Director of Faith Formation

Job Description

Saint Jerome Parish - Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

St. Jerome Parish in Oconomowoc, WI is seeking a Director of Faith Formation to oversee the various facets of formation and catechesis in the parish. Under the direction of the Pastor, the Director of Faith Formation oversees the development, organization, and administration of St. Jerome's Faith Formation Program, including: Pre-K-6th, Middle School, High School, Confirmation, Adult Faith Formation, OCIA, and all sacramental preparation programs. The Director of Faith Formation supervises all part-time staff and volunteers in all areas of formation, and in the coordinating, recruiting, and facilitating of training and evaluation for volunteers/catechists in all Faith Formation programs. The Director of Faith Formation researches and selects appropriate materials and media for programs and processes, with the approval of the Pastor. They communicate with parishioners, parish staff, the Archdiocese, and keeps abreast of all pertinent topics and concerns regarding catechetical instruction and faith formation.

The Director of Faith Formation will be expected to work 40 hours or more per week including evenings and weekends.

Synopsis of Job Functions
• Implements a coherent and unified curriculum and catechetical programming to enhance the catechesis of the parish community.
• Establishes a unified vision of catechesis for the entire parish-not merely one individual program.
• Recruits and trains catechists and equips other volunteers and catechists, thus providing a very cost effective approach to ongoing training and formation within the parish, and ensuring that volunteers/catechists are well-equipped to pass on the Catholic faith.
• Develops goals, objectives, and implements strategies for a comprehensive faith formation program that serves Pre-K through adults including preparation for sacraments.
• In conjunction with the Pastor, the Faith Formation team, and the Faith Formation Advisory Board develops, directs and oversees various faith formation programs that support a lifelong deepening of the Catholic faith for all parishioners consistent with the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), National Directory for Catechesis (NDC), diocesan guidelines, and parish needs.
• Oversees and supports all staff in the Faith Formation department and works with them on the development of a yearly schedule for all Faith Formation programs.
• Responsible for all administrative functions, with the assistance of administrative support staff, including maintenance of all sacramental records and program registrations and evaluations.
• Evaluates Faith Formation programs and makes recommendations to the Pastor.
• Researches available materials and provides necessary primary and supplemental materials for all programs and processes.
• Promotes programs and provides material for the parish bulletin, weekly updates, and other media.
• Provides support to the formation team for training, resources, and programs.
• Keeps current in developments/changes with Diocesan policies as they relate to formation and sacramental practices.
• Acts as a resource person for the Faith Formation team, staff, and parish community.
• Prepares annual Faith Formation budget for review by the Finance Council and oversee expenditures.
• Participates in all pertinent parish and Archdiocesan meetings.
• Assesses the growth of formation for children/youth and communicates with families.
• Develops attendance and disciplinary policies and procedures to be implemented for the formation of children and youth.

Additional Job Functions
Performs any other job-related duties as necessary for the smooth flow of work in the department and/or as assigned by the Pastor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
• Exemplifies a virtuous life; strong human formation, including maturity and professionalism.
• Knowledge of Catholic doctrine and beliefs as presented in Magisterium of the Church, and other relevant Church and Catechetical Documents.
• Knowledge of the OCIA Process and the thorough understanding of the OCIA text.
• Deep knowledge of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
• Ability to assess needs and use results to develop catechetical processes.
• Leadership and teambuilding abilities to direct religious education and sacramental preparation programs.
• Possess excellent planning, organizational and collaborative skills.
• Computer literacy, excellent written, oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of management, supervision and administration; knows needs and resources of parish community; must have updated knowledge of educational and catechetical trends and practices.
• The wherewithal to work under pressure; must initiate, be creative, and anticipate solutions to problems: needs good judgment in emergency situations and when working with varied personalities and cultures; must be able to work under frequent interruptions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with others; ability to interact with individuals and groups, and maintain appointments and meetings.

Minimum Qualifications
• A deep interior life and commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church; practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church.

About the Employer

Catholic Parish in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin