Director of Catechesis

Job Description

Position Summary
The Director of Catechesis provides comprehensive leadership, vision, and oversight for all catechetical formation across the entire diocese. This is position responsible for the full continuum of formation, from early childhood through adulthood, spanning parish faith formation programs, Catholic schools, sacramental preparation, youth and young adult ministry, and adult catechetical initiatives.

Working in fidelity to the teaching of the Catholic Church and in service to the Bishop of Grand Rapids' pastoral vision, the Director ensures that catechesis throughout the diocese is doctrinally sound, methodologically effective, and oriented toward missionary discipleship. The Director sets diocesan standards for ministry formation and certification in accord with USCCB standards, forms and equips catechetical leaders and volunteers at the parish and school level, and coordinates initiatives that draw people into a living encounter with Jesus Christ and full participation in the life of the Church, with a particular emphasis on supporting Catholic parents.

Key Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

Diocesan Leadership and Strategy
• Develop and implement a unified diocesan vision and strategic plan for catechesis and across all age groups and settings.
• Establish and maintain diocesan norms, policies, and standards for catechetical content, catechist certification, and formation programs, in accordance with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the 2020 Directory for Catechesis, relevant USCCB guidance, and the directives of the Bishop of Grand Rapids.
• Advise the Bishop and diocesan leadership on catechetical matters, emerging trends, and pastoral needs.
• Oversee the budget, staffing, and operations of the Office of Catechesis.
• Collaborate with other diocesan offices (e.g. Family and Pro-Life, Youth and Young Adults, Prison and Jail, and Hispanic) to ensure a coherent, integrated approach to catechetical formation in these special ministries.
• Oversee the Diocesan Catechetical Institute founded in 2023 (the tasks of supervision were developed by the institute's founder and on file).
• Develop a plan for regional center of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in the Diocese of Grand Rapids
• Assist the Vicar for Evangelization to ensure that evangelizing catechesis enters all levels of formation.

Children's Catechesis and Formation
• Encourage best practices and formation for leadership in parish-based faith formation programs for children not enrolled in Catholic schools, including supporting homeschooling efforts.
• Provide direction and support for the catechetical and Catholic formation dimension within diocesan Catholic schools, elementary and secondary, in coordination with the diocesan superintendent.
• Establish standards and provide resources for age-appropriate curricula, textbook review, and catechetical materials for children and adolescents
• Support best practices in sacramental preparation for Infant Baptism, First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion at the parish level.

Adolescent and Youth Catechetical Formation: (Collaborates with the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry)
• Direct diocesan strategy for Confirmation preparation and other adolescent programs.
• Participate in diocesan youth events, retreats, and initiatives (e.g., diocesan youth conferences, participation in national and international gatherings such as World Youth Day).
• Provide catechetical guidance, resources, and best practices to parishes for Confirmation preparation and other adolescent faith formation programs.
• Collaborate with the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry to ensure that youth ministry initiatives are grounded in sound Catholic teaching and effective faith formation practices.
• Develop and provide formation, training, and resources for parish catechists, youth ministry leaders, and volunteers who are responsible for adolescent faith formation.
• Support parishes in strengthening the connection between sacramental preparation, ongoing catechesis, and participation in the life of the Church.
• Consult with parish leaders regarding approaches, curricula, and resources that support the spiritual and faith development of adolescents.

Young Adult Catechetical Support: (Collaborates with the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry)
• Foster diocesan and parish initiatives that engage young adults in community, formation, and mission (e.g., campus ministry coordination, young adult groups, fellowship, attendance at diocesan and national conferences such as SEEK).
• Provide catechetical resources, consultation, and formation opportunities that support the faith development of young adults in various stages of life (ages 18-35).
• Collaborate with the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry to identify and address catechetical and formation needs within young adult ministry.
• Support the development of resources and formation experiences that help young adults deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and integrate that faith into their daily lives, relationships, vocations, and work.
• Serve as a resource to parishes and ministry leaders seeking to strengthen the catechetical dimension of young adult ministry.

Adult Formation
• Oversee the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) across the diocese, providing formation, resources, and standards for parish OCIA teams.
• Direct diocesan strategy for ongoing adult faith formation, including Bible studies, small groups, and various forms of lifelong catechesis such as men's and women's groups.
• Lead evangelization initiatives aimed at inactive, returning, and unchurched Catholics (e.g., "Catholics Coming Home" efforts, parish missions, and re-engagement programs).
• Assist in the promotion a culture of missionary discipleship throughout the diocese.

Formation of Catechists and Leaders
• Design and administer diocesan certification and formation programs for catechists, catechetical leaders, directors of religious education, school faculties, and volunteers.
• Provide ongoing training, workshops, conferences, and continuing formation opportunities for those engaged in catechesis and evangelization.
• Recruit, mentor, and support parish and school catechetical personnel.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience
• A Master's degree in theology, catechetics, religious education, pastoral ministry, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Substantial experience (typically 5+ years) in catechetical leadership, religious education, or pastoral ministry, with demonstrated progression into leadership or diocesan-level roles.
• Proven experience developing and managing programs across multiple age groups and ministry settings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• A practicing Catholic in good standing, in full communion with the Church, whose life witnesses to the faith being taught.
• Thorough knowledge of Catholic doctrine, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the 2020 Directory for Catechesis, and current catechetical methodology.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and strategic-planning skills, with the ability to lead in both parish and school contexts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfort with public speaking, teaching, and forming adults.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with clergy, religious, school administrators, lay staff, and volunteers.
• Budget management and administrative competence.
• Bilingual ability (English/Spanish) is preferred.

Working Conditions
• General office environment based at the diocesan chancery, with regular travel throughout the diocese to parishes, schools, and events.
• Requires availability for occasional evening and weekend commitments (retreats, conferences, parish visits).

Note: This position may be hired at the Assistant or Associate Director level based upon the new hire's experience.
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to: dogrhr@grdiocese.org.

About the Employer

The Diocese of Grand Rapids was established May 19, 1882 and originally consisted of much of the northern and western parts of the Lower Peninsula. Since 1971 the diocese comprises 11 counties of Western Michigan: Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa.

The Diocese of Grand Rapids currently serves over 191,000 Catholics, 81 parishes, and 30 schools (including four high schools, one private high school, 25 elementary schools and one Catholic college) located within its 11-counties. Connect with the diocese on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.