Director of Faith Formation

Job Description

About Epiphany of the Lord Parish

Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Parish serves the East Toledo community of the Diocese of Toledo. Situated along the Maumee River across from downtown Toledo, Epiphany of the Lord was formed in 2013 from the legacy and merger of six originating parishes in historic East Toledo. Although one canonical parish, Epiphany of the Lord Parish encompasses two churches/ campuses: St. Stephen, and St. Thomas Aquinas. The parish is a diverse community of various ethnicities and economic backgrounds. Wonderful opportunities exist to further develop our faith formation efforts and to evangelize and proclaim the Catholic faith in our unique East Toledo community.

Position Summary & Purpose

Through the lens of evangelization and discipleship, the Director of Faith Formation directs and leads the faith formation programs for Epiphany of the Lord Parish, including religious education for Grades 1-8 (Family catechesis model currently with Family of Faith curriculum), and Sacramental preparation (including Baptism, First Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation). The Director of Faith Formation also recruits and provides oversight of catechists, volunteers, and teams in faith formation programs; fosters unity with Christ and other disciples through Adult Formation opportunities; researches and selects appropriate resources and tools, keeping an open line of communication with parishioners, Parish Staff, and the Diocese of Toledo; and keeps abreast of best practices within faith formation and catechesis.

• The Director of Faith Formation also oversees Adult Faith Formation, giving shape and planning to this endeavor, as well as serving as a support and resource for youth ministry.

• The Director of Faith Formation will also direct the OCIA team and serve as occasional catechist, strengthening both the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and the OCIA Team.

• The Director of Faith Formation upholds the mission of the Church to evangelize and bring others to Christ. Critical to the position is relationship building with parishioners, families, parents, as well as outreach, and creative initiatives that will strengthen Christian Formation, considering our unique parish and structure.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develops and coordinates the various curricula for 1st through 8th grade religious education - currently Family Catechesis through the Family of Faith Curriculum.

• Oversees, plans, and implements all sacramental preparation including Baptism, First Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation as well as coordinates various related liturgies and sacramental occasions.

• Supports and serves as a resource for parish and deanery Youth Ministry initiatives.

• Oversees and executes adult faith formation opportunities. Builds a team of volunteers to help execute these opportunities which will build relationships with Christ and one another, fostering unity within the parish and active discipleship.

• Implements ways to reach out to those active, inactive and the unchurched in our community. Works with other parish ministers to promote cohesive, effective evangelization.

• Partner with faith formation leaders of other local parishes and the diocese to ensure best practices and maintain training and certification for catechists.

• Responsible for the formation of catechists and ensure that all catechists and faith formation volunteers adhere to diocesan policies for those ministering to children (VIRTUS) and work closely with the Parish Compliance Officer to this end.

• In time, plan and implement a summer formation program opportunity for children (similar to what has come to be known as Vacation Bible School, Totus Tuus, or other).

• Supervise and support volunteers (Formation Teams and Catechists).

• Support and assist as needed, the OCIA Team (also oversee catechesis and sacramental preparation for adult Confirmation).

• Attend regional and diocesan conferences for continuing education and spiritual formation. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Vibrant Catholic in good standing who is passionate about the incredible gift of the Catholic Faith and takes to heart the command of our Savior to "Go therefore, and make disciples".
• Bachelor's Degree in Religious Education/ Theology or other related field is required. A Master's Degree in Religious Education/Theology or other related field is preferred. Five years or more professional experience and ongoing formal education may substitute for a Master's degree.
• Ability to build meaningful relationships and establish trust. Skilled in working with diverse groups.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing and incorporating media and Innovative communication methods as a means of outreach.
• Strong time management skills, including the ability to assess, plan and implement programs in a timely manner. Previous experience leading programs that reach out to the active and inactive religious communities, ideally focusing on the catechetical formation of children, youth and adults, strongly preferred.
• Must be able and willing to work a flexible work week.
• Compliance with all necessary and required FBI/ Suitability background check and VIRTUS.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook etc.) and traditional and Innovative communication technology. Ability to quickly learn new software and programs, as needed.

About the Employer

Disciples journeying toward Christ, manifesting God's love through Sacraments, Worship, and Service