Director of Religious Education

Director of Religious Education

Position Category: Administrative/Pastoral

Position Status: Full-time

General Introduction: The Bishop of Grand Rapids is the visible head and source of unity in the particular Church entrusted to his pastoral care (CCC 1594). In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ’s mission present and enduring while functioning in his role as Shepherd of the Christian Community. In order to fulfill his mission, the Bishop trusts chosen collaborators (clerics, religious and lay people) to share in the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Each employee helps to extend the ministry of the local Pastor in particular ways as outlined in this position description.

Position Summary: Responsible for directing the faith formation and sacramental preparation of the Parish according to the catechetical norms of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. The Director of Religious Education provides oversight and implementation of Parish religious education programs while aiding the pastor in providing leadership assisting the parish community in building a solid foundation of faithful Catechetical and Evangelical Instruction/Outreach.

• Plans and directs parish religious education programs in accord with the Church’s Magisterium and Sacred Traditions.
• Provides oversight and direction in all areas of Parish religious formation/Sacramental Prep. (Adult, Youth, and Children)
• Plan and direct Adult Faith Formation Opportunities (Parish Retreats, Studies, Lectures, Lector training etc).
• Helps integrate celebration of the Liturgical Seasons and the life of the Church into the Parish community.
• Assist Parish & Academy in Catechetical Formation of Staff as needed.
• Assist Pastor in selecting faithful material for religious instruction of the parish.
• Invites & motivates parishioners to actively live the Catholic life and to serve in the parish.
• Direct and lead the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.
• Collaborate with the Pastor and Parish Office Manager to draft, and explain the religious education budget to the appropriate decision making bodies.
• Maintain policies and record compliance with the Diocese of Grand Rapids in ongoing Catechetical Formation and Safe Environment training.
• Establishes and maintains ongoing communication with families through use of parish bulletin, academy newsletter, email notification and parish social media outlets.

Primary:

• Willingness and ability to effectively make known the Catholic Church’s teachings through the varied ministry activities expected of this position.
• Willingness and ability to act as an outstanding person witness to the Catholic Faith and religion by living both one’s professional and personal life in accordance with the doctrines and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, as embodied in the various authoritative documents of the Roman Catholic Church, including, without limitation, the Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church.

• BA in Philosophy, Theology, Catechetics, Religious Education or other related fields.

Contact:
Please send all applications and resumes to Parish Manager, Laureen Fish lfish.