What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Director position at Archdiocese of St. Louis?
The Archdiocese of St. Louis strives to teach and share our faith, serve others, and foster unity throughout the St. Louis area. Once a part of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary's campus, the Cardinal Rigali Center in Shrewsbury, MO is today the headquarters and curia (governing body) for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
Job Summary
The purpose of the Faith Adventures Program Director is to use volunteer leadership, curriculum development, and compelling presentations of the Gospel to give children in and near south St. Louis experiences, teachings, and mentors so that they come to faith in Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church and live as fully-initiated, intentional disciples in high school and beyond.
This is a hybrid position; some work can be performed from home; some duties will require in-person work at St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish and St. Lucy Parish is south St. Louis City. Faith Adventures sessions occur on some Sundays; the Faith Adventures summer camp occurs during two weeks of the 2026 summer. Catechist training may require other work on evening or weekend hours.
Job Responsibilities
1. Curriculum Development:
Plan and develop nine 3-hour Sunday sessions per year centered on Catholic discipleship, prayer, community, and service.
Write age-appropriate lesson plans for small group sessions that allow children to process and learn about Catholic life.
Summarize session content for parents, encouraging at-home faith development.
Develop a summer camp experience (starting in 2026) focused on the kerygma, helping children understand Jesus' saving work.
Continuously evaluate and improve the curriculum based on feedback and resources.
2. Empower Catechists and Volunteers:
Guide and train catechists and volunteers in the methods and core values of Faith Adventures: Welcoming, Visionary, Engaging, Personal, Humble.
Prepare catechists to lead Catholic discipleship experiences, manage small groups, and teach the faith effectively.
Assist pastors in recruiting and evaluating catechists to ensure they align with the program’s vision.
Inspire and guide volunteers to foster a supportive and effective learning environment.
3. Direct Faith Adventures Sessions and Camps:
Lead monthly Faith Adventures sessions and summer camps starting in 2026.
Organize and direct experiences of Catholic prayer, community, and service for children.
Support catechists in leading small group sessions and ensure all volunteers are well-prepared.
Present session and camp summaries to parents to keep them informed and involved.
Manage an Administrative Assistant to oversee registrations, communicate with pastors, and assist catechists.
Coordinate with pastors on facility use and other logistical needs.
4. Administrative Tasks:
Serve as the primary point of contact for communication between pastors, parents, and volunteers.
Develop and maintain an online registration system for camps and sessions.
Job Requirements
Knowledge & Experience Requirements
Strong knowledge of Catholic teaching and practice.
Bachelors in Theology/Religious Education or a related educational field or a certificate in ministry or theology from a Catholic institution of higher learning.
Approval by the Prevent and Protect Safe Environment Program.
Knowledge of Google Suite and Cognito Forms preferred.
Skills & Attitudes Required for Success in Job
Active practice of personal faith in Jesus Christ in the Catholic Church.
Ability to plan and direct large group experiences for children.
Ability to plan age-cohort small group lesson for children in 1st to 8th grade.
Strong verbal communication skills
The Archdiocese of St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital, parental, veteran or disability status.
