Children's Faith Formation Coordinator

Job Description

Nurture the Faith of the Next Generation!

Are you passionate about helping children encounter Christ and grow in their Catholic faith? At St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, we are on a mission to form disciples of all ages-and we're looking for a mission-driven, creative, and organized leader to coordinate our vibrant Children's Faith Formation program (Pre-K through 5th grade).

Who We Are
We are a large and growing parish in West Des Moines, Iowa, a suburb of the city of Des Moines which has the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the Midwest and a member of the Diocese of Des Moines which in Easter 2024 boasted the largest amount of new converts per capita of any other Diocese in the nation. As the largest parish in the state of Iowa, we welcome nearly 20 new families each month with well over 10,000 currently registered parishioners. We seek to be a center of formation for the laity, empowering them through prayer and apostolate to bring the Gospel to the world.

As the Children's Faith Formation Coordinator, you will help shape the spiritual foundation of hundreds of children and support their families in fostering lifelong discipleship.

Why This Role Matters
Faith takes root early and your work will ensure that the youngest members of our parish experience the love of Christ, learn the beauty of the Church's teachings, and grow in joyful faith. This position also oversees First Reconciliation and First Communion preparation, ensuring a meaningful and well-supported journey of faith for our children and their families.

What You'll Do
Every day in this role is an opportunity to build up the Church. You'll get to:
•Lead with Vision - Design and implement engaging catechetical programs for children, rooted in the truth and beauty of our Catholic faith.
•Coordinate Sacramental Prep - Oversee the preparation process for First Reconciliation and First Communion, including retreats, parent meetings, and celebrations.
•Equip and Empower Volunteers - Recruit, train, and support a team of volunteer catechists, helping them thrive as faith leaders and teachers.
•Accompany Families - Communicate regularly with parents, offering resources and encouragement to foster faith at home.
•Engage the Parish - Collaborate with the Faith Formation team and wider parish staff to integrate children's ministry into parish life.
•Organize with Excellence - Manage program logistics, from registration to class schedules to diocesan safe environment compliance.

What You'll Need
We're looking for someone who loves the Church, loves kids, and is ready to lead with both faith and excellence. You'll thrive in this role if you:
•Are a practicing Catholic in good standing with a strong knowledge of Church teaching
•Have a Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Education, or a related field-or equivalent experience
•Bring experience working with children in catechesis, education, or ministry
•Have familiarity or experience with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (training or willingness to be trained is a plus)
•Possess strong organizational and communication skills, including public speaking
•Are confident using technology and social media for communication and virtual instruction
•Can collaborate well with staff, clergy, volunteers, and families

What You'll Love About This Role
•A Supportive Team - Solo ministry can often lead to burnout. When you join St. Francis, you become part of a team who meets regularly and supports one another in their work.
•A Strategic Culture - From our core values to weekly check-ins to quarterly planning sessions, we seek to do our work with thoughtfulness. We have a well-established vision and a process in place to help you strategize your efforts.
•A Place to Grow - We see work as a means of sanctification and are committed to investing in our team members, providing them the support they need to excel both personally and professionally.
•Access to the Sacraments - Daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration are just steps away and easily integrated into your daily routine.
•Competitive Pay & Benefits - Including cost-shared health insurance, retirement matching, and more!

Join Us in This Mission
At St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, we're more than a team-we're a community united by faith and a shared mission to transform lives through Christ. If you're ready to bring your gifts, passion, and faith to this role, we can't wait to hear from you!

To Apply
Please send a cover letter outlining your philosophy of ministry, a resume, and two letters of recommendation to Katie Patrizio, Director of Faith Formation.

Applications can be sent via email to kpatrizio@saintfrancischurch.org or by mail to the below address. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with priority given to those received by June 13, 2025.

St. Francis of Assisi c/o Katie Patrizio
7075 Ashworth Rd
West Des Moines, IA 50266

Apply today and start the next chapter of your mission-driven journey!

About the Employer

We are a large and growing parish in West Des Moines, Iowa, a suburb of the city of Des Moines which has the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the Midwest. As the largest parish in the state of Iowa, we welcome nearly 20 new families each month with well over 10,000 currently registered parishioners. We seek to be a center of formation for the laity, empowering them through prayer and apostolate to bring the Gospel to their homes, schools, workplaces, and hobbies.