Faith Formation Director

Faith Formation Director

The Faith Formation Director, 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's four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by 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. The role also involves 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.

• Develops goals, objectives, and implements strategies for a comprehensive catechetical program that serves adults through Pre-K, including preparation for Sacraments of Initiation, Reconciliation, and Marriage.
• Develops and implements 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.
• Directs and oversees 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.
• Oversees and directs 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.
• Evaluates the parish formation programming and makes recommendations to the Pastor and Director of Operations.
• Researches, evaluates, and recommends primary and supplemental catechetical resources and materials.
• Utilizes the parish bulletin, weekly update, website, social media and other media to communicate and market catechetical programming, best practices, and milestones.
• Provides support to the formation team in the areas of training, resources, and programs.
• Keeps current in developments/changes with diocesan policy.
• Acts as a resource person in the area of catechetics for the formation team, parish staff, and parish community.
• Prepares and submits budget requests for the Director of Operations and oversees expenditures to maintain budget within parameters.
• Develops an accurate and reliable statistical metric of the parish's catechetical efforts and submits reports, as directed.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings.
• Attends and facilitates formation staff and/or committee meetings.
• Attends meetings/events convened by the diocese as related to catechetical ministry or job-responsibilities.
• Participates in local and regional professional organizations related to catechetics; gives priority to professional development and to keeping credentials current as a parish catechetical leader serving in the Diocese of Orlando.
• Performs any other job-related duties as required.

The Faith Formation Director shares supervisory responsibility for the parish faith formation team.

Qualifications include a practice of the Catholic faith, a Master's degree in theology, Pastoral Studies, Religious Education, or a related field, at least five (5) years of ministry experience in a parish or diocesan position, supervisory experience required for Level II position, a valid driver's license, the ability to travel as required, and passing diocesan Safe Environment Requirements and background screening.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required include knowledge of Catholic doctrine and beliefs, knowledge of the catechumenate process, knowledge of the multicultural dimensions of catechesis, ability to assess needs and desired outcomes to develop catechetical processes and programs, demonstrated leadership and team-building abilities, 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, 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.

Physical requirements include the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time. Must be able to reach, grasp, and perform fine motor tasks, as well as see both up close and at a distance. Must be able to use standard office equipment and computer systems, with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written form. Tasks require the ability to perform light physical work, which may include lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling objects and materials up to 15 pounds. Work may involve extended periods at a computer or workstation.