What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Christian Initiation position at St Michael The Archangel Church?
As a parochial minister, the Director of Christian Initiation assists the pastor with the pastoral care and accompaniment of those on a journey toward initiation into Christ and his Church and is the lead agent for the implementation of the norms of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) at St. Michael the Archangel Parish. This is a full-time position, with competitive salary and benefits commensurate with credentials and experience. Position reports to the Pastor.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Implement the diocesan guidelines and norms for the use of the OCIA issued by Archbishop Shawn McKnight on August 21, 2026.
- Work in union with the pastor, and in concert with other clergy and lay and religious ecclesial ministers to articulate the Great Commission at the center of parish life and mission.
- Provide for and guide the continuous reception and evangelization of inquirers and the accompaniment and holistic catechesis of catechumens, candidates, elect, and neophytes.
- Invite, form, and order teams of lay parochial ministers to accompany individuals in each stage of their sacramental journey, including catechumenal sponsors, godparents, and adult confirmation sponsors.
- Lead and encourage growth in the capacity for prayerful discernment among the team of ordinary and lay parochial ministers involved in the initiation process .
- Serve as lead catechist and mystagogue, practicing and modeling mystagogical catechesis as a principal modality of leading people to Christ.
- Provide administrative structure for following the journeys of individuals between and through ritual and sacramental milestones.
- Coordinate the celebration of all major and minor rites of the OCIA.
- Follow and monitor protocols to ensure the integrity of sacramental records.
- Form the parish church at large in the spirituality of hospitality and accompaniment as the foundation of Christian witness.
- Participate in parish-wide planning of annual and seasonal calendars, schedules, ritual patterns, and special events.
- Collaborate in the development and administration of the parish budget for Liturgy and Sacraments.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Practicing Catholic in good standing
- Dynamic leader with strong capacities for both administration and direct ministry
- Degree(s) in theology or a related discipline, as well as relevant experience in parish ministry
- Theoretical and practical knowledge of the OCIA, the Catholic liturgical and sacramental economy, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church
- Understanding of, commitment to, and skill in mystagogical catechesis and pastoral accompaniment
- Strong organization and communication skills
- Availability on The Lord’s Day and evenings, as needed
- Competency in the use of standard computer applications
- Virtus (“Protecting God’s Children”) training required
BENEFITS
- Eligible for employer-provided Health, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Disability Plans, Workers Compensation Insurance and Retirement, all provided through the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
COMPENSATION
- Competitive annual salary, paid every other week