Preparation Team
Catechists, workshop aides, and hospitality teams are needed to help families prepare for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion. There are four family-style workshops held on Saturday mornings throughout the year to teach and prepare the children for these special moments in their faith.
Confirmation Preparation Team
Small group leaders are needed to help teens reflect on their faith and prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation during four modules held throughout the year. Modules include a large group gathering with small group breakout sessions.
Welcome! We value a variety of talents and time commitments in assisting with our formation programs. Read below to find the best program suited to your interests. We look forward to working with you!
For more information on volunteering with any of the following ministries, please contact Megan Cottam at mcottam@ollrichva.org or 262.7315x225.
(All volunteers must be VIRTUS certified to assist with Children and/or Youth Ministries. To sign up for this one-time child protection class, please visit and register via the Diocesan Safe Environment Website: https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/reg_list2.cfm?theOrgID=18860&theme=0 )
Vacation Bible School:
VBS is a 5-day camp that runs from Sunday through Thursday during the last week of June. There are many opportunities to volunteer including emcee, station leaders (games, crafts, drama), group leaders, decorations, registration, food team, and other roles as needed. The 2018 theme is “Shipwrecked” and can be previewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H7joG1wK64&t=4s .
Sunday Morning Religious Education Program
Our Faith Formation programs are run and sustained through volunteers. We are always in need of catechists, aides, hall monitors, substitute teachers and special holiday helpers. Our Faith Formation programs run from mid-September through the beginning of May.
Youth Group
Youth Group is split into middle and high school age groups, and is a large group gathering with small group breakouts. Volunteers are needed to be small-group leaders on a regular basis between mid-September and the beginning of May. In addition, throughout the year, chaperones and drivers (21 years old and over) are needed to help with retreats, Diocesan special events, workcamps, and other off-site activities.
Baptismal Preparation Team
All new parents who bring their children to baptism receive a one-time class on the theology behind the sacrament and logistics of the ceremony. This class is team-taught by volunteers once every 6-weeks from a scripted curriculum. The class lasts about 90 minutes.
First Sacraments Preparation Team
Catechists, workshop aides, and hospitality teams are needed to help families prepare for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion. There are four family-style workshops held on Saturday mornings throughout the year to teach and prepare the children for these special moments in their faith.
Confirmation Preparation Team
Small group leaders are needed to help teens reflect on their faith and prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation during four modules held throughout the year. Modules include a large group gathering with small group breakout sessions.
