Director of Faith Formation

Saint Louis Parish

Alexandria, VA

Send applications or inquiries to: fr.thompson@saintlouisparish.org

Job Description

The Director of Faith Formation (DFF) is responsible for:
(1) Directing a PARENT-CENTERED religious education program for children in first grade through 8th grade, and for high school students who are preparing to receive a Sacrament (approximately 250 children)
(2) Directing a PARENT-CENTERED program of faith formation to engage the parents of the children (pre-school through 8th grade) who attend St. Louis Parish School (approximately 520 children).
(3) Providing faith formation for the parish school staff and faculty, since they stand in loco parentis in the classroom each day
4) Coordinating all tasks that pertain to the reception of the Sacraments of Confession, First Communion, and Confirmation for the students in the RE program and in the Parish School. (Administrative support will be provided for the execution of many of these tasks.)

Purpose and function of the DFF:
The religious formation of Catholic youth depends largely on the faith practice of the children's parents. Statistical research proves without a doubt that parish ministries cannot replace the parents or substitute effectively for the parents in this regard (cf. research done by the McGrath Institute). Rather it is the task of the DFF, in collaboration with the clergy and other parish staff, to inspire, motivate, and form the PARENTS of school-aged children.

The DFF hungers to get to know the parents and with a creative apostolic spirit help them to grow in their knowledge and love of the Lord and His Church.

Parents of RE students are required to attend and participate in all class sessions along with their children. (Parents of school students will need to be engaged in other creative ways since their children receive religious instruction during the school day.)

For the execution of the above the DFF will need to work a variable schedule that allows him/her to engage with both working and non-working parents, as well as the staff of both the parish and the school.

The DFF will recruit, train, and oversee a small team of well-formed adult catechists. Together with the clergy, the DFF and the well-formed catechists will lead the teaching sessions in the various programs.

Qualifications:

• Be a devout practicing Catholic in good standing who possesses a comprehensive knowledge of the Catholic Faith
• A bachelor's degree (required) or master's degree (preferred) in theology
• Excellent written, oral, and teaching skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills for engaging with clergy, parish staff, parents, school staff, school teachers, and youth
• Ability to speak Spanish is a plus, but not required
• Ability to execute the technical functions associated with commonly used social media platforms
• Proficient in computer skills including webpage content development, Excel (or similar), parish database systems, FlockNote (or similar), and PowerPoint (or similar)
• Ability to work independently to organize and arrange priorities
• Ability to schedule and produce work in a timely manner
• Ability to take initiative and be self-motivated
• High level of discretion and integrity
• Ability to take direction when provided
• Readiness to take on any additional tasks that the Pastor deems necessary for forming disciples of Jesus Christ in the St. Louis Parish and School community

About the Employer

Active parish in Northern Virginia with approximately 3000 active households. Includes a parish school at nearly full enrollment (over 500 students).