Saint Jerome Parish - Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Job Title: Director of Faith Formation
Department: Faith Formation
Reports to: Pastor
Purpose and Scope:
Under the direction of the Pastor, oversees the development, organization, and
administration of St. Jerome's Faith Formation Program (including Pre-K-6 th , Middle School,
High School, Confirmation, Adult Faith Formation, Special Needs, all sacramental preparation
programs, and RCIA). Coordinates, recruits, and facilitates training and evaluation for
volunteers/catechists in Faith Formation programs. Oversees Children's Ministry, Youth
Ministry, and Special Needs Ministry. Assists Young Adult and Adult Formation ministries.
Researches and selects appropriate materials and media for programs and processes.
Communicates with parishioners, parish staff, the diocese, and keeps abreast of the current
national trends and issues within faith formation and catechesis.
Also known as Director of Religious Education (DRE), the Director of Faith Formation will be
expected to work 40 hours or more per week including evenings and weekends.
Synopsis of Job Functions
Implements a coherent and unified curriculum and catechetical programming to
enhance the catechesis of the parish community.
Establishes a unified vision of catechesis for the entire parish-not merely one
individual program.
Trains catechists and other ministerial volunteers thus providing a very cost effective
approach to ongoing training and formation within the parish.
Develops goals, objectives, and implements strategies for a comprehensive faith
formation program that serves Pre-K through adults including preparation for
sacraments.
In conjunction with the Pastor, the Faith Formation team, and the Faith Formation
Advisory Board develops, directs and oversees various faith formation programs that
support a lifelong deepening of the Catholic faith for all parishioners consistent with
the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), National Directory for Catechesis (NDC),
diocesan guidelines, and parish needs.
Responsible for the recruitment and training of volunteers/catechists to conduct the
parish's catechetical programs.
In collaboration with the parish business office, assures volunteers/catechists receive
mandatory training and establishes and implements appropriate training programs
for catechists to receive required certification courses.
Manages the Faith Formation team and works with them on the development of a
yearly schedule for all Faith Formation programs.
Responsible for administrative functions such maintenance of all sacramental records
and program registrations and evaluations.
Evaluates Faith Formation programs and makes recommendations to the Pastor.
Researches available materials and provides necessary primary and supplemental
materials for all programs and processes.
Promotes programs and provides material for the parish bulletin, weekly updates,
and other media.
Provides support to the formation team for training, resources, and programs.
Keeps current in developments/changes with Diocesan policies as they relate to
formation and sacramental practices.
Acts as a resource person for the Faith Formation team, staff, and parish community.
Prepares annual Faith Formation budget for review by the Finance Council and
oversee expenditures.
Attends and participates in staff meetings; attends and facilitates monthly Faith
Formation Advisory Board meetings; attends quarterly region meetings convened by
the Diocesan Office of Catechetical Ministry; attends appropriate workshops and
Professional Development Days.
Additional Job Functions
Performs any other job-related duties as necessary for the smooth flow of work in the
department and/or as assigned by the Pastor.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Knowledge of Catholic doctrine and beliefs as presented in the documents of Vatican
Council II, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other relevant Church and
Catechetical Documents.
Knowledge of the RCIA Process and the thorough understanding of the RCIA text.
Ability to assess needs and use results to develop catechetical processes.
Leadership and teambuilding abilities to direct religious education and Sacramental
preparation programs.
Possess excellent planning, organizational and collaborative skills.
Practicing Catholic with in-depth knowledge and training in Theology, Biblical
Studies, and Liturgy in the Catholic Tradition.
Computer literacy, excellent written, oral communication and interpersonal skills.
Working knowledge of management, supervision and administration; knows needs
and resources of parish community; must have updated knowledge of educational
and catechetical trends and practices.
The wherewithal to work under pressure; must initiate, be creative, and anticipate
solutions to problems: needs good judgment in emergency situations and when
working with varied personalities and cultures; must be able to work under frequent
interruptions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with
others; ability to interact with individuals and groups, and maintain appointments
and meetings.