The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 154 elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.

Designs and implements innovative and strategic approaches to promoting, enhancing and supporting spiritual renewal among Polish communities through faith formation and sacramental preparation. Advises and collaborates with the children, youth and adult formation teams of the Office of Lifelong Formation to ensure the cultural relevance and efficacy of efforts to train, support and resource ministers of faith formation for diverse, multi-lingual and intergenerational Polish communities across the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and implements a practical vision for renewal and support of faith formation ministries in parishes and programs serving Polish Catholics, particularly families with school age children, teens and adults preparing for the sacraments of Confirmation, Holy Matrimony and Infant Baptism.
• Advises coordinators for children, youth and adult ministries on best practices, cultural sensibilities and unique opportunities in deepening personal encounter with Jesus and His Church and growing in faith as missionary disciples among Polish communities.
• Reviews and advises on Department and office-wide initiatives such as Holy Fire, NCYC, PreCana, Adult Confirmation and Catechist Formation to ensure cultural, language and generational relevance and sensibilities.
• Develops and implements training and support for ministers to support Polish communities in practical ways consistent with the methods and mindset of Renew My Church. This includes serving as a ministry liaison with Polish schools in operations within the Archdiocese of Chicago.
• Manages the development and pilot approaches to catechetical formation of children and their families that is inclusive of both kerygmatic and formational moments, as well as invitation and opportunity for missionary outreach.
• Develops and pilots approaches that invite and accompany parents in ongoing formation in alignment with the principles and priorities of Renew My Church.
• Supports, forms and coordinates the efforts of parish ministers forming the next generation of Polish Catholics.
• Conducts needs analysis, assesses and makes determinations as to the ministry needs and challenges and manages integration of, and alignment with these needs with the other ministries.
• Provides subject matter expertise on Polish Ministry to Archdiocesan agencies and inter-departmental initiatives.
• Leads and participates in committees, projects, or initiatives as directed by Office of Lifelong Formation or Department of Parish Vitality and Mission.
• Increases skills and knowledge through continuing education, attending conferences and reading appropriate literature.
• May be given other assignments and projects consistent with the responsibility level of this position.