Holy Family Catholic Church is Hiring a Director of Religious Education - Holy Family, South Bend (South Bend, IN) Near South Bend, IN
Part-time/Full-time Director of Religious Education
The Director of Religious Education (DRE) is a member of the pastoral staff and shall be responsible for the Faith Formation of children and adults of the parish to be carried out according to the catechetical norms of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.The director of religious education works to ensure a well-rounded faith and sacramental preparation formation program is developed for the parish. The director also oversees the religious education training including children, youth, Adults, and the RCIA process. The Director of Religious Education also works with other members of the parish staff to foster cohesiveness among all ministries.This position is a 12-month position and includes evening and weekend hours for the celebration of the Sacraments, as well as parents’ meetings and events preparing for the celebration of the Sacraments. Weekly Religious Education classes are also held in the evenings. Regular working hours are flexible to meet the needs of the individuals of those taking classes.
Holy Family Parish is like a family and seeks to live out the life of the Holy Family of Nazareth. We would like to maintain it for generations to come and have it continue to be a place to which people are honored to belong to, and love to send their kids to school here, as well as welcome guests to our parish liturgies and know they are welcomed. The director of religious education is a VERY important link and is a vital position in the life of all that goes on here. Positions Supervised:
In conjunction with the Pastor and in compliance with diocesan guidelines, sets the general direction of the Religious Education program and develops the curriculum for youth and adult faith formation.
Works in developing and implementing an effective, well-rounded, faith formation program.
Coordinates in developing a yearly youth/adult formation calendar.
Recruits, trains and provides ongoing support to volunteer catechists, assistants, and other volunteers.
Records, tracks and works with parents regarding attendance.
Oversees Student Evaluations for all grades.
Weekly prepares teaching materials and supplies for catechists’ weekly lessons
Supervises religious education session times: Sunday Mornings 10:15-11:30, and other times as needed
Organizes and supervises the arrival and dismissal of students from Religious Education classes
Inspects RE classrooms immediately before and after each session to ensure rooms are in proper order.
Promotes a positive and cohesive relationship among school and Religious Education families.
Provides clear communications on upcoming activities and expectations to religious education families. This may include special mailings, weekly bulletin announcements, special announcements during Mass, parish website, and maintaining parent and catechist handbooks.
Works with parents and children who are in a homeschool program to ensure diocesan and parish guidelines are being met. Meet with these families 3 times a year.
Perform other tasks as assigned/needed.
Vacation Bible School
Oversees Vacation Bible School by recruiting and working with volunteers.
Works with Volunteer Directors of VBS to choose curriculum, dates and times
implement and develop the Vacation Bible School (VBS) program
recruit VBS teachers and helpers
supervise the event
conduct lead teacher meetings
supervise set-up and cleanup
Parish Wide Catechetical Opportunities for children/families
Plan and Coordinate for parish wide opportunities for families each year- such as Advent Workshop/Retreats or Lenten Workshop/Retreats.
Faith Formation The Director of Religious Education (DRE) will be responsible for catechesis grades 1 through 12 of students in public elementary, middle schools, and homeschool, as well as adult faith formation. The DRE provides support and supervision for the assistant coordinators of religious education (children and youth, RCIA, Adults). The DRE will:
plan the yearly Religious Education calendar, consistent with the liturgical year and the public school calendar
evaluate and incorporate Religious Education curriculum in accordance to diocesan standards
work with and communicate with the diocesan Office of Catechesis
integrate diocesan curriculum guidelines
investigate and purchase media resources for the Parish Library
establish and maintain accurate sacramental records for the Parish Office
Catechist FormationThe supervision of the Religious Education catechists shall be the responsibility of the DRE. Therefore, the DRE will:
recruit catechists according to diocesan policies
provide orientation and training sessions for catechists
Back to School Meeting
Write and send out weekly Catechist Updates (bulletins)
Other meetings as needed
provide ongoing evaluation of catechist performance through classroom visitation, verbal and/or written affirmations, and suggestions
purchase resources and supplies to support the curriculum that is stored in the Parish Library
approve outside resources for use in the classes
Work with Holy Family SchoolThe DRE provides knowledge and resources to assist school teachers and administrators. Therefore, the DRE(s) will:
prepare liturgy sheets to assist teachers in planning weekday Masses, as needed
practice with students who will be reading during weekday Masses and other prayer experiences, as needed
provide suggestions for A/V materials to be used in the classrooms, as needed.
provide resources to teachers and administrators for use in their own faith
assist in the sacramental preparation of students, as needed
Sacramental FormationThe DRE shall follow the guidelines and regulations of the diocese regarding the reception of the Sacraments. The DRE will collaborate with the parish to:
develop and implement parent sacrament meetings for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation
direct sacramental preparation of students in both Holy Family Religious Education and school
make the parish sacramental certificates
relay proper communication to the home regarding sacraments
work with those children/adults preparing to be brought into the Church at the Easter Vigil and those who need to be caught up on sacraments both in school and in Religious Education, as well as RCIA, RCIC, RCIT
conduct all practices and events for each sacrament (First Communion, First Reconciliation, Confirmation)
Bread/Banner Making
Confirmation Retreat
Organize Confirmation reception
Faith Formation for Families The DRE will make an effort to be attentive to the needs of families by:
providing information that will challenge families in their Faith Formation in the monthly Religious Education newsletter
establishing communication with families through the parish bulletin
Provides resources and supervises RCIA process
Provides resources and programs for Adult formation
Administration and CommunicationWhile the DRE is accountable to the Pastor, there is a necessity for working and communicating with other parish groups and individuals. The DRE will:
supervise all catechetical programs and/or activities on site as directed by the pastor
attend and participate in parish staff meetings
publicize, organize, and conduct Theology of the Body parent meeting each year
update the Religious Education portion of the parish website on a regular basis
Qualifications:
Must be an active, practicing Catholic and have an excellent knowledge of the Catholic Faith and strive to live in conformity with the moral teachings of the Church.
A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in theology or ability to obtain such degree is highly desirable.
Participates in ongoing formation and educational opportunities to keep current on trends in catechetical ministry.
Must have excellent interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and problem solving skills.
Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
Must be self-motivated and able to multitask.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Publisher, and Excel is highly desirable.
Ability to work independently to organize and arrange priorities.