Director of Faith Formation

Holy Family Parish in Adrian is seeking a full-time Director of Faith Formation. This position reports directly to the pastor and will superviseCatechists, Religious Education Volunteers, OCIA Team, sacramental preparation volunteers, and Faith Formation Volunteers.

General Summary:

The Director of Faith Formation assists the Pastor in fulfillment of his ministry to spread the Gospel by developing, implementing, and maintaining adult faith formation initiatives. Brings people into full communion with the Catholic Church by directing OCIA, Adult Faith Formation, Adult Sacramental Preparation, and Children’s and Religious Education programs.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

A. Adult Faith Formation

• 1. Assesses the faith formation needs of adult parishioners and develops effective ways to educate and evangelize the adult faith community.
• 2. Directs, facilitates, and evaluates adult faith programs such as OCIA, Scripture study groups, parish retreats, and sacramental preparation classes.
• 3. Coordinates Baptism preparation classes.
• 4. Recruits new candidates and catechumens throughout the year and maintains communication with them before, during, and after OCIA process.
• 5. Administers the OCIA process according to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults approved for use in the United States, the National Statutes on the Catechumenate and other relevant Church documents.
• 6. Coordinates and supervises volunteers for all adult formation programs.
• 7. Assists in the planning of and participates in special liturgies in partnership with liturgy coordinator.
• 8. Prepares and maintains the budget for all adult faith formation programs.
• 9. Work as part of the Parish Team to support the various initiatives taken on by the group or individual members.
• 10. Organize and provide support for various Adult Education Classes and opportunities to support the growth in discipleship of parishioners.
• 12. Support the Men’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry and Parish Life in the parish.
• 13. Serve as the safe environment coordinator for the parish and maintain safe environment records on all parish staff and volunteers.
• 14. Implement diocesan and parish catechetical policies and guidelines, including catechist certification and policies related to the protection of children, youth, and vulnerable adults.
• 15. Maintains necessary records for all sacraments.

B. Youth Faith Formation

• 1. Organize, Schedule, teach (when necessary) and oversee religious education programs for adults, youth and children
• 2. Organize, schedule, teach (when necessary) the children and high school OCIA program at the parish.
• 3. Provides opportunities for youth and children to hear and respond to the Gospel message to spread the good news through service opportunities and to grow together as a faith community (Catholic Youth Camp, service retreats, conferences, sporting events and clubs, etc)
• 4. Develop sound catechetical programs which meet the needs for the parishioners. Plan, implement, and evaluate the parish catechetical programs.
• 5. Maintain an annual budget and yearly program calendar for approval. Provide monthly updates to pastor.
• 6. Implement diocesan and parish catechetical policies and guidelines, including catechist certification and policies related to the protection of children and youth. Recruit qualified and certified catechists and other volunteers to teach.
• 7. Counsel, advise, and meet with students, parents, and teachers when problems arise.
• 8. Partner with liturgical coordinator and pastor to plan liturgical celebrations and sacramental rites for students.
• 9. Maintain the necessary records pertaining to the various religious education programs and personnel.
• 10. Collaborate with pastor to set long range goals for the total religious education of the parish community.
• 11. Attend regional and diocesan meetings, conventions, and workshops concerning religious education. Engage in personal faith formation opportunities.
• 12. Serve as a resource on catechetical matters such as current trends, instructional materials, and in the development of policies.
• 13. Maintain rooms used for Religious Education classes.
• 14. Provide curriculum and materials for Children’s Liturgy of the Word

• 1. Keep the parish community informed of the religious education programs through print media and webpage in partnership with the Director of Media and Evangelization.
• 2. Advise, communicate, coordinate, and cooperate with other parish and diocesan organizations.
• 3. Be visible and available to young adults, youth, and children and their families.
• 4. Develop a network for reaching out to youth, particularly those who may not have a strong faith.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Catholic theological studies, Ministry, Religious Education or equivalent.

Experience:

Minimum two years of ministry experience required. Experience with managing a budget, recruitment, and supervision required.

Require:

Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church and fully committed to Catholic moral teachings and tradition. Must pass a background check and attend local training for the protection of children and youth. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Physical Demands:

While performing duties, employee has to sit for long periods of time, use hands in repetitive motion tasks, and answer telephone calls. The position also requires some standing, stooping, and bending, and giving oral presentations. Employee is expected to work onsite and on weekends. Some travel is required. Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work of the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills.