Director of Faith Formation

Job Description

The Director Faith Formation at St. Joseph Parish is a full-time position working with youth in grades 7 through 11 and their families. This position will serve both the St. Joseph and St. Bartholomew parishes in Needham. In July 2024, St. Bartholomew Parish will merge with St. Joseph to form one Catholic community in Needham.

The person in this role will develop and implement programs to help the students grow and develop in their knowledge and love of God and the Church, while fostering a sense of faith-filled service to God and his people. The population being served will consist of approximately 100 students in grades 7 and 8, and 200 students in grades 9 and 10. This role will be responsible for joining the currently separate Confirmation programs across the two parishes under one person.

The Director will oversee the shift in the Confirmation age from 10th and 11th grade to the 8th grade, as was recently announced by the Archdiocese of Boston. The Archdiocese will assist parishes in this significant transition.

The Director will work collaboratively with the current Coordinator of Faith Formation for Grades K-6 and be supported by the Faith Formation assistant also currently on staff.

Qualifications:
• Be a practicing Catholic whose life, worship and beliefs are consistent with the Catholic Church and who has a passion for evangelization.
• College or advanced degree in Catholic theology, ministry or related field.
• Experience in teaching the Catholic faith and supervising others in doing so.
• Appropriate skills to work effectively with a wide variety of staff, school personnel, and families in a large parish community.
• Strong communication, organizational skills, and creativity.

Responsibilities:

1) Catechesis for students in grades 7 to 10
• Follow requirements of the USCCB, the Boston Archdiocese and St. Joseph Parish.
• Develop annual Catechetical Calendar.
• Evaluate, select and order catechetical texts and materials and prepare lesson plans.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteer catechists, assistants and aids.
• Provide remedial faith formation for older children who may not have been baptized or received the Eucharist.
• Oversee the delivery of the Child Safety Program each year.
• Work with students of all abilities, and their families, to provide accommodations and/or adaptations based on each person's individual needs.

2) Consolidate the Two Confirmation Programs
• Determine curriculum to be used; develop schedule and locations of classes.
• Maintain a two-track program that serves both public and Catholic School students.
• Collaborate with parents, guardians and others who assist in the program.
• Prepare students, sponsors, and families for the celebration of the sacrament.
• Plan and implement annual retreat including the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

3) Communication and Administration
• Communicate with students and parents regularly using print and electronic channels.
• Maintain liaison with diocesan offices including Lifelong Faith Formation and Parish Support, Office of Pastoral Support and Child Protection.
• Ensure CORI completion and child protection training of adults in the program.
• Participate in local & regional Faith Formation meetings and trainings at the Archdiocese's pastoral center and other locations.
• Manage program expenses responsibly.
• Be responsible for the condition and security of buildings used for classes.
• Maintain student and family information in the Parishsoft system.

4) Oversee Transition to Grade 8 Confirmation
• Meet with clergy, parish staff, Pastoral Council, and St. Joseph School leadership to develop a consistent vision and plan for family catechesis.
• Work with the Archdiocese to develop a plan for transition of Confirmation age.
• Communicate the Confirmation plan with impacted families.
• Plan and implement Christian service projects that include family involvement.
• Recruit and train volunteers to assist in the programs to maintain adult ratios.

Hours: 35 hours per week on average. Compensation commensurate with experience.

Reports to: Pastor of St. Joseph Parish

Schedule: Classes are currently held on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings. There is flexibility in setting up the new consolidated schedule.

To apply, please submit cover letter and resume to Deacon Bob Horne at rhorne@saintjoes.com

About the Employer

St. Joseph Parish is one of 250 parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston under the leadership of Cardinal Sean O'Malley. In July 2024, St. Joseph Parish will combine with St. Bartholomew Parish also in Needham to form a single Catholic community for Needham. The primary mission of every parish is to bring people to Christ through the sacraments. In following that mission, St. Joseph's offers daily and weekly Masses, Catholic education through St. Joseph School for children from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, and faith formation for public school children from kindergarten through Confirmation age.