POSITION SUMMARY: The Catechetical Director provides overall direction for the parish’s catechetical programs for children, youth, and adults. This includes children’s faith formation (grades 1-5), middle school ministry (grades 6-8), high school ministry (grades 9-12), and family ministry. The Director is responsible for the sacramental preparation for the Sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, Confirmation, and Initiation of Children.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING (and other duties as assigned):
- Vision, Strategy, Leadership:
o Develop a philosophy of Catechetical Ministry for the Parish program. Work collaboratively with the parish staff, clergy, and parish volunteers.
o Develop overall goals, objectives, and implementation plan for elementary, junior high, and high school catechesis.
o Coordinates the sacramental preparation for the sacraments of First Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation.
o Collaborates with the parish school regarding the student’s sacramental preparation and the celebration of the sacraments.
o Assist in the sacramental preparation for infant Baptism.
o Coordinate the process of RCIA adapted for children.
o Update and evaluate programs as needed.
o Responsible for recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteer catechists.
o Responsible for screening, selecting, and purchasing of catechetical texts and supplementary materials. o Develop programs for the preparation and instruction of parents of students receiving sacraments.
o Assist in preparing the liturgy (with the Pastor or his delegate) for the Rite of Enrollment, First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation.
o Support RCIA Coordinator in the catechetical programs of RCIA.
o Oversee all record keeping for Catechetical Programs.
o Creation and distribution of Certificates for Catechistical Programs.
o Supervise the collection of fees and purchase of catechetical materials and program supplies.
o Prepare and monitor the catechetical ministry budget.
o Maintain the resource library, which includes books and videos.
o Be aware of legal issues related to catechetical ministry and follow the laws regarding child abuse reporting.
o Coordinating the VIRTUS training and maintaining the parish database of catechists, including fingerprinting and safe environment requirements.
- Collaboration and Communication
o Communicate with the pastor regularly, attend pastoral staff meetings, and collaborate with other staff members in parish projects.
o Collaborate and support RCIA Coordinator.
o Collaborate with the Evangelization committees in the parish faith formation programs.
o Attend Diocesan Cluster meetings.
o Act as a liaison between the parish catechetical program and the Catholic School.
o Communicate with the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation regarding the training of catechists and shared resources.
QUALIFICATIONS TO PERFORM THE JOB SUCCESSFULLY: Education and/or Experience: B.A. in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, or related field, knowledge of Catholic teachings and catechesis
3-5 years experience as a catechist.
Language Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills in English. Ability to recruit and inspire adult leaders and volunteers. Ability to relate and communicate with an ethnic and cultural diversity.
Computational Skills: Working knowledge of MS Office suite (Excel, Word, Publisher, PowerPoint).
Reasoning Ability: Requires problem solving, decision making, ability to see cause and effect, and forecasting.
Technical Skills: Ability to create and manage a budget.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Valid driver’s license.
Working Conditions: The employee must be physically present to complete office tasks and be available to work outside of regular business hours.
Other Requirements: The candidate must be a Catholic in good standing with a love for the faith and an understanding and acceptance of the mission of the Catholic Church.
The candidate must support the teachings and values of the Catholic Church and its mission.
Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with staff members and volunteers.
Able to multi-task and provide good customer service.
Travel and overtime (if applicable) may be required occasionally.
The work week is 40 hours per week on a year-round basis; however, the position requires a willingness and flexibility in work hours, including nights and weekends, and occasional travel when necessary to fulfill job responsibilities.
Salary range – $27- $30 per hour
Please contact Fr. James Okafor james.okafor@dsj.org if you are interested!
