Part-Time: Director of Religious Education, Five Wounds Portuguese National Church

POSITION SUMMARY

Five Wounds Portuguese National Church is seeking a dynamic, faith-filled, and experienced leader to serve as Director of Religious Education. The Director of Religious Education serves as a key ministerial leader who shares in the pastoral mission of the Parish Administrator by planning, directing, coordinating, and evaluating the parish’s comprehensive Religious Education and sacramental preparation programs for children, youth, adults, and families.

The Director ensures all programs are faithful to Catholic teaching, aligned with diocesan guidelines, and responsive to the cultural and pastoral needs of the parish community, fostering lifelong faith formation and discipleship.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Vision, Planning, and Program Development

• Conduct ongoing assessment of parish faith formation needs for children, youth, and families.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate annual goals, objectives, and catechetical plans for Religious Education programs in alignment with diocesan guidelines.
• Evaluate programs regularly and recommend improvements for effectiveness and growth.
• Collaborate with the Parish Administrator and parish leadership team on catechetical policies and best practices.

Religious Education & Sacramental Preparation

• Direct Religious Education programs for elementary and middle school students (grades 1-8).
• Oversee preparation for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.
• Oversee OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) as part of the parish Faith Formation program, providing catechetical support and coordination as needed.
• Ensure age-appropriate, faith-filled curriculum aligned with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and diocesan standards.
• Support Youth Ministry in spiritual formation efforts for youth in parish programs, including catechetical and ongoing faith formation.

Catechist Recruitment, Formation, and Evaluation

• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate catechists and volunteers.
• Provide ongoing spiritual and professional formation through retreats, training, diocesan workshops, and parish formation opportunities.
• Conduct classroom visitation and provide verbal and written evaluations of catechists.
• Develop role descriptions and support catechists through regular communication, mentoring, and feedback.

Family Faith Formation & Sacramental Support

• Promote and implement family-centered catechesis.
• Conduct weekly parent formation sessions to support faith growth in the home.
• Provide resources and guidance to strengthen parents as primary catechists.

Liturgical & Parish Collaboration

• Coordinate catechetical participation in parish sacramental celebrations.
• Organize rehearsals for First Communion, Confirmation, and other liturgical events.
• Prepare liturgical guides and outlines for catechists, celebrants, and candidates.
• Collaborate and coordinate with the Parish Administrator, Liturgy Coordinator, parish staff.

Administration & Program Management

• Develop and manage annual Religious Education budget, including monitoring expenditures.
• Oversee student registration, enrollment processes, calendaring, and scheduling.
• Order and manage catechetical materials, books, and supplies.
• Maintain accurate sacramental, family, and catechist records and databases.
• Prepare and distribute annual program calendar.
• Issue sacramental certificates.
• Schedule and reserve parish facilities for all Religious Education activities.

Safe Environment & Compliance

• Ensure full implementation of diocesan Safe Environment policies for children, parents, catechists, and volunteers.
• Coordinate fingerprinting, background checks, and training required for all volunteers.
• Develop and maintain emergency procedures and safety protocols for all programs.
• Communication & Parish Engagement
• Maintain regular communication with the Parish Administrator and attend parish staff meetings.
• Communicate effectively with parents, catechists, volunteers, and parish leadership.
• Participate in diocesan catechetical meetings, training, and formation opportunities.
• Promote active parental involvement and parish participation in faith formation.

Professional Development

• Maintain or pursue Master Catechist certification according to diocesan guidelines.
• Participate in ongoing spiritual, pastoral, and professional development opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Education, or related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in parish Religious Education or catechetical leadership.
• Strong knowledge of Catholic doctrine, sacramental theology, and catechetical methods.
• Valid driver’s license required.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong leadership, organizational, and administrative abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple programs, teams, and schedules.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong pastoral sensitivity, collaborative spirit, and a ministry style that fosters teamwork and engagement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic internet applications; familiarity with ParishSoft preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be able to lift and transport materials up to 30 pounds.
• Evening and weekend work is required.
• Flexible schedule based on parish and sacramental needs.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• Foster a welcoming, Christ-centered, and inclusive parish environment.
• Promote lifelong faith formation and active discipleship.
• Ensure fidelity to Catholic teaching and diocesan standards.
• Work closely with the Parish Administrator and parish staff in all areas of ministry.
• This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities and is subject to change based on the needs of the parish.

Compensation: $25.23 – $29.00/hour

Part-time (up to 18 hours a week), non-exempt position, compensation commensurate with experience and diocesan guidelines

HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to the Parish Office of Five Wounds Portuguese National Church or via email at info@fivewoundschurch.org