Faith Formation Director

Job Description

The parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Cottage Grove is in an exciting stage of its development as it experiences a growth in families and the number of children. It is a parish that has the Eucharist at its heart and the celebration of beautiful and reverent liturgy as a priority. We have an increasing number of parishioners from Spanish-speaking nations which also presents exciting possibilities.
The parish is seeking a Catholic who is committed to the Catholic faith and who lives a life of personal prayer and frequent reception of the sacraments. As a member of staff, he/she would normally attend the daily parish Mass as well as on Sundays as a visible member of the parish worshipping community.
The position reports directly to the Pastor. The successful candidate will be able to work with other staff and volunteers as a member of a team and be ready to take on duties as required for the successful promotion of the parish mission. He/she will be a member of the Parish Leadership Team and ex-officio member of the parish Pastoral Council. Attendance at conferences (e.g. the annual Amazing Parish Summit) will also be expected.
The current Faith Formation Director works 35 hours per week (but we see the opportunities for growth making a full time position viable) and plans to retire in October. If available, the successful candidate might start earlier than that in order to provide a smooth hand-over. This can be discussed with the Pastor.
The possession of other skills (e.g. the ability to play the organ, teach singing or lead a choir, or other skills that would help further the parish mission) by the candidate could result in the offer a full-time position.
Primary Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic who fully accepts and lives the teachings of the Catholic Church. He/she will be someone who is able to organize and lead the following (not an exhaustive list):
• Sacramental preparation of children and youth.
• Instruction of parents and godparents for baptism.
• Formation of parents of children in our faith formation programs.
• Maintenance of close communication with families.
• Monitoring attendance.
• Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.
• Quinceanera preparation.
• Summer Vacation Bible School.
• Retreats for parish, staff and councils.
• Supervise the Safe Environment program in accordance with Archdiocesan requirements.
• Recruitment of catechists and other volunteers to assist in the above.
• Working with the Pastor in reviewing and recommending catechetical materials for the various faith formation programs at different levels.
• Formulating the parish calendar together with other staff and volunteers.
• Be ready to give time to listen to and provide appropriate pastoral attention and advice to parishioners and others who approach the parish with questions about their faith and involvement in the parish.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Bilingual in Spanish would be a plus but is not required.
• Musical ability would also be a plus but is not required.
• Computer skills and the ability to set up and operate audio-visual equipment are essential.
Interested parties are welcome to visit the parish or to contact Father John Boyle (pastor@olphcg.net) or Lori Eckstine (passoc@olphcg.net) by email or telephone (541-942-3420) for further information before submitting an official expression of interest by means of a cover letter and resume.

About the Employer

A Catholic parish seeking to grow saints for today and the future.