Director of Religious Education

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The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.

The Director of Religious Education role proclaims the Gospel primarily through implementing the parish's pastoral plan for children and families (kindergarten through grade five) in a framework that promotes lifelong faith formation. This role fosters a welcoming and spiritually enriching environment that supports families in nurturing their children's Catholic faith and spiritual growth. In cooperation with the Evangelization Team, the Director of Religious Education develops and implements a foundational plan for lifelong comprehensive catechesis beginning in kindergarten including gathered catechetical sessions, prayer opportunities, service, liturgy, and all aspects of sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

Responsibilities

Program Development & Management

• Develops and implements a plan for comprehensive catechesis for children/youth kindergarten through grade five including weekly classes, retreats, and special events.
• Manages all programing related to Children's Formation: Vacation Bible School, Summer Intensive, Totus Tuus, Children's Masses, Family Faith Nights, Angels and Shepherds, and Jr. Ambassadors.
• Selects appropriate catechetical materials based on the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops and Archdiocesan guidelines, and Pastor's input.
• Manages all aspects of the Sacramental Preparation Program (First Reconciliation and First Eucharist) for the Religious Education and St. James School students.

Volunteer Coordination

• Recruit, train and support catechists and volunteers.
• Provide ongoing formation and resources for catechists to ensure effective teaching and spiritual leadership.

Family Engagement

• Communicate, cooperate, and collaborate with parents to support their role as primary educators of the faith and provide families opportunities for family faith formation.
• Responsible for all communication including Religious Education newsletters, website, social media accounts, and bulletin content.

Administrative Duties

• Establishes long-range and short-term goals and outcomes for effective parish catechesis.
• Evaluates effectiveness of catechetical programs.
• Manages annual budget and records for Religious Education (grades K-5).
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Practicing Catholic who fully adheres to and models the Church's teachings of faith and morals.
• Education: BS or BA in theology, education, pastoral studies, or related field (or equivalent experience). Preferred: Advanced Certificate in Catechetical Leadership, Religious Education, or Youth Ministry from a Catholic Institution or diocese. Completion of Lay Ministry program, Diaconate program, or other extensive non-academic, formalized ministerial training is highly desired.
• Experience in the field of education, administration, management, program/level coordinator, training of volunteer catechists, youth ministers and/or other ministers.
• Compliant with the VIRTUS - Protecting God's Children program.
• Strong organizational, communication (written and oral), and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and inspire volunteers and families.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel, web content management, and social media.

The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here.

This position has an annualized salary range of $60, $70, An employee's pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to: relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.