Description
Title: Parish Director of Religious Education (DRE)
Job Classification: Salaried, Exempt Full-Time Employee
Supervised by: Parish Pastor
The Director of Religious Education (DRE) of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish is an integral member of the parish pastoral staff with responsibility for one of the most important of all parish ministries – that of handing on the gospel message by developing and overseeing a comprehensive program of catechesis and continuing formation for members of the parish.
Under the leadership of the Archbishop, this responsibility is carried out in collaboration with the parish priests, with parents as the primary educators of their children, with the leadership of the parish school, with catechists and other parish leaders, and with the responsible Archdiocesan offices.
Because the DRE has responsibility for proclaiming the gospel and represents the Roman Catholic Church, the person fulfilling this responsibility is expected to live a life in accord with Catholic teaching and conduct himself according to the goals and mission of the Church in performing this work.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Religious Education directs and oversees the parish’s programs of religious education (other than those provided in the parish elementary school). This direction includes the following responsibilities:
- General
- Assists in the development and promulgation of a vision and mission statement for the religious education efforts of the parish.
- Reviews, evaluates, develops programs, and establishes long-and short range goals and objectives for the religious education program.
- Oversees the pre-school, elementary, junior-high, high school programs, with special attention to Sacramental preparation (First Penance, First Communion, Confirmation) and the Christian Initiation process for both youth and adults (RCIA/RICA).
- Coordinates the annual RE calendar and works with the parish administrative assistant in developing the schedule and assignment of classrooms and meeting space.
- Assures that the programs respond to the needs and respects the cultural dynamics of both the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities in the parish.
- Oversees the processes for registration, assignment of students, and record keeping for both students and catechists.
- Supervision
- Supervises staff members with responsibility for religious education, specifically the directors of elementary religious education and confirmation programs and RICA/RICA as well as the Administrative Assistant for Religious Education.
- Develops job descriptions for all staff members and a means of annual performance review.
- Schedules meetings of the religious education staff.
- Recruitment and Formation of Catechists and Aides
- Discerns and calls forth the talents and gifts of various individuals in the parish in order to recruit, develop and sustain catechetical leadership within the program.
- Provides opportunities for the spiritual growth of the religious education staff, catechists and others involved in the ministry of catechesis.
- Assures that catechists receive appropriate training and certification through the Archdiocesan Office of Religious Education, maintain that certification, and take part in appropriate on-going formation including the annual Archdiocesan Religious Education Congress and the San Fernando Regional Congress.
- Assures that all staff, catechists and other religious education volunteers undertake the required background checks and safe environment training required by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and abide by all policies to safeguard children and young people.
- Conducts regular meetings and team-building activities for the religious education staff.
- Provides guidance for catechists in developing lesson plans and activities.
- Develops a process for affirmation, evaluation and support of catechists and staff.
- Assists in planning events for Catechetical Sunday including commissioning of catechists.
- Program Development
- Assists in the development of the content of R.E. programs (methodology, texts, liturgies, etc.) in accord with the guidelines of the Archdiocesan Office of Religious Education.
- Plans and conducts parent meetings to partner with parents in their responsibility as first educators of their children in the faith.
- Develops means to extend program opportunities to groups and individuals less likely to participate because of factors such as language barriers, physical or developmental disabilities, and/or educational disadvantages.
- Acquires, organizes and makes available appropriate resources (media, supplies, etc.).
- Administration of Program
- In collaboration with the pastor and parish staff, develops and administers appropriate policies for the religious education program.
- Drafts and proposes a budget for the religious education programs of the parish.
- Manages and approves expenditures within the context of that approved budget and appropriate Archdiocesan and parish fiscal policies and prepares appropriate reports for the pastor, parish business manager and Parish Finance Council.
- Develops and enhances means to communicate more effectively with all involved in R.E. programs as well as to communicate about the R.E. programs with parishioners at large.
- Collaboration
- Maintains a collaborative ministerial relationship with the pastor and other pastoral staff, the Archdiocesan and Regional Religious Education Office, and colleagues in the professional field.
- Meets regularly (approximately every other week) with the pastor.
- Participates in parish staff meetings.
- Maintains communication with the Principal of the parish school and other school faculty and staff.
- Participates in the parish’s liturgical life and parish activities.
Requirements
To apply for this position send your resume to Msgr. Craig A. Cox:
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church
(661) 259-2276
Information/Application Contact
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish (Santa Clarita)
23045 Lyons Avenue
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
frcraig@olphscv.org