Opportunities at Parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago

Posted 5/23/2023

Job Title:

Director of Religious Education

Hours:

Full time

Parish:

Our Lady of Perpetual Help
1775 Grove Street
Glenview, IL

Description:

Essential Job Functions:

• The primary responsibility of the DRE is to administer, design, develop, direct, communicate, and evaluate the Parish Religious Education Program for the approximately 500 parish children who attend public or non-Catholic private schools. The responsibilities of the DRE include, but are not limited to:
• Oversee the development of the Parish Religious Education Program from grade level K through grade level 8, in conformity with the guidelines of the Catechetical Ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago, including planning and implementation of the calendar, scheduling sessions, meetings, prayer and sacramental celebrations.
• Research and order resources (AV, textbooks, liturgy materials, reference works, etc.) which complement the religious education efforts in the parish.
• Incorporate intentional ways for engaging parents and families in faith formation, within the program calendar, that include hospitality, prayer, learning, and service opportunities.
• Meet with the Pastor routinely to discuss matters relating to Parish Religious Education and sacramental preparation.
• Direct sacramental preparation that uses most current methodologies and includes parents.
• Schedule and coordinate the sacramental meetings for parents of school-age candidates for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
• Coordinate the liturgical celebrations of the first sacraments with the Pastor.
• Recruit, orient and provide ongoing professional training and spiritual development for the Parish Religious Education catechists and volunteers.
• Direct and support catechists and volunteers in lesson plan development to ensure programs achieve overall goals, objectives, and vision for strong lifelong formation in parish.
• Encourage Parish Religious Education catechists to obtain Catechetical Certification according to the policy set by the Catechetical Ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
• Explore on-going formation of catechetical staff through Archdiocesan and Parish events, catechetical classes, and workshops, approved catechetical resources, catechist in-service days, and when necessary, retreats/days of reflection.
• Assist the Youth Ministry team with programming, marketing, spiritual and social activities.
• Collaborate with the Principal of the School.
• Collaborate with other staff members engaged in ministries as they affect family life.
• Collaborate with staff members and community leaders to ensure that opportunities are provided beyond learning to missionary discipleship.
• Ensure that the ministry complies with the guidelines for Protecting God’s Children for those who minister with and to children in accordance with the Archdiocese of Chicago policies.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of the Parish Data System Faith Formation portion.
• Evaluate the need for additional staff members.
• Work with current Religious Education Advisory board, continue to assess and develop it to ensure quality; use the board to help evaluate the formation of initiatives annually.
• Oversee the budget for all expenses related to the Parish Religious Education Program. Follow the budgetary procedures as set by the Pastor and Director of Finance & Operations.

Requirements:

Nature of Position:

The position of Director of Religious Education (DRE) is a full-time, 12 month position. The DRE must be a practicing Catholic, with understanding and support for Catholic Church teaching, mission, and values. The DRE is a professional catechetical leader who assists adults, adolescents, and children of the parish in their faith formation.

The DRE works with other staff members and volunteers to foster and maintain a working environment where worship, prayer, hospitality, and learning are primary motivators.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelors/Master’s Degree Theology, Pastoral Studies, Faith Formation or equivalent.
• 3-5 years’ experience managing large school age education and core volunteer programs.
• Certification as a Catechist.
• Comprehensive vision and understanding of evangelization.
• Demonstrated expertise in collaborating with clergy, School and Parish staff, parish leaders and volunteers.
• Subject matter expert in Lifelong Formation and its key methodologies, components, and strategies; comfortable with various methodologies and pedagogies in developing disciples.
• Technology savvy and able to learn Parish Data System program; know Microsoft Office.
• Religious, and Lay Ecclesial Ministers are preferred for this position.
• Excellent language and communication skills required.
• Outstanding organizational skills.

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