CRE

Description

Summary of Benefits

Position Summary

The Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) is a ministerial leadership position responsible for directing and coordinating the catechetical and faith formation ministries of St. Anne Parish. Working under the supervision of the Pastor, the CRE provides leadership in evangelization, catechesis, sacramental preparation, and lifelong faith formation for children, youth, adults, families, catechists, and parish volunteers.

The Coordinator fosters the mission of St. Anne Parish by forming intentional disciples of Jesus Christ and nurturing a vibrant Catholic community rooted in Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, the sacraments, and active participation in parish life.

The Coordinator embraces the vision of catechesis articulated in the General Directory for Catechesis (1997), the National Directory for Catechesis (2005), and the Directory for Catechesis (2020). Both professionally and personally, the Coordinator faithfully upholds the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as expressed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and serves as a visible witness to the Gospel through word and example.

Mission and Ministerial Expectations

As a minister of the Church, the Coordinator of Religious Education shall:

• Be a practicing Roman Catholic in full communion with the Church who actively participates in the sacramental life of the Church.
• Demonstrate a life of prayer, integrity, and faithful witness consistent with Catholic teaching.
• Publicly support and promote the mission, ministry, and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Foster an environment that encourages evangelization, missionary discipleship, stewardship, and lifelong faith formation.
• Promote the Catholic identity of St. Anne Parish through all programs, communications, and interactions.
• Model Christian charity, respect, and collaboration in all relationships.
• Support the teaching authority of the Church and remain committed to ongoing theological, spiritual, and professional formation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Catechetical Leadership

• Direct and administer all parish religious education and faith formation programs.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive catechetical vision that serves children, youth, parents, and families.
• Promote lifelong faith formation opportunities for parishioners of all ages.
• Communicate the goals and mission of the parish's catechetical ministry to parish leadership, parents, catechists, and the wider parish community.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of all catechetical programs and recommend improvements.

Evangelization and Parish Life

• Assist the Pastor in implementing the evangelizing mission of St. Anne Parish.
• Encourage active participation in Sunday Mass, sacramental life, parish ministries, prayer, stewardship, and service.
• Foster collaboration among parish ministries to strengthen the parish as a faith community.
• Encourage youth and adults to participate actively in the liturgical, educational, social, and service ministries of the parish.
• Participate in parish liturgies, retreats, faith formation events, and other activities that support the spiritual life of the parish.

Religious Education Administration

• Coordinate all aspects of the parish religious education program.
• Oversee registration, scheduling, classroom assignments, calendars, communications, and program logistics.
• Coordinate preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion and assist with Confirmation preparation as directed by the Pastor.
• Maintain accurate sacramental, attendance, volunteer, and student records.
• Prepare and administer program budgets as assigned.
• Ensure all educational materials and curriculum conform to diocesan guidelines and Catholic doctrine.

Catechist Leadership and Formation

• Recruit, interview, train, mentor, commission, and support catechists and classroom assistants.
• Observe catechists regularly and provide constructive feedback, encouragement, and annual evaluations.
• Foster the spiritual, theological, and ministerial growth of catechists through ongoing formation opportunities.
• Conduct catechist meetings and in-service training throughout the year.
• Ensure catechists complete all required diocesan formation, certification, and Safe Environment requirements.

Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with the Pastor, parish staff, parish organizations, volunteers, parents, diocesan offices, and neighboring parishes.
• Maintain regular communication with the Regional Director of Religious Education and participate in diocesan meetings, workshops, and formation opportunities.
• Serve as a resource for parents seeking to nurture the faith life of their children.

Requirements

Qualifications

The Coordinator of Religious Education shall possess:

Required

• Active membership in the Roman Catholic Church and a lifestyle consistent with Catholic teaching.
• Successful teaching experience in religious education.
• Thorough knowledge of Sacred Scripture, Catholic doctrine, Church teaching, and catechetical methodology.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Church's mission of evangelization and lifelong faith formation.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate volunteers.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound pastoral judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, parish management software, and other technology used in parish ministry.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Catechetics, Pastoral Ministry, Education, or a related field.
• Previous parish leadership experience.
• Experience coordinating volunteers and parish ministries.

Diocesan Formation and Certification

In accordance with Diocese of Rockford Policy 4111, the Coordinator of Religious Education shall:

• Comply with all provisions of the Diocesan Employee Handbook and diocesan employment policies.
• Complete a minimum of eight (8) sessions each of Core Formation, Doctrinal Formation, and Ministerial Formation within the Diocesan Catechist Formation Program.
• Maintain catechist certification through eighteen (18) clock hours of approved continuing formation every three years.
• Participate in ongoing theological, spiritual, pastoral, and professional development.

Compliance Responsibilities

The Coordinator shall:

• Maintain compliance with all diocesan Safe Environment requirements, including mandated reporter training, background screening, and continuing education.
• Adhere to all diocesan policies regarding pastoral conduct, confidentiality, technology use, and ethical standards.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation as required by parish and diocesan policy.
• Protect confidential parish and student information.

Working Conditions

• This is a ministerial position requiring flexibility in scheduling.
• Regular evening and weekend work is required.
• Attendance at parish liturgies, sacramental celebrations, retreats, meetings, and diocesan formation events is expected.
• Occasional lifting and transporting of educational materials and classroom supplies may be required.

Accountability

The Coordinator of Religious Education reports directly to the Pastor and serves as a member of the parish leadership team.

The Coordinator collaborates with parish staff, catechists, volunteers, parents, diocesan personnel, and parish organizations to fulfill the mission of St. Anne Parish. Through leadership, faithful witness, and effective administration, the Coordinator strives to build a welcoming Catholic community that forms disciples, strengthens families, and proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ.