Director of Faith Formation

Chalfont, PA

Saint Jude Church and Shrine

321 W. Butler Ave., Chalfont, Pa 18914

215-822-0179 | www.stjudechalfont.org

Pastor: Rev. Anthony Costa Email: frajcsta@stjudechalfont.org

Please email your resume with two letters of recommendation to Fr. Anthony Costa @ frajcosta@stjudechalfont.org

Job Description: Summary: Coordinate the Parish Religious Education Programs for the parish children who attend public and non-Catholic private schools (Grade Level 1 -  7th), including the recruitment, management, training, and support of volunteer catechists. 

This position is an opportunity to help grow the faith and life of the parish through the Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) as well as other faith opportunities that the parish may offer.

Normal Workdays/Hours: This is a full-time salaried position with some evenings and Sundays required.

Position Characteristics: This position requires significant interaction and coordination with clergy, staff members, and parishioners.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Parish Religious Education Program – administers (design, develop, direct, communicate, and evaluate) the Parish Religious Education Program for parish children who attend public or non-Catholic private schools, specifically:

• Oversees the development of the Parish Religious Education Program from  grades 1-7 in conformity with the guidelines of the Office for Catechetical Formation of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
• Schedules faith formation opportunities for children and parents within the Religious Education Program calendar
• Provides access and inclusion for children with special learning needs
• Coordinates the initiation process for unbaptized children and/or children baptized validly in another ecclesial community with the pastor according to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
• Researches and requisitions resources (AV, textbooks, liturgy materials, reference works, etc.) which complement the religious education efforts in the parish
• Ensures that the Safe Environment requirements, policies, and mandates for Parish Religious Education volunteers are in compliance with the Office for Child and Youth Protection
• Obtains approval and support from the pastor for the general direction of the religious education of the parish
• Meets with the pastor routinely to discuss matters relating to the parish's religious education and sacramental preparation
• Implements Archdiocesan policies and procedures per the directives from the Office for Catechetical Formation
• Ensures that the Religious Education Program schedule of classes and activities is submitted to the pastor or his delegate for approval
• Updates and distributes the Parish Religious Education Program handbook for catechists and the Parish Religious Education handbook for parents. /guardians on an annual basis
• Encourages Parish Religious Education catechists to obtain Catechetical Certification according to the policy set by the Office for Catechetical Formation
• Recruits, orients, and provides ongoing professional training and spiritual development for the Parish Religious Education catechists
• Belongs to the Archdiocesan Association of Parish Directors, Coordinators, Administrators of Religious Education (PDCARE)
• Participates in Archdiocesan-sponsored events such as the Catechetical Convocation, Fall and Spring Professional Days, and Retreats
• Attends the monthly Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education County meetings sponsored by the Office for Catechetical Formation
• Oversees budget for all expenses related to the Parish Religious Education Program. Follows the budgetary procedures as set by the pastor, parish finance committee, and/or parish business manager

2. Sacramental Preparation Program - oversees the coordination and sacramental preparation of parish school-age candidates who attend the Parish Religious Education Program, Catholic school, home schooled or private Catholic academies . He/she:

• Schedules at the pastor’s directives, dates for First Penance and First Holy Communion
• Schedules and coordinates the sacramental meetings for parents of school-age candidates for the Sacraments of First Penance, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation
• Coordinates retreat days for students and families preparing for First Communion and Confirmation
• Prepares the liturgy (with the pastor or his delegate) for First Penance, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation
• Schedules Advent and Lenten Penance Services with the opportunity for individual confessions for the Parish Religious Education children and families

3. Faith Formation – Provides opportunities for parent engagement and dialog to strengthen their role as primary catechists of their children and youth and enrich family life.

• Develop and implement a Vacation Bible School program
• Develop and conduct special programs for families each year, e.g. Advent, Lenten workshops/retreats

Salary and Benefits

Based on experience

Qualifications and Skills:  The Director of Faith Formation must understand and believe in the teachings of the Church so that all pastoral instructions and liturgical practices at Saint Jude Church and Shrine are in accordance with the teachings and liturgical norms of Roman Catholicism. Additional requirements are:

• A bachelor's degree in Theology or Religious Education OR 3-5 years’ experience in these or similar fields.
• An understanding of the dynamics of parish life and the relationship of a parish to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
• An ability to adapt to the needs of the Parish.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in the use of relevant technology.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work professionally and collaboratively with the Pastor, to whom the Director reports.

• Must have experience with MS Office and have good personal and technological communication skills.

This person must provide (or obtain prior to employment) clearances required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: PA Criminal Background Check and FBI Fingerprint Check. Also, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia requires “Safe Environment” Training Parts 1 and 2 (Mandated Reporting training).