Children & Youth Ministry Volunteering
Safe Environment
The safety of children and vulnerable adults is our highest priority. In compliance with the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Holy Name of Jesus requires all regular volunteers to complete the Enhanced Essential 3 (EE3).
The Enhanced Essential 3 (EE3)
All regular volunteers must:
Complete VIRTUS: Protecting God’s Children training
- This program equips adults to recognize and respond to early signs of child sexual abuse.
- Ongoing education is provided through assigned readings and videos.
- Holy Name of Jesus has online access to every volunteer’s VIRTUS records to ensure training is current.
Complete a background check
- Conducted by an agency approved by the Archdiocese.
- Provides a full criminal history to screen out individuals who may pose a risk.
Sign a code of conduct
- Sets the principles and standards for ministry at Holy Name of Jesus.
- High school youth who serve with younger children are also required to sign.
Teaching Curriculum to Keep Kids Safe
Faith Formation programs at Holy Name of Jesus also include safe environment lessons for minors. These lessons follow Archdiocesan requirements and equip children with tools to protect themselves from harmful behavior, both in person and online.
More Resources
Victim Assistance
For confidential, compassionate help, 24/7, contact:
- Canvas Health: 651-291-4497
- Archdiocese Victim Assistance Program: 651-291-4514 or 651-291-4475
More information on victim and survivor support groups is available here.
Children Faith Formation
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Sunday School
Youth or adults (must be 8th grade or older) are invited to serve with Sunday School students ages 3-kindergarten. Available positions are:
- Main teachers, weekly
- Teaching aids, weekly
Requirements: Background check, one-time VIRTUS® training
Contact: Jennifer Wendt, 763-745-3492
Wednesday Night Faith Formation
Adults and confirmed teens are invited to serve with Faith Formation students grades first-eighth. Available positions are:
- Catechists (Teachers)
- Substitute Catechists (Teachers)
- Classroom aids
- Hall monitors
- Phone receptionist
Requirements: Background check, one-time VIRTUS training, Catechist training for teachers
Contact: Luke Klavins, 763-746-8195
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
VBS takes place in mid-June. Volunteers, 7th grade and older will find many different ways to be involved:
- Group leaders
- Core Team Leaders
- Bible Story Leads
- Bible Story Actors
- Bible Story Stagehands
- Crafts
- Prep work
- Nursery staffing
- Outdoor Activities and Games
- Snack Server and Snack Prep
- Nurse/doctor assistance
- Photographer
- Clean-up crew
The VBS Core Team meets in January to determine the year’s theme, select Bible stories, and determine the general direction of VBS. There is an all-volunteer meeting in June. Bible Story Leads and their teams will meet for dress rehearsals also.
Requirements: Background check, one-time VIRTUS training
Contact: Jennifer Wendt
Youth Ministries (The Crew)
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Middle School CREW
Middle School CREW helps 6th–8th graders find community while engaging in their Catholic faith. Teens gather on Wednesdays from 6:15–7:30 pm for a mix of prayer, Scripture, small group conversations, and activities that connect faith to daily life. The program runs from Sept. 24, 2025 through May 6, 2026.
For questions on volunteering, contact Luke Klavins.
Volunteer as a Small Group Leader
Parent involvement is vital to the success of Middle School CREW. Small Group Leaders walk with about ten middle schoolers each week, guiding conversation, prayer, and activities. All lesson materials are prepared in advance. Leaders may co-lead, alternate weeks, or lead individually.
If enough leaders are not available, some groups may need to wait to participate until a leader is secured.
Senior High CREW
SH CREW includes all Faith Formation and Youth Ministry programs for high school teens:
- Confirmation preparation
- Retreats
- Teen Core Team
- Weekly gatherings and special events
Each of these opportunities helps teens grow as disciples of Jesus Christ and find a supportive community of peers.
For questions on volunteering, contact Eve Washburn.
Adult Core Team
The Adult Core Team is a community of adults who serve as leaders and mentors in youth ministry at Holy Name of Jesus Parish. Adult Core Team members help shape the vision for THE CREW and walk alongside teens in their faith journey.
What Adult Core Team members do:
- Serve in small group ministry (weekly or monthly)
- Assist with planning and leading high school and middle school retreats
- Discern and implement the vision for youth ministry at HNOJ
- Invite teens into a deeper relationship with Christ and the Catholic Church
- Welcome, mentor, and inspire teens in their faith
- Grow personally in knowledge and love of the Catholic Church
Requirements:
- Love for Jesus Christ and His Church
- Be at least 21 years old
- Complete a background check and Virtus training
- Sign the volunteer code of conduct
Confirmation: Years One & Two
Year One, small-group leaders (in teams of two) are needed to plan and conduct eight required small-group sessions in the home from September through December. Groups meet on Sunday or Wednesday evenings for an hour and a half.
Year Two, small-group leaders (in teams of two) are needed to facilitate sessions at HNOJ from September through May for approximately two Sunday afternoons per month.
Requirements: Background check, one-time VIRTUS training, training retreat
Contact: Eve Edwards, 763-233-0251
Passion Play
Volunteers are invited to participate in the technical and artistic aspects of the annual Passion Play. The play is put on by first year Confirmation students and occurs each spring. Volunteer ministry positions include:
- Costumes
- Lighting and Sound
- Set Construction
- Adult support
- Musicians
Contact: Luke Klavins, 763-746-8195
Passion Play
CORE Team members are adults 20 years and older who work directly with high-school teens in many activities, including:
- Retreats
- Life Nights
- Socials
- Conferences
- Bible Study
Requirements: Background check, one-time VIRTUS training, attendance at planning meetings
Contact: Eve Washburn, 763-233-0251
Special Events
Adult chaperones, leaders, and drivers are often needed to assist with youth ministry special events such as Luke 18 Retreat, Steubenville Youth Conference, Extreme Faith Camp, and WinterBlast. Requirements: Background check and one-time VIRTUS training may be required depending on event and volunteer position.
Contact: Luke Klavins, 763-746-8195 or Eve Washburn, 763-233-0251
Nursery
The Holy Name of Jesus Nursery provides childcare for children ages nine months through kindergarten. The nursery is open during Sunday morning Masses and is also available for parish events such as Faith Formation, Bible Studies, MomCo, School Masses, and other ministries as needed.
As the first teachers of our parish children, we help them grow in faith through simple practices such as prayer at snack time, reading Christian books, and modeling Christ through our words and actions. Our caring staff provides a safe, nurturing, and faith-filled environment where children feel secure while their parents participate in parish life.
Staffing and Volunteering
The nursery is staffed by trained employees and supported by parish volunteers.
- Adult volunteers must complete a background check and attend VIRTUS® training. Learn more about VIRTUS Training.
- Teen volunteers are also welcome to serve in the nursery.
To volunteer, please contact Jennifer Gilliland
