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Description:

The Parish Catechetical and Youth Leader, under direction of the pastor, is responsible for the overall direction of the parish’s total catechetical ministry. Envisions, plans, develops, and then organizes and evaluates all facets of the parish’s formation programming (adult, young adult, adolescent/youth, children, infants, and family as well as sacramental preparation for initiation – including the catechumenate – and proximate preparation for marriage). Coordinates, recruits, and facilitates training for and evaluates catechists and volunteers involved in catechetical programming. Researches and selects appropriate materials and media for parish use. Communicates with parishioners, parish staff, and diocesan representatives on relevant matters. Stays current with regard to developments or trends in the field of catechetics, education, and ministry.

The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by its employees.

1. Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living.

2. Respect: Affirming each person’s God-given dignity and uniqueness.

3. Courage: Inspired by this gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly.

4. Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

 

A. Catechetical Department

• Develops goals, objectives, and implements strategies for a comprehensive catechetical program that serves adults through Pre-K, including preparation for Sacraments of Initiation, Reconciliation, and Marriage.
• Develops and implements a coherent and unified curriculum and catechetical plan for the parish, in conjunction with the pastor, parish staff, formation team, ad-hoc advisory committees, and others.
• Directs and oversees various catechetical programs that support a comprehensive, systematic, lifelong, and ongoing discipleship in the Catholic faith for all parishioners in accordance with Church teaching and practice as outlined by Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), the General Directory for Catechesis (GDC), the National Directory for Catechesis (NDC), church law diocesan guidelines, and parish needs.
• Responsible for the recruitment and training of catechists/volunteers and assures that they fulfill diocesan Safe Environment and certification requirements.
• Oversees and directs the work of the formation team but does not supervise paid staff; works with them on the development of a yearly schedule for all programs.
• Responsible for administrative functions such as maintenance of all Sacramental records, program registrations, evaluations, and other pertinent data or information.
• Evaluates the parish formation programming and makes recommendations to the pastor.
• Researches, evaluates, and recommends primary and supplemental catechetical resources and materials.
• Utilizes the parish bulletin, weekly update, website, social media and other media to communicate and market catechetical programming, best practices, and milestones.
• Provides support to the formation team in the areas of training, resources, and programs.
• Keeps current in developments/changes with diocesan policy.
• Acts as a resource person in the area of catechetics for the formation team, parish staff, pastor, and parish community.
• Prepares annual budget for review by the pastor and parish finance council and oversees expenditures to maintain budget within parameters.
• Develops an accurate and reliable statistical metric of the parish’s catechetical efforts and submits reports to the pastor, pastoral council, diocese, or other as required.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings.
• Attends and facilitates formation staff and/or committee meetings.
• Attends meetings/events convened by the diocese as related to catechetical ministry or job-responsibilities.
• Participates in local and regional professional organizations related to catechetics; gives priority to professional development and to keeping credentials current as a parish catechetical leader serving in the Diocese of Orlando.
• Performs any other job-related duties as required.

B. Youth Department

• Creates and develops a youth ministry advisory group with youth and adults and provides for its enrichment.
• Develops a plan for youth ministry in collaboration with the pastor, parish staff, and the youth ministry advisory group.
• Facilitates development of leadership skills in youth and adults.
• Assists in the preparation of liturgical celebrations for youth (reconciliation, confirmation, World Youth Day Sunday, liturgies for retreats and special youth events).
• Is available for listening, advising, and referral.
• Provides opportunities for weekend retreats and evenings/days of reflection by developing a retreat team and providing for its development and enrichment.
• Develops the kind of relationships with parents that are conducive to open communication between parents and youth.
• Develops an age-appropriate catechetical program that includes the Faith Themes as outlined in Renewing the Vision, in the spirit of the General Directory for Catechesis and under the guidance of the National Directory for Catechesis.
• Provides opportunities for justice/service education, inviting youth to a deeper appreciation of the social teachings of the Church.
• Helps youth to discern their gifts and how best to use them in the ministries of their parish communities.
• Collaborates with the Parish Catechetical Leader in merging youth ministry catechetical models with religious education for junior high students.
• Develops peer ministry to assist in retreats, service opportunities, and prayer experiences with junior high students.
• Recruits, trains, assigns and evaluates the youth leaders. Coordinates participation in diocesan-sponsored training programs.
• Serves as an advisor and support to youth leaders.
• Monitors the efforts of volunteer leaders and evaluates progress.
• Defines the responsibilities of each adult leader/advisor.
• Ensures that all adult leaders/advisors comply with diocesan safety regulations (i.e., finger printing/criminal background check).
• Publicizes and offers education programs and support systems for volunteer leaders, connecting them with diocesan certification programs, diocesan in-service opportunities, state and national programs for professional development and faith formation.
• Makes special efforts to gain the endorsement, support, and involvement of all adults, especially parents and parish organizations; helps the parish community come to a greater awareness of its role in comprehensive youth ministry.
• Initiates ways of gathering data on the needs, interests, attitudes and beliefs of youth.
• Plans, organizes and implements programs/experiences that provide a holistic approach in meeting the needs/interests of youth.
• Submits annual financial report and budget; administers budget throughout the year.
• Maintains necessary office and program records, including a log of activities and times.
• Determines effective means for publicizing and promoting programs and experiences.
• Submits periodic reports to the pastor detailing programs in youth ministry.
• Initiates procedures for evaluating all aspects of the parish’s ministry to youth.
• Keeps the parish community informed of youth ministry activities and goals.
• Advises, communicates and cooperates with other parishes and diocesan organizations, specifically the Faith Formation Deanery Association Meetings.
• Participates in parish governing structures to insure greater participation of youth in parish life and to facilitate communication and decision-making.
• Supervises and coordinates scheduling of youth events and activities.
• Keeps informed through attendance at diocesan, regional, and national conferences, regular reading, and membership in professional associations.
• Keeps parents informed of youth ministry activities and invites their participation in and presence at all youth ministry events.
• Is aware of and connected to community agencies and resources that interface with youth.
• Sets annual goals and objectives for each Junior/Senior High program as requested.

Supervisory Requirements:

• NONE

Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Theology, pastoral studies, religious education or a related field (or equivalent) preferred.
• At least three years of ministry experience in a parish or diocesan position (related degrees and comparable experience will be considered) preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel as required.
• Must pass diocesan Safe Environment Requirements and background screening.

Knowledges, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of Catholic doctrine and beliefs as presented in the documents of the Second Vatican Council, the Catechism of the Catholic Churchand other relevant ecclesial documents and publications.
• Knowledge of the catechumenate process and a thorough understanding of the Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults.
• Knowledge of the multi-cultural dimensions of catechesis and the ability to work across cultures.
• Ability to assess needs and desired results to develop catechetical processes and programs.
• Leadership and teambuilding abilities to direct all elements of catechetical programming.
• Possess excellent planning, organizational and collaborative skills.
• Practicing Catholic with sufficient knowledge and training in theology, liturgy, and ministry in the Roman Catholic Tradition.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with others.
• Computer literacy; excellent written and oral communication, and interpersonal skills required (bilingual English/Spanish or another language in addition to English is a plus).
• Ability to assess parish needs and resources and perform against objectives and goals to fulfill these needs; an updated knowledge of educational and catechetical trends and practices.
• Ability to work under pressure; to initiate, be creative, and to anticipate solutions to problems; to exercise good judgment in emergency situations and when working with varied personalities and cultures; must be able to work with frequent interruptions and to multi-task.
• Ability to maintain accurate fiscal records, to monitor budgets, and to correlate statistical data.
• Ability to interact with individuals and groups and to maintain appointments or meetings on parish grounds.
• Is expected to work no less than 40 hours per week including evenings and weekends in order to fulfill requirements of job.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common journals, articles, and periodicals. Must have good problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required.
• Bilingual skills in English and Spanish would also be of great benefit..

Mathematical Skills:

• Ability to apply routine mathematical concepts such as addition, multiplication, and division.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Physical Requirements:

• The ability to sit and stand for long periods of time. Must be able to reach, grasp, feel, and see up close and from afar.
• Must be able to use basic office computer hardware and peripherals, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to communicate verbally and in written form.

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