Director For Catechetical Ministry

Our Lady of Grace Parish seeks a full-time Director for Catechetical Ministry (DCM) to serve the parish community of Our Lady of Grace Church . The candidate for this position would be responsible for overseeing the ongoing Faith Formation of Preschool, Elementary, Junior High, Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Communion Candidates, RCIA adapted for Children and family catechesis. A primary focus will be forming young people as disciples of Jesus Christ; drawing them to responsible age-appropriate participation in the life, mission and work of the Church; and fostering the spiritual growth of each young person.

Position Responsibilities

• Organizing and supervising faith formation staff, catechists and volunteers
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Experience working in a “team” environment; Communicate regularly with Parish Staff
• Directing sacramental preparation programs (RCIA Adapted for Children, First Reconciliation, First Communion) in collaboration with parish staff and volunteers
• Assisting and resourcing catechists, parents, and ministry coordinators
• Maintaining records and aid in the certification of Catechists
• Training and ongoing formation of catechists and volunteers for Catechetical and Sacramental Ministry
• Budgeting of parish resources for maximum efficiency
• Assisting the pastor on special projects

Functional Duties

Parish: Participate in regular meetings with the Pastor and parish staff as needed. DCM strives to be a resource person for the parish staff and families on issues related to children’s catechetical and sacramental Ministry. Duties of the DCM include but not limited to selecting curriculum, teaching materials and resources for the catechetical program; support and implement diocesan and parish Safe Environment policies. DCM will coordinate and plan sacramental worship services including First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion

Catechist and Volunteer Team: Recruiting and training adult leaders and catechists. The DCM must help recruit, train, support and evaluate volunteers in Faith Formation programs. Make sure that Catechetical ministry staff has completed Safe Environment background screening. Help to meet the Spiritual needs and the spiritual hungers of the adults in their journey to Know Christ. Provide support as they share in accompanying our children as Disciples. Keep parents, parishioners, adult leaders informed of programs, social, service and event opportunities through distribution of calendar and use of various approved social media communication outlets.

Sacramental Preparation and RCIA Adapted for Children: The DCM is responsible for directing all Sacramental Preparation of children, to include First Reconciliation, First Communion and RCIA Adapted for Children. The DCM will oversee these programs and coordinate a series of gatherings and retreat days for parents and or families to assist them as they lead their children in the preparation for the reception of the sacraments.

Professional Development and Spiritual Growth: The DCM should comply with the diocesan certification standards of maintaining the appropriate amount of hours to remain certifiable. The DCM is to participate in diocesan sponsored events such as: in-services, workshops, conferences, courses, etc. and attend one spiritual retreat as approved by Pastor.

Work Schedule: Schedule will have a set schedule of weekly gatherings but will also need a flexible element as directed by the pastor. Work schedule will include Sundays and some evenings. The DCM should include time to be available to the parents, children and parishioners at times that is more convenient for them.

Supervisory:

• none

• Bachelor’s degree in religious studies, Pastoral Theology, Catechetics or equivalent, such as: Diocesan Institute Ministry Certificate in Catechetical Ministry
• 3-5 years’ experience in parish Catechetical Ministry in a leadership capacity

Professional Qualifications

• A practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church
• Possess the Basic Catechist Certification
• Knowledge of Catholic doctrine, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other relevant Church and Catechetical Documents
• Leadership and teambuilding abilities to direct religious education and Sacramental preparation programs
• Be a self-starter who is disciplined, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with others
• Possess excellent planning, organizational, leadership and collaborative skills
• Bilingual in Spanish and English desired but not required
• Computer literate in Microsoft Office and comfortable with Apple operating system
• Must have current technology and social media knowledge

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to remain in an office at a computer workstation and access information from a computer and use a telephone. The employee is required to be mobile to, from, and within the office, as well as maneuver throughout the parish/school facility to attend meetings, briefings, and other work-related events. The employee may be required to conduct trips to, from, and within various city and county-wide locations to attend meetings or events. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Our Lady of Grace Church, as part of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.