Parish Catechetical Leader

Description

SUMMARY

The Parish Catechetical Leader, under the direction of the Pastor, is responsible for the overall leadership, development, and administration of the parish’s comprehensive catechetical ministry. This includes planning, implementing, and evaluating formation programs for all age groups, sacramental preparation, and catechumenal processes, in alignment with diocesan standards. The role oversees catechetical programming, supports and forms catechists and volunteers, and ensures effective communication and coordination across parish and diocesan stakeholders.

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

The duties and functions outlined herein are representative of the types of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this role. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• 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; 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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Parish Catechetical Leader has supervisory responsibility for the total parish faith formation team, which includes three catechetical professionals: evangelization, adult formation, and annulment advocate; youth minister; and faith formation/evangelization administrative assistant.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

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.

CATHOLIC FAITH

Practice of the Catholic faith is required. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the diocese.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Theology, Pastoral Studies, Religious Education, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience) required.
• At least five (5) years of ministry experience in a parish or diocesan position (related degrees and comparable experience will be considered).
• Supervisory experience required for Level II position.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel as required.
• Must pass diocesan Safe Environment Requirements and background screening.

KNOWLEDGE, 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 Church, and 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 multicultural dimensions of catechesis and the ability to work effectively across cultures.
• Ability to assess needs and desired outcomes to develop catechetical processes and programs.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building abilities to direct all elements of catechetical programming.
• Excellent planning, organizational, and collaborative skills.
• Practicing Catholic with sufficient knowledge and training in theology, liturgy, and ministry in the Roman Catholic tradition.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with others.
• Computer literacy required; bilingual ability (English/Spanish or another language) is a plus.
• Ability to assess parish needs and resources and perform against established goals and objectives, with current knowledge of educational and catechetical trends and practices.
• Ability to work under pressure; demonstrate initiative, creativity, and sound judgment; anticipate and resolve problems; and effectively manage multiple priorities, frequent interruptions, and diverse personalities and cultures.
• Ability to maintain accurate fiscal records, monitor budgets, and analyze statistical data.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written materials, including journals, articles, and reports 
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to define issues, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions 
• Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts in budgeting, reporting, and program management
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals and groups and manage appointments and meetings on parish grounds.
• Ability to work a full-time schedule, including evenings and weekends, as necessary to fulfill the requirements of the role.

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. 

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. Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (15 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and ability.