Pastoral Assistant for Children and Family Faith Formation

Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE
Develops, implements and directs Faith Formation Programs for preschool, elementary children, middle school youth and their families. Will also coordinate Vacation Bible Camp with the assistance of the Pastoral Associate.
II. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-Assures the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for children and family faith formation for preschool and elementary children, including our Sunday School programs. This also includes the creation of specific curriculum for our Family Faith Sunday program which provides a whole catechesis approach for families to participate in once a month.
-Assures the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for children and their parents/guardians for the sacramental preparation of First Reconciliation, First Communion, Youth Confirmation and OCIA for Older Children. This also includes maintaining the required paperwork for sacramental records.
-Recruits, trains, coordinates and oversees parish volunteer catechists, aides and other support personnel necessary to accomplish the goals and objectives of all the children, youth and family faith formation programs. Facilitates opportunities for volunteers to develop and enhance their personal faith growth.
-Coordinates and implements our Vacation Bible Camp program with the assistance of the Pastoral Associate, providing faith formation to children not only in our parish community but in the larger West Seattle community.
-Ensures the children and family faith formation programs integrate well into the parish and school communities.
-Maintains communication with families through the monthly newsletter, emails and maintaining the parish website in sharing the Catholic faith.
-Coordinates the pastoral care needs of the families in its programs, working with parish staff, St. Vincent de Paul, and other outreach services as needed.
-Develops budget for faith formation. Locates, selects and purchases all materials and equipment for the programs, including textbooks, audio-visuals materials, general supplies and all other resources necessary to implement the catechetical programs, and follow up programs within the available budget for the program.
-Maintains a current level of knowledge and skills required to function as PA for Children and Family Faith Formation through reading appropriate materials and attending workshops and conventions. Participates in regional, Archdiocesan and national organizations, as approved and as appropriate.
-Collaborates with the Pastor, staff, and consultative groups in implementing the mission of the parish, including participating in staff and parish meetings and events to promote faith formation objectives and activities.

III: SKILLS AND TALENTS
-Minimum of an undergraduate college degree with a background in social work, counseling or a related field.
-Minimum of two years of leadership experience and/or certification in the area of children and family faith formation.
-Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage volunteers and coordinate a variety of schedules
-Tech Savvy: Comfortable and competent in all the basic office technologies and social media. Willing and able to learn new ones as they emerge.
-Good communication skills to interact not only with the parish but with the wider community.
-A sense of the mission of the Church, and the workings of parish life.
-Need to be an active practicing Roman Catholic.
-Reliable transportation essential for this position. Mileage reimbursement provided.
-Must pass a background check prior to hire

**Must be able to work most Sundays until 1pm

About the Employer

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is a very active, diverse and vibrant Catholic community, who embraces Pope Francis' call to be missionary disciples and whose motto is to serve all people with open hands and caring hearts