Director of Religious Education - Our Lady of Perpetual - Glenview - Vic.

Overview

The Archdiocese of Chicago serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries.

The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.

The position of Director of Religious Education (DRE) is a full-time, 12 month position. The DRE must be a practicing Catholic, with understanding and support for Catholic Church teaching, mission, and values. The DRE is a professional catechetical leader who assists adults, adolescents, and children of the parish in their faith formation. The DRE works with other staff members and volunteers to foster and maintain a working environment where worship, prayer, hospitality, and learning are primary motivators.

Note: The primary responsibility of the DRE is to administer, design, develop, direct, communicate, and evaluate the Parish Religious Education Program for the approximately 500 parish children who attend public or non-Catholic private schools. The responsibilities of the DRE include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee the development of the Parish Religious Education Program, including in-class K through 8th grade level programs, Family Program, and Sacramental “Catch-Up” Program, in conformity with the guidelines of the Catechetical Ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago, including planning and implementation of the calendar, scheduling sessions, meetings, prayer and sacramental celebrations.
• Research and order resources (AV, textbooks, liturgy materials, reference works, etc.) which complement the religious education efforts in the parish.
• Provide students with age-appropriate service opportunities during the program year.
• Incorporate intentional ways for engaging parents and families in faith formation, within the program calendar, that include hospitality, prayer, learning, and service opportunities.
• Meet with the Pastor routinely to discuss matters relating to Parish Religious Education and sacramental preparation.
• Direct sacramental preparation that uses most current methodologies and includes parents.
• Develop and provide program options for students and parents who fall into a catch-up situation regarding First Sacraments preparation.
• Schedule and coordinate the sacramental meetings for parents of school-age candidates for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
• Coordinate the liturgical celebrations of the first sacraments with the Pastor.
• Recruit, orient and provide ongoing professional training and spiritual development for the Parish Religious Education catechists and volunteers.
• Direct and support catechists and volunteers in lesson plan development to ensure programs achieve overall goals, objectives, and vision for strong lifelong formation in parish.
• Coordinate Vacation Bible School.
• Develop and coordinate a limited number of special event activities throughout the program year, including, but not limited to, Pet Blessing, Christmas Pageant, Lenten project, Living Stations, and May Crowning.
• Encourage Parish Religious Education catechists to obtain Catechetical Certification according to the policy set by the Catechetical Ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
• Explore on-going formation of catechetical staff through Archdiocesan and Parish events, catechetical classes, and workshops, approved catechetical resources, catechist in-service days, and when necessary, retreats/days of reflection.
• Assist the Youth Ministry team with programming, marketing, spiritual and social activities.
• Act as a resource for the SPRED program.
• Collaborate with the Principal of the School.
• Collaborate with other staff members engaged in ministries as they affect family life.
• Collaborate with staff members and community leaders to ensure that…