PREP Coordinator

Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) Coordinator

Title:                       PREP Coordinator

Reports to:           Pastor and Director of Ministry & Discipleship

Status/Class:       Part-time; Exempt

 Resumes and cover letters should be sent to   deaconrichm@saintvincents.net and copied to    pastor@saintvincents.net

Job Description

The part-time position of Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) Coordinator is responsible for assisting the Pastor/Parochial Administrator along with the Director of Ministry and Discipleship (DMD) in overseeing the Parish Religious Education Program (PREP).

Key Responsibility Areas

Ø  Oversee the Parish Religious Education (PREP) program

•        Oversee the operation of the Parish Religious Education Program from Grade Level 1 through Grade Level 6, in conformity with the guidelines of the Office for Catechetical Formation of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia using various methods:

•        Weekly Traditional Program: meets one day a week for an hour and a half or so

•        Family Catechesis: meets once a month, then families assist in learning the material together while attending additional events and liturgies throughout the year

•        Summer Catechesis: meets for a one-week intensive program in the summer, then families attend various events and liturgies during the year

•        Provide access and inclusion for children with special learning needs.

•        Implement Archdiocesan policies and procedures per the directives from the Office for Catechetical Formation.

•        Oversee PREP registration, the recruitment of an adequate number of qualified catechists along with handling classroom assignments.

•        Ensure, in collaboration with the Safe Environment Coordinator, that the Safe Environment requirements, policies, and mandates for Parish Religious Education volunteers are in compliance with the Office for Child and Youth Protection.

Ø  Ensure that Students have adequate Sacramental Preparation

•        Work with the Pastor and the DMD to schedule dates for Sacraments such as First Penance, First Holy Communion, and proposing dates for Confirmation to the Bishop’s Office.

•        Schedule and coordinate Sacramental Meetings for parents of school-age candidates for the Sacraments of First Penance, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.

•        Coordinate retreat days for students preparing for First Communion and Confirmation.

•        Work with the Pastor and Director of Liturgy to prepare the liturgy for First Penance, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.

•        Schedule Advent and Lenten Penance Services with the opportunity for individual confessions for the Parish Religious Education children.

•        Create and oversee catechetical plans for older baptized Catholic children or teens who seek the reception of First Penance, First Holy Communion, and/or Confirmation.

Ø  Assist in the Parish Office as needed

Required Abilities, Education, and Experience

Ø  A Theology or Religious Education Degree/Certification is preferred, but not necessary.

Ø  Prior experience working in a Catholic parish, PREP/CCD, or school setting, and an understanding of the dynamics of parish life and the relationship of a parish to the Archdiocese is a plus.

Ø  A practicing Catholic in good standing and willing to function in a manner consistent with the mission of the Catholic Church.

Other Qualifications

Ø  Possesses the heart of a Missionary Disciple.

Ø  Possesses excellent interpersonal communication (listening and speaking), written skills (drafting, proofreading, and editing), and supervisory skills.

Ø  Displays a professional and friendly persona.

Ø  Ability to maintain confidentiality and help cultivate a culture of trust.

Ø  Ability to develop and maintain a budget for programming.

Ø  Prioritize workflow, display flexibility, and use considerable independent judgment.

Ø  Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel, along with the willingness to learn other online platforms used by the Parish (ie: MinistryPlatform, Flocknote, and the like).

Compensation Information

Ø  Employment will be dependent upon successful completion of all required personal background checks and legally mandated trainings.

Ø  The position requires an in-person physical presence during program hours, however due consideration will be given for additional evening and weekend expectations along with the possibility of occasional hours worked offsite.

Ø  Compensation will be commensurate based on experience but will be paid hourly, up to 19 hours per week. Time sheets must be kept accurate and submitted prior to each pay period.