Director of Religious Education (DRE)

Description

The Director of Religious Education plans and implements all parish programs associated with Religious Education (RE) / Continuous Christian Education (CCE) / Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) in accordance with the guidelines set by the Church. The position articulates a vision of catechesis that is consistent with Church teaching. The position reports directly to the Pastor.

Essential Job Duties:

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in both your professional and personal life.
• Act  as a witness to the Gospel values by modeling the compassion of Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Comply with the Diocese of Austin Standards of Conduct (in Employee Manual).
• Communicate with pastor and lay pastoral associate on a regular basis through email, text, and attend regular staff meetings.
• Coordinate RE/CCE classes for grades pre-K through 12th.
• Attend diocesan meetings and retreats as requested.
• Coordinate RE/CCE as well as RCIA curriculum and calendar, including celebration of the sacraments of First Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation.
• Ensure that all catechists and volunteers are EIM Compliant as required.
• Promote and assist in catechist training for Diocesan certification.
• Compile and coordinate sacramental information for Adult Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
• Manage and operate within the RE/CCE budget provided by the Pastor.
• Plan and coordinate parent meetings on periodic basis.
• Submit Religious Education report to Pastoral Council as requested.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as passed down through Tradition,      Sacred Scripture, and the doctrine of the church, including but not limited to the New American Bible Revised Addition (NABRE), the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Code of Canon Law, and Papal Encyclicals.
• Knowledge of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Diocese of Austin Policies and best practices regarding comprehensive Faith Formation and Sacrament Preparation.
• Knowledge of the methods of catechesis outlined in the National Directory for Catechesis.
• Skill in verbal and nonverbal communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications (e.g., word processing software, spreadsheets, email, databases).
• Ability to plan and execute comprehensive plan for Elementary Faith Formation Program and adapt as needed for children grades K - 12th in line with the vision of the parish.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Sacred Heart staff, clergy, peers, and laity.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to honor and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to always maintain respect.
• Ability to work with and coordinate between multiple ministries and different ministry structures to meet agreement goals and objectives.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to work with and lead a highly diverse membership base.
• Ability to prepare and conduct public presentations.
• Ability to teach the Catholic Faith effectively.
• Ability to workdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

Expected Work Hours: 

·  This position requires flexibility in the schedule depending on the programming needs of the parish.  

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

• High School Diploma or GED acceptable to Texas Education Agency.
• Hold or be working towards certifications as required by the Austin Diocese Office of Evangelization and Catechesis and The Austin Diocese Office of Youth Ministry.

Experience: 

5-years relevant work/volunteer experience preferred

Language: 

English language skills required Bi-lingual (English/Spanish)

Catholic Requirement: 

Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

· Must be certified in the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry within 90 days of employment and maintain certification throughout the employment period.

· Valid Texas driver’s license.