Director of Religious Education/Pastoral Associate
The Director of Religious Education/Pastoral Associate of St. Thecla Parish works collaboratively with and reports to the In Solidum priest primarily responsible for St. Thecla.
As a member of the Parish Staff, the Director of Religious Education/Pastoral Associate oversees the parish faith formation (catechetical) program for both the school and the parish.
The responsibilities of the Director of Religious Education/Pastoral Associate include, but are not limited to:
- Direct entire parish catechetical/faith formation program
- Coordinate, implement and facilitate sacramental preparation programs (Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation)
- Works collaboratively with St. Thecla School Principal and staff regarding religious education programs in the school
- Provide training and/or Circle of Grace resources for catechists and schoolteachers to instruct their own class.
- Lead for youth ministry (including Lifeteen)
- Recruits and provides ongoing formation for and evaluation of catechists in accord with current AOD policies and guidelines.
- Meets with catechists at the end of each year to review year and sets goals to help all catechists to obtain certification.
- Develops Faith Formation/catechetical programs and budgets to support programs.
- Collaborates with the other DREs in the Family of Parishes
- Attends weekly staff meetings.
- Attends appropriate parish, Family of Parishes, and Vicariate meetings and functions.
- Record and maintain catechist certification modules/topics for all catechists and schoolteachers
- Sacristan for Wednesday School Mass and special School Liturgies
- Oversee the Sunday Morning Children’s Liturgy of the Word, in particular by recruiting, training, and supporting catechists.
- Oversee the annual Vacation Bible School, in particular by recruiting and supporting volunteers and leaders.
- Oversee OCIA for the parish.
- Lead representative for FORMED.
- Coordinator for Witness to love (marriage prep)
- Assist with funeral ministry as needed
- Assist with evangelization and Adult Faith Formation activities in the parish
- Assist with homebound ministry
- Assist with baptism ministry as needed
Qualifications:
- Devout, practicing Catholic.
- Associate or bachelor’s degree
- Parish Soft experience preferred.
- Several years’ experience in religious education and or/OCIA
- Certified catechist and certified OCIA coordinator or willing to work towards this.
- Other duties assigned at the discretion of the pastor.
Additional Requirements
- Must be a Catholic in good standing and adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Requires strict confidentiality regarding school and church personnel, financial, and other sensitive information.
- Must submit to a criminal background check.
- Must take Protecting God's Children for Adults training upon hire.
Interested candidates should complete employment application online as well as email a resume and list of professional references to Shanon Rupkus at Rupkuss@stthecla.com
