Coordinator - Catechesis Office

Job Summary:

The Coordinator is responsible for supporting parish catechetical programs for children, together with the Director of Catechesis. The position reports to the Director of Catechesis and operates with some latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative.

Ministerial Character

The Bishop is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the particular Church (the diocese) entrusted to him. In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ’s mission present and enduring as Shepherd of the Christian Community. In order to fulfill his mission, the Bishop employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Each position employed in the Diocese of Austin helps to extend the ministry of the Bishop in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Bishop in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.

Essential Job Duties:

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the Diocese of Austin in both your professional and personal life.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Assist the Director in implementation of goals and long-range plans for the Office of Catechesis.
• Assist the Director in implementation of office budget.
• Oversee and consult on the assessment, development and implementation of parish programs in response to catechetical needs throughout the diocese, including the needs of persons with disabilities.
• Confer as appropriate with local, diocesan, regional and national organizations concerning catechetical programs and recommendations for improvement.
• Monitor, review and recommend changes to policies and procedures concerning catechesis. Assist parishes with application of diocesan norms regarding catechesis.
• Consult, assess and make recommendations to parish programs for catechesis.
• Coordinate training and formation for parish staff and volunteers in the areas of catechesis and working with parents, families and catechists within the parish setting.
• Manage approved resources for texts, curriculum and other resources for catechesis in the parish setting.
• Support catechetical leadership at the deanery level.
• Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to parishes, diocesan staff and others.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of theological and liturgical terms, language and usage.
• Knowledge of ministries of catechesis and Catholic Schools; child, adolescent, and adult faith and intellectual development.
• Skill in using job-appropriate technology.
• Ability to evangelize using job-appropriate technology.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing, clearly and accurately, plan to plan and present workshops and retreats to a wide variety of audiences.
• Ability to be proactive in communication resources and new developments in the field.
• Ability to perform in a pastorally sensitive manner and to inspire others to leadership.
• Ability to operate various word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs including Microsoft Suite.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and work effectively with staff, clergy, religious and laity.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, carry out multiple tasks, meet deadlines and utilize effective time management techniques.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to supervise, develop and motivate assigned staff.
• Ability to proficiently communicate in English (conversing, reading, and writing).

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited American Catholic university or equivalent in a foreign country.

Experience:

One (1) year of full time wage earning experience or equivalent as a volunteer in a leadership role, which must have included focus on overseeing and evaluating a catechetical or evangelization program.

Language Requirement:

Bilingual English-Spanish (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing).

Catholic Requirement:

Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.

Working Conditions:

• All employees of the Diocese of Austin are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Bishop in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church.
• The Diocese of Austin is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Diocese of Austin are tobacco-free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech including Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes, and conduct standards.
• May be required to use personal or diocesan vehicles to drive to parishes or other off-site locations.
• Traveling within and outside the diocese to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.