Faith Formation Director

Parish Catechetical Leader

The Parish Catechetical Leader, under the direction of the Pastor, is responsible for the overall leadership, development, and administration of the parish's comprehensive catechetical ministry. This includes planning, implementing, and evaluating formation programs for all age groups, sacramental preparation, and catechumenal processes, in alignment with diocesan standards. The role oversees catechetical programming, supports and forms catechists and volunteers, and ensures effective communication and coordination across parish and diocesan stakeholders.

The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by its employees.

1. Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living.
2. Respect: Affirming each person's God-given dignity and uniqueness.
3. Courage: Inspired by this gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly.
4. Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing goals, objectives, and implementing strategies for a comprehensive catechetical program that serves adults through Pre-K, including preparation for Sacraments of Initiation, Reconciliation, and Marriage.
• Developing and implementing a coherent and unified curriculum and catechetical plan for the parish, in conjunction with the pastor, parish staff, formation team, ad-hoc advisory committees, and others.
• Directing and overseeing various catechetical programs that support a comprehensive, systematic, lifelong, and ongoing discipleship in the Catholic faith for all parishioners in accordance with Church teaching and practice as outlined by Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), the General Directory for Catechesis (GDC), the National Directory for Catechesis (NDC), church law diocesan guidelines, and parish needs.
• Responsible for the recruitment and training of catechists/volunteers and assures that they fulfill diocesan Safe Environment and certification requirements.
• Overseeing and directing the work of the formation team; works with them on the development of a yearly schedule for all programs.
• Responsible for administrative functions such as maintenance of all Sacramental records, program registrations, evaluations, and other pertinent data or information.
• Evaluating the parish formation programming and making recommendations to the pastor.
• Researching, evaluating, and recommending primary and supplemental catechetical resources and materials.
• Utilizing the parish bulletin, weekly update, website, social media and other media to communicate and market catechetical programming, best practices, and milestones.
• Providing support to the formation team in the areas of training, resources, and programs.
• Keeping current in developments/changes with diocesan policy.
• Acting as a resource person in the area of catechetics for the formation team, parish staff, pastor, and parish community.
• Preparing annual budget for review by the pastor and parish finance council and overseeing expenditures to maintain budget within parameters.
• Developing an accurate and reliable statistical metric of the parish's catechetical efforts and submitting reports to the pastor, pastoral council, diocese, or other as required.
• Attending and participating in staff meetings.
• Attending and facilitating formation staff and/or committee meetings.
• Attending meetings/events convened by the diocese as related to catechetical ministry or job-responsibilities.
• Participating in local and regional professional organizations related to catechetics; giving priority to professional development and to keeping credentials current as a parish catechetical leader serving in the Diocese of Orlando.
• Performing any other job-related duties as required.

Supervisory responsibilities include overseeing the total parish faith formation team, which includes three catechetical professionals: evangelization, adult formation, and annulment advocate; youth minister; and faith formation/evangelization administrative assistant.

Qualifications include:

• Practice of the Catholic faith is required.
• Master's degree in Theology, Pastoral Studies, Religious Education, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience) required.
• At least five (5) years of ministry experience in a parish or diocesan position (related degrees and comparable experience will be considered).
• Supervisory experience required for Level II position.
• Must have a valid driver's license and the ability to travel as required.
• Must pass diocesan Safe Environment Requirements and background screening.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required include:

• Knowledge of Catholic doctrine and beliefs as presented in the documents of the Second Vatican Council, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and other relevant ecclesial documents and publications.
• Knowledge of the catechumenate process and a thorough understanding of the Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults.
• Knowledge of the multicultural dimensions of catechesis and the ability to work effectively across cultures.
• Ability to assess needs and desired outcomes to develop catechetical processes and programs.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building abilities to direct all elements of catechetical programming.
• Excellent planning, organizational, and collaborative skills.
• Practicing Catholic with sufficient knowledge and training in theology, liturgy, and ministry in the Roman Catholic tradition.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with others.
• Computer literacy required; bilingual ability (English/Spanish or another language) is a plus.
• Ability to assess parish needs and resources and perform against established goals and objectives, with current knowledge of educational and catechetical trends and practices.
• Ability to work under pressure; demonstrate initiative, creativity, and sound judgment; anticipate and resolve problems; and effectively manage multiple priorities, frequent interruptions, and diverse personalities and cultures.
• Ability to maintain accurate fiscal records, monitor budgets, and analyze statistical data.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written materials, including journals, articles, and reports
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to define issues, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts in budgeting, reporting, and program management
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals and groups and manage appointments and meetings on parish grounds.
• Ability to work a full-time schedule, including evenings and weekends, as necessary to fulfill the requirements of the role.

Language skills include:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common journals, articles, and periodicals. Must have good problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required.

Mathematical skills include:

• Ability to apply routine mathematical concepts such as addition, multiplication, and division.

Reasoning ability includes:

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Physical requirements include:

• The ability to sit and stand for long periods of time. Must be able to reach, grasp, feel, and see up close and from afar. Must be able to use basic office computer hardware and peripherals, with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to communicate verbally and in written form. Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (15 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.