Description
Position Overview:
As a member of the pastoral staff, the Director of Religious Education (DRE) is responsible for the faith formation of children and adults according to the teachings of the Catholic Church. The director works to ensure a well-rounded faith formation / sacramental preparation program for the parish. The DRE will develop, direct, and evaluate a “whole community” based catechetical program, thereby providing leadership to assist the parish in building a Christ-centered, sacramental community which welcomes and invites all to grow in faith, share the good news, engage in ministry and build a just society. Under the direction of the Pastor, the DRE is responsible for the success of all the parish religious education programs. These include Adult Faith Formation (including RCIA), Children’s Faith Formation (including RCIC), and Sacramental Preparation programs for Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and High School Confirmation. As a part of a pastoral plan that includes children and families growing together in faith, all the faith formation modules will include a framework that promotes a “whole community” model of catechesis. As a member of the parish staff, the DRE develops collaborative relationships amongst pastoral staff, parishioners, and the parish school community, along with cultivating relationships with the Archdiocesan Office of Religious Education. The DRE is a practicing Catholic and professional catechetical leader who exhibits the characteristics of a mature, professional, responsible, committed individual with excellent communication (oral and written), organizational, administrative, managerial and interpersonal skills, and who is a team player who collaborates with the parish and school leadership. This position includes evening and weekend hours for the celebration of the sacraments, as well as parent meetings and events preparing for the celebration of the sacraments. Religious education classes are held on weekends, and regular working hours need to be flexible to meet these demands.
Duties and Areas of Responsibility (include, but are not limited to):
Parish Religious Education Program
- Responsible for the assessment of needs, setting of goals and priorities, and periodic evaluations of all parish religious education programs mentioned above.
- Provides access and inclusion for children with special learning needs.
- Responsible for curriculum development, for both in person and online instruction, and requisition of resources (AV, textbooks, liturgy materials, reference works, etc.) which complement the religious education efforts in the parish.
- Ensures that the requirements of the VIRTUS, Safeguard the Children, and Empowering God’s Children programs, including their policies and mandates for parish religious education volunteers comply with the applicable Archdiocesan policies and protocols.
- 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 updates, and maintaining parent and catechist handbooks.
- Recognizes the various cultural expressions of Christian faith within the community, and incorporates them into parish programs, activities, and liturgical celebrations.
Faith Formation for Families
- Provides catechetical material that will challenge families in their faith formation.
- Communicates with families through the parish bulletin, website, and monthly faith formation newsletter.
- Provides resources and programs for Adult formation and parental involvement in their child’s formation.
Parish Catechetical Leader (PCL) Recruitment & Formation
- Recruits, screens & trains PCLs and other volunteers at all levels (Adult Catechesis, Junior High and Youth Catechesis, Elementary Grade Catechesis (K-8), Pre-school Catechetical Programs, Christian Initiation of Children, Family Catechesis and Infant Baptism Preparation, Home Catechesis & Special Needs); trains PCLs for both in person and online instruction.
- Provides ongoing spiritual formation for PCLs and volunteers at all levels through appropriate means, such as retreats, evenings of prayer, workshops, conferences, courses, etc.
- Ensures that all PCLs are certified according to the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
- Provides continued support for PCLs by being present before, during and after the teaching assignments.
- Develops role descriptions and provides regular evaluations for PCLs and support staff through classroom visitation, verbal and/or written affirmations, and suggestions.
Sacramental Program:
- With the Pastor’s approval, the DRE schedules dates for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.
- Schedules, coordinates and prepares retreats for students and parents preparing for Sacraments of Initiation.
- Prepares the liturgy (with the Pastor or his delegate) for First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation.
- Develops programs for the preparation and instruction of parents of students receiving sacraments.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Develops an annual program budget and follows it; follows financial procedures, prepares, and submits annual departmental reports to Pastor and Business Manager.
- Coordinates the VIRTUS, Safeguard the Children, Empowering God’s Children programs and fingerprinting process, including maintaining parish database of PCLs and volunteers.
- Tends to their own ongoing formation ongoing professional development.
- Collaborates with elementary school principal to provide a unified religious education and school program and on availability of school and other parish facilities.
- Oversees faith formation registration and prepares an annual program calendar.
- Responsible for updating sacramental records, according to Archdiocesan guidelines.
- Performs related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned by the Pastor.
Requirements
Qualifications, Skills & Education:
The DRE has a master catechist certification, or is working towards one, or a Masters Degree in Religious Education. Bilingual fluency (English and Spanish) preferred.
Experience:
The DRE has a minimum of three years catechetical teaching experience in a Catholic school and/or parish and at least one year of paid administrative experience.
Other Skills / Knowledge:
- Computer literate with skills in MS Word, Excel and Outlook and able to the learn Parish Data Systems program
- Proficient in: Theology; Program Coordination; Coordination of Catechist Development; Communication; Building Collaborative Relationships; Administration.
- Knowledge of group dynamics and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and groups.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with staff, parishioners, and the public.
- Ability to make independent and good judgment decisions within the established policies and procedures of the Roman Catholic Church, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and the parish.
- Job functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for prolonged periods of sitting or standing; walking, climbing stairs; lifting and carrying 20 to 25 pounds and extensive use of computer keyboard.
Interested and qualified candidates should email a cover letter with resume to: Fr. Christopher B. Fagan, Pastor, St. Augustine Catholic Parish, 3850 Jasmine Avenue, Culver City, CA 90232 or cfagan@la-archdiocese.org.
Information/Application Contact
St. Augustine Catholic Church (Culver City)
3850 Jasmine Ave
Culver City, CA 90232
cfagan@la-archdiocese.org