Volunteering at St. Ann’s
Much of what happens at St. Ann’s is done by volunteers: the coffee after Mass, the flowers on the altar, the lunches for Street Ministry. Even an hour a month helps.
Our volunteer teams
Each team has a leader who will help you get started.
How to become a volunteer
Following the Diocese of Hamilton’s volunteer screening guidelines keeps everyone safe: those we serve, our volunteers and our parish.
- 1Choose where you’d like to help. Pick a team above, or tell us your interests and we’ll help you find a good fit.
- 2Fill out the Volunteer Information Form. Every volunteer completes one. There are two versions, depending on your role. Choose yours under “What your role requires” below.
- 3Review your role. We’ll give you a short description of the role and ask you to sign the Volunteer Acknowledgement of Responsibilities.
- 4Complete screening, if your role needs it. Some roles require a few more steps (see below).
- 5Get oriented. Your team leader will show you the ropes and any training your role needs.
- 6Join your team’s Flocknote list to receive schedules and reminders. How parish emails work →
What your role requires
The steps depend on the kind of role you take on.
Group settings
Roles in a group setting with little or no one-on-one contact with vulnerable people, such as greeting, hospitality, cleaning or grounds work.
- Volunteer Information Form
- Volunteer Acknowledgement of Responsibilities
Roles that need full screening
Roles working with children, seniors or other vulnerable people, or with access to money or confidential records, such as children’s programs, visiting the sick or counting the collection.
- Volunteer Information Form
- An interview with the parish screening committee
- Two references
- A police check (Vulnerable Sector Check or CPIC check)
- Volunteer Acknowledgement of Responsibilities
- Orientation and training
About police checks
Bring the original police check to the parish. It must be dated within 60 days.
We record the result confidentially and give the original back to you. No copies are kept.
A new check is needed every five years, or if you’ve been away from the role for a year or more.
The diocese offers a low-cost Vulnerable Sector Check option. Ask the parish office for details.
Keeping everyone safe
St. Ann’s follows the Diocese of Hamilton’s Safeguarding Protocol for the protection of children, vulnerable adults and our volunteers. The diocesan page also explains how to report abuse or misconduct.
Thank you for sharing your gifts
Fill out the Volunteer Information Form for your role and we’ll be in touch, or contact the parish office with any questions.