Director of Faith Formation, Epiphany of the Lord Parish Sun Prairie Wisconsin

Classification: Exempt, Full Time

Reports to: Parochial Vicar

Job Description Summary

The Director of Faith Formation administers (designs, develops, directs, and evaluates) a total parish catechetical program, pre-school through adult catechesis, and provides leadership to assist the parish community in building a solid foundation for adult spirituality, Catholic Christian living, ministry, and the various apostolates within the parish.

Essential Job Functions:

• Design catechetical programs that support life-long and year-round learning into program planning as the parish develops a Faith Formation model.
• Supervise and work with the Coordinator of Religious Education K-Confirmation and the leader of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
• Supervise and work with the Youth Ministry and Young Adult Ministry Coordinator (Middle school/High school and adults 20-30).
• Supervise and work with the Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation and Evangelization.
• Supervise and work with the Religious Education Administrative Assistant.
• Integrate insights from current catechetical literature into program planning.
• Develop goals, objectives, and strategies for the total faith formation program.
• Work with the Pastor and Parochial Vicars to articulate a vision/direction for the parish faith formation program.
• Pursue further education and professional development for themselves and their direct reports.
• Develop a coordinated approach toward total parish Faith Formation, i.e., faith development through catechesis on all levels and all ages.
• Design catechetical programs that meet the needs of the parish-wide community.
• Coordinate with the parish school(s) for sacramental preparation.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate catechists and support staff.
• Maintain relationship with pastor, other parish staff, regional catechetical staff and the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Evangelization.
• Develop and individualize programs for parishioners with special religious education needs.
• Fulfil all diocesan requirements regarding faith formation programs (e.g., number of contact hours with students, implementation of Virtus Training for catechists and students, requirements for Sacrament preparation, catechist training).
• Maintain audio/visual/multimedia equipment to support programming.
• Direct the implementation of on-going management of the parish faith formation program.
• Identify and enable leadership within the community to take responsibility for program components.
• Supervise program components (space, time, materials, and physical resources) as needed by the coordinators of the programs.
• Create and monitor a budget (income and expenses) for the operations of the programs.
• Obtain resources (AV, textbooks, liturgy materials) that complement the faith formation efforts in the parish.
• Schedule rooms, spaces, and other physical environment requirements.
• Coordinate liturgical and sacramental functions for Sacrament preparation components (First Confession, First Holy Communion, Confirmation) with the Director of Liturgy and Sacraments.
• Communicate with participants, parents, parish-at-large to keep them informed of faith formation efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Diocesan Certification as a Director of Faith Formation or working toward diocesan certification.
• Parish based ministry experience and/or parish catechetical teacher experience of at least two years required.
• Working and theoretical knowledge of Catholic sacramental theology including current Church and Canon law and teaching and issues related to: RCIA, Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Marriage.
• Working knowledge in Microsoft Office products.

Preferred Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in theology/religious education or a related field or equivalent experience with 3-5 years of experience in a parish setting is preferred.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong organization skills required.
• Dedication to personal, continuing education and regular attendance at Regional Meetings for catechetical leaders and participation in diocesan events
• Skill and experience in ministry leadership and public speaking required.
• Highly motivated and a self-starter.
• Professional working attitude and collaborative approach.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Excellent interpersonal relationship skills.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• This position entails frequent evening and weekend work.
• The Director of Faith Formation has an office space that should be maintained and kept clean and safe and confidential information protected.
• Ability to apply and publicly share application of the Scriptures and Catechism of the Catholic Church.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and build bridges in relationships.
• Office environment
• Ability to attend events, set up events, lead events
• Valid Wisconsin Driver License

Other Duties

This job description is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. 

How to Reply:  

Applicants may submit a cover letter and resume to Fr. Michael Johnson at [email protected]