Discipleship Director

Job Description

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St. Pius X Catholic Church
Discipleship Director - Job Description

The Director of Faith Formation shall be responsible for the faith formation of children in grades Pre K-12 grade by following the Vision and Mission statements of St. Pius X Parish. This job is to be carried out according to the catechetical norms of the Diocese of Baker, the St. Pius X Advisory Board, and the religious education program description of St. Pius X parish. The Director reports to the pastor.

St. Pius X religious education program is a family catechesis program involving the registered children of the parish and their parents. The Director will work closely with the adult education instructors to encourage parents in adult education programs.

Full-time, non-exempt
Starting wage: to be determined by the pastor/finance committee and qualifications

Primary Responsibilities:
o Plans and directs parish faith formation/religious education programs
o Invites, motivates, and forms volunteers to serve as responsible catechists
o Conducts on-site catechist formation according to diocesan policies
o Facilitates the growth of personal faith and community among catechists
o Directs the selection process, purchases texts and materials, and instructs catechists in their use
o Integrates study of the liturgical season and the life of the Church into the religious education curriculum
o Drafts, explains, and defends the catechetical budget to the appropriate decision-making Bodies (See administration & Communication)
o Delegates tasks and responsibilities as needed
o Provides resources and in-services for catechesis
o Initiates and maintains accurate records of students, families, catechists
o Collaborates with parish staff and other ministers and serves as catechetical resource for the Christian Initiation of all persons of catechetical age
o Maintains professional updating through research, classes, workshops, reading, and contact with peers. Satisfactory completion of professional instruction must be provided in a timely manner to parish administrator
o Promotes good public relations both within and beyond the parish and is involved in vicariate and diocesan events
o Collaborate with the young adult minister to ensure readiness to young adulthood programs.
o Maintain policies and record compliance with the Diocese of Baker's Protecting God's Children program
o Provide plan and oversee summer vacation bible school program
o Maintain and schedule all ministries (Acolytes, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, Homebound Ministers, Sentinels, Lectors, Mass Intro and Children's Dismissal) for each mass.
o Joint coverage on phones/answering door - Back up coverage for Mass Requests
o Must monitor hours and utilize a time sheet, detailed documentation of tasks. (See time Sheet)
o All employees must receive approval from their immediate supervisor before working overtime.

Catechist Formation:
The supervision of the volunteer catechists shall be the responsibility of the Director. Therefore will:
o recruit catechists from within the parish according to Diocesan policies
o collaborate with Parish Adult Faith Formation Coordinator in planning and implementing ongoing programs for catechist formation at the parish level
o promote formation programs that are offered by the Diocese of Baker
o provide orientation and training sessions of new catechists
o actively encourage catechist certification
o provide ongoing evaluation of catechist performance, through classroom visitation, and verbal/written affirmation and/or suggestions
o recommend and provide appropriate resources to catechists to complement weekly & liturgical lessons.
o The Pastor and Director will comply with the curriculum set by the Diocese of Baker and determine cost for budget purposes. The Director (serving as Chairperson) may supplement curriculum with approval of the Diocese of Baker and Pastor. The Director will also meet with the parents and teachers to brainstorm ideas of important topics they would like to be taught in the upcoming year. - Board must be in place by June 15, for upcoming academic year
o Organize a cultural (Talent Show) show with the Religious Education Students. Class base or Group base determined by DFF and Catechist Teachers.

Sacramental Formation:
The Director shall follow the guidelines and regulations of the Diocese of Baker regarding the reception of the Sacraments.

The Director will:
o develop and implement Family Sacrament Preparation Programs
for First Reconciliation,
o First Eucharist, and Confirmation
o collaborate with the Coordinator of Adult Formation by leading catechetical sessions for Sacrament Preparation Program
o conduct and lead retreat days for parents and children celebrating Eucharist and Reconciliation for the first time
o coordinate and/or lead retreat experiences for Confirmation candidates
o collaborate with Worship Coordinator and Music Minister regarding sacramental celebrations for appropriate music selections
o Promote annual Youth Conference (Director must attend)
o Organize High School Youth and participate in all fundraisers for the financial needs of the Youth Conference
o Perform bi-annual knowledge-based evaluations for Pre K-12
o Collaborate with Pastor for Liturgical year celebrations - attend meetings before each Liturgical season

Family:
The Director will make an effort to be attentive to the needs of families by:
o developing program accordingly, incorporating new formats when needed
o providing information that will challenge families in their Faith Formation
o establishing communication with families through weekly parish bulletin, through monthly Parent Update letter. Provide quarterly progress to pastor and families.
o developing and presenting family activities, in conjunction with the liturgical year

Administration and Communication:
While the Director is accountable to the Pastor, there is a necessity for working and communicating with other parish staff, groups and individuals.
The Director will:
o supervise, on site, all programs and/or activities
o attend and participate as an active and engaging member of the parish pastoral team meetings
o work with the pastor, faith formation staff and the Office Manager in developing the faith formation budget for the year. Manage Religious Education budget monthly & annually.
o prepare the yearly parish education calendar in conjunction with the master parish calendar
o maintain accurate records and files, including attendance, permanent student records and sacramental records, fees, and their collection.
o Ensure all volunteers & staff are certified with Darkness to Light training, Background Checks, and signed Code of Conduct. Maintain an accurate account of all volunteers with the Diocese.
o Provide an annual Called to Protect session for parents /adults of the parish. Assist catechists K-5th with Called to Protect lessons for the classroom. Lead Jr. High and High School Called to Protect sessions annually.

Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge of:
o Principles of catechesis for all age levels
o College-level understanding of Church documents, origins and development of the Church's teachings: scripture, theology, spirituality, liturgy
o Diocesan and national expectations and trends in catechesis

Ability to:
o Understand the partnership of family, parish community and catechists as essential agents in the catechetical process
o Demonstrate an understanding of the parent - child relationship
o Build community and work as part of a team.
o Articulate a vision for comprehensive parish catechesis based on the major catechetical documents of the Church
o Design appropriate catechetical programs and curriculum for adults, adolescents, children based on church documents
o Review, evaluate and develop programs, mission statements, long and short-range goals and objectives.
o Include awareness of ethnic and cultural sensitivity in all catechetical efforts
o Provide and facilitate initial and continuing catechist formation opportunities
o Facilitate effective group interaction and teamwork
o Inform, support, and resource parents or primary care givers in the religious formation of their children (See Family-Quarterly Progress Reports)
o Promote and implement parish and diocesan policies and guidelines regarding religious education and respond to requests for reports, surveys and program evaluations
o Lead and/or coordinate the Sacraments of Initiation (OCIA) liturgical programs
o Be present at all Religious Education social activities
o Be able to understand, accept, and implement the vision statement of the parish Pastoral Team
o Good problem solving and prioritization skills.
o Compliance with background check
o Self-motivated and ambitious to work independently
o Maintain confidentiality in all matters
o Good problem solving and prioritization skills
o Maintain a neat/professional appearance.

Minimum Qualifications:
o Taught and/or involved in Religious Education for minimum of 5 years
o College-level understanding of the Catholic Faith
o Teaching and/or administrative background

Physical Demands:
While performing duties, employees must sit for long periods of time, use their hands in repetitive motion tasks, and answer telephone calls. The position also requires some standing, stooping, and bending while filing. Employees are expected to work onsite, with minimal travel. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work of the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills.

Education:

o Record of attendance at diocesan workshops and programs for ongoing education
o Minimum level certification as a Director of Faith Formation (Provide proof of certification)
o Possess a B.A. in one of the following: Religious Education, Theology, Scripture, Liturgical Studies or a related field from a Catholic Institution strongly recommended.

The Pastor will perform a 90-day evaluation and an evaluation at least once a year for all employees.

About the Employer

Parish with 600 families, adult education, and Sunday religious education Pre K-12.
Vision Statement -To increase the disciples of Jesus Christ within our parish and community.