Associate Director of Child Ministry

Job Description

Job Description: Associate Director of Child Ministry
Position Title: Associate Director of Child Ministry
Department: Faith Formation / Religious Education
Location: St. Gabriel, Hubertus, WI
Reports To: Pastor
Employment Type: Full-time (32+ hours per week)

Position Overview:
The Associate Director of Child Ministry at St. Gabriel will play a key role in fostering the spiritual growth and development of children in our faith community. This position is designed for a passionate, experienced, and creative individual who is deeply committed to nurturing the faith of children and ensuring they grow in the love of Christ through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (C.G.S.) Level 1, & Level 2 programs. The Associate Director will work closely with the Pastor and other ministry leaders to implement dynamic, engaging, and age-appropriate programs for children ages 3-11, supporting them as they take the first steps in their lifelong journey of faith.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Leadership & Coordination:
•Collaborate with the Pastor to design, implement, and evaluate effective religious education programs for children, utilizing C.G.S., including Sacramental preparation, and family catechesis.
•Oversee the planning, development, and execution of age-appropriate faith formation materials and curricula for children as well as the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program.
•Recruit, train, and support volunteer catechists, assistants, and other ministry volunteers through in person meetings throughout the year.
•Ensure that the Catechists are Safeguard trained and that appropriate Safeguarding criteria are followed in the classroom.
•Create a welcoming, safe, and spiritually enriching environment for all children, families, and volunteers.

2. Catechetical Programs:
•Develop and lead sacramental preparation programs, including but not limited to First Reconciliation, and First Holy Communion preparation for children and their families using the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program.
•Organize and coordinate special events, retreats, and liturgical celebrations for children as outlined in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, such as special parent and child sacramental meditations for grade 2, First Communion Retreat, the Liturgy of the Light Celebration for all families and family faith nights.
•Class preparation, Supervise and teach CGS sessions and clean-up on determined days for parish (including weekends and evenings).
•Maintain and Manage C.G.S. atria and materials.

3. Family Engagement & Support:
•Foster strong relationships with parents and caregivers, providing resources to assist them in the faith formation of their children at home.
•Serve as a liaison between the church and families, offering guidance and support in their faith journey.
•Promote family involvement in the life of the parish and encourage active participation in Mass and parish events.

4. Administration & Communication:
•Maintain accurate records of attendance, sacramental preparation, and other relevant information for children in ministry programs.
•Maintain records of catechists and volunteers assuring all are safeguard trained.
•Communicate regularly with families through email, newsletters, and parish bulletins to keep them informed about upcoming events, opportunities for involvement, and other ministry updates.
•Assist in the creation of promotional materials and help with the planning and coordination of ministry events.
•Attends staff meetings, team meetings, and retreats as designated for staff members.
•Evaluate C.G.S. offerings in collaboration with trained catechists and colleagues who use C.G.S. in surrounding parishes to determine strengths, areas for improvement, and future needs of the parish.
•Plans future calendar events and program needs for parish space and classroom needs.
•Other duties as assigned.

5. Spiritual Formation & Collaboration:
•Nurture the ongoing formation of catechists, assistants, and volunteers.
•Participate in ongoing professional development, including attending relevant workshops, retreats, and diocesan training events.
•Foster a spirit of collaboration within the parish team, supporting and working alongside other ministry staff, including youth ministry, adult faith formation, and liturgical teams.

Qualifications:
Knowledge & Experience:
•Formed in Catechesis of the Good Shepard (C.G.S.) a Montessori-based religious education program through Level 2 (prefer Level 3 or desire to attain).
•A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in child or youth ministry, including leading faith formation programs in a Catholic setting.
•Maintains training to adhere to the Montessori methodology of CGS.

Skills:
•Ability to manage projects and programs.
•Communicates in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in written form.
•Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team and engage with children and families in a loving and compassionate manner.
•Strong Organizational skills, detail orientation, and good follow-through.
•Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with parish management software.

Personal Qualities:
•A deep and personal commitment to the Catholic faith and an active, practicing Catholic lifestyle.
•Strong sense of mission and passion for sharing the Gospel with children and families through the CGS format.
•Ability to be flexible, creative, and innovative in designing programs that engage children in their faith formation.
•Strong leadership skills, with a heart for serving others and a commitment to excellence.

Physical Requirements:
•Ability to work in a variety of settings, including the parish office, and classrooms.
•Must be able to lift and move materials and equipment, occasionally up to 25 pounds.
•Must be available to work evenings and weekends as needed for program activities, events, and retreats.

To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following:
•A cover letter detailing interest and qualifications for the position.
•A current resume, including three references (one of which must be a faith-based reference).
•A brief statement of your personal faith journey and how you live out your Catholic faith.

Please send your application by July 1,2025 to mreichert@stgabrielhubertus.org or mail to St. Gabriel 1200 St. Gabriel Way, Hubertus, WI. 53022 Attn: Mike Reichert, Director of Administrative Services.

About the Employer

We, the people of St. Gabriel Parish, brothers and sisters in Christ, have as our mission to PROCLAIM Christ and make (FORM) disciples through the sacramental life (LIVE) of the Catholic Church, and to create an environment where all can live out this mission.