Director of Faith Formation (EX)

The Director of Faith Formation (DFF) reports to and works closely with the Pastor and is responsible for the successful operation of all faith formation programs of the parish. The DFF has a thorough understanding of the Mission and Tradition of the Catholic Church and the charism of St. Mary's Church and School and works to ensure that all ages and states of life receive solid Catholic formation. The DFF should understand and preserve the existing successful elements of the programs outlined below but should also creatively approach each to form effective versions that meet the current needs of St. Mary's parishioners.

The DFF reports to the Pastor regarding performance evaluation. The DFF reports to the Director of Parish Operations for benefits, budget, etc.  The DFF supervises the Director of Youth and Young Adult Formation.

Essential Functions

In addition to the duties below, the DFF shall perform other duties as assigned. The duties listed below are all the responsibilities of the DFF; however, where appropriate, some of these duties may be delegated to and performed by other staff members or volunteers under the supervision of the DFF.

Baptism Preparation

• Come up with a baptism prep program that serves that people of God.
• Ensure that all expecting parents are invited to prepare for their children to be baptized. Provide an intake package, including expectations (i.e. are the parents married inside the Church, Mass is required on Sundays, 5 precepts of the Catholic Church, etc.).
• Schedule regular opportunities for Baptism preparation and follow up classes for parents and godparents.
• Collect necessary information prior to scheduling the baptism.
• Proficient in Sacramental record-keeping and able to assist the Parish Secretary with related administrative tasks, such as creating certificates, entering information in logs, etc.

First Penance & First Communion Preparation

• Create a prep program that is consistent with the dignity of the Eucharist.
• Ensure all parents of children at the age of reason (usually second grade) are made aware of the preparation process for these sacraments.
• Oversee a formation process that engages not only the children but the parents.
• Schedule and coordinate a parents' information session.
• Schedule and coordinate group formation sessions for children and parents.
• Schedule and coordinate opportunities to receive the sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion in that order.
• Collect necessary information prior to agreeing to admit children to the sacraments.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Children

• Adapt formation process to families who have children (under the age of  18) who seek full communion with the Catholic Church.
• Ensure all elements of formation, including liturgical rites, are addressed for each family.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults 

• Create/implement an OCIA program that helps form disciples of Jesus Christ.
• Serve as a resource to all who are interested in entering into full communion with the Catholic Church.
• Provide adequate opportunities for injury.
• Schedule and coordinate a formation process.
• Schedule and coordinate all preparatory rites, including the Rites of Welcoming, Election, Scrutinies, etc.
• Schedule and coordinate a retreat prior to the Easter Vigil.
• Schedule and coordinate opportunities for Confession for those who are already baptized.
• Schedule and coordinate a rehearsal prior to the Easter Vigil.
• Schedule and coordinate the period of mystagogy.
• Provide continuing education opportunities as necessary/able.

Religious Education Faith Formation

• Implement a Family-based catechesis program for grades K-8th, evaluating needs for catechists, schedule, and meetings.
• Provide information for catechists (as necessary).
• Provide information for mentors of small groups.
• Schedule and coordinate large group activities for high school and middle school students, respectively in conjunction with the Director of Youth and Young Adults.
• Form parents while children are receiving faith formation.
• Provide breakfast for families on Sundays (with the help of our Hospitality Team).

Adult Faith Formation

• Provide opportunities for adult formation complementary to the above programs.
• Provide a 2 faith formation series (Fall and Spring) for the parish that is either catechetical, theological, or scriptural in nature and content.
• Organize outside speakers to come in and give talks/missions.

General Responsibilities

• Work for the evangelization and catechesis of all members of the parish.
• Supervise Director of Youth, Young Adults and Campus Ministry and work with the parish secretary to maintain records and communications for all volunteers, parents, candidates, and participants involved in Faith Formation activities.
• Work within budget for all areas of formation.
• Attend parish staff meetings.
• Collaborate with school principal and faculty as needed.
• Maintain regular office hours.
• Be available to parishioners to address their needs.

Position Qualifications

Skills/Knowledge Abilities 

• Practicing, on-fire Catholic who assents to all the teaching of the Magisterium, able to fully participate in the sacramental life of the Church.
• Desire for the salvation of all parishioners.
• Ability to understand and implement the Church's vision for evangelization and catechesis.
• Excellent planning and organizational capabilities, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to invite and retain qualified, enthusiastic, hard-working volunteers.
• Ability to give talks to the parish on catechetical, theological, and scriptural topics.
• Ability to direct, form, and manage volunteer staff.
• Ability to discern situations requiring special accommodations.
• Ability to deal patiently with difficult situations.

Education/Training

• Bachelor's degree in Catholic Theology preferred.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in developing and providing faith formation or religious education in a parish setting preferred.
• Ongoing formation in spiritual and professional development (yearly participation in a workshop and/or retreat geared toward greater understanding of evangelization).

Pay Range:  $45,000 - $60,000, Annualized 

Benefits: 

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package with this position, including health, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life and disability insurance; automatic enrollment in the 403(b) plan and employer contribution (whether or not the employee contributes); and generous paid holiday, sick and vacation leave. Please click on the link below for more detailed information: 

https://www.archbalt.org/human-resources/employee-benefits/employee-benefits/