Director of Faith Formation (DRE, PCL)

Job Description

St. Joseph Parish, Bogota is seeking a new Director of Faith Formation. The Director of Faith Formation has the responsibility for the direction and formation of our parish religious education programs in accordance with the policies and guidelines in the Archdiocese of Newark.

This crucial role is at the heart of our mission, nurturing the faith of our children from grades 1st-12th and fostering their spiritual growth. If you feel called by the Lord to guide and support our Faith Formation Program, please reach out to us. Join us in this joyful mission of leading our youth closer to Christ!

RESPONSIBILITES INCLUDE
- Providing opportunities for catechesis for all members of the parish / lifelong faith formation.
- Assisting with or supervising a program of adult faith formation.
- Directing/coordinating a program of youth faith formation / ongoing catechesis for children in grades K-12 and special needs and family catechesis.
- Directing/coordinating sacramental preparation (Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation) for children and parents
- Assisting with or supervising the RCIA process adapted for children.
- Directing/coordinating faith formation opportunities in languages other than English (Spanish).
- Directing/coordinating faith formation opportunities for children / adults with disabilities.
- Directing/coordinating faith formation opportunities for home schooling families.

The Director of Faith Formation as the Parish Catechetical Leader (PCL) will:
- Recruit and supervise catechists/volunteers for Faith Formation.
- Ensure that parish catechists are on the Archdiocese of Newark eLearning platform and that they have access to programs for catechist formation.
- Choose and direct the curriculum of study to be used in the parish programs in collaboration with the pastor, other catechetical staff and other appropriate staff members, following Archdiocesan guidelines.
- Work with the liturgy committee of the parish and with catechists to develop liturgies and prayer services for faith formation and the celebration of the sacraments.
- Work with the Local Safe Environment Coordinator to implement "Empowering God's Children.
- Select and supervise office staff which will prepare supplies for catechists, keep records, order supplies, prepare mailings for parents and catechists, and perform other administrative tasks which enable the programs to function efficiently.
- Prepare, submit, and manage the Faith Formation budget.
- Prepare appropriate catechetical programs for parents.
- Research new catechetical programs, models, and resources for use in the parish.
- Incorporate remote and/or digital learning platforms as needed in catechetical programming.
- Be the liaison between the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office and the parish.
- Complete other duties as assigned.

EXPECTATIONS AND EVALUATION
- The PCL is expected to attend Archdiocesan meetings and professional development opportunities for Parish Catechetical Leaders.
- The PCL is expected to be a person of faith and give witness to the faith by the life she or he lives. The PCL will take time to develop her/his own prayer life. She/he will continue to develop needed skills (catechetical, theological, administrative, etc.) by enrolling in university courses or by attending seminars and workshops designed for professional development.
- The PCL is encouraged to participate in other archdiocesan meetings, conferences, and events sponsored by the Catechetical Office or other Offices of the Archdiocese as the job description warrants.
- The PCL will abide by the "Archdiocese of Newark's Policies on Professional and Ministerial Conduct".
- The PCLs performance will be evaluated by the pastor at least once a year. The evaluation should be based upon the PCL's execution of the tasks and duties stated above.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
- Practicing Catholic, with knowledge of the Catholic Church's structure and terminology.
- A positive referral from a Pastor who knows the applicant personally.
- Excellent communication, organizational skills
- Presentation and training skills
- Proven ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Digital literacy in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, teleconferencing and other digital tools employed in catechetical ministry is required.
- Must have a valid NJ Driver's License and own transportation

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- At least a bachelor's degree preferred
- High school diploma
- Parish ministry experience preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands 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.
- Light cleaning
- Moving supplies, books, etc.
- Set up and break down of chairs and tables as needed

About the Employer

We, the people of Saint Joseph Church, by the grace of God, born again in the waters of Baptism, seek to create a community where our mutual faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, encourages us to continue growing as disciples.