Director of Faith Formation/Youth Ministry

Good Shepherd Catholic Church
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
Hope Mills, NC
Posted Date

Hours per week: 35

Position Summary: Provides leadership, training and supervision for all aspects of catechesis. Develops and conducts the ministry of catechesis which fosters and enhances Spiritual formation. Attends regional and diocesan meetings as scheduled by the Diocesan Evangelization and Formation Department and the Fayetteville Deanery. Supports and participates in parish renewal effort (Thriving Parishes). Directs and facilitates parish youth ministry.

 

Key responsibilities:

  • Curriculum Development
    • Studies catechetical needs for the entire parish.
    • Develops and implements goals and objectives for catechesis for children, teens and adults within the framework of diocesan and parish policies.
  • Administration
    • Management:
      • Supervises organization and maintenance of parish Office of Faith Formation.
      • Prepares a budget for catechesis and administers it within approved parameters.
      • Insures files are maintained on: administration, Safe Environment Training, catechists,
      • participants and confidential information.
      • Insures resources are available on parish website, in classrooms and Gathering Area.
      • Cooperates with other parish ministries/organizations in total parish ministry. 
      • Returns completed annual reports and surveys as requires by Fayetteville Dean and
      • Diocese.
      • Prepares annual calendar for all catechetical groups.
    • Leadership
      • Recruits, supports and trains catechists, youth ministers, program coordinators and
      • SET Team.
      • Coordinates certification process for catechists, including youth ministers.
      • Facilitates the spiritual and professional growth of catechists by providing parish and deanery
      • level formation and retreats.
      • Participates with catechists/DRE’s in deanery and diocesan catechetical events, especially
      • Confirmation I & II Confirmation Retreats.
      • Fosters all levels of catechesis, to include:
        • Pre-school – ages 3-5 (Children’s Dismissal)
        • Elementary – Grades K-5
        • Middle School – Grades 6-8
        • High School – Grades 9-12 (including Youth Ministry)
        • Sacramental Preparation:
          • First Reconciliation and First Communion
          • OCIA for Children (Track II)
          • Confirmation
        • Adult:
          • General Adult (Bible and Book Studies, Catechism, Church Documents)
          • OCIA
          • Parent Sacramental Preparation
          • Catechist and Youth Ministry Formation
          • Safe Environment Training
        • Family Catechesis during regular year, and Vacation Bible School
      • (VBS) during Summer
      • Assists catechists in preparing liturgies connected with catechetical effort.
  • Communication
    • Informs pastor, staff and pastoral council regarding catechetical ministry.
    • Informs catechists through weekly written communication and regular scheduled meetings.
    • Composes weekly bulletin announcements regarding catechetical topics and calendar.
    • Requests assistance and catechetical resources as needed from diocese. 
  • Evaluation
    • Evaluates self annually using diocesan form in Parish Director’s Handbook.
    • Evaluates program coordinators annually (OCIA, Youth Ministry, Sacramental Prep.)
    • Conducts annual evaluation of the efforts made in all areas of catechesis.
    • Distributes and summarizes evaluation forms from catechists and coordinators; informs pastor.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in religious studies, DRE Certification or Diocesan Catechetical Certification at the Master Catechist level. 
  • Negotiable length of related work experience that's dependent upon the areas of related experience.
    • Area(s) of related work experience: The candidate should be able to provide examples of experience in the following: Practicing the Catholic Faith and actively involved in parish life, knowing and supporting the teachings of the Catholic Church, including Vatican II, showing a concern for ongoing personal and professional growth, maintaining positive relationships with others, motivating others by providing leadership, and enabling others to use their talents and skills through participation in the ministry of catechesis.
  • Employment is contingent upon applicant satisfactorily passing criminal background and reference checks
  • Must complete diocese-sponsored Safe Environment Training within 30 days of hire.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in religious studies

Supervises: Youth Ministry Lead and Volunteers, Catechists, SET Coordinator and Trainers, and OCIA Coordinator and Volunteers

Position Start Date: July 1, 2025