Posted 3/14/2025
Job Title:
Director Of Lifelong Formation
Hours:
Full time
Parish:
Old St. Mary's
1500 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL
Description:
Position Type: Full-time; 40 hrs/week
Start date: As soon as available.
Reports to: Pastor
At Old St. Mary's Catholic Church, faith formation is a shared responsibility — one that grows from deep relationships among parishioners, school families, staff, and pastoral leaders. The Director of Lifelong Faith Formation (DLFF) plays a vital role in this mission, collaborating closely with the pastor, parish staff, school faculty, and a dedicated team of volunteers to nurture a dynamic and inclusive faith formation ministry across our parish and school.
Rooted in our engagement with synodality, the charism of the Paulist Fathers, and the Archdiocese of Chicago’s commitment to renewal, the DLFF helps foster a spirit of co-responsibility, recognizing that our growth as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ is a communal effort. By listening attentively to the diverse needs of the Old St. Mary's community, the DLFF works alongside parents and caregivers, equips families as the domestic church, and engages catechists and parishioners in shaping faith formation experiences that are both meaningful and accessible.
Many of these programs are delegated to qualified volunteers, whom the DLFF supports and empowers in turn on their continuing journey as missionary disciples.
Responsibilities:
Oversee faith formation and sacramental preparation processes for children (birth through 5th grade), youth (6th through 12th grade), and adults. This includes Sunday Faith Formation, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (adapted for children and youth as needed), Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, programs and service projects supporting the ongoing formation of 8th graders and high school students, plus stand-alone faith formation sessions and series for adults. (Faith-growing and community-building ministries specific to young adults ages 18-39 are currently supervised by the Associate Pastor.)
Be present to staff, faculty, and students by maintaining regular weekly office hours. Since the DLFF will need to be available on weekends and evenings, the DLFF is only expected to be in the office regularly for 20 of the 40 weekly parish office hours.
Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate volunteers, utilizing resources from the Archdiocese of Chicago and textbook publishers as appropriate and helpful. Support catechists with lesson planning, best teaching practices, and spiritual retreats.
Collaborate with parish staff, school staff, and families in developing curriculum and calendars. Foster consultative relationships with diverse parish and school families in a spirit of co-responsibility. Ensure clear, regular communication about meetings, assignments, events, and liturgies.
With the assistance of the Director of Liturgy and Music, invite, train, and schedule children and youth for liturgical roles.
In consultation with the Business Manager, manage annual Lifelong Faith Formation budget.
With support of Parish VIRTUS® Administrator, foster safe environment best practices.
Attend all pertinent parish, school, vicariate, and archdiocesan meetings.
Salary Range $50,000 - $75,000
Please contact dawn@oldstmarys.com
Requirements:
Requirements
● Deep knowledge and respect for Catholic Theology
● Advanced understanding of Catholic theology, mission, values, and catechetical approaches for all ages.
● Advanced theology degree desired.
Experience
● At least 5 years of experience in parish ministry and/or teaching.
● Certification desired.
Collaboration and Communication Skills
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
● Ability to collaborate effectively within a diverse community of professionals and volunteers.
Organizational Skills
● Superior organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
Current Practices
● Stay up-to-date with the best catechetical resources and practices.
Technical proficiency
● Proficiency in software required for document creation, sharing, and social media use.
Special Directions:
Internal Candidates (existing employees) – Please complete the subject field of your email with the following: “Internal Candidate – Job Title – Full name”
External Candidates - Please complete the subject field of your email with the following: “Job Title – Full name”
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