Elementary Faith Formation Coordinator

Description

Job Summary: 

The Elementary Faith Formation Coordinator is responsible for the planning, organizing, and implementing faith formation and sacramental preparation processes, which provide opportunities to “engage the community, encounter Christ, and live for Him.” The Elementary Faith Formation Coordinator will coordinate faith formation classes for grades K-5 and the sacramental preparation process for First Reconciliation and First Communion by providing opportunities for families to grow together in faith. The position reports to the Faith Formation Director and operates under general supervision with wide latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative.

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish (St. Anthony Marie de Claret Catholic Church – Kyle, Texas) which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the parish. In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or laypeople). He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at St. Anthony Marie de Claret Catholic Church – Kyle, Texas, help extend the Pastor’s ministry in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.

As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, you are required to support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of St. Anthony Marie de Claret in both your professional and personal life. This entails acting as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church and continuously growing in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, trainings sessions, and reflection activities as directed.

Requirements

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 St. Anthony Marie de Claret Catholic Church – Kyle, Texas in both your professional and personal life.

· Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.

· Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.

· Direct faith formation and sacramental preparation programs for children in grades K-5 in English and Spanish in coordination with other members of the Faith Formation Team. 

· Develop, implement and oversee summer programming for children and families.

· Recruit, coordinate, and form volunteer catechists to help implement the vision and parish goals for these programs. 

· Take initiative in informing leadership of ongoing progress in programs for children and families to help the parish shape its goals and strategies for these programs. 

· Work with existing parish groups in developing programs. 

· Serve as staff contact for all elementary faith formation matters.

· Serve as staff contact for ministries and formation for young families with pre-school age children.

· Work with parish staff, Faith Formation Director, and Pastor to ensure accuracy of sacramental record keeping.

· Maintain a relationship with the Diocesan Office of Catechesis for consultation, support, and resourcing. 

· Maintain a flexible work schedule that maximizes availability to staff and customers, including evenings, weekends, and special occasions. 

· Attend meetings at the request of the Pastor, Operations Director, and Faith Formation Director.

· Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

· Knowledge of theology and liturgical terms, language and usage.

· Knowledge of the ministry of catechesis; child, adolescent, and adult faith development.

· Knowledge of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as passed down through tradition, sacred scripture, and the documents of the church, including but not limited to the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 

· Skilled in verbal and non-verbal communication. 

· Ability to operate various word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.

· Ability to work closely with the Pastor, the Faith Formation Director, and the Faith Formation team to ensure consistent Catholic faith formation for elementary age children and their families. 

· Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with catechists, families, parents, and other parish ministers in the faith community. 

· Ability to develop and manage curricula.

· Ability to work effectively with others (staff, clergy, religious, and laity). 

· Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers. 

· Ability to organize, prioritize, carry out multiple tasks, meet deadlines and utilize effective time management techniques.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

· Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

· Ability to communicate the faith effectively in large-group and one-on-one settings.

· Ability to tend to his/her own ongoing formation through participation in opportunities for professional development.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

· Degree in theology, religious education, pastoral ministry, or related field from an accredited American university. 

· Or certification in Religious Education/Faith Formation or Youth Ministry. 

· Or experience working/volunteering in a church atmosphere.

Experience:

· Minimum 3 years of parish religious education experience or similar experience is required; familiarity with principles and dimensions of children’s faith formation and catechist formation is preferred.

Language:

· English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing).

· Spanish (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing).

Catholic Requirement:

· Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

· Have or obtain certification from the Diocese of Austin Office of Catechesis in the Catechist Track and Formation Leader Track.

· Valid Texas driver’s license.

· Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.

Working Conditions:

· All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. 

· The Parish is an at-will employer.

· All buildings and vehicles owned by the Parish are tobacco free.

· Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.

· Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.

· Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations. 

· Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.

· May be required to use personal or parish vehicle to drive to off-site locations.

· Travelling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may require overnight lodging.