Director of Evangelization and Discipleship

Job Description

Primary Functions

The Director of Evangelization and Discipleship attends to three populations - active parishioners, the inactive community, and the unchurched - and therefore involves renewal and formation ministries within the parish, and outreach and welcome toward those not active or connected with the parish, with a particular emphasis on families and youth. Goals of the position include developing a welcoming community; proclaiming the core message of the Gospel; fostering conversion and growth in discipleship among the faithful through personal encounters with Jesus Christ; promoting and supporting a vibrant sacramental life for children, youth, and adults; and equipping parishioners to be missionary disciples as witnesses to the good news of salvation.

Major Responsibilities and Regular Activities

Area A: Continuing Human, Spiritual, Intellectual and Pastoral Formation

1. Utilizes a process of mentoring and personal growth as offered by the Secretariat for Evangelizing Catechesis
2. Participates in parish catechetical leader (PCL) meetings, formation opportunities and retreats offered by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis
3. Participates in deanery meetings
4. Participates in yearly personal retreat and regular spiritual direction
5. Participates in one or more professional organizations (Association for Parish Catechetical Leaders and/or National Conference for Catechetical Leadership)
6. Participates annually in a performance appraisal process

Area B: Programming for Evangelization and Discipleship

1. Sacramental Preparation
a. Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
b. Sacramental Preparation for Children of Catechetical Age
c. Baptism Preparation for Parents of infants and children
d. First Communion and First Reconciliation
e. Youth and Adult Confirmation

2. Life-Long Formation
a. Plan and coordinate adult faith and spiritual formation opportunities, including Bible Studies, faith sharing groups, retreats, speakers, and parish missions
b. Coordinate monthly Family Formation and other opportunities for catechesis for children and families
c. Oversee new parishioner welcome and hospitality
d. Engage in relational ministry as needed to help parishioners develop a personal relationship with God as the heart of their faith
e. Plan and implement strategies to engage inactive Catholics and the unchurched in the community, inviting them into an encounter with Christ and the Church

3. Youth Ministry
a. Develop a comprehensive strategy for ministry with middle school and high school youth
b. Oversee volunteer and paid staff for various youth ministry events and programs, including: middle school youth group, high school youth group, NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference)
c. Collaborate with other parish, deanery, and Archdiocesan leadership in engaging youth in Church life

Within these major areas of ministry, the Director of Evangelization and Discipleship:
1. Articulates a vision of evangelizing catechesis as stated in contemporary catechetical documents
2. Implements programs based on the general principles of the National Directory for Catechesis
3. Implements archdiocesan curriculum and sacramental preparation guidelines
4. Addresses chastity education in accordance with archdiocesan guidelines
5. Chooses catechetical material in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church
6. Utilizes guides developed by the Secretariat for Evangelizing Catechesis for elementary, adolescent, and adult catechesis

Area C: Administration

1. Participates as a member of the pastoral team
2. Provides information to pastor, pastoral staff, and parish pertaining to matters regarding faith formation and sacramental preparation
3. Pursues a quality working relationship between self and pastor as supervisor
4. Identifies budgetary needs and requests funds for faith formation, evangelization, and youth ministry
5. Supervises paid youth ministry staff as well as a corps of volunteer catechists and small group leaders

Area D: Relating to the Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission and Parish Life and Social Activities Commission

1. Works with each commission in identifying goals and objectives for faith formation and parish social activities
2. Implements commission policies
3. Serves as a resource person and administrative officer for each commission

Position Specifications and Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. A professed and practicing Catholic with knowledge of Church teachings and structure
2. Willingness to foster the mission of the Church and parish
3. Has potential talent to be an effective religious educator as evidence by informational interview with archdiocesan leadership in the Secretariat for Evangelizing Catechesis
4. Excellent planning and organizational skills
5. Demonstrated interpersonal and problem-solving skills
6. Ability to work independently and highly self-motivated
7. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information

Education, Training and/or Experience
1. At least the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in Catholic theology
2. Proven professional experience in parish ministry, in a staff or volunteer role, preferably in areas of faith formation or evangelization
3. Experiences related to administration, which include working with people and program planning in church or civic group
4. Must be able to understand and to comply with the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Code of Conduct
5. Must be able to successfully complete the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Child Safety Training
6. Background screening required
7. Valid driver's license required

Working Environment

Lay ministers are vital ministers sharing the mission of the Church. They are expected to be role models and are expressly charged with leading parishioners toward Christian maturity and with teaching the Word of God. As role models, the personal conduct of every lay minister, both at Church and away from Church, must convey and be supportive of the teachings of the Catholic Church. These teachings include, but are not limited to: honoring the dignity of each human life from conception to natural death, care for God's creation, and the belief that all persons are called to respect human sexuality and its expression in the Sacrament of Marriage as a sign of God's love and fidelity to His Church. Determining whether a lay minister is conducting him/herself in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church is an internal Church matter and is at the sole discretion of the pastor, administrator, and/or Archbishop.

1. The employee is expected to attend evening and weekend events as necessary
2. Travel may be required
3. The need of the position may require extra hours beyond the normal schedule
4. Must be able to sit or stand for extensive periods of time and navigate through the office

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described above are representative of the physical capabilities and the working conditions involved in performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made if needed to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

About the Employer

Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Catholic Church on the southeast side of Indianapolis is located in a growing part of the city with many families and young professionals. Nativity is committed to living and proclaiming faith in the presence of Jesus Christ through worship and prayer, life-long faith formation, and compassionate service to those in need.