Director of Religious Education

Description

The Director or Religious Education is responsible for the leadership and direction for parish faith formation. The position reports to the Pastor and operates with some latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative.

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish Sacred Heart Catholic Church - Elgin 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 lay people). He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church - Elgin help to extend the ministry of the Pastor 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, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the parish in both your professional and personal life.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Ensure compliance with all Diocese of Austin policies.
• Oversee all catechetical programs for parishes.
• Develop and implement ongoing education/formation for Parish Catechists to promote effective catechesis.
• Coordinate Faith Formation volunteers.
• Develop and direct the parish faith formation programs for adults.
• Work with parish staff and pastor to ensure accuracy of sacramental record keeping.
• Participate in parish staff and diocesan meetings and trainings.
• Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to staff and customers.

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of theology and liturgical terms, language and usage.
• Knowledge of ministry of catechesis; child, adolescent, and adult faith and intellectual development.
• Ability to operate various word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs including Microsoft Suite.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and work effectively with staff, clergy, religious and laity.
• 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 proficiently communicate in English and Spanish (conversing, writing, and reading).

• High School Diploma or GED acceptable to Texas Education Agency.

• Three (3) years’ experience in parish faith formation.

• Bilingual English-Spanish (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing).

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

• DRE Certification.

Valid Texas driver’s license.

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

• 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.
• 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 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 vehicles to drive to parishes or other off-site locations.
• Traveling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.