Director of Faith Formation and Evangelization

Description

Job Summary: 

The Director of Faith Formation and Evangelization (DFFE) oversees the Pre-K-12th grade, OCIA for Children, OCIA for Adults, and Adult Confirmation parish faith formation programs and works closely with the pastor to ensure that these programs are forming disciples of Jesus Christ.  The DFFE also oversees the parish's efforts at evangelization, seeking to bring the Gospel to all those within the parish boundaries and invite them into Christ's Church to become his disciples.  The DFFE supervises the Faith Formation and Youth Ministry staff and operates with wide latitude for independent judgment and initiative.

Ministerial Character:

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish of St. Helen, which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the parish. To fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares his mission with them and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at St. Helen help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways, as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry, thereby engaging in ministry for the Church.

Essential Job Duties: 

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church, as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of St. Helen Catholic Church in both your professional and personal life.

• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.

• Pursue professional development in collaboration with clergy and the Diocese of Austin.

• Maintain relationship with Pastor, other parish staff members, Faith Formation staff, and the diocesan office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

• Direct the implementation, ongoing management, and evaluation of parish Faith Formation programs for Children, Youth, and adults, including K-12 faith formation, OCIA Adapted for Children, youth ministry, OCIA, and sacramental preparation.

• Provide leadership and formation to Faith Formation staff and volunteers.

• Integrate insights from current catechetical literature into program planning.

• Support knowledge and skills of catechists through ongoing formation tools.

• Support Faith Formation staff in recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating catechists and support volunteers.

• Adjust program components (space, time, materials, human and physical resources) as needed.

• Support Faith Formation staff in obtaining/ordering resources (textbooks, Bibles and liturgy materials, sacramental gifts, additions to the library) as needed.

• Support Faith Formation staff in communicating with participants, parents, catechists, and parish at large to keep them informed of religious education efforts.

• Other duties as assigned by the Pastor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

• Knowledge of diocesan requirements for formation and catechesis.

• Knowledge or willingness to learn most effective methods for catechesis and evangelization.

• Skill in communicating the Catholic faith and forming disciples. 

• Skill in using job-appropriate technology. 

• Skill in critical thinking and planning, including the willingness to adapt programs as needed to best respond to the needs of the parish.

• Skill in collaborating with peers.

• Ability to demonstrate professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding parish matters. 

• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form. 

• Ability to organize, prioritize, and utilize effective time-management techniques. 

• Ability to work effectively with staff, clergy, religious and laity.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited American university or equivalent in a foreign country.

Experience:

• Two (2) years or more in a wage-earning, related field

Language:

• English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing)

• Some ability to converse in Spanish preferred

Catholic Requirement:

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver’s license

• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM/Virtus) policies throughout the employment period.

Working Conditions:

• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. 

• The Parish is an at-will employer.

• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.

• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.

• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations. 

• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.

• May be required to use personal vehicle to drive to off-site locations.

• Travelling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required.