Submit your resume to:  Braden McGettigan, Director of Parish Operations  bmcgettigan@parish.stnorbert.org

St. Norbert Parish

Job Description

Title:                           Faith Formation & Next Generation Director

Reports to Title:     Director of Mission Implementation

Hours:                       Full-time (Weekend Work Required)

General Description:

The Faith Formation & Next Generation Director is responsible for overseeing Catholic faith formation for the children and families of St. Norbert Parish, from early childhood through high school. This includes overseeing key parish ministries: Kingdom Junction and Children’s Liturgy of the Word for young children, Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation for elementary through 7th grade, and Youth Ministry for middle school through high school. The role also supports the faith life of students at St. Norbert School.

A central focus of this position is building authentic, Christ-centered relationships with youth and their families, while providing age-appropriate catechesis and opportunities for family faith formation. Through fostering a partnership of trust and engagement, this position helps guide children and families on a lifelong journey of faith development and Catholic discipleship.

Primary Responsibilities:

Early Childhood and Children’s Liturgy Ministry

• Provide leadership and oversight for Kingdom Junction (ages 2–5) by recruiting, supporting, and supervising the volunteer Kingdom Junction Leader who runs the ministry.
• Oversee the Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) program by coordinating with the volunteer leader, ensuring content is developmentally appropriate, engaging, and liturgically sound.

Faith Formation/Religious Ed. & Sacramental Preparation

• Curriculum Development: Design/Update and implement religious ed/faith formation programs for children in Kindergarten through 7th grade (and beyond, as needed), aligned with the catechetical guidelines of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the mission of St. Norbert Parish.
• Program Oversight: Manage all aspects of the Religious Education programs, including Sunday sessions and Confirmation preparation, develop annual schedule and program registrations. Support and supervise volunteer catechists and maintain a regular on-site presence during program times. Work with Spanish community to foster program involvement.
• Family Catechesis Leadership: Serve as the lead instructor for the monthly Family Catechesis Program—a family-centered religious education offering where parents and children receive formation together.
• Sacramental Preparation: Oversee planning and preparation for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. This includes educational content, liturgical coordination, parent, and student rehearsals, and organizing associated Masses and receptions.
• Community Engagement: Plan and coordinate special events, retreats, and outreach initiatives that foster deeper faith and connection among parish families.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Pastor, clergy, staff, and parents to align catechetical efforts with the overall pastoral vision of the parish. Complete annual audits and reporting to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Oversee reporting of Sacraments.
• Special Catechetical Needs: Collaborate with the Pastoral Team to develop faith formation plans for unbaptized or uncatechized children under age 18, ensuring they receive appropriate instruction and sacramental preparation.
• Retreats & Penance Services: Plan and lead retreat experiences and seasonal penance services (Advent and Lent) for students and parents, fostering spiritual growth and deeper engagement.
• Monthly area meetings: Participate in and represent St. Norbert Parish at local, regional, and Archdiocesan DRE/CRE meetings, catechetical workshops, and conferences where collaboration and best practices are encouraged.

Youth Ministry (Middle School & High School)

• Provide extra leadership and oversight for the Youth Ministry by collaborating with the Youth Minister.
• Foster authentic relationships through small group discipleship and mentoring opportunities with the youth ministry.
• Collaborate with parish staff and clergy to plan engaging youth liturgies, particularly through engaging the Next Generation at Mass.

St. Norbert School Ministry

• Collaborate with the principal, teachers, and staff to strengthen the school’s Catholic identity.
• Support Sacramental Preparation efforts (along with Youth Minister) and ensure clear communication with school staff and families.
• Coordinate faith formation, prayer services, liturgies, and service-learning opportunities for students and staff.

Leadership & Volunteer Development

• Recruit, train, and support a vibrant team of adult & teen volunteers/Catechists across all program areas.
• Provide ongoing training, spiritual support, recognition, and clear expectations for all ministry leaders.
• Ensure full compliance with Archdiocesan Religious Education and Safe Environment policies in partnership with the parish Safe Environment Coordinator.

Administrative, Collaborative & Supervisory Responsibilities

• Work with the Director of Mission Implementation and parish staff to align programs with the parish’s Mission and Strategic Anchors.
• Manage budgets, assist with fundraising, and steward resources effectively.
• Maintain clear, professional communication with families, volunteers, school personnel, and parish leadership.
• Serve as parish liaison to the Archdiocesan Offices for Catechetical Formation and Office of Ministry for Youth.
• The positions that report to the Family Formation & Next Generation Director are the Family Formation & Next Generation Assistant, Youth Minister, Catechists, Core Team members, CLOW Lead, and Kingdom Junction Lead.  

Job Qualifications & Requirements

• Knowledge of and fidelity to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church
• Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Youth Ministry, Catechetics or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in religious ed., youth ministry, or related field
• Strong organizational, administrative, and communication skills (both written and verbal.) Must be proficient with use of technology.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with parish staff and volunteers.
• Commitment to the Mission, Vision, and Strategic Anchors of St. Norbert Parish.
• An understanding and competency with social media and technology
• Musical skills and ability to lead worship music is beneficial, but not required
• Proficiency in Spanish preferred but not required
• Must pass a background check and comply with all Archdiocesan child protection and safe environment policies.

Schedule Expectations:

• Regular weekend work required
• Flexible weekday schedule
• Presence at major parish meetings, liturgies and events including Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter, and other significant liturgical dates.
• Occasional evening meetings, retreats, or overnight trips as needed.

Salary:

• St. Norbert Parish offers a competitive compensation package based on experience and skill set.

Submit your resume to:  Braden McGettigan, Director of Parish Operations  bmcgettigan@parish.stnorbert.org