Director of Religious Education/Pastoral Associate
The Director of Religious Education/Pastoral Associate of St. Thecla Parish works collaboratively with and reports to the In Solidum priest primarily responsible for St. Thecla.
As a member of the Parish Staff, the Director of Religious Education/Pastoral Associate oversees the parish faith formation (catechetical) program for both the school and the parish.
The responsibilities of the Director of Religious Education/Pastoral Associate include, but are not limited to:
Direct entire parish catechetical/faith formation program
Coordinate, implement and facilitate sacramental preparation programs (Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation)
Works collaboratively with St. Thecla School Principal and staff regarding religious education programs in the school
Provide training and/or Circle of Grace resources for catechists and school teachers to instruct their own class.
Lead for youth ministry (including Lifeteen)
Recruits and provides ongoing formation for and evaluation of catechists in accord with current AOD policies and guidelines.
Meets with catechists at the end of each year to review year and sets goals to help all catechists to obtain certification.
Develops Faith Formation/catechetical programs and budgets to support programs.
Collaborates with the other DREs in the Family of Parishes
Attends weekly staff meetings.
Attends appropriate parish, Family of Parishes, and Vicariate meetings and functions.
Record and maintain catechist certification modules/topics for all catechists and school teachers
Sacristan for Wednesday School Mass and special School Liturgies
Oversee the Sunday Morning Children’s Liturgy of the Word, in particular by recruiting, training, and supporting catechists.
Oversee the annual Vacation Bible School, in particular by recruiting and supporting volunteers and leaders.
Oversee OCIA for the parish.
Lead representative for FORMED.
Coordinator for Witness to love (marriage prep)
Assist with funeral ministry as needed
Assist with evangelization and Adult Faith Formation activities in the parish
Assist with homebound ministry
Assist with baptism ministry as needed
Qualifications:
Devout, practicing Catholic.
Associate or bachelor’s degree
Parish Soft experience preferred.
Several years’ experience in religious education and or/OCIA
Certified catechist and certified OCIA coordinator or willing to work towards this.
Other duties assigned at the discretion of the pastor.
Additional Requirements
• Must be a Catholic in good standing and adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Requires strict confidentiality regarding school and church personnel, financial, and other sensitive information.
• Must submit to a criminal background check.
• Must take Protecting God's Children for Adults training upon hire.
Interested candidates should complete employment application online as well as email a resume and list of professional references to Shanon Rupkus at Rupkuss@stthecla.com