Director of Religious Education - Holy Cross - Deerfield - Vic. I

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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 150 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.

Articulate and implement a plan for comprehensive religious education in light of the parish vision and mission and the archdiocesan policies. Collaborate with Pastor/Pastoral Coordinator, members of parish staff and Education Commission and Religious Education Advisory Group integrating area of responsibility with the overall parish endeavor. Manage and oversee the planning, administration, budgeting and record keeping of parish catechetical programs. Manage recruitment, orientation, supervision and evaluation of catechists and other catechetical personnel. Provide ongoing formation opportunities and spiritual development for catechists and catechetical personnel.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide formation and education of catechists leading to archdiocesan certification.
• Report statistics of parish programs annually as requested on the Data Survey.
• Participate in meetings and relates to cluster, deanery, vicariate, archdiocesan and ecumenical structure as appropriate.
• Coordinate archdiocesan Safe Environment programs for children, volunteers and parents in catechetical programs Coordinates Adult Faith Formation in the Parish.
• Coordinate and oversee Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and the Adult Confirmation Program.
• Organizes and conducts Parent Meetings.
• Coordinates Family-centered Religious Education Program.
• Supervises Home-Schooling for Religious Education.
• Oversees Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC).
• Coordinates Baptismal and/or Marriage Preparation.
• Coordinates Adolescent Religious Education /Youth Ministry.
• Coordinates High School Catechesis/Youth Ministry.
• Coordinates Child Religious Education: Levels K-8, includes sacramental preparation.
• Provides special immediate preparation for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and/or Confirmation.
• Organize children’s liturgies and retreats and oversee Liturgy of the Word for Children.
• Coordinate Early Childhood Religious Education.
• Organize resources the Catholic School and Vacation Bible School.
• Provide for special needs (eg: Rainbows, SPRED, deaf interpretation, etc.)

Requirements and Preferences:
Education Required: BS or BA, non-religious major, Archdiocesan Catechist Certification

Education Preferred:

BS or BA, with major in theology, education, pastoral studies, or relevant to position. Master’s Degree in Religious Education, Theology, Pastoral Studies or other related field relevant to position. Advanced Certificate in Catechetical Leadership, Religious Education, or Youth Ministry from a Catholic Institution or diocese. Completion of Lay Ministry program, Diaconate program, or other extensive non-academic, formalized ministerial training

Experience Required:

Previous work in the field of education, administration, management, program / level coordinator, training of volunteer catechists, youth ministers and or other ministers

Experience Preferred:

Catechetical Leadership experience in any diocese, parish or Catholic school

Skills Required:

Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Effectively communicate written and orally. Skilled in public relations. Manage and negotiate conflict.

Skills Preferred:

Knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here.

This position has an annualized hourly salary range of $19.73 - $29.73. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to: relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.