Director of Parish Faith Formation

PLEASE NOTE: For this position you should not apply via this system but rather submit your resume directly to St. Matthias Parish as noted at the bottom of this positing. Thank you.

St. Matthias Parish - Bala Cynwyd

Director of Parish Faith Formation

Full Time Position

St. Matthias Parish is currently seeking a full time Director of Parish Faith Formation. The person must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the church. In addition, he or she must be a person of prayer who is committed to the authentic teaching of the Catholic faith. This person will report directly to the Pastor.

As a member of the Parish staff, he or she must work collaboratively with other staff members to foster and maintain a working environment where worship, prayer, hospitality, and learning are the primary motivators.

The responsibilities of the Director of Parish Faith Formation include, but are not limited to:

1. Parish Religious Education Program:

The primary responsibility of the Director of Parish Faith Formation is to (administer,

design, develop, direct, communicate and evaluate) the Parish Religious Education

Program for the Parish children who attend public or non-Catholic private schools, as well as

to administer adult formation programs seasonally.

-oversee the development of The Parish Religious Education Program for grades K through 8, in

conformity with the guidelines of the Office of Catechetical Formation

-provide access and inclusion for children with special learning needs

to the Parish Religious Education Program

-coordinate the initiation process for unbaptized children and/or children baptized validly in

another ecclesial community with the pastor

-research and requisitions resources (AV, textbooks, liturgy material, reference works, workshops

etc.) that complement the Religious Education Program of the Parish

-implement Safe Environment requirement policies and procedures and ensure that all

volunteers are in compliant with clearances and trainings of the Office for Child and Youth

Protection

-obtain approval and support from the Pastor for the general direction of the Religious Education of the parish

-meet with the pastor routinely to discuss matters relating to the Parish Religious Education Program and sacramental preparation.

-implement Archdiocesan policies and procedures in accordance with the directives from the Office for Catechetical Formation

-ensure that the Religious Education program's schedule of classes and activities are submitted to the Pastor for approval

-develop and distribute the Parish Religious Education program's handbook for catechists and the Parish Religious Education handbook for families annually

-encourage the Catechists of the Parish Religious Education Program to obtain basic Catechetical certification according to the policy set by the Office for Catechetical Formation

-be a member the Archdiocesan Association of Parish Directors, Coordinators, Administrators of Religious Education (PDCARE)

-participate in Archdiocesan sponsored events such as the Catechist Convocation

-attend the monthly county meetings of the Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education sponsored by the Office of Catechetical Formation

-oversee the budget for all expenses related to the Parish Religious Education Program and follow budgetary procedures set by the Pastor and Parish Finance Committee

1. Sacramental Program:

The Director of Parish Faith Formation oversees the coordination and sacramental preparation of parish school-age candidates who attend the Parish Religious Education program, Catholic School or private Catholic Academies.

-schedule at the Pastor's directive, the dates for First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation

-coordinate retreat days for students preparing for First Holy Communion and Confirmation

-prepare the Liturgy, with Pastor and Music Director, for First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation

-schedule Advent and Lenten Penance Services with the opportunity for confessions for the Parish Religious Education children

-create and oversee catechetical plans for older baptized Catholic children who seek reception of First Penance, First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation

1. Adult Faith Formation:

-provide and assist the Parish community to grow as missionary disciples

-oversee adult Faith Formation programs

-oversee the Order of Christian Initiation for adults

-oversee the implementation process for the Next Generation Parish initiative

1. Additional Responsibilities include:

-prepare the Budget, in collaboration with the Pastor, for all Parish events and programs

-develop, with input from the Pastor and Parish Pastoral Council, new programs and events that will foster increased spiritual opportunities for Parishioners

-develop and coordinate visits to those who are physically unable to attend mass and to ensure all parish members have access to Holy Communion

-coordinate clothing and food donations to those in need

-recruit and coordinate volunteers for outreach programs and events

1. Skills and Qualifications:

-Bachelor's/Master's degree in Religious Education, Theology, Education and/or extensive experience in Faith Formation

-Computer literate in Microsoft Office, Excel, Publisher, Websites, flock-notes, ect.

-Excellent language and communication skills

-Knowledge of State and Archdiocesan Safe Environment Policy and Procedures

-Ability to manage job responsibilities with limited supervision

-Ability to work evenings and weekends as required

-Competitive salary commensurate with experience and education

All applications must be submitted to Ms. Eileen Keenan at ekeenan@saintmatthias.org by Monday, May 13th 2024