Director of Discipleship

Job Description

The Director of Discipleship (DOD) is a key member of the parish Leadership Team. The team's mission is for every parishioner to understand and use their unique charism and gifts within the parish and take the gospel into their homes, workplaces, and culture.

The DOD role will have their primary office located in DeForest. The DOD implements and directs pastoral-wide faith formation for children, youth, and families. The DOD plans and facilitates Sacramental preparation programming in collaboration with appropriate groups or individuals in the pastorate. The DOD also works closely with school staff to coordinate proximate preparation for Reconciliation and First Communion for school.

Essential Job Duties:
• Collaborates regularly and effectively with the Parochial Administrator, School Principal, and parish staff in implementing the mission of the parish.
• Directs Family of Faith program which includes large group formation and activities, discussion activities and at home assignments for families.
• Recruits, trains, motivates and provides general and specific on-going direction to catechists and volunteers involved with Family of Faith programs.
• Directs the Youth Sacramental Preparation programs (Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation).
• Primary Facilitator between the children/youth receiving sacraments and the Parochial Administrator to ensure follow through of the sacrament requested.
• Ensures the adequate documentation is submitted in regards to sacramental programs (with assistance from administrative assistant).
• Oversees/leads the Adult Sacramental Preparation programs for Infant Baptism and Marriage.
• Plan and promote an annual calendar of programming and formational opportunities in collaboration with other evangelization team members.
• Plans for and implements programs in support of teen discipleship (Love Begins Here, Totus Tuus, Frasatti Fest, Steubenville, etc.).
• Assists in vocational discernment by referring individuals to priests or vocational director.
• Responsible for ensuring that all formation and sacramental preparation programs and events adhere to the Diocesan policies and guidelines in regards to safe environment, continuing education and certification for Volunteer Evangelists, and Diocesan speaker approval policy.
• Collaborates with Business Manager on materials needed for Sacramental programs.
• Maintains a level of knowledge and skills required for this ministry through reading appropriate materials, and attending workshops and conventions. Attend Diocesan professional development days and other support opportunities.
• Participate as ex-officio member of Pastoral Council

Preferred Education & Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in Pastoral Ministry, Religious Studies, Theology, Religious Education, or related field, or commensurate ministry experience. Master's degree preferred.
• Experience in staff supervision and management in a parish environment with preference to those who have overseen a faith formation program in the past.
• Must have spiritual maturity, defined as a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church who is faithful to the Magisterium, consistent in one's prayer life, regularly receiving the sacraments, and able to speak of one's relationship with Jesus.
• Must have a broad understanding of and ability to articulate Church teaching regarding evangelization, catechesis, prayer, sacraments, and ecclesiology.
• Must be able to pray in front of and with others, to lead and participate in spontaneous prayer.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people using the spoken word, both within one-on-one coaching/apprenticing situations and in large group settings.

Required Competencies:
• Demonstrated understanding, respect and support of the Catholic Church's teaching, mission and values.
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities and organize work effectively and efficiently, including developing and maintaining effective recordkeeping systems.

• Proficient use of Microsoft Office, Google Apps (Calendar + Gmail), Facebook, etc.

Additional Qualifications:
• Must be a person of faith, committed to the values of the Gospel, who provides sound leadership and responsible management of their duties.
• Has a "Service Mindset" when working with others
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement, evaluate issues and situations and propose and implement recommendations and solutions.
• A strong work ethic, admits mistakes, works well with others, and displays patience and enthusiasm.
• Must be able to work in a professional environment including the following:

Supervisory Responsibility:
• Youth Ministry Coordinator (PT)
• Catechist training (Volunteers)

Normal Work Days & Hours (36-40 hours):
• Full Time, Flexible. Requested office hours Tuesday thru Thursday to allow for staff meetings and collaboration; Evening and Weekend hours required.

Travel Requirements:
• Yes, as needed to other sites within our Pastorate.

Other Duties
This job description is not designed or intended to be a comprehensive or exhaustive list of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of an employee in this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

*If interested in this role, please send resume and cover letter to Tracy Hellenbrand at tracyh@nativitylord.org

About the Employer

Every parishioner to understand and use their unique charism and gifts within the parish and take the gospel into their homes, workplaces, and culture.