Director of Religious Education

Job Summary The Director of Religious Education administrates (designs, develops, directs, and evaluates) a Pre-K-8th grade (including Vacation Bible School), OCIA for Children, and Adult Faith Formation parish catechetical program and provides leadership to assist the parish community in building a solid foundation for child, youth, and adult spirituality, Christian living, ministry, and church. The DRE administers the FORMED program and Franciscan at Home, as well as supervises the Youth Ministry, OCIA for Adults, and Young Adult programs, along with their volunteers. Ministerial Character The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish of St. Ferdinand and Good Shepherd mission which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the parish. In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them. Positions employed at St. Ferdinand and Good Shepherd 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 and thereby engages in ministry for the Church. Essential Job Duties Support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of St. Ferdinand Catholic Church in both your professional and personal life. Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church. Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities. Pursue professional development in collaboration with clergy and Diocese of Austin. Maintain relationship with Pastor, other parish staff members, commissions, catechetical staff, and diocesan office of Evangelization and Catechesis. Direct the implementation, ongoing management, and evaluation of parish religious education program, OCIA Adapted for Children, Franciscan at Home, and FORMED, in conjunction with Good Shepherd’s Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE). Integrate insights from current catechetical literature into program planning. Design catechetical programs which support lifelong learning and conform to the National Catechetical Directory (NCD), diocesan guidelines, and parish needs. Develop and/or collaborate toward a coordinated approach toward total parish religious education, i.e. faith development through catechesis on all levels. Support knowledge and skills of catechists through Catechetical Certification sessions with a goal of all catechists completing the Catechetical Track through Franciscan at Home. Administer FORMED program and send bulletin promos to parish office. Articulate a vision/direction for the parish catechetical program. Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate catechists and support volunteers. Identify and support leadership within the community to take responsibility for program components. Adjust program components (space, time, materials, human and physical resources) as needed. Create and monitor budget for catechetical programs. Obtain/order resources (textbooks, Bibles and liturgy materials, sacramental gifts, additions to the library) in conjunction with office staff. Communicate with participants, parents, catechists, and parish‑at‑large to keep them informed of religious education efforts. Communicate, provide handouts, forms, and information for families and catechists in Spanish as needed. Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to students, parents, and staff. Maintain parish compliancy for ministry of catechesis in Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM/Virtus) components including: Adult EIM Basic and/or Refresher for all staff and volunteers under their supervision. Empowering God's Children program for First through Eighth grades. Attend and direct all Religious Education meetings. Support, where possible, diocesan and deanery events. Adjust religious education programs in relation to feedback from Pastor, parents, catechists, and current professional literature. Oversee and collaborate with the Youth Minister. Provide necessary management for Adult Confirmation, in conjunction with Good Shepherd’s CRE. Oversee planning for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, in conjunction with Good Shepherd’s CRE. Collaborate with necessary persons for planning for Rite of Confirmation, in conjunction with Good Shepherd’s CRE. Prepare necessary items for OCIA Adapted for Children, in conjunction with Good Shepherd’s CRE. 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. Knowledge or willingness to learn about liturgy and church music. Knowledge or willingness to learn about GIRM and the rubrics of the Roman Missal. Knowledge or willingness to learn of instructional methods and strategies, and curriculum differentiation. Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Skill in pacing and differentiating instruction. Skill in motivating and engaging students in the learning process. Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format. Skill in using job‑appropriate technology. Skill in critical reasoning and planning. Skill in demonstrating professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits. Skill in collaborating with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning. Must have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding parish matters. Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form. Ability to work well with others in the parish community. Ability to organize, prioritize, and utilize effective time‑management techniques. Ability to provide excellent customer service and work effectively with staff, clergy, religious and laity. Attention to Code of Ethics for Professional Catholic Ministers which includes: Leading a moral life in faithfulness to the Church. Servant leadership. Promoting dignity and equality of all persons. Employing justice and charity in action and decisions. Respecting confidentiality in all relationships. Minimum Qualifications Education and Trainings: High School Diploma or GED acceptable to Texas Education Agency. Director will have completed or will work toward completing the Formation Leader Track through Franciscan at Home or hold a Master’s Degree in Theology. Experience Two (2) years or more wage earning preferred, related work experience. Language English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing). Spanish (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing) preferred, working toward, or recruiting for help. 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. All buildings owned by the Parish are tobacco free. 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. Seniority level Director Employment type Full‑time Job function Other Industries Religious Institutions #J-18808-Ljbffr