Director of Lifelong Faith Formation

Job Description

Director of Lifelong Faith Formation

Position Summary: The Director of Lifelong Faith Formation is a professional catechetical leader responsible for developing, coordinating, evaluating, and implementing a comprehensive vision for lifelong Catholic formation within the parish. This role oversees catechesis for children, youth, and adults; sacramental preparation; and initiatives that foster evangelization, discipleship, and active participation in the life of the Church. The Director collaborates closely with the Pastor, other clergy serving in the parish, parish staff, catechists, and ministry leaders to nurture a vibrant, mission driven parish culture rooted in the Gospel.

Parish Wide Faith Formation & Evangelization
• Develop and implement a cohesive, mission oriented plan for lifelong faith formation.
• Assist the Pastor and fully collaborate with the Pastor in developing and implementing resources for faith formation that:
o recognize the family as the primary agent of formation,
o fully integrate and implement all pertinent magisterial documents of the Holy See and the Archdiocese of Newark regarding the catechetics and family faith formation,
o integrate programming with the liturgical life of the Church with complete recognition and support of the fact that "The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 1324)
o lead by personal example of the active participation in the sacramental life of the Parish, and provide opportunities for prayer, service, spiritual growth, and communal worship for other members of the parish community.
• In collaboration with the Pastor and the Coordinator of Lifelong Family Faith Formation, continually recruit, guide, support, and evaluate Family Faith Formation Discipleship Team members and other catechetical volunteers.
• Organize workshops, courses, and retreats that inspire, equip, and train Discipleship Team members and staff to be intentional disciples.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure the parish's vision of missionary discipleship is reflected in all parish activities, communications, and media (website, bulletin, marketing, and social platforms).
• Support outreach to inactive Catholics, seekers, and those exploring the Catholic faith.
• Foster a welcoming, hospitable environment that encourages deeper engagement in parish life.

Children's Faith Formation / CCD (Grades 1-8)
• Direct and oversee the parish CCD/Religious Education program, ensuring fidelity to Church teaching and Archdiocesan guidelines.
• Recruit, train, and mentor catechists and classroom aides; provide ongoing formation and support.
• Manage program logistics including scheduling, registration, communication, and curriculum selection.
• Partner with parents as primary catechists, offering resources and support for faith formation at home.
• Ensure full compliance with the Safe Environment policies of the Archdiocese of Newark.

Youth Ministry & Adolescent Catechesis
• In collaboration with the Pastor and other priests ministering in the Parish coordinate faith formation and evangelization for middle school and high school youth.
• Plan youth gatherings, retreats, service opportunities, and participation in diocesan events.
• Build relationships with young people and their families, fostering a safe, faith filled environment.
• Recruit and form adult volunteers and youth leaders.

Adult Faith Formation
• Develop and coordinate adult formation opportunities such as Bible studies, small groups, topical series, and parish missions.
• Continually identify new OCIA candidates and oversee OCIA for adults seeking initiation or full communion with the Church.
• Provide formation for parents preparing for their children's sacraments.
• Support ministries that accompany adults at various stages of life.
• Assist the Pastor, other priests and deacons in a continual development and improvement of a lifelong Family Faith Formation Program.

Sacramental Preparation
• Oversee preparation programs for Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation (youth and adults), and Marriage preparation as needed.
• Ensure all sacramental programs reflect Church teaching and follow Archdiocesan guidelines.
• Collaborate with clergy and liturgical staff to plan and celebrate sacraments with reverence and pastoral care.
• Oversee accurate maintenance of sacramental records and communication with families.
• Assist the Pastor and other pastoral staff in a process of development and implementation of post-baptismal outreach, catechesis and integration of young families into the parish community.

Leadership, Administration & Collaboration
• Recruit, train, and support catechists, ministry leaders, and volunteers across all formation programs.
• Manage program budgets, calendars, communication platforms, and registration systems.
• Participate in policy development, goal setting, and strategic planning.
• Assess current programs and curricula, implement improvements, and ensure alignment with parish and diocesan standards.
• Maintain accurate records for CCD, sacramental preparation, and adult formation.
• Collaborate with parish staff to integrate faith formation into the broader mission of the parish.
• Evaluate programs regularly and adapt to the evolving needs of the parish community.

Qualifications
• Fully initiated and practicing Catholic, able to participate in the full sacramental life of the Church, with a commitment to ongoing spiritual growth.
• Experience in parish catechesis, faith formation leadership, or evangelization ministry.
• Strong pastoral presence, communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively.
• Ability to inspire, mentor, and form volunteers and ministry teams.
• Effective facilitation and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational skills, including time management, planning, and delegation.
• Familiarity with digital tools for communication, formation, and program management.
• Sensitivity to controversial issues and ability to respond in accordance with Church teaching.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold high standards of honesty and ethical behavior.
• Compliance with all Archdiocesan Safe Environment requirements.

Personal Qualities
• Joyful, mission driven, and rooted in prayer.
• Creative and adaptable, with a heart for evangelization and catechesis.
• Able to build relationships across generations and cultures.
• Organized, proactive, and attentive to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to lead ministry teams, inspire and mentor volunteers, and communicate effectively with families.
• A collaborative team member who contributes to a positive parish culture.
• Desires to build a culture of intentional and missionary discipleship within the parish, with a passion for helping young people encounter Christ and grow in their Catholic identity.

Education
• Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Education, Pastoral Studies, or a related field, with experience and/or training in catechetics.
• Certification in Religious Education and Formation.
• Ability to use computer, with proficiency in using Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel and other helpful computer and technology tools.

Working Conditions
• Flexible work schedule including regular daytime hours, with the ability to serve during select evenings and weekends.
• Valid driver's license and the willingness and ability to minister and serve in various locations of daily parish initiatives, engagements and outreach.

Additional Requirements
• Completion of Safe Environment training within the first 30 days of hire.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check.

Terms & Salary
• Director of a Lifelong Faith Formation is a full-time position (40 hours per week), with a generous and comprehensive benefits package including Health Insurance (Medical, Prescription, and Vision), Dental Insurance, Basic Life & AD&D Insurance, Pension Plan, Short-Term Disability, and a Voluntary 403(b) Plan; $55,000-$60,000 per year.

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and references to Msgr. Peter Smutelovic, Pastor, at: msgr.peter.smutelovic@stjohnhillsdale.com. Every applicant will receive a prompt confirmation that the presented application has been received.

About the Employer

Saint John the Baptist Parish Family is a large, vibrant, and continually growing Catholic community rooted in a profound love for Christ and His Church. The parish's expansive campus and growing catechetical and lifelong faith formation ministry include one of the largest Catholic churches in New Jersey, the Pastoral and Catechetical Center, and Saint John's Academy, a thriving and highly regarded PreK-8 Catholic Blue Ribbon School. The lifelong faith formation of children, youth, and families is among the parish's highest pastoral priorities. With abundant opportunities for growth, outreach, creativity, and faithful witness the parish is poised to further strengthen its mission and pastoral outreach under the leadership of its new Director of Lifelong Faith Formation.