Coordinator of Religious Education

Opportunities at Parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago

St. Mary Magdalene Parish
2339 York Street
Blue Island, IL

Parish:
St. Mary Magdalene Parish, Blue Island, IL

Position Title:

Director of Religious Education

Report to:
Pastor

Parish Community St. Mary Magdalene Parish is the unified communities of St. Benedict (Blue Island), St. Walter (Chicago) and St. Peter Claver Mission (Robbins). It is a diverse community of English and Spanish speaking Catholics living in the Blue Island, Calumet Park, Chicago, Posen and Robbins neighborhoods. There are well established families as well as new families from both South America and Africa.

It is a rich blend of Catholics from around the world.

• The Director of Religious Education will work with the pastor to develop a thorough program of faith formation for grammar school age children that will assist families deepen their faith, create habits of prayer and service, and prepare for the celebration of the sacraments of Confirmation, Communion, and Penance.
• The DRE will be responsible to recruit, educate and train catechists for grades K-8 and a confirmation program for teens. The DRE has the responsibility to ensure that all catechists are Virtus Trained, complete the necessary background checks and possess the proper characteristics and personality to work with children and their parents.
• The DRE is responsible to establish the curriculum and order texts that contribute to the religious formation of children.
• The DRE is responsible to collect tuition from the families.
• The DRE will work with the administrators and teachers of St. Walter-St. Benedict School to coordinate comparable programs and the scheduling of the sacraments and related activities.
• The DRE will establish an annual calendar with critical dates, times and activities for all children in the program and the date/time of the celebration of sacraments.
• Attend monthly staff meetings.
• Provide necessary information about the religious education program for the parish to publish on web page and in bulletin.
• The position requires 20-25 hours of work per week.
• This position is non-benefits eligible and follows the Archdiocese of Chicago norms for employment.

• Fully initiated practicing Catholic with strong interest to work with families in forming their children in the Catholic faith.
• Ability to talk about personal faith and express it in language proper for different age groups.
• At least 3 years of experience with catechetical teaching and educational background that includes at least a bachelor's degree in religious studies or master's degree in theology.
• Familiarity with Church doctrine and knowledge of teaching methods for primary school children.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates proficient skills in the use of computers and technology.
• Is self‑motivated and a collaborative employee.
• Ability to communicate clearly and in a timely fashion with students, parents and catechists via email, text, letters and telephone.
• Ability to speak Spanish and English is preferred but not required.
• Physical Demands:
  Is capable of climbing stairs, able to lift 10 pounds.

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