Position:
Director of Religious Education
Date Revised: November 19, 2024
Reports to: Pastor
Location: St. Martin de Porres Catholic Parish
3990 West University Dr.
Prosper, TX 75078
www.fwdioc.org/employment
The Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas includes 90 Parishes, 1 Mission, and 19 schools. It stretches from Quanah, Texas just northwest of Wichita Falls in the West and extends to Penelope, Texas in the Southeast. Its largest metropolitan areas are Fort Worth, Arlington, Denton, and Wichita Falls. It has approximately 1.1 million Catholics in the Diocese, including 108 Priests, 86 Deacons, and 77 Sisters. The principal duty of all employees is to assist in the mission of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas.
Essential Functions Of TheParish Director Of Religious Education Are
The Director of Religious Education, working under the direction and authority of the Pastor, is responsible for the administration of catechetical activities as specified by the Pastor for St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. The Director of Religious Education oversees, implements and facilitates all Catechetical programs for the parish and is responsible for the administration of all Sacramental Preparation and Religious Education Guidelines. The Director will oversee OCIA for Adults and Children and will also provide catechetical training and up-to-date resources for all catechists within the parish. The Director will exercise the ability to foster the New Evangelization with the intent of forming intentional disciples through use of systematic approach to the faith.
Principal Accountabilities
- Support the Mission of the Church in the areas of Evangelization and Catechesis through the directives set forth by the Pastor and the Diocesan Bishop through the Diocesan Department of Catechesis.
- Support, inform and guide all parish catechists in the areas of catechesis, doctrinal formation, liturgical formation and pastoral formation.
- Direct annual parish in-services for all catechists.
- Assist and encourage catechists to continue planning and implementing basic and life-long formation through programs and methods approved by the pastor.
- Promote the Catechetical Theme of the year as recommended by the USCCB (Catechetical Sunday).
- Maintain and update the Parish Religious Education Handbook.
- Implement Diocesan Sacramental Guidelines, offering training and formation when requested.
- Assist parish catechetical leaders (volunteers) to assess their particular needs, conduct workshops, correct problems, and build on strengths;
- Consult and collaborate with other parish staff to provide comprehensive programming to integrate the Catechetical mission of the Church within the Parish community.
- Maintain ongoing communication between parish catechetical leaders and volunteers achieved through emails, and regular mail outs for those not on e-mail, phone contacts and information on the website;
- Maintain up to date the Parish Web Page for all Parish Religious Education activities.
- Oversee the administration, implementation and formation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and for Children.
- Prepare, maintain and administer the program budget in collaboration with the Business Manager.
- Have monthly staff meetings with the Pastor and provide monthly progress reports.
- Have monthly staff meetings with the Business Manager.
- Work with the staff at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church to assist them with their overall catechetical needs.
Qualifications
- Practicing Catholic, in good standing, participating in a parish;
- Knowledge of the Roman Catholic Church and, specifically, the workings of the Diocese of Fort Worth
- Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to use one’s own vehicle and company vehicles for business travel.
Required Knowledge & Skills
- Background in Evangelization and Catechesis especially in the areas of catechetical methods and content, curriculum development, sound understanding of Church Doctrine and administration;
- Must be familiar with and understand the nature of the Kerygma and how it serves as a vital component in catechist formation and intentional discipleship;
- Familiarity with Catechesis and Inculturation methods and applications;
- Working knowledge of key Magisterial documents in Catechesis e.g. General Directory for Catechesis, Catechesis In Our Time, the Rites of the Church, Evangelization in the Modern World, Catechism of the Catholic Church etc.;
- Excellent communication/presentation skills combined with knowledge of Catechetical methodology, pedagogy in accordance with all Magisterial Documents on Catechesis.
- Computer literacy;
- Bi-lingual fluency in speaking, reading, and writing English and Spanish (if applicable).
- Familiarity with catechetical resources for children and for training of catechists; and,
- Organizational, facilitation, research and process skills.
Educational Level Required
- An advanced degree in Catechetics, Theology or Religious Education from an approved Catholic Institution.
- Have Catechetical, Liturgical and Pastoral experience in teaching and administration in multiple catechetical settings.
- Advanced knowledge of Catechetical Documents i.e. Catechism of the Catholic Church, Catechesis In Our Time, General Director for Catechesis, Evangelization in the Modern World.
Supervision Given And/or Received
- Supervision provided by the Pastor
- Supervision provided to the Assistant Director of Religious Education and Administrative Assistant
Internal Contacts
- Communicate effectively with parish staff and parishioners
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 business needs, tight deadlines, and heavy workloads.
- Excellent computer skills and demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and parish database, including online form builders.
- Must be able to work evenings and weekends on a regular basis.
Travel Requirements
- Limited travel may be required
