Director of Children's Ministry

Job Description

Job Description:
St. Jude Catholic Parish, located in the Diocese of Dallas, a parish of more than 5000 families, is seeking a qualified, faithful Catholic adult for the position of Director of Children's Ministry. St. Jude Catholic Parish is looking for a dynamic individual who can direct and lead our Children's Ministries Program Pre-K - 6th grade with the zeal and vision to inspire and assist parents in forming their children in their journey of faith and relationship in Christ. The ideal candidate is a leader that has the heart of a disciple. They must be a good communicator with the capacity of juggling multiple events simultaneously. This person must be organized, detail-oriented, and a strong multitasker. Director of Children's Ministries is a full-time position with a flexible work week; requiring nights and weekends (Sunday mornings and evening during academic year).
Includes:(800+ children and youth in religious education grades PreK to 6th grade, 200+ adult volunteers, 100+ teen volunteers
Fulltime Position: 40 hours a week
Supervisor: Parish Pastor and Parish Administrator

Job Responsibilities PreK-6th grade:

Skills Required
• Practicing Catholic with a strong knowledge of the mission of the Catholic faith
• Ability to greet others in a friendly and positive manner
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects using excellent time management skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to speak before a crowd of peers, children, and adults.
• Willingness to work and obtain religious education certificates offered by Diocesan programs.
• Be innovative and creative
• Proficient in Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, Publisher
• BS college degree or Master Catechist certification, with 5 years' experience in ministry
• Second language (Spanish) a plus
• Physically able to lift or move tables or chairs.
Programs to supervise Include:
• PreK, Kindergarten, First thru Sixth Grade classes
• RCIA Adapted for Children and Youth
• Program for Special Needs Children and Youth
• Sacramental Preparation Classes for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation
• Out of Sequence Sacramental Preparation Classes
• Summer programs: Vacation Bible School, Creative Kids Camps
• Helping the Youth program with camps and retreats that may involve younger children.
• Church Nursery Liaison
• Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)
• ESL class for families

Supervisory Duties PreK-6th Grade:
• Supervise all Children's Ministries personnel and all volunteers
• Provide vision and leadership to staff of Faith Formation in PreK thru 6th Grade
• Train catechists and volunteers for the religious education classes
Updated 02/20/2024
• Supervise volunteers in the classroom when programs are offered
• Collaborate the work of the Children's Ministries & Youth Ministries programs by encouraging teamwork and mutual support.
• Provide leadership and nurturing to staff members and volunteers who work in the various programs
• Assist the Safe Environment Coordinator with updates of volunteers and their safe environment status

General Duties:
• Plan with the CM team on specific weekly, monthly, and yearly needs for the program, which may include but not limited to flyers, brochures, announcements, etc.
• Assist CM and YM personnel in developing and implementing comprehensive summer activities for children and youth.
• Collaborate with Youth Ministries team in programing
• Work with other members of the program staff to provide a well-rounded program of teaching religion to the children of the parish
• Review and select curriculum materials and educational tools for all Faith Formation programs
• Develop and maintain an appropriate sacramental preparation programs
• Develop and update a parent handbook of religious education policies
• Collaborate with CM and YM teams in developing the yearly and monthly events calendars
• Keep Web information current for all Children's Ministries programs
• Attend parish staff meetings, update staff members regularly on matters pertaining to the catechetical program
• Inform parents of program events and policies: registrations, sacramental preparation schedule and policies, enrichment opportunities, etc.
• Continually evaluate needs of the programs for the youth and children at St. Jude and add improvements as needed. This is in collaboration with the Youth Ministry Leadership.
• Work collaboratively with other parish staff members.
• Member of the HOPE (Helping Our Parish Encounter) Committee helping to plan parish activities.

Training Duties:
• Teach Catechetical courses required by the Diocese
• Facilitate parent meetings throughout the year of the various children's programs and activities
• Assist in facilitating parent meetings for the youth as it pertains to sacraments.
• Develop and coordinate short-term parenting classes along with Youth Ministries
• Provide special retreats for the children in the sacramental preparation years to help prepare them for the sacraments
• Provide informational meetings for parents at various times of the year for the sacramental preparation years including RCIA adapted for Children.

Financial Duties:
• Develop a budget for the Faith Formation program of Children's Ministries in collaboration with Youth department.
• Coordinate the financial needs of the Faith Formation programs
• Provide the business office with all financial needs of the program (the bills)
• Collaborate with the Children's and Youth Ministries programs to order necessary materials

Parish Catechetical Leader Duties (PCL):
• Maintain regular contact with diocesan office to stay informed of its policies and any programs it is offering
• Attend diocesan religious education workshops and classes
• Teach Virtus safe environment course to the children as required by the Diocese.

Special Requirements:
• Must complete the Diocese of Dallas Safe Environment Training program, and renew the training annually as required.
• This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Attend weekly staff meetings of the Parish.
• Be an integral part of the HOPE (Helping Our Parish Encounter) team.

About the Employer

"To build a parish community that shares God's love through prayer, service, and evangelization so that all feel welcome in making St. Jude their home."