Job Description

Director of Religious Education — Grades 6–12

Our Lady of Victory Pastorate

The Bishop of Sioux Falls is the visible head and source of unity in the particular Church entrusted to his pastoral care (CCC 1594). In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ's mission present and enduring while functioning in his role as Shepherd of the Christian Community. In order to fulfill his mission, the Bishop trusts chosen collaborators — clerics, religious, and lay people — to share in the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them. Each employee helps to extend the ministry of the local Pastor in particular ways, as outlined in this position description.

Responsible for the faith formation of grades 6–12, including sacramental preparation, carried out according to the catechetical norms of the Diocese of Sioux Falls and the religious education program.

Religious Education (including oversight and delegation of these tasks to parish leaders)

• Direct the parishes' religious education for adolescents in grades 6–12. Oversee the parish faith formation programs in accord with the Church's Magisterium and sacred traditions.

• Coordinate and develop the sacramental preparation program for Confirmation, including planning and direction of the program and development of parish leaders who will direct it.

• Oversee the implementation of youth group events.

• Invite, motivate, train, and mentor volunteers to serve as responsible and effective catechists.

• Maintain communication with parents and parishioners.

• Maintain student lists, class attendance, and all other office work attached to the programs.

• Collaborate with the Religious Education team on special parish events and summer programming for youth and parents; organize participation in diocesan or non-diocesan events and programs, helping to create a vibrant parish culture of active participation in the faith.

Ministry

• Develop relationships with individuals and families, creating a network of support in faith and discipleship among parishioners.

• In conjunction with the Business Manager, manage the pastorate's religious education budget.

• Establish and manage communication with families through the parish bulletin, newsletter, social media, and email notifications. Use social media platforms to assist catechists, group leaders, parents, and individual parishioners, and as a means of formation and support.

Primary

• Willingness, desire, and ability to effectively make known the Catholic Church's teachings through the varied ministry activities expected of this position.

• Willingness and ability to act as an outstanding personal witness to the Catholic faith by living one's professional and personal life in accordance with the doctrines and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, as embodied in the Church's documents, including the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

• Strong relational and leadership skills.

• Organizational and team-building skills.

• Ability to work as a team with the Pastor and other staff members and volunteers.

• Public speaking and teaching skills.

• An active life of prayer and sacramental life.

• Flexibility in relation to work hours.

Education

• A degree in Theology, Catholic Studies, or a related field is preferred but not required.

• Some training in education is also preferred but not required.

Experience

• Experience with catechesis and missionary work in some form is preferred.

• Familiarity with the Church's work of evangelization and discipleship is also preferred.

Other Elements

• Willingness to be available to meet parishioners at weekend Masses and other events.

• Willingness to be part of the parish community.

• Ability to direct and lead the different evangelization and catechetical programs in the parish.

• Ability to instruct catechists or group leaders to direct youth groups, discipleship groups, Bible study groups, and similar programs.

• Knowledge of Church documents, the origins and development of the Church's teachings, the principles of catechesis for all age levels, and catechetical resources and their application.

• An understanding and working knowledge of all desktop applications included in the Microsoft Office Suite and various web applications.

• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment; to think strategically; to multitask; and to adapt to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines.

• Flexibility and ability to adapt quickly to changing situations.

• Proven communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals while maintaining strict confidentiality.

• Diplomacy, an even temper, and a positive, efficient, and enthusiastic attitude.

The following are representative of the physical capabilities that must be met by an employee and the working conditions encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry items up to 30 pounds.

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, stoop, climb stairs, talk, hear, grasp, reach, and perform repetitive motions of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

• Ability to work in an office setting as well as at various venues according to event or activity.

• Vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee will work with a large number of individuals, often requiring multitasking and working with deadlines and details to ensure all essential functions are performed in a timely and courteous manner. Maintaining diligent communication with parents and other parishioners is also very important.

The schedule often includes hours outside normal office hours, including evening programming (often Sunday and Wednesday evenings) and after-hours meetings. Additional hours above the normal schedule are occasionally required.