St. Lucy Parish
The Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation is called to be first and foremost a person of Faith, supportive of the teachings of the Catholic Church, whose every effort should be directed to furthering the ultimate mission to witness to Jesus Christ’s presence in the world; and to respond to the challenge of the Gospel message. This vital role is both visionary and dynamic, which ensures opportunities for faith growth and education for every level of faith and involvement to encourage all St. Lucy parishioners, friends, and visitors to be more active Disciples of Christ.
This position is the parish leader responsible for the “Grow Our Catholic Faith” group of the parish strategic plan. To ensure successful implementation of this charter, the Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation is responsible for:
- Catechetical programs and processes
- Sacramental preparation
- Opportunities for adult faith formation.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
PLANNING
In light of the charter “Grow Our Catholic Faith”, and in collaboration with the various constituencies as required, pastor, principal, pastoral staff and, parish leadership
- Develop a philosophy of Faith Formation for the parish based on major catechetical documents.
- Assess the catechetical needs of the junior high, elementary and early childhood children and their families.
- Develop overall annual goals, objectives, and an implementation plan for adult formation, junior high, elementary, and early childhood catechetical programs to ensure consistent growth.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of all implemented programs at regular intervals.
PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES
In conjunction with staff and volunteers, and in accordance with Diocesan guidelines, coordinate and oversee all components of our Faith Formation Programs
Formation
- ·In collaboration with ministry leaders plan catechetical programs.
- Provide opportunities for family faith formation.
- Promote adult faith formation for parents or children in the catechetical ministry programs.
- Oversee the recruitment, selection, training, certification and supervision of catechists and other volunteers.
- Prepare commissioning service on Catechetical Sunday for all catechists and teachers.
- Provide regular opportunities for the spiritual and professional development of catechists.
Sacramental
- Oversee sacramental preparation for Infant Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist as well as the Christian Initiation of Children.
- Plan liturgical sacramental celebrations in collaboration with the presider, the parish minister, music director, and RCIA coordinator as appropriate.
- Oversee the training and formation of Infant Baptism catechists.
- Work with Serra Club to promote Vocations.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Assist the pastor in the hiring of catechetical staff.
- Train, supervise and evaluate catechetical staff.
- Oversee the training and formation of Infant Baptism catechists.
- With parish administrator, prepare and monitor the budget.
- With parish bookkeeper, reconcile monthly invoices for accurate accounting.
- Maintain records: permanent records, sacramental records, catechist records, and emergency information.
- ACRE test administration for 5th and 8th graders in January (materials ordered in September).
- Track teacher attendance and hours at Religious in-service trainings.
- Monitor teachers for catechetical teaching effectiveness and provide feedback to principal and training as requested and required.
- Develop and monitor safety procedure and emergency plans in alignment with Parish plan.
- Be aware of legal issues related to catechetical ministry and follow the law and Diocesan regulations regarding vulnerable persons.
- Serve as a member of the Parish Liturgy Committee.
- Other tasks as may be agreed upon and assigned.
Communication and Relationships
- Participate in meetings as required.
- Maintain a relationship with the Diocesan Department of Evangelization.
- Facilitate communication among parish ministry staff.
- Encourage teachers to maintain an appropriate religious environment in the classroom.
- Collaborate with principal on yearly faculty retreats.
- Communicate in Diocesan Catechetical Cluster meetings; represent school at Diocesan Religion Coordinator meetings. Provide meeting summary at staff meetings.
- Communicate with parents regularly and promote their active involvement.
- Provide opportunities for family faith formation.
SUPERVISORY (directly or through staff members)
- Catechists and teachers (for faith formation)
- Program volunteers
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Academic: M.A. in Catechetics, Religious Education, Theology, Pastoral Ministry or equivalent (equivalent minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate study in the areas above)
- Certification: Current certification as a Master Catechist, according to California Catholic Conference Guidelines.
- Experience: At least 3-5 years experience in major administrator positions related to catechetics of religious education or five years experience as a parish coordinator.
- Competency in providing leadership to assist the parish community in building a solid foundation for adult spiritual formation, Christian living, ministry and outreach.
Language Skills:
Fluency in speaking, reading and writing Spanish and English required.
Salary Range: $23.50 – $34.07 per hour based on education and experience. Compensation for the role will depend on the number of factors, including the candidate’s qualifications, skills, competency, and experience.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to raymond.langford@dsj.org