Director of Faith Formation and Parish Ministries

Hybrid position located in Norton Shores, MI.

About the Role

The cluster of St. Francis de Sales, Norton Shores and St. Michael the Archangel, Muskegon is seeking a full-time Director of Faith Formation & Parish Ministries to foster spiritual growth and oversee the ministry programs of both parishes. The director serves as a vital link between various ministry departments, staff, volunteers, and the parish community, ensuring cohesive and effective opportunities for service and faith formation across all age groups.

Reports to: Pastor

Responsibilities

Spiritual Leadership & Administrative Management

• Recruit, support, and coordinate parish staff and volunteers serving within the Faith Formation, Music, Liturgy, Parish Life, and Art & Environment ministries.
• Develop and manage the annual Faith Formation, Music, Liturgy, Parish Life, and Art & Environment budgets.
• Ensure the availability and maintenance of necessary resources, including educational materials, equipment, and facilities.
• Maintain effective and open communication with church leadership, staff, and the broader parish community.
• Attend and contribute to Staff and Pastoral Council meetings.
• Plan and execute events, including but not limited to: parish picnic, annual volunteer recognition event, Advent by Candlelight, etc.
• Proactively promote discipleship and spiritual growth among all church members.

Child & Youth Faith Formation

• Develop, implement, and oversee the parish faith formation program for grades K-12.
• Recruit, train, and provide ongoing support for parish catechists and volunteers.
• Foster a culture of prayer, learning, and discipleship among young parishioners.
• Select and implement age-appropriate curriculum for sacramental preparation, youth groups, and adult education.
• Coordinate and execute special parish events, including Vacation Bible School, conferences, and retreats.
• Assess the ongoing effectiveness of Faith Formation programs and implement necessary adjustments for improvement.

Family & Adult Faith Formation

• Develop and oversee ongoing formation opportunities for adults and families.
• Organize and oversee parish-wide formation events such as Bible studies, speaker series, marriage enrichment events, parish celebrations, and community gatherings.
• Coordinate parish Advent and Lenten days of reflection or formation series.
• Assist with parish celebrations of major liturgical feasts (Corpus Christi, patronal feast day, St. Nicholas breakfast, etc.).

Sacramental Preparation

• Coordinate and oversee sacramental preparation programs and retreats when applicable for: Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Wedding preparation.

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

• Oversee and assist with the parish OCIA process.
• Coordinate catechists, sponsors, and parish involvement in the formation of those entering the Church.
• Coordinate, rehearse, and participate in Rites and Masses, including but not limited to: Rite of Entrance & Welcoming, Rite of Election & Sending, and Easter Vigil.

Requirements

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Strong understanding of Catholic teaching and parish life.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Experience in catechesis, ministry leadership, or Catholic education preferred. (If candidate does not have Diocesan Catechetical Certification, he or she will need to work toward full certification.)
• Ability to organize programs, lead volunteers, and foster community engagement.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate with parish staff, volunteers, and clergy.
• Ability to be self-directed, plan and execute tasks with minimal supervision, lead others, and communicate clearly with parish leadership.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree.
• 0-2 years of experience.

Pay

Base pay: $45,000 to $50,000 per year.

About the Employer

We dedicate ourselves to living the gospel of Jesus Christ. We go forth, empowered by the Holy Spirit, sustained by the Eucharist and prayer, to make God's presence a living reality in our community and our world.