Faith Formation Director

Job Description

Job Summary
Responsible for the entire faith formation program through leadership of the formational, spiritual, and educational offerings of St. Joseph. The Director will report to the pastor on matters of faith, doctrine, morals, and theology. The Director will report to the business manager on matters of budget, day-to-day operation and management of programming.

Goals of the position include, but are not limited to fostering growth in catechesis, ecumenism, and evangelism as understood by the timeless teaching of the Church. Catechesis is foremost of importance to foster and grow the Catholic faith among the parishioners of St. Joseph. Secondarily, it will be to evangelize the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who have no other means of exposure through life circumstances within the parish boundaries of St, Joseph. Finally, taking an ecumencial approach to those other Churches recognized by the Holy See as being apostolic in nature. The Director is responsible for all efforts that accompany the parishioners of St. Joseph, both adult and child, to encounter Christ Jesus and become active and productive members of the Church in Des Moines, Iowa.

Expectations
Practicing Catholic, in good standing with the Holy See
Accepts and promotes all Dogma and Doctrine of the Catholic Church
Adheres to all policies, safety policies and procedures, and core values of St. Joseph
Performs duties as defined, assigned, and as workload necessitates

Duties and Responsibilities
Articulates a vision of catechesis which is based upon the major catechetical documents of the Catholic Church.
Oversees the planning, implementation, and execution of effective programming in Catholic formation for the parish with approval of the pastor.
Submits a proposal for annual budget based upon sound historical data of the last 5 years to be considered by the finance council during the budgeting process.
Informs parish leadership and staff about documents and development in areas of religious education and faith formation both for children and adults.
Maintains a relationship with Diocesan Department of Evangelization and Catechesis and St. Joseph Educational Center.
Develop and maintain a system to extend catechetical and evangelical programming to those less likely to participate due to factors such as but on limited to language, physical or mental disability, educational disadvantage and/or social alienation.

- In Relation to Youth Faith Formation
Plan, implement and execute various youth faith formation programs
Recruit and train Catechists and support volunteers for programming, including substitutes
Provide annual In-service training for Catechists.
Provide effective communication with parents, staff, and students on a weekly basis during the school year and monthly during the summer.
- In Relation to Sacramental Prep
Coordinate the sacramental preparation programs for Baptism.
Coordinate the sacramental preparation programs and liturgies which include First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.
Recruit and plan for youth sacramental programming.
- In Relation to Adult Faith Formation
Coordinate the Catechetical programs that will engage adults for entrance into the Church.
Coordinate the sacramental preparation programs which may include the Sacraments of Initiation and First Reconciliation, as necessary
Coordinate the RCIA programming or individualized plans for those who require and/or are out of sequence.
Coordinate the Catechetical programs that will engage the adult members of the Church to engage the Catechetical offerings of the Church as developed by the Faith Formation Director.

Planning and Administration
Plan an annual calendar of programming and formational opportunity
Plan and implement strategies to reach active parishioners, inactive Catholics, and the unchurched in the community
Monitor and adhere to budget as supplied annually from the business manager and finance council
Collaborate in parish communications to create engaging and creative content
Visible at parish functions
Other duties as assigned by business manager and/or pastor
Work some evenings and weekends in support of Faith Formation
Normal office environment
Ability to lift 25-50 lbs.
Ability to be mobile for extended periods of time.

Qualifications
Must be a practicing Catholic in Good Standing
Bachelor's Degree in Theology or related field required, Master's Degree preferred with three years of catechetical experience.
Proficient in MS Office and/or Google Suite
Comfortable with social media outlets
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
Pastoral Planning
Basic Theology as understood to be Catholic
Children and Family Catechetical Theory and Formation
Program Development
Evangelization Education and Training
Can be certified as a Catechetical Leader
Must be VIRTUS trained and complies with all/current training requirements

Responsibilities and tasks outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may change based upon the needs of the parish at the discretion of the pastor and business manager.

About the Employer

Together we are St. Joseph: a healthy, growing, and welcoming faith community that brings people to Christ, forming intentional disciples, and sending them out to transform the world. Every member is committed to worship, grow, serve, connect, and give.