JOB DESCRIPTION
Position/Title:
Director of Faith Formation (Grades 1-6) / Department:
Faith Formation
Reports To:
Pastor / Date:
May 2018
FLSA Status:
Exempt / Hours:
Full Time

General Summary of the Position

The Director of Faith Formation has overall responsibility for the parish catechetical formation of children (Grades 1-6). The Director works collaboratively with the Pastor, staff and volunteersto support the spiritual formation of the parish community as a whole.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Position

Children’s Ministry

  • Develops and implements goals, objectives and strategies for a comprehensive faith formation program that serves Grades 1-6, including sacramental preparation.
  • In conjunction with the Pastor, the formation team and the formation advisory board develops and implements a coherent and unified curriculum and catechetical plan for the parish of St. Michael the Archangel.
  • Responsible for the recruitment and training of volunteers/catechists to conduct the parish’s catechetical programs.
  • Ensures volunteers/catechists receive mandatory training and establishes and implements appropriate training programs for catechists to receive required certification courses.
  • Manages the formation team and works with them on the development of a yearly schedule for all faith formation programs.
  • Responsible for administrative functions such as maintenance of all sacramental records, program registrations and evaluations.
  • Evaluates faith formation programs and makes recommendations to the Pastor.
  • Researches available materials and provides necessary primary and supplemental materials for all programs and processes.
  • Promotes programs and provides material for the parish bulletin, weekly update and other media.
  • Keeps current in developments/changes with Diocesan policies as they related to formation and sacramental practices.
  • Acts as a resource person for the formation team, Parish Council, Finance Committee, and staff.
  • Develops an accurate statistical picture of the efforts of the parish and submits reports to the Pastor and Parish Pastoral Council as requested.
  • Keeps abreast of trends in the field of catechesis, participating in local and regional organizations related to catechetics.
  • Keeps credentials current for Diocesan certification as a Catechetical Leader.
  • Performs any other job-related duties as necessary for the smooth flow of work in the department or as assigned by the Pastor.

Administration

  • Fosters good communications, keeping all wellinformed through internet, mailings, phone calls, bulletins and pulpit announcements.
  • Ensures the existence of a safe environment in faith formation programs and events at all times, ensuring compliance with Diocesan policy and procedures for adult supervision.
  • Develops and manages the Faith Formation portion of the parish budget.
  • Cooperates with faith formation leaders of other local parishes and of the diocese in developing and maintaining training and certification for catechists.

Position Requirements

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

  • Practicing Catholic with in-depth knowledge of Catholic Doctrine and beliefs as presented in the documents of Vatican Council II, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other relevant Church and Catechetical Documents
  • Knowledge of the multi-cultural dimensions of catechesis
  • Ability to assess needs and use results to develop catechetical processes
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Program development skills
  • Excellent leadership, coaching and supervision skills
  • Child development and catechist development skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Strong presentation skills
  • Computer literacy
  • Ability to honor and maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to work as a team player with staff, volunteers and diocesan personnel
  • Ability to work no less than 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as needed

Education and Experience:

  • Degree in Theology/Faith Formation, Pastoral Studies, Education or Educational Administration (Masters preferred)
  • 3 years of successful formation experience in a parish or Diocesan position. Related degrees and comparable experience will be considered.