Director of Faith Formation

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Job Summary : 

The Director of Faith Formation (DFF) administers the Pre-K-12th grade and OCIA for Children parish faith formation programs and works closely with the pastor to ensure that these programs are forming disciples of Jesus Christ. The DFF provides leadership and formation to Faith Formation staff and volunteers. The DFF supervises the Faith Formation and Youth Ministry staff and operates with some latitude for independent judgment and initiative.

Ministerial Character:

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish of St. Helen, which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the parish. To fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares his mission with them and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at St. Helen help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways, as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry, thereby engaging in ministry for the Church.

Essential Job Duties: 

· As an integral part of your ministry for the Church, as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of St. Helen Catholic Church in both your professional and personal life.

· Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.

· Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities.

· Pursue professional development in collaboration with clergy and the Diocese of Austin.

· Maintain relationship with Pastor, other parish staff members, Faith Formation staff, and the diocesan office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

· Direct the implementation, ongoing management, and evaluation of parish Faith Formation program for Children and Youth, including K-12 faith formation, OCIA Adapted for Children, youth ministry, and sacramental preparation.

· Integrate insights from current catechetical literature into program planning.

· Support knowledge and skills of catechists through ongoing formation tools.

· Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate catechists and support volunteers.

· Adjust program components (space, time, materials, human and physical resources) as needed.

· Obtain/order resources (textbooks, Bibles and liturgy materials, sacramental gifts, additions to the library) in conjunction with office staff.

· Communicate with participants, parents, catechists, and parish at large to keep them informed of religious education efforts.

· Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to students, parents, and staff.

· Maintain parish and catechist compliance with Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM/Virtus) components, including

o Adult EIM Basic and/or Refresher for all staff and volunteers under their supervision,

o Empowering God’s Children program for First through Eighth grades.

· Oversee planning for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, in conjunction with the pastor. 

· Collaborate with necessary persons for planning for Rite of Confirmation, in conjunction with the pastor.

· Prepare necessary items for OCIA Adapted for Children.

· Other duties as assigned by the Pastor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

· Knowledge of diocesan requirements for formation and catechesis.

· Knowledge or willingness to learn of instructional methods and strategies, and curriculum differentiation.

· Skill in pacing and differentiating instruction. 

· Skill in motivating and engaging students in the learning process. 

· Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format. 

· Skill in using job-appropriate technology. 

· Skill in critical thinking and planning. 

· Skill in collaborating with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning.

Must have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.

· Ability to demonstrate professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding parish matters. 

· Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form. 

· Ability to organize, prioritize, and utilize effective time-management techniques. 

· Ability to work effectively with staff, clergy, religious and laity.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

· Bachelor's degree from an accredited American university or equivalent in a foreign country.

Experience:

· Two (2) years or more wage earning preferred, related work experience

Language:

· English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing)

Catholic Requirement:

· Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

· Valid Texas driver’s license

· Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM/Virtus) policies throughout the employment period.

Working Conditions:

· All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. 

· The Parish is an at-will employer.

· Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.

· Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.

· Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations. 

· Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.

· May be required to use personal vehicle to drive to off-site locations.

· Travelling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required.

Requirements: