Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry

Job Title: Director of Religious Education and Youth and Young Adult Ministries (For Holy Spirit Parish)

• Primary duty: Pray, lead, love, and teach.
• Status: Full-Time (Exempt, 40 hours/week)
• Schedule: Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Reports to: Pastor

Position Summary

The Director brings love, compassion, and faith in God to the young people of the parish, providing vision and leadership for all catechetical, youth, and young adult evangelization efforts at Holy Spirit Parish in Creston, Iowa. This unified role manages Religious Education (Pre-K–10th Grade as applicable), Sacramental Preparation, and comprehensive ministries for pre-K to middle school, high school, and young adults. Following the USCCB framework, Renewing the Vision, and the Des Moines Diocese guidelines, the Director recruits volunteers, builds the faith community, and inspires families to actively participate in the sacramental life of the Church and in their children’s faith development.

Qualifications

• Faith: Practicing Catholic in good standing, or actively enrolled in OCIA with entry into the Church within one year of hire.
• Experience & Education: Background in theology, education, or youth ministry preferred. Proven experience planning programs and leading groups or classes.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Religious Education & Sacramental Prep

• Directs the Wednesday evening Religious Education (RE) for Holy Spirit Parish (Grades 1–10) from September to May.
• Coordinates sacramental preparation, parent/sponsor meetings, logistics, and dates for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.
• Selects curriculum resources in consultation with the Pastor and the school principal; teaches RE lessons as needed.
• Lead the transition of the parish’s religious education to align with the new diocesan Confirmation plan.

2. Youth & Young Adult Evangelization

• Plans and executes comprehensive ministry programs, social events, and outreach for children (Pre-K–5th Grade), youth (Grades 6–12), and young professionals.
• Forms & Runs the Youth Leadership Team.
• Integrates youth into parish life through liturgy, devotions, hospitality, service projects, and altar server training and scheduling.
• Organizes youth retreats and Confirmation service opportunities in collaboration with parish staff.

3. Leadership & Safe Environment

• Recruits, trains, mentors, and evaluates volunteer catechists and adult youth mentors.
• Manages safe environment compliance by ensuring all volunteers complete background screenings and VIRTUS training on time.

4. Administration & Communication

• Manages the RE and Youth Ministry budgets, submits receipts, and tracks registration fees.
• Maintains accurate database records (family rosters, attendance, sacramental registries) using ParishSOFT and any approved database.
• Communicates program updates via email, text, phone, website, and social media.
• Attends staff meetings and presents half-yearly updates to the Pastoral Council.
• Complies with all Diocese of Des Moines policies and participates in diocesan leadership training and workshops.

Skills & Requirements

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills, leading with gentleness and perseverance.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Website, Facebook, and ParishSOFT.
• Physical ability to operate standard office equipment, lift up to 45 pounds, and travel for retreats, conferences, or diocesan events.
• Ongoing Spiritual & Professional Development: Actively pursue personal, spiritual, and professional growth through regular prayer, Scripture study, theological reading, workshops, and holistic self-care.

Benefits

• Optional health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Parish-provided long-term disability and $25,000 group term life insurance.
• 403(b) retirement program with a parish match of 50% up to 8% of employee contribution.

Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church or enrolled in OCIA and preparing to become Catholic within one year of acceptance of the position

Prior experience planning and developing programs for large and small groups of people desired.

Background in education and training preferred.

Previous experience as religious education instructor is helpful.

Physical ability to operate standard office equipment, lift up to 45 lbs, and travel for retreats, conferences, diocesan events.

Has a valid driver's license.