The Director of Family Ministry and Religious Formation is a professional catechetical leader who assists adults, adolescents and children of the Family of Five Parishes in their faith formation.
JOB SUMMARY
As representative of the pastor, the Director of Family Ministry and Religious Formation implements the parish religious education program in accordance with the parish mission and goals. The Director manages program content, staff, volunteers, budgets, and coordinates with other parish ministries and activities.
The duties and requirements of this position are ministerial in nature and include participating in Mass, prayer, and leading others in prayer, as appropriate. These duties are central to our mission as a Catholic parish.
The employee is expected to know and act consistently in accordance with the mission, policies, and tenets of the Catholic Church and the Code of Ethical Standards for Church Leaders. The employee is further expected to perform all duties and responsibilities with an overriding commitment to develop our Catholic Faith Community in accordance with the doctrines, laws, and norms of the Catholic Church.
In addition, the Director of Family Ministry and Religious Formation shall:
• Implement a new model for family faith formation for the Family of Five Parishes based on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which incorporates parents' catechesis as well.
• Review, evaluate, and develop programs, mission statements, long and short-range goals and objectives.
• Help form and empower parents to carry out their role as catechizing agents.
• Recruit, orient, and provide ongoing support for the Religious Formation catechists.
• Utilize appropriate methodologies of adult-centered and/or child-centered learning.
• Incorporate service opportunities in catechetical programs.
• Research and requisition resources (textbooks, liturgy materials, reference works, etc.) that complement the religious education efforts.
• Coordinate and lead Good News Adventure (Vacation Bible School).
Sacramental Program
• Coordinate the Baptism Preparation class and assist parents in completing the steps to have their child baptized.
• Coordinate the sacramental preparation of school-age children, including those in faith formation and Catholic schools.
• Involve the family in the faith formation process, especially in the formation of children and adolescents preparing for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
• Lead retreat activities and sacrament classes.
Additional Responsibilities
• Provide opportunities for parents to participate in prayer, Bible study, and personal spiritual development through Moms and Dads small groups.
• Train volunteers for ministry programs like Children's Liturgy of the Word, and Good News Adventure summer camp.
• Communicate with families and parishioners using the resources provided.
• Participate in Archdiocesan sponsored events such as the Catechetical Conference and Equip Days.
• Collaborate with other staff members to foster and maintain a working environment in which worship, prayer, hospitality, and learning are the primary motivators.
• Ensure that the Safe Environment requirements, policies, and mandates for parish volunteers comply with the Office of Safe Environment.
• Coordinate Family Ministry staff and lead team meetings.
• Other duties as assigned by Pastor.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Practicing Roman Catholic with a commitment to his/her own faith life and in good standing with the Church
• Bachelors/Masters degree in a related field and/or extensive experience in Ministry
• Experienced in teaching the faith to adults, youth and children
• Trained Catechist for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Preferred Level 3 or willing to work towards Level 3)
• Able to communicate with all age groups, from varying cultural and social backgrounds
• Skilled organizer and overseer of programs that incorporate volunteer contributions
• Sensitive to controversial issues and able to respond accordingly
• Strongly preferred bilingual in English and Spanish
OTHER SKILLS:
• Computer literate; familiarity or able to learn Mailchimp and Canva; know Microsoft 365
• Able to walk up and down stairs, and lift up to 25 pounds
