Summary: Primarily responsible for coordination and oversight of the Religion Education Program at the elementary level Grades 1 to 6, including but not limited to recruiting and training catechists, program registration, printing certification, maintain respective sacramental registers, informing the local and diocesan offices, coordination of First Reconciliation, First Communion, SPRED (Special Religious Development), Vacation Bible Study, and coordinating and maintaining parish Safe Environment according to diocesan requirements. Secondary responsibilities for Adult and Family Ministries, including but not limited to Bible Studies, Parish Retreats, Marriage Preparation, Divorced Ministry, and assistance to clergy and office staff as needed.
Reporting Relationships: Reports to the Pastor and Business Manager
Employment Status: Full-Time Exempt (weekend and evening coverage as required by Religious Education Activities)
Ministry Hours:
Regular hours – Monday through Friday 9-3 (on those days when there are no classes)
On days of Faith Formation Classes, the hours are 12-8
On Sundays, the hours are 8-12 and off the Friday before.
General Responsibilities
· Provide weekly announcements and articles for the bulletin including but not limited to faith formation opportunities, catechetical Church documents and summaries or links relevant to Sacraments.
· Provide announcements for Parish website and digital communications.
· Provide monthly one Page Brief to Pastor about all programs.
· Attend Staff Meetings, Deanery and Diocesan Meeting, Training and Retreats.
Faith Formation Responsibilities
The primary duties of this position include the coordination of the following programs and activities:
· Faith Formation – Elementary Students Grades 1-6
· Research and selection of best course books available
· Prepare lesson syllabus in accordance with Diocese of Charleston
· Prepare and implement annual program calendar
· Recruit volunteer catechists and provide them with support, training, supervision and resources
· Set-up and maintain registration process, via both paper and online registrations
· Set up classes and associated classrooms
· Order all necessary supplies for programs
· Track inventory of books and supplies
· Manage teacher catechist days each year
· Perform annual teacher catechist observations
· Record attendance
· Manage and log sacramental information
· Prepare and lead parents meetings
· Prepare and implement the SPRED program
· Organize and manage VBS (Vacation Bible Study) during the month of July
The Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
The primary responsibility is to coordinate the parish programs for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion and provide administrative support.
· Main contact for inquiries for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
· Prepare, coordinate and implement the program activities, retreats and rehearsals
· Make sure the child is successfully prepared
· Provide support to the children and families during their preparation period, included but not limited to materials, meetings and training
· Coordinate the collection of Sacrament Registrations and baptismal certificates from parents
· Assist Pastor in coordinating dates and space for First Reconciliation
· Assist Pastor in coordinating dates and plans for First Holy Communion rehearsal and Masses
· Liaison with the Catholic Schools for the children making First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
· Plan and coordinate retreats and other activities for the children in the program
· Assist Home Schooling Parents who choose to prepare their children.
· Conduct parent survey and research for best practices
Adult Formation Responsibilities
The primary duties include the coordination of the following programs and activities:
· Plan, coordinate and implement Adult Bible Studies and/or Study Groups
· Monitor the content and activities of other adult study groups
· Plan and coordinate an annual parish mission and/or parish retreat
· Oversee the Divorce Ministry and the +45 Singles Group
· Serve as resource for couples seeking Marriage Preparation
Safe Environment
Assure a safe environment for all children within our programs and activities in the parish by gathering proper documentation, properly training screened children and adults, and maintaining properly filed records.
· Be attentive and coordinate all Safe Environment matters in the Parish
· Attend annual Diocesan training
· Record all Safe Environment dates and report on time to the diocesan officer
· Create and file all Safe Environment forms for employees and all volunteers who work with children maintaining current training, screening, paperwork and required signage on the property
· Track all employees and volunteers that work with children
· Present classes to all children in Faith Formation, EDGE, Confirmation and Life-Teen.
Key Requirements
· Be familiar and have an understanding with the Catholic Church’s vision, teachings, structure and policies
· Understands, accepts in writing, and adheres to the policies set forth in the Diocesan Employee Manual, the Diocesan Policy Regarding, Confidentiality and Abiding by Catholic Principles, St. Philip Neri Social Media Policy and such other documents required by the Diocese of Charleston
· Engage in the parish’s Stewardship Way of Life
· Support parish’s goals, policies, and programs, with a strong commitment to the parish mission, vision and values, the Diocese of Charleston, and the Catholic Church
· Satisfactory completion of Safe Haven Training
· At all times, act with integrity, maintain confidentiality and possess a clear understanding of acceptable business practices
· Must be courteous, respectful and diplomatic with all staff members, volunteers and parishioners
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with staff members, volunteers, parishioners, visitors to the parish office, and when conducting business with vendors and contractors
· Ability to work effectively as a team including but not limited to, all staff members, volunteers and parishioners
· Ability to work productively without daily supervision, and exercise discretion and independent judgment
Additional Responsibilities
· On an as needed basis, provide assistance and support to others, including co-workers, volunteers, parishioners and visitors to Parish Office
· Support Children’s Liturgy of the Word (e.g., order supplies, coordinate with program leader, etc.)
· Attend monthly Diocesan meetings for Directors of Religion Education
· In coordination with the Business Manager, prepare annual religion education budget
Education
· Theology Degree (BA or MA)
· Safe Haven training required
Experience
· Minimum of three years experience serving as a class instructor is required, preferably in a religious setting
· Experience in education administration a plus addition.
Key Competencies
· Ability to interact positively with parents and children
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Ability to multitask within a dynamic office setting
· Attention to detail
· Competence with MS Office and Servant Keeper
· Ability to schedule and coordinate multiple programs
· Active participant in the community life of the Catholic Church
Physical Requirements
· Ability to sit for long periods of time
· Ability to lift a maximum of 20 pounds
Note
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties and skills. Personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed and directed by the Pastor and/or Business Manager.
Disclaimer
Nothing in this job description should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment. Furthermore, St. Philip Neri Church or the Diocese of Charleston can terminate employment at any time for any reason. As such, this relationship implies no guarantee or contractual obligation unless specified otherwise in a written contract.