Director of Religious Education

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION
DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
St. Mary's Visitation, St. Stanislaus, Sacred Heart Churches- Byron Center, MI

Title: Director of Religious Education / Assistant
Reports to Pastor, Full Time or Part Time, depending on education, availability and experience

Purpose: Design and oversee our collaborative's faith formation programs. Manage curriculum development, coordinate sacramental preparation and train volunteers to serve children, youth, and adults.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Curriculum & Instruction: Design and implement religious education classes for preschool through 12th grade and adult faith formation.
• Sacramental Preparation: Coordinate the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, and the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults / Children (OCIA/ OCIC).
• Volunteer Management: Recruit, train, schedule, and support catechists and other volunteers.
• Administration: Manage the department budget, order educational materials, and oversee program enrollment.
• Event Coordination: Plan parish and youth retreats, Vacation Bible School, and special liturgical services.
• Safe Environment Compliance: Responsible for overseeing compliance with the Diocesan policy for Safe Environment. This will encompass making sure that all catechists and volunteers have the proper background checks and training, and that parents and youth are taught the required safety protocols.
• Promotion and Communication: Responsible for promoting & communicating religious education programs & events for the parish, parents and community via the bulletin, Flocknote, mailings and social media.

Key Skills & Abilities
• Interpersonal Communication Skills: Exceptional public speaking, relational storytelling, and conflict-resolution abilities that will engage with both youth and adults.
• Leadership: Ability to inspire volunteers and collaborate effectively with other parish staff members.
• Organization: Strong administrative skills to manage multiple projects, events, schedules, and volunteer teams simultaneously.
• Technology: Able to use various technology, social media, and Microsoft office systems.

Education & Qualifications
• Degree: BA in Theology or Religious Studies (preferred) or Bachelor's in Education / closely related field (preferred) and willing to get a certification in ministry.
• Faith Life: Practicing Roman Catholic in full communion with the Church, possessing a visible love for Christ and the Catholic faith.
• Compliance: Adherence with diocesan Safe Environment requirements, including a background check and child safety training.
• Experience: 1 to 2 years of professional parish ministry or related leadership experience.

About the Employer

We are a group of three parishes and two Catholic Schools located in North Allegan County within the Diocese of Kalamazoo. Our mission for religious education ministry is to form intentional disciples of Jesus Christ. Through Scripture, the Sacraments, and the rich traditions of the Church, we empower all ages to encounter God, grow in faith, and proclaim the Gospel in their daily lives.