Director of Children's Formation

Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Director of Children's Formation
REPORTS TO: Director of Evangelization
TEAM: Faith Formation Team
STATUS: Full-time (40 hrs/wk), in-office and remote

The Director of Children's Formation works with the Director of Evangelization to design, develop, and deliver inspiring, comprehensive faith formation programming for preschool and elementary school-aged children, including preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion.

This person is a professional catechetical leader who is a talented teacher, coach, and learner. This individual loves God, is joyful and knowledgeable about the Catholic faith, enjoys working with people, and has a heart for service. This person lives in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church, regularly practicing and growing in the faith.

As a member of the Faith Formation Team and parish staff, the Director of Children's Formation works with other staff members to foster and maintain a collaborative, cohesive, positive team environment. This position allows for some remote work, but requires regular office hours as well as in-person instruction and program coordination, typically on nights and weekends.

Responsibilities:

Instructional Design

o Design and implement comprehensive, inspiring, and attractive
Children's Faith Formation (K-5th grade) and Sacrament
Preparation Programs (typically 2nd grade). These will be two
distinct programs with different curriculum, serving unique
populations.
- Collaborate with Director of Evangelization to evaluate and
select curriculum for each program, including supplemental
materials.
- Develop session plans/lessons using the selected curriculum
that are rigorous but enjoyable, interactive, and engaging.
- Develop and publish a schedule that meets the needs of
families, takes into account facility constraints, and is mapped
appropriately to the curriculum and Liturgical Calendar.
o Enthusiastically provide access and inclusion for children with
special learning needs, differentiating instruction when needed.
o Work with Director of Evangelization and families to ensure that
the needs of children in irregular sacramental situations
(confirmed at a young age, did not receive first Communion in 2nd
grade, etc.) are met appropriately.

Children's Formation Program (K-5th Grade)

o Serve as the primary instructor for sessions, teaching concepts
enthusiastically and in conformity to the faith.
o Recruit and train additional volunteer catechists, as needed.
o Procure supplies for all activities, practicing good stewardship
through prudent purchasing and appropriate resource
management.
o Supervise volunteers.
o Prepare and mange all aspects of sessions, including supervision,
setup, cleanup, and creating a welcoming environment (sign-in
table, name tags, etc.). o Track session attendance.

First Reconciliation (2nd Grade)

o Perform all tasks listed for Instruction and Children's Formation
Program above.
o Sacrament specific tasks:
- Provide specific instruction to children as to how to make an
examination of conscience and a good confession. Familiarize
them with the confessional and the appropriate responses.
- Work with Liturgy Team to schedule a date for First
Reconciliation in December or January, based on pastor's
schedule and facility availability. Reserve facility and
communicate with participant families and staff.
- Work with Director of Liturgy to schedule additional priests for
the celebration of First Reconciliation, as needed. Be present
to coordinate the day.

First Holy Communion (2nd Grade)

o Perform all tasks listed for Instruction and Children's Formation
Program above.
o Sacrament specific tasks:
- Provide specific instruction to children as to how to receive
communion and conduct rehearsals for the Liturgy.
- Work with Liturgy Team to schedule dates.
- Schedule each child for a specific Mass date and time where
they will receive.
- Communicate proactively with participant families, and staff,
as appropriate.
- Be present to coordinate the day. Work with the Director of
Liturgy and leaders of liturgical ministries (i.e., altar servers,
hospitality ministers, etc.) to ensure appropriate support.
- Develop a seating plan for the sacrament in accordance with
guidelines agreed to by the Pastor and Liturgy Team.

Vacation Bible School (Ages 4 yrs - 5th Grade)

o Implement a week-long Vacation Bible School every summer.
o Study, preview, and select appropriate curriculum or program.
o Recruit and train volunteer team(s) to support and implement the
program.
o Decorate according to the theme, as appropriate, creating an
attractive environment for the children.
o Procure supplies for all activities.
o Practice good stewardship through prudent purchasing and
appropriate resource management.
o Supervise and ensure proper set-up prior to program start and
cleanup at the conclusion of programming on Friday.

Additional Responsibilities

o Records Management
- Accept and process registrations for all programs in a timely
manner.
- Maintain attendance records for all programming.
- Maintain records of waivers, permissions, and other legal
documentation, as well registration forms.
- Collect and maintain files of all documentation required for
each participant to receive the sacraments and ensure all
eligibility requirements are met.
- Submit all sacraments for recording in an organized and timely
manner.
- Manage program budget and submit receipts and
reimbursement requests in a timely fashion.
o Communication
- Promote Children's Faith Formation activities and
programming regularly through the parish bulletin, website,
flyers, etc.
- Establish and maintain positive relationships with families.
- Collaborate and communicate regularly with staff and
volunteers.
- Build relationships among participants and with the Church
community.
o Volunteer Management
- Recruit and train volunteers to assist in various roles.
- Facilitate regular training sessions for all volunteer catechists
throughout the year.
- Ensure all volunteers have met Safe Environment requirements
prior to serving in any capacity. o Technology Literacy
- Must be comfortable with a variety of technology and tools
and be willing to learn.
- Must enthusiastically embrace the use of software to increase
productivity and produce high-quality, professional looking
materials.
- Minimum requirements include Microsoft Office Suite (Word
and Excel) and Outlook for email management. Canva,
Flocknote, Parish Soft are a plus.

General Demeanor and Presence

• Use discretion and maintain confidentiality
• Stay up-to-date regarding parish and school events in order to
facilitate scheduling and anticipate the needs of the community.
• Maintain friendly, professional appearance and demeanor at all
times.
• Present and support the decisions of the pastor and his vision with
enthusiasm.

About the Employer

Pax Christi is a growing Catholic parish in Highlands Ranch, a suburban area of Denver, CO. We strive to be a warm, welcoming community engaged in joyful, authentic Catholic worship, offering outstanding programs of discipleship for all ages.