Director of Religious Education

Job Description

DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church | Greensboro, North Carolina
Department: Faith Formation
Reports To: Pastor
Operational Coordination: Director of Operations
Supervises: Assigned Faith Formation staff, ministry leaders, catechists, and volunteers

Position Summary
The Director of Religious Education (DRE) directs the parish's Faith Formation program, OCIA (English) & RCIA (Spanish) Programs, Home School program, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, coordinates sacramental preparation, and oversees Youth Ministry, Ongoing Adult Catechesis, parish evangelization, retreat opportunities in English and Spanish, and the Diocesan Safe Environment program. Under the Pastor's direction, the DRE ensures that these ministries are faithful to Catholic teaching, compliant with Diocese of Charlotte requirements, safely staffed, and effectively administered.

Essential Responsibilities
Faith Formation and Ministry Oversight
• Direct, coordinate, and evaluate parish Faith Formation (children and adults in both Spanish and English), Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Home School Catechesis, Youth Ministry, English-language OCIA, and Spanish-language RCIA.
• Set annual calendars, curricula, registration procedures, class placement, attendance standards, and parent communication for each program.
• Ensure that curricula, resources, speakers, and activities conform to Catholic teaching, diocesan standards, and the Pastor's direction.
• Provide families, catechists, and ministry leaders with clear requirements, schedules, materials, and timely program updates.
• Integrate prayer, Sacred Scripture, Catholic doctrine, the sacraments, and participation in parish life throughout all formation programs including parish retreat days, days of recollection and/or parish missions (e.g. Advent/Lent)
• Maintain a positive relationship with parishioners and volunteers.
Sacramental Preparation and Records
• Oversee preparation, scheduling, required documentation, and parish coordination for Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Marriage.
• Establish preparation requirements and verify that individuals and families have completed required formation and submitted all necessary documents before a sacrament is scheduled or celebrated.
• Coordinate clergy, Sacred Music, the parish office, facilities, rehearsals, retreats, and liturgical preparations for sacramental celebrations.
• Maintain sacramental registers and related preparation records accurately, confidentially, and in accordance with Diocese of Charlotte procedures; prepare required certificates, notifications, and reports.

Safe Environment Program
• Administer the parish Safe Environment program in accordance with diocesan requirements.
• Ensure that employees and volunteers complete required registration, background screening, training, and renewals before serving with children or vulnerable persons.
• Evaluate compliance through Catholic Mutual Group, track expiration and renewal dates, follow up on deficiencies, and complete required diocesan reports.
• Responsible for reporting any suspected abusive activity through the Red Flag system.
Staff and Volunteer Supervision
• This position is a direct report to the Director of Operations
• Supervise assigned Faith Formation staff, program coordinators, Religious Education ministry leaders, catechists, and volunteers; establish clear duties, schedules, and performance expectations.
• Must attend Religious Education Commission meetings and ensure at least quarterly meetings.
• Recruit, train, schedule, support, and evaluate catechists and volunteers for all assigned programs.
• Conduct regular team meetings and provide the formation, lesson resources, and classroom support needed for consistent program delivery and end of year satisfaction surveys.
• Address attendance, conduct, performance, or program concerns promptly in consultation with the Pastor and Director of Operations.

Administration and Collaboration
• Prepare and manage the Faith Formation budget, program fees, purchases, and supplies within approved parish procedures.
• Maintain accurate registration, attendance, family, program, and ministry records in Realm and other parish-approved systems.
• Coordinate program calendars, room assignments, and facility needs with the parish liturgical calendar, school calendar, and parish office.
• Provide the Pastor with regular reports on enrollment, sacramental preparation, staffing, Safe Environment compliance, budget status, and program needs.
• Protect confidential information and release records only to authorized persons in accordance with parish and diocesan procedures.
• Perform other duties related to the position and parish mission as assigned by the Pastor.

Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor's degree or higher is required for this position.
• Practicing Catholic in good standing who supports the teachings, mission, and sacramental life of the Catholic Church, someone who possesses evangelical zeal, and personal joy of bringing the Gospel to everyone.
• Strong working knowledge of Catholic doctrine, Sacred Scripture, liturgy, sacraments, catechetical principles, and parish ministry.
• Experience leading faith formation, religious education, youth ministry, sacramental preparation, or a comparable Catholic program.
• Ability to supervise staff and volunteers, manage multiple programs and deadlines, maintain accurate records, and communicate with pastoral sensitivity.
• Completion and continued maintenance of all Diocese of Charlotte Safe Environment requirements and other required training.
• Availability for regular office hours and required evening, weekend, and Sunday programs and sacramental celebrations.
• At least 40 hours per week on-site is required for this position
• A person who can exemplify patience, compassion, dedication, and solid work ethic.

Preferred
• Bachelor's degree or higher in theology, religious education, catechetics, pastoral ministry, education, or a related field.
• Diocesan catechetical certification or willingness to complete certification within an agreed period.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible parish or Catholic educational leadership experience.
• Spanish-language ability or experience serving culturally diverse Catholic communities.

Working Conditions
This position works in an active parish environment and regularly interacts with children, youth, adults, families, volunteers, clergy, and staff. The schedule includes office hours, evening and weekend programs, Sunday activities, retreats, and sacramental celebrations. The employee must be able to move throughout parish facilities, use standard office equipment, and occasionally lift and carry program materials weighing up to approximately 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

About the Employer

Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church is a church and school family that evangelizes, teaches, and sanctifies, forming disciples of Christ for the salvation of souls.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations." - Matthew 28:19

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." - Acts 2:42