OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIY
The Project Manager for the Start with Sunday Initiative is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of this initiative, which aims to enhance the participation of children and their families in Sunday worship through innovative programming, inclusive worshiping environments, and ongoing family engagement. The Project Manager will work closely with parishes, schools, and diocesan leaders to create welcoming worship experiences and faith formation opportunities that resonate with the spiritual needs of children aged 3-12 and their families.
This is a grant-funded position for five years.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Program Development and Implementation:
- Lead the implementation of the “Start with Sunday” initiative, focusing on the three major elements of this project: Preparing Children for Worship, Preparing a Welcoming Environment, and Pray. Every. Day.
- Coordinate the establishment of regional Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) centers across the nine deaneries, ensuring that each center is equipped with necessary materials and staff.
- Develop and oversee the training and certification of facilitators and catechists in CGS methodology, ensuring high-quality formation that meets the developmental needs of children.
- Community and Parish Engagement:
- Act as the primary liaison between the Institute for Catholic Formation, parish leaders, and school administrators to ensure smooth implementation and alignment of the program.
- Support congregational leaders in creating child-friendly worship environments, including training on the inclusion of children with special needs and disabilities.
- Facilitate workshops and seminars for pastors, musicians, and liturgists on how to effectively engage children in worship.
- Resource and Content Development:
- Partner with Catholic organizations and artisans to develop and procure the necessary materials for the CGS atriums.
- Develop digital resources, including weekly email and text campaigns, to support families in extending Sunday worship into daily life.
- Collaborate with the Catholic University of America and other partners to create content for the “Pray. Every. Day.” program, providing parents with tools to engage their children in faith-based activities throughout the week.
- Program Evaluation and Reporting:
- Create “Start with Sunday” initiative goals, such as its implementation, effectiveness and impact, and design and implement a system to monitor and evaluate.
- Prepare regular reports on program progress, including participant feedback, challenges, and success stories.
- Coordinate with the Institute’s leadership to refine program elements based on feedback and evaluation results.
- Grant Management:
- Manage the distribution and oversight of mini grants to participating congregations, ensuring funds are used effectively to enhance children’s participation in worship.
- Provide guidance to parishes in the application process and support them in developing sustainable worship and formation practices.
- Stakeholder Collaboration:
- Work closely with the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, the National Catholic Partnerships on Disabilities, and other partners to enhance the quality and reach of the initiative.
- Engage with parents, children, and community members through focus groups and surveys to gather input and feedback for continuous program improvement.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education And Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in theology, religious studies, education, or a related field or equivalent experience; Master’s degree preferred
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, religious education, or a related field; experience in a not-for-profit preferred
- Familiarity with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd or Montessori-based faith formation.
- Demonstrated experience in program development and community engagement
- Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills
- Collaborative and cooperative in all interactions; service focused
- Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team with diverse staff and stakeholders, including clergy, educators, and families
- Passion for enhancing the faith experience of children and families within the Catholic tradition.
- A strong work ethic and desire to exceed client expectations
- Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church
- Ability to effectively communicate in English and Spanish preferred
- Some evening and weekend work required
About The Institute For Catholic Formation
The Leadership Institute’s essential mission is to help parishes reimagine faith formation by thinking beyond programs. To engage the faithful in lifelong learning, we must help parish leaders offer opportunities that lead to a meaningful encounter with the person of Jesus Christ. This encounter leads to a desire to know and serve the Lord, which the Institute helps facilitate through its formation opportunities. What follows is a genuine response to missionary discipleship, which is faith lived out and, in turn, draws others to encounter our Lord.
