Coordinator, Children's Faith Formation

Our Lady of Grace Catholic Parish of Sanford

TITLE: Coordinator of Children’s Faith Formation

SUPERVISOR: Pastor

STATUS: Part-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt (up to 24 hours/week)

Our Lady of Grace Parish of Sanford is seeking a part-time, hourly Coordinator of Children’s Faith Formation. This position will guide and assist parents and catechists in growing and nurturing the faith of our youngest parishioners, from pre-school through 8th grade. This person will be responsible for organizing and administering our children’s faith formation and sacramental preparation programs, working closely with families, volunteers, and parish staff. The ideal candidate will bring energy, creativity and a love for helping children and families encounter Christ and His Church.

You’ll be part of a friendly, supportive, in-office team that values collaboration, laughter and shared purpose. Our pastor promotes collaboration, networking, and openness to new ideas. We are a medium-sized parish of about 600 parishioners.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

● Organize, schedule, communicate and oversee religious education programs for pre- school through 8th grade, taking into account guidelines from the USCCB and the Diocese of Saginaw

● Coordinate First Communion and Reconciliation preparation programs

● Coordinate Confirmation preparation program

● Coordinate Vacation Bible School

● Prepare detailed expense reports and manage an annual budget in consultation with the Pastor, the Education Commission, and the Finance Council

● Select and order Diocesan-approved textbooks, teaching materials and resources for PreK-8 programs

● Provide information to parents on parish expectations regarding student and parental involvement in catechesis

● Create and distribute a calendar of events for parents of children’s faith formation students

● Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of all PreK-8 catechetical programs, providing written effectiveness reports as requested by the pastor

● Support the training for catechists at each grade level

● Communicate enrollment numbers, list of current catechists and volunteers, and program feedback to the Education Commission and staff.

● Track and provide data for the Diocesan annual report to the Pastor and, with his approval, see that it is published in the bulletin

● Coordinate and monitor Safe Environment compliance training for volunteers and employees that work with parish catechetical programs and report any legal issues according to Diocesan policies

● Ensure adequate safety and supervision of minors during the entire time they are on the parish premises

● Must be willing to participate in Diocesan program offerings in these areas

● Performs other duties as requested by the Pastor.

ACCOUNTABILITY & COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS

● Work closely with parish staff for planning and coordinating parish programs, seeking staff support where required

● Attend Education Commission meetings as an ex officio member and report on PreK-8 education and catechesis.

● Communicate activities with all others involved in parish religious education

● Maintain a relationship with Midland Area Catholic Churches (MACC) children’s faith formation coordinators, for the purpose of sharing best practices and discovering opportunities for joint activities

● Maintain involvement in Diocesan networks of professional peers

● Communicate with all whose work affects or is affected by children’s faith formation activities, including maintenance staff, catechists, and other parish organizations

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Education: College education or relevant experience in catechesis desired.

Experience: Teaching experience in religious education is preferred

Job Related Skills: Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of the Catholic Faith and the Catechism of the Catholic Church; possesses proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Office and Publisher; displays sound knowledge of catechesis for sacramental preparation; excels in communication abilities.

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates a pastoral and reflective approach to personal and professional development; possesses strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities; consistently applies these skills in a considerate and respectful manner. Proven capability to collaborate within team environments, maintain confidentiality, uphold high standards of integrity and ethical conduct and effectively guide and motivate volunteers.

Language and reasoning skills: Ability to effectively communicate with parishioners, staff, Diocese employees, and external business partners/agents. Ability to use practical judgment when addressing issues as necessary.

Initiative: Ability to demonstrate initiative and self-direction

Organizational and Administrative Skills: Ability to plan, organize, and keep records on all PreK-8 programs

WORK ENVIRONMENT

● Hours of Work: This role offers flexible scheduling (up to 24 hours/week). The employee establishes a consistent weekly schedule, with adjustments made for occasional evening meetings and Sunday sessions following Mass.

● Regular, reliable attendance during the employee’s selected weekday hours is expected.

● Nature of Work: All duties are expected to be performed on-site at the parish. The employee is required to do computer work, and to direct setup and meals for gatherings.

● The employee is expected to have sufficient mobility, hearing and sight to do the task. Valid Driver’s License is required.

● The parish office is an adult-only environment; on-site childcare is not available.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

● Successful completion of the Diocese of Saginaw Safe Environment training for new hire employees within the first 30 days of hire.

● Successful completion of criminal background check; pre-employment physical and drug screening may also be required. Additional skills testing and validation may also be required.

● Practicing Catholic who exemplifies the teachings and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church.

● Regular attendance at Sunday Mass is expected for this ministry. Parish registration is optional but encouraged.

Interested and qualified candidates should send a resume, letter of intent and three (3) professional references to:

Fr. Dan Fox, Pastor father.dan@ourladyofgracemi.org

Our Lady of Grace Parish of Sanford

2500 N. W. River Road

Sanford, MI 48657

Phone: 989-687-5657

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person