St. Mary of the Falls
Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Title: Director of Faith Formation Status: Full Time - Exempt Position Summary: The Director of Faith Formation (DFF) is passionate about leading people closer to Christ through relational ministry, teaching and worship. This vital role coordinates the forming of Christ-centered relationships, joyfully proclaiming the teaching of the Catholic Church, and nurturing volunteers and parishioners in discipleship. The DFF works under the direction of the Pastor and in collaboration with the Director of Youth Ministry as a member of the Parish Staff. The Parish Staff is a group of disciples that are passionate about leading people closer to Christ through relational ministry and discipling of leaders. We recognize that this comes with great affirmation but also great spiritual attack, criticism, and sometimes frustration. We support each other in prayer through our victories and help each other when we fall. We strive for the best because the Gospel deserves it. Our mission is to boldly proclaim Christ through the most fruitful practices of relational ministry and disciple-making, which empower “passionate” Catholics to become authentic and fearless disciples. We live that mission every day through a culture that is authentic, affirming, faithful to our primary vocation, joyful, charitable, centered in a Eucharistic-spirituality, and filled with a spirit of evangelization. The individual that is going to succeed as DFF is self-motivated, collaborative, and joyful. Our DFF is excited at the prospect of forming a team to help disciple the middle school youth of the parish, as well as adults. This position isn’t for everyone, but if you think it might be for you then read on.
How you will make an impact at St. Mary of the Falls: • Promotes the formation of adult disciples; • Leads the team(s) and catechists in planning and coordinating the year-round process of OCIA; • Develops role descriptions and recruitment processes; • Facilitates the training and support of leaders; • Recruits volunteers as catechists, role models, faith leaders, and volunteers. • Works with the adult team to develop suitable programming for both middle school and adults: • Including coordinating “EDGE” program for Grades 6-8 • Including coordinating a suitable sacramental Confirmation program for Grade 8 These are the skills you need to get the job: Education, Training, and Experience • BA in Theology/Religious Education or a related educational field and/or a certificate in Youth Ministry or theology from a Catholic institution of higher learning preferred. • Proven participation and continuing updating of the Virtus Program requirements sponsored through the diocese. Develop overall program and implements policies and procedures • Identifies programs needed to fulfill parish needs and/or requirements for middle-school youth, their parents, and adult faith formation (including, but not limited to OCIA) • Researches, evaluates, selects available and appropriate curriculum and resource materials for faith formation for middle school youth, Confirmation, OCIA, and adult education • Develops lesson and ministry plans together with catechists • Evaluates middle school youth and adult curriculum using student/participant, staff, parent and parish commission responses Promotes and maintains internal and external relationships within the parish • Communicates and coordinates with the pastor on development of programs • Coordinates building and material use with school principal and other leaders in parish ministry • Participates in the development of pastoral team • Publicizes programs, policies and events to parish staff, commissions, persons involved and the parish at large • Establishes open communication with parents concerning their role as primary educators Manages resources allotted to implement programs • Projects budget and balances budget in cooperation with the Pastor and Business Manager • Provides for supervision of physical environment in which programs are being held Fulfills diocesan requirement for professional growth. Achieves certification and renewal • Reads professional material • Continues professional growth through workshops, courses, etc. • Participates actively in personal faith development and renewal Supervise the maintenance of records • Registers student enrollment • Records student attendance • Provides necessary information for the sacramental parish records • Maintains catechist certification records • Keeps inventory of program equipment and materials General • Attends and actively participates at parish staff meetings and events, Virtus meetings, Diocesan gatherings, and related activities; • Participates in the life and activities of the parish and develops opportunities for middle school youth to be visibly present and involved with the larger parish community; • Adheres to the polices and guidelines of the parish employee handbook. Interested and excited? We want to hear from you. Here is what we need: • If you think God is calling you to be the DFF at St. Mary of the Falls Parish, please send a cover letter, and resume to deaconrich@stmaryofthefalls.org with the subject line “SMOF Director of Faith Formation.” • We are excited to hire our new Director of Faith Formation, so we will close applications for this position on December 31st , 2024. About St. Mary of the Falls Parish St. Mary of the Falls exists to encounter the Living Jesus, equip ourselves as disciples, and engage the work of making disciples.
