The Pastorate of Our Lady of Mount Carmel & St. Clare, in Essex, MD, is seeking candidates for the Director of Religious Education (DRE). This full-time position undertakes the catechetical and evangelical ministry of forming children, youth, and adults as lifelong disciples of Christ in his Church. Actively discerning the present-day challenges and opportunities for Christian discipleship, the DRE assesses, understands, and plans around the most effective strategies, curriculum, and structures for growth in following Christ. In particular, the DRE devotes significant effort to accompaniment and appropriate formation of families as a pathway to integral, holistic Christian formation. In collaboration with Pastor, staff, and ministry volunteers, the DRE establishes and implements suitable catechetical and sacramental programs, principally for Kindergarten to eighth grade (integrating also their families). This ministry position functions within a bilingual (English/Spanish) community context and thus tailors programs, formation, and opportunities according to such best practices. The DRE sees all ministerial work in the broader Gospel framework of facilitating an encounter with Christ and journeying as his disciples seeking the Kingdom of God. Notably, the DRE performs this ministry on the Our Lady of Mount Carmel campus, which also hosts an Archdiocesan Collaborative School, OLMC School. This role also includes maintaining ministerial and administrative bridges with the School administration. This position reports to the Pastor and is benefits-eligible.

Essential Functions

• Plan, coordinate, and implement religious education program for K-8 children (currently occurring on Wednesday evenings). A high emphasis is placed on corollary formation of parents/families in their role as the “primary catechist.” It also includes providing for ongoing training of the catechetical team.
• Plan and lead sacramental preparation processes, including First Penance, First Eucharist, and Sacrament of Confirmation. It also includes the possibility of individual cases of working with families of children with special needs.
• Coordinate and supervise preparation of parents seeking baptism of their infant
• Conduct formation of children/youth seeking baptism [i.e. RCIC process]
• Examine opportunities for youth ministry (high school) and develop an implementation plan
• Closely collaborate with Pastor, staff, and parish ministries in order to provide and enhance opportunities for youth to actively participate in service, worship, and evangelization.

Position Qualifications

• Strong, faith-based desire to form children and their families in the ways of Christ’s Gospel; a practicing Catholic who understands the importance of effectively transmitting the Catholic faith to the next generation.
• A minimum of 3 years relevant experience in a parish-based ministerial context
• Outstanding communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills, including proficiency in the digital world (i.e. Microsoft Office, social media, and video-based formation multimedia)
• Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Catechesis, Youth Ministry, or closely allied field
• Hours include weekends and evenings
• Ability to work independently, efficiently, and professionally
• Knowledge of Spanish language, or basic understanding of the Hispanic faith setting, is highly preferable