General Position Summary:
Under the direction and authority of the Pastor, is responsible for the administration of catechetical activities and provides the primary leadership of the design and implementation of weekly catechetical ministries to engage and educate the children and youth from K-8. The DRE conveys the Church’s message and upholds the standards of the Catholic Church.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Oversee, implement, and facilitate Catechetical programs for all Elementary and Jr. High students
- Responsible for administration of all Sacramental Preparation Guidelines for the children/youth of the parish, Vacation Bible School (VBS) Religious Education and will manage the formation of the Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC).In addition, with oversight from the Pastor, will oversee the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) program.
- Support, inform and guide all parish catechists in the areas of catechesis, doctrinal formation, liturgical formation and pastoral formation.
- Promote the “Catechetical Theme of the Year” as recommended by the USCCB (Catechetical Sunday).
- Establish a collaborative relationship with parents and families. Facilitate opportunities for catechesis and teaching for parents in their role as first and best teachers of the faith.
- Maintain and update necessary databases, communication systems for children/youth, parents and volunteers throughout the year.
- Responsible for planning and administering parish’s annual children/youth registration process to include the maintaining of current records. Responsible for updating information (sacraments/attendance) in the Parish Data System (PDS) for grades K – 8.
- Responsible for scheduling the required annual training of children (grades K - 8) VIRTUS- Safe Environment Awareness Sessions with Safe Environment Coordinator (SEC) to include the preparation of Diocesan required reports. Obtain and verify VIRTUS- Safe Environment Teen Sessions reports from Youth Ministry Coordinator and provide to SEC for submission to Diocese before the established annual deadline.
- Prepare and submit Elementary/Junior High program information/updates to Receptionist/Secretary for publication in Church bulletin by weekly deadline.
- Prepare and send pertinent information (class, events, sacrament/Church info, etc.) to children (grades K-8) and/or parents via FlockNote/e-mail.
- Update OLQP website- Children Faith Formation section with current information, event photos, etc.
- Maintain and update the Parish Religious Education Handbook
- Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. Perform related duties based on location needs (see Additional Information). .
Typical Decisions and/or Recommendations Made in This Position:
Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope per policy.
Supervision Given and/or Received:
May provide oversight for one or more workers
Internal Contacts:
- Diocese Pastors, Priests, School Presidents, Principals, Business Managers, and employees.
External Contacts:
- Diocese vendors, local, state, and federal agency representatives, and auditors.
Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:
- This position works in a typical office environment but is subject to stress due to the evolving and quickly expanding needs of the Diocese, tight deadlines and moderate workloads.
- Ability to sit and perform computer work for lengthy periods of time.
- Able to access and maintain centralized departmental files. Involves extending arms and reaching files stored in multiple levels on shelves, climbing up a stepladder to access files.
- Ability to accept work interruptions while still remaining focused on duties.
- Data entry via computer keyboard that requires repetitive and frequent hand and wrist movements.
- Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance and up to 60 pounds with assistance.
Travel Requirements:
- Infrequent travel, by car, may be required to Diocese Parishes and/or schools.
Education and Experience Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree - Catechetic/Theology/Religious Education
- Master’s degree preferred - Catechetic/Theology/Religious Education
Knowledge and Skills Preferred:
- 1 – 3 years’ experience, 4 – 7 years preferred.
- Knowledge of the Catholic Church including an in-depth familiarity with its structures, functions, and institutions
- Knowledge of the Catholic Church, Catholic sacraments, Catholic rites and liturgies
- Knowledge of the application of the Catechumenal model (RCIA) model as the central method of teaching the Catholic faith
- Skill in strategic planning.
- Skill in writing and editing various documents.
- Skill in working with high level clergy and public officials.
- Ability to work with children to ensure their safety and development applying sound and effective policies and procedures.
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and utilize effective time-management techniques.
- Ability to carry out multiple tasks, complete tasks per established guidelines, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to effectively lead and coordinate the work activities of other staff or volunteers.
- Other: Ability to effectively manage group dynamics as well as interpersonal relationships to yield positive outcomes.
- Database, publisher, social media and ADP workforce now experience preferred
- Microsoft Office Intermediate to advanced capabilities with a heavy emphasis in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Demonstrated professional written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated analytical, customer service skills and the ability to multi-task.
FLSA Designation: Exempt Fulltime
