Reports to: Pastor
Job Description:
Forming a new generation of intentional Missionary Disciples of Jesus Christ in the Catholic Faith.
Summary:
• Part time, up to 18 hours a week
• Prepare young Catechumens and Candidates, as well as Catholic students of St. Raymond School, for Sacraments.
• Coordinate scheduling and parent communications for Sacraments and Sacramental Preparation
• Main Catechist for Pre-K & K school children using Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program
• Coordination of Children's Liturgy of the Word during Sunday Mass
Full Job Description:
• Coordinate Religious Education for Students who do not attend Catholic School
• Establish and implement goals for the Parish Religious Education Program.
• Recruitment and Formation of Catechists through parish-based opportunities, the Catholic Life Congress and Catechetical Forum.
• Ensure compliance with Safe Environment Policies for all catechists and volunteers in the program.
• Maintain contact with Parents and Guardians of children in the program in ways that ensures they are "the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith."
• Order books and materials necessary for Religious Education and Sacramental programs.
• Work with the Pastor on scheduling the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation and two Penance Services. Coordinate Parent Meetings, Retreats and communications with parents for these sacraments.
• Prepare young Catechumens, Catholic students, and Candidates for Reception into the Catholic Church (through the Easter Sacraments). Preparation may include Days of Retreat and Formation for Parents.
• Design, set up and maintain the Good Shepherd Atrium.
• Main Catechist for Pre-K & K school children using Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program
• Attend ongoing CGS Training Sessions for the three Levels (90 hours per level) plus 6 observation visits to other atrium sites for each level.
• Coordinate Children's Liturgy of the Word during Sunday Mass and recruit volunteers to facilitate.
• Stay informed of new models for parish religious education and safe environment policies.
• Implement Archdiocesan policies and procedures per the directives from the Office for Catechetical Formation.
• Participate in Archdiocesan sponsored events such as Catechetical Convocation, Fall and Spring Professional Days and Retreats.
• Attend Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education County meetings sponsored by the Office of Catechetical Formation.
• Maintain membership in Archdiocesan Association of Parish Directors, Coordinators, Administrators of Religious Education (PDCARE).
• Maintain appropriate contact with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catechetical Formation and ensure the program adheres to Diocesan Guidelines. The Pastoral Associate will attend meetings as requested by the Diocese and the Martin de Porres Foundation.
• In conjunction with the Pastor and Business Manager, coordinate the relationship with the Martin de Porres Foundation and complete annual grant and quarterly reimbursements
• Assist the Pastor and Parish Staff on projects as requested.
Qualifications:
• Full support of our church's vision and core teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of the Catholic Faith and the Catechism, as well as the ability and willingness to continue personal education (formally or informally)
• An attitude of "missionary discipleship" and not merely administration. The overall goal remains inviting people to live as Disciples of Jesus Christ.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer skills including use of E-mail, Word, Excel and Google product suites.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and follow-through on assignments while achieving all deadlines.
• Ability to work efficiently, effectively and independently as well as with teams.
• Ability to multitask and remain flexible with scheduled and unscheduled interruptions
• A pleasant personality with dedication to good interpersonal relationships and teamwork. Dedication to the support of youth, church members, and their ministries.
• A high level of trust with a commitment to confidentiality regarding church records, staff, and members.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in recruiting and motivating volunteers, communicating project goals and positively encouraging volunteers toward fulfillment of stated goals.
• Ability to deal with issues positively, finding effective solutions or seeking assistance as needed.
