POSITION SUMMARY:

The Office of Hispanic Ministry assists Pastors in their mission to evangelize and support the pastoral needs of the culturally diverse communities of Spanish speaking Catholics in their communities and to fully integrate them into the life of their parish. The Office provides this assistance through the close collaboration and coordination with parish, school, and diocesan ministry leadership as well as related community organizations and lay movements, training and development offerings, diocesan-sponsored events, and advocacy efforts.

The Institute of Pastoral Formation was formed in 1993 as a continuing education program to prepare pastoral agents to work in Hispanic communities to proclaim Christ in parishes throughout the Arlington Diocese. The Program Specialist oversees the work of the Institute and coordinates all of its activities. Currently, the IPF offers two diplomas: Catechetical Certification and Pastoral Ministry.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Develops the Institute’s curriculum for each semester; suggests and develops new course offerings; maintains all curriculum archives; meets monthly with director to view progress of classes and brainstorm new initiatives
• Supervises and coordinates teachers and classes; manages daily operations in the classroom
• Inputs and maintains student registrations and student records in iMis
• Prepares the student evaluations at the end of each trimester
• Develops and implements content for workshops, summer conferences, etc.
• Identifies and selects presenters for conferences and forums; acts in absence and/or conducts speaking engagements when necessary
• Prepares annual budget for the Institute and events; tracks expenses
• Attends annual IPF meetings
• Updates and maintains the Institute for Pastoral Formation web page
• Creates and distributes all incoming and outgoing correspondence related to classes and events
• Develops Lenten and Advent retreats for the elderly
• Informs all parishes in the community of the programs the IPF has to offer; meets with pastors, directors, and administrators of Hispanic communities
• Provides logistical support for events, workshops, seminars, etc. (e.g., annual picnic, participation with Apostolate Catholic Book store)
• Assists with translation upon request from various chancery departments
• Assists with Marriage Prep Retreats by contacting the volunteers and planning formation days for them
• Works closely with the Office of Divine Worship to plan liturgical trainings in various parishes

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be proficient in speaking and writing English and Spanish
• Knowledge/Skills: Strong planning, time management, and organizational skills; ability to prioritize and multi-task; strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in Theology or related field
• Years and Types of Experience: Three to five years pastoral work in leadership formation, preferably within a multicultural environment