Director of Religious Education

JOB DESCRIPTION – Saint Alphonsus Parish, Maple Glen

TITLE:

Director of Religious Education

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversees the faith formation and sacramental preparation of all parish children, while serving as a senior member of the pastor’s staff in support of the mission of the whole parish

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

            Pastor

FULLTIME POSITION

Typically works five (5) days, thirty-five (35) hours per week; regularly requites a flexible work schedule that includes evenings, weekends and special occasions

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Parish Religious Education Program (PREP)

·       Oversee and coordinate all aspects of PREP for parish children not attending a Catholic school (parochial or private) from grades one (1) through seven (7) according to archdiocesan guidelines, policies and procedures, including both in-person, at-home (Whole Family Catechesis) and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Programs

·       Coordinate the access and inclusion of children with special needs

·       Review and select with pastor all instructional materials

·       Develop grade-level curriculum and lesson planning, providing catechists with weekly calendars.

·       Recruit and retain catechists; provide spiritual and professional formation, to include Catechetical Certification according to the policy set by the Office for Catechetical Formation

·       Manage PREP registrations through Parish Giving database

·       Oversee and update parish website and provide PREP related information for parish communications

·       Establish and maintain open, clear communications with PREP families

·       Together with the parish safe environment coordinator, ensure fulfillment of all Safe Environment requirements, policies and mandates as set by the Archdiocesan Office for Child and Youth Protection and the Office for Catechetical Formation

 

Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC)

·       In collaboration with the parish Discipleship Formation Director, coordinate and oversee the faith formation and sacramental preparation of youth entering the Church or receiving the Sacraments through the OCIC

·       Work with the Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School (OLM) Principal and parish database manager to identify children requiring OCIC

·       Establish and maintain open, clear communications with families participating in OCIC

Sacramental Preparation of all Parish Children

·       Plan and implement sacramental programs for children attending PREP/OCIC and coordinate the sacramental preparation of parish children attending OLM, including Penance Services, retreats and service projects for First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation

·       Prepare and lead parent meetings in preparation for Sacraments

·       Together with the Pastor and Director of Music Ministry, prepare and coordinate the celebrations of First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation

·       Ensure accurate recordkeeping of all parish sacramental books and database

 

Sunday Offerings for Youth

·       Oversee the Children’s Corner materials

·       Coordinate Children’s Liturgy of the Word

·       Coordinate Shining Stars

 

Pastor’s Senior Staff

·       Develop annual budget and submit for approval, while monitoring throughout the year to ensure compliance with budget

·       Perform additional responsibilities as needed

·       Attend weekly staff meetings and various events

·       Serve on the Core Group of the Missionary Hub and collaborate with the missionary activities of the parish

·       Prepare PREP, OCIC and sacramental calendar with Parish Services Director

·       Collaborate with parish staff on parish initiatives and overall mission of the parish

·       Maintain relationship and ongoing dialogue with OLM Principal, Faculty and Staff regarding faith formation and sacramental preparation of parish children

·       Perfom additional responsibilities as needed

 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

·       Strong commitment to and passion for passing on the mission, beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church

·       Excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication skills

·       Ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters

·       Proficient computer skills for maintaining databases and for using Microsoft Office Teams and programs

·       Ability to set and organize work priorities and to multitask

·       Ability to work in a collaborative manner

·       Functioning in a manner consistent with the mission and beliefs of the Catholic Church

 

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & ACTIVITIES

·       Archdiocesan Association of Parish Directors, Coordinators, Administrators of Religious Education (PDCARE)

·       Archdiocesan sponsored events such as the Catechetical Forum, Fall and Spring Professional Days and Retreats

·       Regional and Deanery meetings, workshops and conferences sponsored by the Office for Catechetical Formation and other archdiocesan entities

 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

·       Degree in Theology, Education, Religious Education or related field

·       Professional experience preferably in religious education or a teaching background

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

·       This is a salaried, non-exempt position.  Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience

·       Saint Alphonsus parish offers full benefits to fulltime employees to include medical, dental, vision, and 403(b) retirement plan.

 

 

If you are interested in applying, please send your resume to Rev. Msgr. Brian P. Hennessy, Pastor, at:

Saint Alphonsus Rectory

1567 Temple Drive

Maple Glen, PA 19002

msgrbhennessy@stalphonsusparish.org