Religious Education Director

Come work in beautiful Summit County! Housing is provided for this role. Details to be provided if selected for the position.

The Director of Religious Education is the administrator and lead catechist for the religious instruction programs offered at St Mary Breckenridge in Spanish and English to all parish children at ages 7 to 18. This role includes providing in-service programs for catechists, supervising the staff of the Religious Education Department, and assisting parents in preparing their children for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Baptism as needed. Additionally, the Director instructs and trains prayer leaders for the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, plans special children’s liturgies for First Eucharist and Christmas, and coordinates other events at the Pastor’s request. The Director will also oversee the new OCIA programs in both English and Spanish. Lastly, we would like the Director of Religious Education to assist in organizing the Parish Sacraments and Liturgy.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administration

Report directly to the pastor as needed and once a year to the finance council if requested. Also, works closely with the Pastoral Council to ensure the Pastoral Plan is followed.

Organizes and oversees the RE program—In English and In Spanish

Communicate regularly with the Pastor and Business Administrator on matters about the RE department.

Inform parents promptly of program events and policies; registrations, fee/tuition policy and options; sacramental preparation schedule and policies’ parent meetings; enrichment opportunities, etc.

Supervise religious education office staff and volunteers- provide an annual review for each staff member.

Prepare annual budget and oversee expenditures after approval by finance committee.

Ensure that accurate records related to registration, attendance, safe environment, sacramental preparation, and celebration are maintained.

Program Development

Develops and maintains a catechetical program for all age groups, including curriculum development.

Safe Environment Coordination

Follow and maintain the safe environment policies of the diocese and parish, including two adult rules.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMS—In English and In Spanish

First Reconciliation; First Communion; and OCIA

Develop and implement a preparation process in keeping with the National Catechetical directory, church documents, policies of the USCCB, and the Diocese of Dallas.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD—In English and In Spanish

Oversees the recruitment and training of prayer leaders, finds proper materials, and ensures the proper adherence to Safe Environment Policies

Ensures that the religious education needs of children with special needs can be met through a spectrum of programs.

Coordination of VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL or other Summer Programs

Including providing administrative support in registration, budget, and expenditure processes.

Liturgy and Sacrament Coordinator

Ensures all sacraments are appropriately managed, such as keeping track of each candidate’s needs, managing marriage files, sending notifications, and recording sacraments.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Academic: Bachelor’s degree

Experience: At least 2-3 years of experience

Bilingual (English and Spanish) is highly desirable

Full Communion with the Roman Catholic Church

Ability to organize and to teach both adults and children

Comfortable in relating to people at all levels

Ability to be pastoral while maintaining the teachings of the church

A sense of humor

Ability to work closely with the pastor and administrative staff

Excellent administrative and public speaking skills

Ability to keep abreast of new developments in theology, religious education and catechesis

Continuing Personal and Professional Development

1. Continue personal and spiritual formation, as well as professional growth through reading, peer associations, institutes, study days, and diocesan meetings.

2. Attend one multi day retreat per year.

3. Highly advisable to be under spiritual direction from priest or other qualified individual.