Formation Associate

Description

Summary

The Formation Associate for Lay Ecclesial Ministry Formation assists the Institute’s Director and Associate Director in the promotion and implementation of the lay ecclesial ministry formation offerings of the Institute for Lay Ecclesial Ministry and Service at the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC) and promotes these to the general public especially through social media, MACC’s website, and other means. The Lay Ecclesial Ministry Formation Associate is a key member of a team that promotes a culture of formation (human, academic and spiritual) among the laity while fomenting the value of lay formation among the clergy. This team member works towards achieving the Institute’s mission of providing an integral, well-rounded pastoral formation to the laity while calling forth the gifts of the lay women and men and gradually accompanying them in their journey. The Formation Associate performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of MACC.

Position Responsibilities 

• *Coordinates the organization and logistics of the Institute’s events such as retreats, formation sessions and other events as needed, including promotion, registration, event set up & tear down, follow ups, etc. This also includes coordinating liturgical celebrations for the Institute at various parishes and Catholic Institutions with priests and bishops.
• *Performs various administrative roles such as record-keeping (financial and other), preparing brochures and worship aids, managing new student admission packages, etc.
• *Collaborates with the Associate Director with the Parish Ministry Formation throughout all the steps of the implementation of the program (from participant registration to mass of recognition and beyond) 
• *Collaborates in the promotion of the Institute programs (Parish Ministry Formation, Catholic School Teacher Formation, Lay Ecclesial Ministry Formation, Acolyte/Lector Formation) and others that may arise.
• *Assists in the implementation of the Institute’s programs for comprehensive and systematic formation for various lay constituent groups, especially those of the Archdiocese of San Antonio.
• Extensively works in the recruitment of lay leaders, primarily from the Archdiocese of San Antonio, for the various formation programs by doing parish visits, mail campaigns, telephone calls, social media marketing, etc.
• Effectively utilizes available platforms (Populi, RegFox, Wordpress, etc.) for communication campaigns related to formation, and other social media for other kinds of communication, especially to the general public.
• Assists MACC in producing marketing material as needed by coordinating, writing, editing, and distributing content, including publications, press releases, website content, and other marketing material that communicates MACC’s activities, and services.
• Collect, analyze, and report audience feedback on MACC’s communications, awareness/impact, etc.
• Collaborates with the Director in assisting students in the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Formation as they move through the program and have needs regarding courses, resources needed, etc.
• *Prepares reports using word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software.
• Collaborates in achieving long range and short-term goals and outcomes.
• Assists in the retention of participants for the various formation programs.
• Identifies trends in parish formation and provides suggestions for strategic planning.
• Recommends to Director and Associate Director opportunities for the on-going formation for participants through appropriate means such as trainings, retreats, evenings of prayers, workshops, conferences, courses, etc.
• Collaborates with the Director and Associate Director to promote a culture of formation for the laity within the larger community.
• Builds relationships with clergy and lay pastoral leaders to foster an understanding of the Institute’s formation offerings.
• Participates in, facilitates, or presents at staff meetings, deanery/parish meetings, and other meetings as assigned by the Director.
• Adhering to safety training and protocols on a daily basis, and taking precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of self, others.   
• Responsible for protecting the confidentiality of any information or material obtained in the service with the organization to include but not limited to parishioners and students’ names and information, services rendered to parishioners and students, donors names and gifts, internal and external investigations or results of any investigations, and financial information.
• Adherence to the Archdiocese of San Antonio’s Code of Conduct and the Faith and Morals Policy is mandatory.
• Every employee is required to take a solution-oriented approach in their interactions and undertakings, as well as being a team member that promotes collaboration and commitment to the Mission and Vision of the organization.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

* Essential Functions - ADA

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry, Theology or Religious Studies or commissioned Lay Ecclesial Minister (Graduate courses/degree in any of these fields a plus).

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience required in parish, school or diocesan ministry.; at least three (3) years of experience in lay ministry formation and program implementation preferred. 

Licenses and Credentials

• Reliable transportation
• Valid driver’s license
• Valid vehicle insurance

Minimum Knowledge and Skills: 

• Must be bilingual in English and Spanish;
• Must be a Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church;
• Thorough knowledge of the Catholic Church Magisterium;
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work assignments in an effective manner;
• Must have great analytical and trouble shooting skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills are needed for an effective pastoral de conjunto, both in person and by phone, with a high degree of professionalism;
• Ability to accomplish projects with attention to detail and little supervision;
• Committed to a high service level standard where high expectations for quality are required
• Experience with computer software, Microsoft Office Applications, social media platforms, RegFox, InDesign, and some Wordpress knowledge; 
• Must be detail oriented, organized, self-motivated, work well independently and on a team;
• Must have Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills;
• Must have good critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel requirements for the position include 5% local and 5% overnight.