Qualifications

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership & Coordination:

• Collaborate with the Pastor to design, implement, and evaluate effective religious education programs for children, utilizing C.G.S., including Sacramental preparation, and family catechesis.
• Oversee the planning, development, and execution of age-appropriate faith formation materials and curricula for children as well as the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd® program.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteer catechists, assistants, and other ministry volunteers through in person meetings throughout the year.
• Ensure that the Catechists are Safeguard trained and that appropriate Safeguarding criteria are followed in the classroom.
• Create a welcoming, safe, and spiritually enriching environment for all children, families, and volunteers.

2. Catechetical Programs:

• Develop and lead sacramental preparation programs, including but not limited to First Reconciliation, and First Holy Communion preparation for children and their families using the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd® program.
• Organize and coordinate special events, retreats, and liturgical celebrations for children as outlined in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd® program, such as special parent and child sacramental meditations for grade 2, First Communion Retreat, the Liturgy of the Light Celebration for all families and family faith nights.
• Class preparation, Supervise and teach CGS sessions and clean-up on determined days for parish (including weekends and evenings).
• Maintain and Manage C.G.S. atria and materials.

3. Family Engagement & Support:

• Foster strong relationships with parents and caregivers, providing resources to assist them in the faith formation of their children at home.
• Serve as a liaison between the church and families, offering guidance and support in their faith journey.
• Promote family involvement in the life of the parish and encourage active participation in Mass and parish events.

4. Administration & Communication:

• Maintain accurate records of attendance, sacramental preparation, and other relevant information for children in ministry programs.
• Maintain records of catechists and volunteers assuring all are safeguard trained.
• Communicate regularly with families through email, newsletters, and parish bulletins to keep them informed about upcoming events, opportunities for involvement, and other ministry updates.
• Assist in the creation of promotional materials and help with the planning and coordination of ministry events.
• Attends staff meetings, team meetings, and retreats as designated for staff members.
• Evaluate C.G.S. offerings in collaboration with trained catechists and colleagues who use C.G.S. in surrounding parishes to determine strengths, areas for improvement, and future needs of the parish.
• Plans future calendar events and program needs for parish space and classroom needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

5. Spiritual Formation & Collaboration:

• Nurture the ongoing formation of catechists, assistants, and volunteers.
• Participate in ongoing professional development, including attending relevant workshops, retreats, and diocesan training events.
• Foster a spirit of collaboration within the parish team, supporting and working alongside other ministry staff, including youth ministry, adult faith formation, and liturgical teams.