Director of Religious Education

Description

The Director of Religious Education (DRE) works collaboratively with the Pastor and the Parish leadership to develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive faith formation program for children and youth in Kindergarten through Grade 12. The DRE provides leadership for parish Catechetical programs, sacramental preparation, Catechist formation, and family faith formation, with particular attention to serving the parish’s growing number of Spanish speaking families.

This is a very large program with over 400 students.

The DRE fosters a vibrant culture of evangelization and discipleship by supporting children, youth, parents, catechists in their growth in the Catholic faith.

Key functions of this position include:

• Keeping the pastor abreast of the total parish religious education program and its catechetical components on a regular basis.
• Promoting and fostering an enthusiasm for the Catholic faith among our young people and their families.
• Sacramental Preparation:
• Planning and oversight of the parish religious education program, including sacramental Preparation.
• Facilitating parent and catechist meetings, retreats, and workshops.
• Serving as a resource for youth ministry.

Requirements

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

I. Administrative:

a. Orders books and supplies.

b. Sets the calendar for catechetical programs and events.

c. Works with the pastor to set the religious education budget (and monitors said budget)

d. Reserves needed facilities and equipment.

e. Provides a safe environment for all: secures background checks and training for all

volunteers working with children and youth per diocesan guidelines.

f. Communicates effectively with parishioners regarding the catechetical process and

programs.

g. Conducts an annual registration process.

h. Maintains records of attendance and participation in catechetical programs and

celebrations of sacraments.

i. Maintains records of achievement for catechists that include participation in all safe

environment requirements, parish and Diocesan catechetical formation events, and

applicable certification processes.

j. Participates in diocesan and parish staff meetings, coordinating catechetical ministry with

other ministries.

k. Responds to parish and diocesan requests for reports, surveys and program evaluations

II. Catechetical:

a. Sets and implements catechetical vision for the parish based on contemporary Church

documents to develop the parish as an evangelizing community.

b. Provides formation for the celebration of the sacraments for youth, children, and their

parents.

c. Evaluates and selects catechetical resources (texts, materials, etc.) utilizing diocesan

norms and policies.

d. Recruits, trains, supervises and evaluates catechists and support staff.

e. Supports and develops catechists by leading catechist training and providing catechetical

resources.

f. Exhibits knowledge of and willingness to become familiar with diocesan policies and

guidelines to ensure that the parish’s faith formation policies and programs are

developed and implemented in accordance with Diocesan norms.

g. Maintains a support system and sets responsible boundaries to balance ministry,

community, family, and personal and pastoral relationships.

III. Skills:

· Personal: Self-starter, good listener, ability to safeguard confidential information, ability

to give and take directions, handle multiple tasks, exhibits oral and written

communication skills and utilizes email and computer technology.

· Technology: demonstrated knowledge of or ability to use computer technologies such as:

•Email

•Parish website, weekly bulletin, and social media as necessary

•Parish Software utilized for recordkeeping and database management

· Collaborative: adept at planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating

programs; inspires others to conversion and personal and spiritual growth; delegates tasks to appropriate personnel; manages conflict; integrates a family perspective in ministry.

· Fully Bilingual preferred. Effectively communicates with both English and Spanish speaking families.

POSITION RELATIONSHIPS:

· Regular communications with pastor.

· Close cooperation and communication with parish school administration and religion coordinator.

· Close cooperation and communication with area DREs, youth ministry coordinators, and OCIA coordinators.

· Close cooperation with diocesan office of Evangelization and Faith Formation.

· Regular communication with parents and parishioners in general, as appropriate.

· Regular communications with appropriate diocesan offices and adherence to diocesan policies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Fully initiated Roman Catholic, an active member of a Catholic parish, an active participant in the Church’s liturgical and sacramental life (including, if married, a valid sacramental marriage).

· Demonstrated knowledge of the Catholic faith (which may include catechetical certification,

undergraduate or graduate work in theology or religious studies).

· Experience working with children, youth, and families preferred.

· Full Fluency in English and Spanish (oral and written) preferred.

· College Degree, some college, or strong experience in education.

REQUIREMENTS:

This is a full-time position.

· Weekend and evening hours during PRE class time and other activities as necessary (ex. Retreats, parent meetings, and sacrament preparatory activities) Specifically Sunday mornings.

· Regular office hours during summer months.

OTHER POSSIBLE DUTIES:

The DRE is also asked to coordinate and or offer support to the following:

· Vacation Bible School

· Children’s Liturgy Program

· Continuing Adult Faith Formation

· OCIA Process

· Parish Ministry Training