The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 154 elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.
Implements and assists in the design of innovative and strategic approaches to engage, form and accompany adult Catholics under the
Renew My Church initiative, specializing in the formation of young couples for married life and adult Catholics seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation. Oversees the Archdiocesan PreCana marriage ministry and Adult Confirmation process. Provides expertise and assists in the design of strategic approaches for the sacramental formation initiatives of the Office of Lifelong Formation. This role reports to the Director of the Office of Lifelong Formation and works in collaboration with the senior coordinator team to support and resource sacramental formation ministers.
Responsibilities
- Oversees archdiocesan initiatives that accompany Catholic adults through the process of participating in fundamental formation and sacramental programs, particularly the PreCana marriage ministry and Adult Confirmation process.
- Serves as a high-level parish contact on matters related to archdiocesan sacramental policies and sacramental formation, especially PreCana marriage ministry and the Adult Confirmation process.
- Evaluates current sacramental formation processes and contribute to the development of a practical vision for continued improvement of the sacramental formation initiatives of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
- Recruits, forms, supports and evaluates ministers of the archdiocesan PreCana marriage preparation program and other sacramental formation ministries, including adult Confirmation.
- Designs, coordinates and conducts necessary trainings, particularly for formation ministers participating in ministry team pilots.
- Conducts needs analysis, assesses and makes determinations as to the ministry needs and challenges, and manages alignment and integration of these needs with the other ministries in the Office of Lifelong Formation.
- Provides subject matter expertise on marriage preparation and sacramental formation, including adult confirmation, with all Archdiocesan agencies and with inter-departmental initiatives.
- Oversees logistical support for the PreCana and Adult Confirmation programs, including event planning, calendaring and resourcing.
- Contributes to determinations about the Marriage Preparation and Sacramental Formation Ministry budget.
- Fosters a spirit of creativity, collaboration, professionalism, and accountability among members of the Marriage & Adult Confirmation Ministry team.
- Collaborates with the Senior Coordinator Team, Department of Parish Vitality and Mission, and other agencies to ensure the support and formation of parish leaders, catechists and other ministers preparing adults for the Sacrament of Marriage and for reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- Communicates priorities and directives of the Office of Lifelong Formation and Department of Parish Vitality and Mission to members of the ministry team and coordinates integration into planning and implementation of initiatives.
- Leads and participates in committees, projects, or initiatives as directed by Office of Lifelong Formation or Department of Parish Vitality and Mission.
- Increases skills and knowledge through continuing education, attending conferences and reading appropriate literature.
- Performs other assignments and projects consistent with the responsibility level of this position.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, Pastoral Ministry or related field of study from an accredited college or university, or equivalency.
- At least three years of experience in formation, outreach, ministry and administration.
- Fully committed to the Catholic Church’s teaching on the Gospel message.
- Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people, including persons with varied social, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
- Must be an excellent communicator, detail-oriented and self-motivated.
- Working knowledge of all Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Power Point, Excel, Access and Publisher.
- Ability to drive, carry materials and climb stairs; available to attend evening and weekend meetings or events if necessary.
Preferred
- Master’s Degree in Theology or related field of Study.
- Five or more years of proven professional experience in the field of formation, outreach, ministry and administration as well as experience in leadership and management.
- Ability to mentor colleagues toward success.
- Excellent communications and conflict resolution skills.
- Bilingual English/Spanish.
