SACRED HEART PARISH PRESCOTT

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:                           Director of Catechesis

Grade:                       Grade 5, Exempt

Department:             Catechesis

Supervisor:              Parish Manager & Pastor

Date:                          July 2023 (Note: Job is not available until January 2024)

Purpose and Scope

To support the Parish in its mission of evangelization and being the living example of God’s love to others, this position directs the development, planning, coordination, implementation and evaluation of evangelization and catechesis programs for children and adults that stress lifelong learning, faith development and conversion.

Essential Job Functions

·         Develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates programs for Christian Initiation of Children (“CIC”) and Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (“OCIA”).

·         Oversees the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, providing evaluation of and input to the director of that program.

·         Meets with candidates/catechumens and their families to answer questions and provide guidance to them as they discern entering catechesis programs.

·         Working with the Pastor and Parish Manger, plans programs such as parish missions, speakers, retreats and educational events to ensure continuous evangelization of the parish community.

·         Assists the pastor in developing a coordinated/integrated pastoral plan for evangelization and catechesis.

·         Oversees recruiting, training and formation for catechetical personnel and volunteers.

·         Develops policies and guidelines for credentialing of all catechetical leaders and catechists.

·         Prepares and monitors the distribution of the office budget.

·         Plans and presents at least 2 educational programs per year (day and evening sessions) on various topics related to evangelization. This includes the ability to offer virtual sessions when necessary.

·         Works closely with the Hispanic Ministry, Youth Ministry and Young Adult Ministry to develop programs to ensure evangelization of young people in our community.

·         Coordinates with the Hispanic Ministry Director to ensure that programs are available to serve all members of our community.

·         Obtains certification as a nullity minister to assist with the annulment process.

·         Recommends evangelization and catechetical policies as needed to the Pastor.

·         Participates in local, regional, and national evangelization and catechetical organizations relative to evangelization and catechetical fields. This includes attending conferences (as the budget allows) and other training sessions in order to maintain certification as a catechist.

·         Establishes and maintains good working relationships and communication with Diocesan personnel responsible for oversight of catechetical programs.

Additional Job Functions

·         Performs any other job-related tasks deemed necessary and/or assigned by the Pastor or Parish Manager.

·         Attends various parish events (such as the Heritage Festival, Ministry Fair, New Parishioner Dinner and Volunteer Dinner) to promote hospitality and continuous evangelzation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

·         Experience in administration and management.

·         Ability to collaborate with Pastor, Parish Manager, other ministry leaders and Diocesan evangelization and catechetical leaders, and multi-cultural groups. 

·         Ability to take initiative in fulfilling all tasks in a professional manner; must be able to properly communicate progress of assigned duties to the Pastor and Parish Manager.

·         Ability to keep abreast of Adult Education/Multi-Cultural/Catechetical trends and continue professional development through study, self-examination, and the acceptance of supervision.

·         Basic theoretical knowledge and skills in planning, organizing, communicating, administering, managing and training in the evangelization and catechetical field; must be thoroughly familiar with established Diocesan policies; must be familiar with the varied cultures and religiosity of the parish and be able to work with the group dynamics and group process   Must have knowledge of current theology and catechesis.

·         Working knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Office, Word and Outlook, updating the Parish website and Facebook page with information on evangelization and the ability to offer virtual training or classes as needed.

·         Ability to work under pressure, take initiative, be creative and anticipate solutions to problems; need good judgment in emergency situations and when working with varied personalities and cultures; must be able to work with frequent interruptions.

·         Knowledge to judge suitability of programs to meet parish/diocesan needs; the ability to operate independently while accepting responsibility for actions.

·         Must be flexible and willing to work evenings and weekends, as required.

·         Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel as required.

·         Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

·         Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Preferred Qualifications

·         Masters Degree in Religious Education, Theology, Religious Studies or a related field from an accredited school of Catholic Theology.

·         Five years experience in parish/diocesan family evangelization and catechetical ministry, with supervisory and administrative experience preferred.

·         Active practicing Roman Catholic in full communion with the Church. (Required)