Parish Catechetical Leader

Job Description

Parish Catechetical Leader (Director of Religious Education)
Immaculate Conception Church - Somerville, NJ

Summary
Immaculate Conception Church, Somerville N.J. is seeking a full-time, mission-driven Parish Catechetical Leader (DRE) who is passionate about forming disciples and helping individuals and families grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. Rooted in our parish's mission and vision, this leader will oversee and advance our parish-based catechetical programs-from children and youth formation to sacramental preparation and ongoing family evangelization and catechesis.

Responsibilities Include:
• Providing visionary leadership for parish faith formation initiatives
• Coordination and administration of K-8 religious education curriculum and sacramental preparation processes (First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation)
• Recruiting, forming, and supporting parish catechists and faith formation teams
• Collaborating closely with the pastor, principal of Immaculate Conception School, and parish staff to align catechesis and religious educational curriculums with our evangelizing mission
• Ensuring effective communication with families, schools, and parish ministries
• Managing program budgets, schedules, records, and Safe Environment compliance
• Integrating digital tools and creative methods to enhance learning and community engagement

Qualifications:
• Practicing Catholic in full communion with the Church who embraces Catholic teaching and spirituality
• Degree or Certification in Theology, Catechetics, Religious Education, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills
• Experience in parish catechesis, evangelization, or teaching preferred
• Ability to inspire volunteers and work collaboratively in a team environment
• Spanish language skills preferred but not required.

We are looking for someone who sees catechesis not merely as a program of study but as a mission of accompaniment, conversion, and lifelong discipleship.

If you feel called to help shape the future of our parish's faith formation, please send a cover letter and resume to:

Msgr. Joseph G. Celano, Pastor
Immaculate Conception Church
35 Mountain Ave.
Somerville, NJ 08876
jcelano@icsomerville.org

About the Employer

Immaculate Conception Church and Schools is a parish of 4000 registered household located in central New Jersey. It is one of only a handful of parochial based PreK-12 Catholic educational systems in the country with a thriving enrollment of nearly 1000 students and over 350 children in parish-based catechetical formation.