Position Summary:
St. Eugene Catholic Church in Wendell, NC is seeking a Director of Religious Education (DRE). As representative of the pastor, the DRE implements the parish religious education program in accordance with the parish mission statement, goals and major catechetical documents of the church.
The DRE reports to the pastor and also to the parish council/committees as required, and is responsible for the total religious education program of the parish for adults, adolescents, and children as designated by the pastor.
Key Responsibilities:
- Responsible for overseeing the programs for adults, adolescents, and children faith formation. Recruit and train volunteer catechists and staff, if any.
- Review, evaluate, and develop programs with long and short range goals and objectives.
- Prepare an annual budget proposal.
- Coordinate religious education registration.
- Coordinate and organize Sacramental celebrations (in collaboration with the Pastor and relevant staff) including Baptisms, First Holy Eucharist, First Reconciliation and Confirmation; maintain the Sacramental Records for the parish.
- Help the parish community evaluate and carry out its role as a catechizing agent.
- Involve the family as an essential agent in the faith formation process, especially in the faith formation of children and adolescents.
- Apply appropriate principles of human development, especially faith and moral development, to a catechetical program.
- Utilize appropriate methodologies of adult-centered and/or child-centered learning.
- Implement or support a program of catechist formation according to Diocesan certification norms.
- Attend Diocesan/Deanery meetings, training, and activities as appropriate.
- Use media and technology for effective program implementation.
- Incorporate service opportunities, and reflections on these experiences, in catechetical programs for adults, adolescents, and children; especially linking such opportunities to the fostering of peace and justice.
- Provide opportunities for participation in prayer, personal spiritual development and communal worship.
- Maintain accurate records on students, families, catechists, and other participants.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Responsible for scheduling retreats and functions to possibly include: Bible Studies for Adults, Nativity Play for Christmas, Vacation Bible School, and others as agreed to with the Pastor.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
- Deep faith in Jesus Christ and a great love for His Holy Catholic Church.
- Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
- Bilingual (proficient in English and Spanish).
- Some formal formation in theology, catechesis, or pastoral ministry.
- Ability to work collaboratively as an effective parish staff team member.
- Two to three years of recent catechetical experience.
- Management experience or proven history of working with adult volunteers.
- Familiar with Church history, the stories of the saints and martyrs, and Mariology.
- Experienced in teaching the faith to adults, adolescents, and children.
- Able to communicate with all age groups, from varying cultural and social backgrounds.
- Skilled organizer and overseer of catechetical programs that incorporate volunteer contributions.
- Sensitive to controversial issues and able to respond according to the Church as articulated by the Bishop.
- Familiar with the uses of media and technology for effective program implementation.
- Employment is contingent upon the applicant satisfactorily passing criminal background and reference checks.
- Must complete diocese-sponsored Safe Environment Training within 30 days of hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in theology, religious education, and/ or equivalent number of years' experience.
- Well-developed knowledge of Scripture, the Catechism, and Church documents.
Work Hours:
The work week is generally 40 hours per week on a year-round basis; however, the position requires willingness and flexibility in work hours when necessary to fulfill job responsibilities.