Director of Religious Education

Description

Parish Name: St. Michael's Catholic Church

Location: 15546 Pomerado Rd, Poway, CA 92064

Reports to: Pastoral Associate 

Employment Type: Part-Time (30 hours per week, Monday - Thursday)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay: $25 - $30 per hour, depending upon experience

Job Summary

The Director of Religious Education (DRE) works in collaboration with the Pastoral Associate to develop and maintain comprehensive parish catechetical programs for youth and children, kindergarten through grade 8.

The goals of this position include:

• Communicating an enthusiasm for the Catholic faith among our young people and their families
• Planning and oversight of the parish religious education program, including sacramental preparation, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, OCIA adapted for Children, Vacation Bible School.
• Facilitating parent and catechist meetings and workshops.

Duties & Responsibilities 

Administrative

The DRE completes or delegates the following:

• Supervise administrative assistant and numerous volunteers.
• Orders books and supplies
• Sets the calendar for catechetical programs and events.
• Reserves needed facilities and equipment.
• Provides a safe environment for all: secures and runs background checks and training for all volunteers working with children and youth per diocesan guidelines.
• Answers administrative questions regarding catechetical programs.
• Conducts an annual registration process
• Maintains records of participation in catechetical programs and celebrations of sacraments.
• Maintains records of achievement for catechists that include participation in all safe environment requirements, parish and Diocesan catechetical formation events, and applicable certification processes.
• Maintain volunteer records.
• Participates in parish diocesan, deanery, and parish staff meetings, coordinating catechetical ministry with other ministries.
• Serves as liaison with the diocesan office of RE and their programs, services, and resources
• Oversee traffic during class times.
• Communicate policies and procedures to parents, students, catechists, aides and other adults in collaboration with the professional staff.
• Maintain open communication with members of the Parish staff, volunteers and RE families.
• Maintain close communication with the Diocesan Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry.
• Serve as RE representatives on the Liturgy Committee, Pastoral Council and Council of Ministries.
• Organize, supervise, and maintain RE Offices.
• Oversee the proper use of parish facilities that RE uses including locking up all buildings that RE uses on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Prepare an annual budget for RE and present to Pastoral Associate for approval before submitting to the Pastor.
• Be available to parents, students, and adults for consultation, advice, and referral.

Catechetical

The DRE

• Set and implement catechetical vision for the parish based on contemporary Church documents to develop the parish as an evangelizing community.
• Develop and provide total parish catechetical program for youth and children in grades kindergarten – grade 8.
• Provide formation for the celebration of the sacraments for youth, children, and their parents.
• Provide sacramental preparation classes to students in grades 3-8 who are preparing for first reconciliation and first communion.
• Evaluate and select catechetical resources (texts, materials, etc.) utilizing diocesan norms and policies.
• Recruit, screen and provide in-service to catechists.
• Support and develop catechists by leading catechist training and providing catechetical resources in accordance with diocesan guidelines.
• Provide opportunities for on-going education and spiritual formation of RE personnel, catechists and aides.
• Inform personnel and catechists of opportunities for professional courses/workshops for spiritual growth.
• Recognize, encourage, and support the catechetical efforts of those involved in religious education.

Requirements

• Active, practicing member of the Catholic Church, and excellent knowledge and adherence to Church teaching life.
• Must maintain appropriate certifications (see below) and attend enrichment courses and programs as appropriate.
• Desire and enthusiasm for working with all age demographics.
• Highly self- motivated, creative, energetic, and assertive
• Demonstrated spiritual and emotional maturity.
• Strong organizational skills, including time management, delegation, planning, budgeting, and ability to balance multiple projects at a time.
• Close collaboration with Pastor and Youth/Confirmation Director to meet the pastoral needs of the whole parish community.
• Demonstrate capability to carry out administrative and supervisory duties in a timely fashion, utilizing good communication and relationship.
• Participate in ongoing formation and educational opportunities to keep current on trends in catechetical.

Education and Experience

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Computer skills in Microsoft Office products
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
• Current California Catechists Certificate
• Experience working with (volunteer or paid staff)
• Successful completion of parish Safe Environment program
• Bachelor’s degree in theology or related field preferred
• Certified as a Master Catechist preferred.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to remain in an office at a computer workstation and access information from a computer and use a telephone. The employee is required to be mobile to, from, and within the office, as well as maneuver throughout the parish facility to attend meetings, briefings, and other work-related events. The employee may be required to conduct trips to, from, and within various city and county-wide locations to attend meetings or events. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

St. Michael's Catholic Church, as part of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.