Director of Religious Education

Reports to: Pastor | Part Time | Hourly, Non-Exempt

About the Role

The Director of Religious Education at San Sebastian Parish requires a creative, hard-working, innovative, solutions-oriented, and passionate individual. Under the general direction of the Pastor, the Director implements, coordinates, and evaluates youth catechetical ministry. The incumbent is an active participant in parish activities, assumes new responsibilities for the parish, and provides direct support in strengthening the parish’s overall performance. As a representative of the Roman Catholic Church, the Director will conduct themselves according to the goals and mission of the Church.

Responsibilities

• Assess needs, set goals and priorities, and conduct periodic evaluations of all parish religious education programs for youth, including the Sunday Children’s Liturgy of the Word.
• Direct and supervise parish religious education programs, including curriculum development and the selection of textbooks and materials.
• Recruit, select, and train catechists and other volunteer staff working in religious education programs and liturgical ministries.
• Coordinate youth group activities with the Youth Group Leader.
• Coordinate activities with volunteers in charge of sacramental preparation, OCIA, and liturgy.
• Oversee the Safe Environment for Religious Education volunteers.
• Represent San Sebastian Parish on matters pertaining to religious education.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Pastor.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Arts in sociology, psychology, religious education, or a related field.
• Initial catechist certification.
• Complete Ministry Formation Program within 4 years of hire.
• Three or more years’ experience in coordination of religious education programs and/or five or more years’ teaching experience in religious education.
• Membership and active participation in the Roman Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of the National Catechetical Directory (NCD) and recent church catechetical documents.
• Appropriate knowledge of theology and Scripture.
• Knowledge of catechetical and developmental theory for all ages.
• Knowledge of Diocesan Catechist Certification process.

Skills

• Personnel recruitment, program planning, and education methods for youth catechetical ministry.
• Principles of organization, administration, budget, and personnel management.
• Group dynamics and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and groups.
• Effective oral, written, and digital communication with staff, parishioners, and the public.
• Proficiency in social media platforms including Facebook and YouTube.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work a varied schedule, including at least 2 evenings each week (currently Wednesday and Thursday) during the school year.

Working Conditions

• Office setting with potential exposure to inclement weather on parish grounds.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as necessary.
• Ability to travel and drive to various diocesan locations.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 20–25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.